Starbucks brought out the red cups and we all know what that means… IT’S HOLIDAY SEASON!! There’s no better way to spread the holiday cheer than sharing a with a festive beverage with your bestie. The Starbucks holiday menu consists of five seasonal flavors: Peppermint Mocha, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Eggnog Latte. If you’re not sure which drink will have you feeling merry and bright, worry not. I’ve tried them all for you and here’s an ultimate ranking of the Starbucks holiday drinks.
5. Eggnog Latte
We all know eggnog is a staple come holiday season. However, this happens to be my least favorite drink off the Starbucks holiday menu. This drink is basically a regular latte with a hint of eggnog flavor. The Eggnog Latte is also the only drink that does not come with whipped cream by default (you can always add it though). This drink is still tasty, but doesn’t stand out among the other special drinks this season.
4. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
If you’re not a fan of your coffee tasting like coffee, you should really give this drink a shot. The Toasted White Chocolate Mocha is a combination of espresso, caramelized white chocolate, whipped cream and candied cranberry sugar. Basically a boujee hot chocolate with a nice kick of caffeine. Super sweet. Not much to complain about here.
3. Chestnut Praline Latte
If you tend to gravitate toward hazelnut coffee regularly, this drink is probably something you’ll be interested in. The Chestnut Praline Latte consists of espresso, steamed milk, whipped cream and a spiced caramelized chestnut syrup. Sweeter than your everyday coffee, but perfect for the holiday season.
2. Peppermint Mocha
We might as well call this one the PSL of wintertime. This drink is a combination of espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup. Additionally, it is topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. This is the most popular drink off the holiday menu and pretty well deserving. I would list the Peppermint Mocha as number one, however it is just a little too sweet for my liking.
1. Caramel Brulée Latte
Now this drink is my personal favorite. My year round go-to Starbucks drink is a Caramel Iced Coffee with Almond Milk, so I guess any caramel drink is up my alley. This drink consists of espresso, steamed milk, whipped cream, caramel pieces and the special Caramel Brulée sauce. The Caramel Brulée sauce is different from the usual caramel Starbucks uses, making it extra special for the holiday season. My favorite part about this drink is that it still keeps its coffee taste while adding some sweetness.
Starbucks never fails when it comes to spreading holiday cheer with their festive cups and drinks. I hope you enjoy this holiday season snuggled up with your loved ones by the fire sipping from one of those infamous red cups. Happy Holidays, Penn Staters!