Katie Walters, CFNN Editor/Reporter
As the weather finally begins to gets colder, nothing is better than a hot seasonal drink from the world-renowned coffeehouse chain, Starbucks. After the fan-favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte came out on August 25th this year, it’s no surprise that Starbucks began selling their full holiday menu on November 6th. Here’s a rundown of everything festive at Starbucks!
Peppermint Mocha
Starbucks has been selling their Peppermint Mocha since 2002. This drink contains espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint-flavored syrup. Right on top goes whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings. This is a holiday staple that is hard to beat!
Here’s a quick note, you can get all of these drinks hot or iced!
Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
A sweet mixture of white chocolate mocha sauce and espresso and steamed milk makes this toasty warm drink! Of course, whipped cream and red sugar crystals complete the look, and add the Holiday cheer we all need. Getting this in a Frappuccino, even if it’s cold outside, is the best way to enjoy it.
Caramel Brulee Latte
The Caramel Brulee Latte tastes divine, hot or iced! Espresso, steamed milk, caramel brulee sauce combine for a rich caramel flavor. The whipped cream and caramel crumble tie it all together. This is one of my personal favorites, and I always look forward to it this season.
Chestnut Praline Latte
This nutty drink is a combination of espresso, steamed milk and flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices, topped with whipped cream and spiced pralines. It’s a nice and toned down alternative from the other drinks, but still has the holiday spirit!
Eggnog Latte
The eggnog latte is a holiday classic! Steamed eggnog and espresso create a rich, and flavorful drink that always reminds me of the holidays. It’s topped with a light dusting of nutmeg for the finishing touch. You can never go wrong with this one!
Cranberry Orange Scone
The cranberry orange scone is a flaky, buttermilk scone with crème fraiche (heavy cream and buttermilk), dried cranberries and orange zest. Vanilla icing is drizzled on top to give it a sweet balance from the fruit. This treat will pair greatly with any of the holiday drinks!
Cranberry Bliss Bar
Similar to the Cranberry Orange Scone, this, however, is a blondie cake base, topped with cream cheese icing and dried cranberries, garnished with white orange drizzle. The sweet and tart flavors combine for a perfect balance of flavors. These are also available for purchase by the tray!
Sugar Plum Cheese Danish
The Sugar Plum Cheese Danish is a holiday take on the classic Cheese Danish. Cream cheese filling is enclosed by a fluffy danish pastry. It’s topped with spiced sugar plum spread. This combination is the perfect holiday treat, you’ll have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head!
Snowman Cookie and Cake Pop
The last thing on the seasonal menu, but certainly not the least, are the Snowman cookies and cake pops. The cookie is the usual shortbread cookie, with a cute snowman design. The cake pop is vanilla, covered with white chocolate and a sweet snowman’s face.
Starbucks also releases annual holiday coffees for the more traditional coffee drinkers! They have beautiful packaging, with festive colors and intricate designs, that can be a gift in itself.
Christmas Blend
The 2020 Christmas Blend has the festive sweetness and spice, with hints of herbs, baking spices and a rich chocolate finish. The dark-roasted beans come from Guatemala, Colombia and Papua New Guinea. This also comes in a decaf version!
Christmas Blend Espresso Roast
Since 2010, Starbucks has been producing this product for lovers of strong and flavorful espresso. The “bold and decadent” blend contains sun-dried Ethiopia Sidama beans that complement the blend of Costa Rican and Sumatran coffee.
Starbucks Holiday Blend
In 2013, Starbucks began producing this specialty medium-roast blend for all coffee enthusiasts. Latin American and smooth Indonesian coffees combine to create a gorgeous flavor with layers of maple and herbal notes.
Starbucks Reserve Christmas 2020
Starbucks Reserve coffees are very special blends, each one coming with a card to keep for how important they are. Orange, butterscotch and warm spices are combined in this year’s roast. This is the perfect gift for the coffee enthusiast in your life. The craft, and elegant packaging will be much appreciated.
Enjoy these holiday items while they’re still here! For more information on the seasonal menu, visit the Starbucks website.
Cape Fear News Network 