Written by Lauren Bruce | Photo by Michael Davies
Everyone knows the fall season is the perfect excuse for everything cozy, comfy, and of course pumpkin-flavored. This year Starbucks released a brand-new green holiday cup, featuring over 100 people drawn in one continuous stroke. A fitting theme for the season, the cup’s design is meant to represent unity and togetherness. But before you rush off to the nearest Starbucks to see them for yourself, check out our top ten list of drinks to try this season.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
Known to be the classic holiday favorite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte combines pumpkin, cinnamon and ginger for a perfectly blended steamed drink to keep you cozy as the weather gets colder. If you’re a fan of fall or anything pumpkin then the Pumpkin Spice Latte could be your next guilty pleasure. Plus, this year the Pumpkin Spice Latte has gotten an upgrade, now made with real pumpkin for an even truer and more honest taste.
- Caramel Brulee
Our second pick for the list and one of the most favored holiday drinks starts with steamed milk and an espresso perfectly mixed with a sweet caramel brulee sauce and topped with whipped cream and caramel brulee sprinkles. Fans of the decadent dessert won’t be disappointed by this warm drink, which is only available until the end of December.
- Peppermint Mocha
Nothing says “holiday season” like the smell of warm peppermint and a soft sweater. A true holiday classic, the Peppermint Mocha is made with steamed milk and espresso mixed with a sweet mocha sauce and peppermint syrup. To top it off, a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkles of dark chocolate curls.
- Salted Caramel Mocha
Nothing’s more satisfying than the taste of sweet and salty caramel, which is why the Salted Caramel Mocha made number four. The warm drink is made with espresso and steamed milk, then stirred with mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup and topped with whipped cream and a sweet caramel drizzle.
- Chestnut Praline
Even if you don’t know what a praline is, you can still enjoy the enticing flavor of caramelized chestnuts and holiday spices that mingle perfectly with classic espresso and rich steamed milk. The Chestnut Praline Latte is satisfyingly finished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spiced praline crumbs to form the ultimate holiday drink. Definitely one to check out before it’s gone.
- Gingerbread Latte
For those of you like us who are drawn by the idea of the approaching winter season and warm gingerbread cookies, the Gingerbread Latte is a must. This steamy latte starts with an espresso base and steamed milk, then a spicy gingerbread syrup is added for that craved gingerbread taste. It’s finished with whipped cream and then sprinkled with ground nutmeg.
- Eggnog Latte
If you’re looking for a twist on regular holiday eggnog, then pick up the Eggnog Latte on your next Starbucks run. Another seasonal offer, the Eggnog Latte is made with a rich, steamed eggnog and espresso. The drink is then topped off with whipped cream and a dusting of ground nutmeg for a completely satisfying and winter-feeling taste.
- Salted Caramel White Mocha
The Salted Caramel White Mocha is a spin on the classic Salted Caramel Mocha, this time with a white chocolate sauce. The drink is made with a rich white mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup and are then combined with espresso and steamed milk. Lastly, the steamy drink is topped with sweetened whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a blend of raw sugar and sea salt.
- Peppermint White Mocha
For fans of the classic combination of mint and chocolate, the Peppermint White Mocha takes the richness of Starbucks espresso and adds a sweet white chocolate sauce, and finishes off with whipped cream and tiny chocolate curls. A simple solution that satisfies both your eager sweet tooth and caffeine needs.
- Pumpkin Spice Chai
Last but never least, this final addition to our Starbucks top 10 is one that nuzzled its way in from the Starbucks secret menu. It takes the foundation of a Chai Latte, which infuses black tea with warm spices like cinnamon and clove, but adds a special pumpkin syrup twist and finishes with sweet whipped cream and pumpkin spice topping.
Catch these holiday flavors in the exciting new green cups while they last. And by the way, watch out for the new red cups due to release November 10th.
