It’s that time of year where it has just been Halloween, and then bam! It’s a Christmas explosion everywhere and poor Thanksgiving is overlooked. But a latte made out of turkey, stuffing or mashed potatoes doesn’t sound too appetizing, so I think it’s okay for Starbucks to jump right into holiday drinks.

Most years, Starbucks discontinues fall drinks after the holiday drinks are released, but it looks like this year they’re keeping the fall menu a bit longer. The drinks that were released this holiday season were the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Caramel Brulée Latte, Toasted White Mocha, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha and the Peppermint Mocha. All drinks can be served hot or cold.

The Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, the newest addition to the Starbucks holiday drink family, is exactly how it sounds. The sweet taste of sugar cookies fires up the taste buds and you can almost hear them singing Christmas Carols. The almond milk gives the drink a German-shortbread cookie aftertaste. I’d definitely describe this drink as, “tastes like a cookie without feeling the guilt of eating an actual cookie.” 

The Chestnut Praline Latte has been a fan favorite for years and Starbucks brought it back for the lovers out there. It’s the perfect blend of the spices and includes the classic chestnut taste making you want to sing “Chestnuts making my coffee taste good” or you know, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”

The Caramel Brulée Latte is definitely the strongest “coffee” flavor you can get out of the drinks listed thus far. However, the creamy caramel aftertaste makes up for the initial bitter taste. It’s smooth tasting and the little caramel crunch on top is perfect for this particular drink. 

The Toasted White Mocha is *almost* like the original White Mocha that’s available year-round. However, it has hints of caramel, and if you were a fan of the infamous White Mocha, Caramel Drizzle TikTok drink, I think this one might be for you. It’s light, creamy and refreshing and the sprinkles on top really set the tone for this version of the White Mocha.

Finally, one of my favorites is the Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha. I know, I know, a mouthful… but oh, it is so divine, a happy dance rewards every time it’s in my grasp. The light, velvety white chocolate mocha taste mixed with Peppermint is the greatest feeling. The taste buds become an opera and start singing so loud with each sip.

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the Peppermint Mocha. The velvety dark chocolate is mixed with smooth peppermint. The last ten weeks of the year are well worth it when this beauty comes out. The perfect Christmas drink you can catch yourself curling up with. The whipped cream and chocolate curl up with you in your blanket, maybe even watching Countdown to Christmas on Hallmark.

The hot drinks are served in the famous red-designed cups, and iced drinks are served in plastic cups with snowflakes all over. All of these drinks were good in their own way and perfect for different occasions, but the best time for them is to help create joy throughout the holiday season.