Have you ever heard the phrase “It literally tastes like Christmas in a cup?” The Christmas season has finally come and of course, one of my favorite parts of it would have to be the Starbucks Holiday
Drinks. The thought of going Black Friday shopping, or any sort of Christmas shopping simply does not sound complete without stopping at Starbucks beforehand. There are countless secret recipes online if you would wish to create your own drink, or take someone else’s advice, but the ones on the menu are just as good.

There are eight featured Holiday Coffee Drinks which are: Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Chestnut Praline Latte, Eggnog Latte, and Eggnog Crème Frappucino. You can get those drinks as frappucinos or iced coffee as well, except for the Irish Cream Cold Brew.

The eggnog and espresso taste is very creamy and almost reminds me of melted ice cream. This will do a great job on satisfying any sweet tooth craving as well as giving you that caffeine boost.  It is not too sweet because of the strong espresso, so I would recommend if you love the taste of eggnog and coffee.

“The Toasted White Chocolate is like candy in a cup” said Ellie Conley, from Spoon HQ. It adds the white chocolate flavor and adds a tasty spin with caramelized flavors as well as whipped cream.

The Chestnut Praline Latte has a taste of caramelized chestnuts and spices, steamed milk, and topped off with whipped cream. This is the type of latte you want to conjure Europe’s Christmas spirit!

The Caramel Brulee Latte contains milk, blonde espresso roast, and their signature caramel brulee sauce. This is a great choice for the caramel fanatics, it is a great blend of sweet caramel and coffee.

The Irish Cream Cold Brew is made with Irish Cream Syrup, cocoa powder, Starbucks Cold Brew, and vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top.  These drinks are all phenomenal and it would be hard to choose just one to recommend. It is totally up to your own preference and what type of flavors you enjoy, but I don’t think you can go wrong! Personally, the Peppermint Mocha iced coffee is my favorite just because of the peppermint flavoring and the rich mocha added, (and 2 shots of espresso!). It is their lightest roast with winter’s most celebrated flavor. “Sometimes a Peppermint Mocha is more than just a beverage”, said Starbucks.

The Christmas cups also always get the Starbucks fanatics excited for the season. Every year, the first day that the Christmas drinks make their return Starbucks gives out reusable cups for free with any Christmas drink purchase. If you didn’t have the chance to grab one this year, make sure to keep your eyes open for the 2021 Christmas season! Not only does Starbucks have Christmas drinks, but they also have delicious Snowman Cookies and Snowman Cake Pops. If you wanted to try the “Christmas in a Cup” drink off the secret menu, ask your barista for a Grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte with 2 pumps of white mocha, 1 pump of peppermint syrup, and top with whipped cream. This drink is worth the try if you have enough courage to bug your barista!

If you are not a coffee lover and would still like something festive, you can try their hot chocolate! Starbucks has Toasted White Hot Chocolate, Peppermint White Hot Chocolate, and Peppermint Hot Chocolate. The Hot Chocolate’s are great options for children or if you are not feeling the caffeinated route. You also have the option to order a kid’s hot chocolate and your barista will make it kid’s temperature, so it isn’t steaming hot when you receive it. My personal favorite is the Peppermint White Chocolate, although they are all exceptional. If you have not been to Starbucks this Christmas season, think about ordering one of these festive drinks over Christmas break, and you will not be disappointed!