Bringing Joy With Every Sip

As we approach the holidays, what’s a better way to get into the spirit than treating yourself to a handcrafted holiday drink from Starbucks? As of November 7th, Starbucks has replaced their pumpkin spice and apple crisp flavors with peppermint and gingerbread, also releasing this year’s holiday cup collections, with iconic designs! Let’s jump into a quick recap of the new and classic holiday drinks Starbucks has gifted us. 

Starting off with a new drink that really caused a shake for Starbucks’ customers; the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher. This drink has three variations, all including real cranberries. The Cran-Merry Orange Refresher was a great addition to the winter menu, as its sweet orange flavor offset by the tartness of the cranberries mixed together to make a drink that “tastes like Christmas,” one Norwell High Schooler said. This drink is also a great option for those who love the wildly popular Strawberry Acai Refresher, sold year round. 

Next up, this blast from the past has been an absolute holiday favorite for 20 years! Iced or hot, the peppermint mocha has warmed the hearts of customers with its Signature Espresso and mocha flavoring, topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. It adds the perfect pepperminty twist to the beloved hot cocoa holiday beverage. 

The Caramel Brulée Latte is the next drink up for review, and I would go so far as to say this is the classiest drink on the holiday menu. With inspiration from the dessert, Starbucks uses their espresso blend combined with rich caramel brulée sauce and milk, topped off with whipped cream and caramel brulée crumbs. This is definitely a classic drink you want to try. 

Similar to the Caramel Brulée Latte, the Chestnut Praline Latte is adored among patrons during the holidays. Like a Christmas carol in drink form, the Chestnut Praline Latte contains caramelized chestnuts and spices to enjoy in each sip, and is topped with praline crumbs. This drink is served in a variety of ways, each one more delicious than the last. 

Good news: the Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte is back on the menu this year, as fun and festive as ever. For those who would prefer their iced coffees even when it is 30 degrees outside, Starbucks has got you covered with this drink! Starbucks’ blond espresso blended with sugar cookie syrup and almond milk transform the coffee into the nostalgic taste of a Christmas cookie melting in your mouth. To top it off, red and green sprinkles add more fun to this drink. 

Lastly, a modified version of the fall menu’s Iced Pumpkin Chai, is the Iced Gingerbread Oat Milk Chai. This drink is an incredibly tasty non-dairy option for those who enjoy the spices of chai combined with creamy oat milk and gingerbread-flavored cold foam. It is also topped with delicious spices. 

In addition to the diverse and flavorful drinks offered, Starbucks presents a variety of cold foam options to their holiday menu. These include the NEW Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam, the Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam, the Sugar Cookie Cream Cold Foam, the Chestnut Praline Cream Cold Foam, and the Caramel Brulée Cream Cold Foam. 

Looking back on the numerous Starbucks Holiday drinks enjoyed this season, each one creates a warm and cozy vibe, and stirs excitement for the holidays. If someone in your life is a Starbucks Lover, in the spirit of giving, consider purchasing them a gift card. Happy Holidays!

by: Emma Corbett