Starbucks Holiday Drinks Make a Return

With the days getting colder and the nights falling sooner, the promise of Winter coming holds another, tastier, promise: holiday drinks are back at Starbucks. Many look forward to this time of year, as peppermint-mocha lattes and red holiday themed cups means that the merriest time of year is approaching quickly. As of November 4th, Starbucks has added a few new items to their holiday lineup. Multiple local Starbucks connoisseurs have taken the time to cover which limited edition flavors are truly worth indulging in.

Peppermint Mocha Latte:

This latte combines the signature Starbucks espresso with steamed milk, along with sweet mocha sauce and peppermint flavored syrup. Along with this, the staple Peppermint Mocha Latte is topped with whipped cream (like many of the other holiday flavors) and dark chocolate shavings. 

Chestnut Praline Latte:

The Chestnut Praline Latte is a mix of the signature espresso at Starbucks along with steamed milk, combined with flavors of caramelized chestnut and spices, and topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. 

Caramel Brulee Latte:

The Caramel Brulee Latte is a signature Starbucks latte (Starbucks espresso and steamed milk) combined with a caramel brulee sauce and topped with caramel brulee bits.

Toasted White Mocha Latte:

The Toasted White Mocha Latte is once again a signature Starbucks Latte, along with caramelized white chocolate syrup, and topped with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles.

Irish Cream Cold Brew:

The Irish Cream Cold Brew consists of Starbucks’ signature cold brew mixed with irish cream syrup, and topped with vanilla sweet cream cold foam and powdered cocoa. 

 Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte: 

The Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte is a Starbucks blonde espresso latte (signature latte made with two shots of blonde espresso), combined with steamed almond milk and sugar cookie flavored syrup. This latte is topped with whipped cream and red and green sprinkles. This drink can also be ordered in a blended “Frappucino” form.

(drink descriptions courtesy of Starbucks.com) 

With so many options to choose from, many might ponder what holiday drink they should spend their money on, as it can be a very selective process considering how expensive these drinks can get. Hopefully, the careful review of these drinks that the board of Starbucks efficianadoes I have selected to participate in this article can make your decision easier.

The Chestnut Praline Latte is a personal favorite of mine. The mix of caramel and chestnut tones create the perfect amount of sweetness without it being overpowering. The spiced praline crumbs that top the latte enhance the flavor of the latte perfectly and give it that holiday feel. In my personal opinion, this makes the Chestnut Praline Latte the best holiday drink. 

According to restaurantclicks.com, the Peppermint Mocha Latte is the most popular holiday drink of the 2021 holiday season since the release of the holiday drinks on November 4th. Frequent Starbucks visitor Cameron Dionne, a consumer who has consistently ordered mocha coffee for multiple years, believes that the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is definitely worth indulging in. “When I have the time to get a drink at Starbucks, I love to get the peppermint mocha, it’s really good as the regular latte but also in a Frappuccino. It’s the perfect amount of mint and chocolate, and I love that it is not to peppermint-y but still gives the taste of a peppermint hot chocolate”

The Caramel Brulee Latte, while not differing heavily from a regular caramel latte, has had nothing but good press so far this season. Corinne Morrison, a daily Starbucks drinker, considers the Caramel Brulee Latte “heaven in a cup.” Furthermore, “the warm blend of flavors is a light taste that makes you want more of every sip”.

The Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte has been nothing short of popular this holiday season, as it has made major waves on social media platforms such as TikTok and Twitter for being so delectable. While many are raving about the sweet, cookie-like flavor, this latte also is the only vegan drink offered on the holiday menu. Abby Ferullo, a UNH student who frequently picks off the Starbucks holiday menu for a pick-me-up during her study sessions, names this latte her favorite this year. “A hot sugar cookie latte is fuego because it’s sweet, but not too sweet where it becomes overwhelming. Plus, it being a vegan drink really is an added bonus.”

With so many tasteful options to choose from, the four holiday drinks highlighted above seem to be the fan favorites of the 2021 holiday season. All of these drinks are offered hot or iced, and the holiday syrups used to make these signature lattes can also be used in any other Starbucks drink you may desire.