It’s timeeeeeeeee! Just like how Mariah Carey defrosted to hit her iconic note, Starbucks defrosted its holiday drinks, some hitting every beat while others… well, fell a little flat. Like every other teenage girl, I was desperate to test out the drinks, not only to get the cute cups but to trade pumpkin spice for peppermint and finally feel the holidays begin. So, of course, I ranked them to see which deserves the hype.
- Sugar Cookie Latte
Scrolling through TikTok, I was sure that the ‘Sugar Cookie Latte’ would be my top contender. I mean, everyone was hyping it up, saying it’s “the drink we’ve all been waiting for.” But, in reality, it did not exceed or even meet my expectations. When I took the first sip of it I expected to be transported into a winter dream filled with warm vanilla and sparkling snowflakes, and yet I was greeted with lukewarm sugary disappointment. It immediately reminded me of the Bath and Body Works “Vanilla Bean Noel” scent; overwhelming and artificial, failing to deliver promising holiday flavors.
- Iced Gingerbread Chai Latte
Earning a third-place spot, the ‘Iced Gingerbread Chai Latte’ had a lot going for it. As a chai addict, I was really excited for this one as it seemed to have a blend of sweetness, spice and a crisp chill. However, after trying, I tasted nothing of that sort. The taste itself was fine, but the actual Christmas vibe was nonexistent, leaving the drink feeling more like a crisp fall beverage than a festive winter treat.
- Peppermint Mocha
Taking the runner-up spot, the “Peppermint Mocha’ is a holiday classic in a cup, delivering all flavors from the creamy warm chocolate to the refreshing peppermint kick. The harmony between the chocolate and the mint keeps the drink from feeling overpowering, while the rich texture makes each sip more comforting. Drinking it highlighted my excitement for the holidays, as it perfectly captures the flavor of candy canes. The more you drink it, the more it evokes a cool winter atmosphere, making it hard not to be wrapped in the holiday spirit.
- Caramel Brulee Latte
While the peppermint mocha came in as a close contender through its frosty peppermint, the ‘Caramel Brulee’ is supreme in both factors of taste and the holiday sensation. As a coffee hater, I was unsure of what to expect, but from the very first sip, I was won over. The coffee’s taste is poignant and subtle at the same time, satisfying both coffee lovers and the ones that typically avoid it. What set it apart from others was the velvety texture of the latte combined with the sweet caramel. It gave me the sensation of being wrapped in a blanket by the fireplace on a cold night, an impression which is hard to top.
Whether you’re a coffee skeptic or can’t survive without it, each drink on Starbucks’ holiday menu brings its own slice of holiday magic. Each cup is a simple way to enjoy and celebrate the upcoming holiday season.
