It seems like there’s an endless list of things to look forward to every holiday season– the lights, the music, the time with loved ones, but most importantly, the treats! I’m a lifelong lover of holiday flavors, and especially since I’ve developed an equal love for both coffee and tea over the past few years, there is no better seasonal menu. I can’t lie, though; sometimes the sheer quantity of limited beverage offerings can be overwhelming. I’m not complaining; I’m thrilled that most businesses are offering more choices (and sooner). However, it can definitely start to feel like too many options, too little time. So, I’m curating a list of some of the more unique menu items I’ve seen this season for when you’re looking for something more than the classic safe default of a standard peppermint mocha.
Capital One Cafe Ginger Snap Latte
I went to Capital One Cafe for the first time, hoping it’d have something Christmas-y on the menu. I walked in, saw a little sandwich board with winter specials, and the gingerbread lover in me was thrilled to see a ginger snap latte that could be ordered hot or iced! I ordered a medium, but after one sip, I wish I had gotten a large. It was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, and despite being an iced coffee in a cold New York November, it felt like a warm and cozy hug in a cup. I don’t often walk past Capital One Cafes, but I plan to get another ginger snap latte before the season’s over.
7Brew Santa’s Cookie Mocha
When I stumbled upon a 7Brew for the first time, I swear the Santa’s Cookie Mocha spoke to me. I love a good flavored mocha, so I was saved from the overstimulation of trying to decide between all the potential variants I could build. It may sound cliché, but I honestly cannot describe this coffee as anything other than chocolate-y goodness (though that could be the joy of unexpectedly trying 7Brew for the first time). The chocolate was rich like a melted brownie, but not too thick or heavy. The biggest disappointment was that I won’t be near a 7Brew for another month, so my ability to reorder is limited.
Cook Out Peppermint Milkshake
A peppermint milkshake might sound basic, but the Cook Out peppermint milkshake certainly isn’t. One of my favorite things about Cook Out is that all 40+ milkshakes use real ingredients instead of just syrups; for example, the watermelon summer flavor contains actual watermelon chunks. It’s so delightful to have real peppermint pieces sprinkled throughout! This shake is so creamy that it is best enjoyed with a spoon instead of a straw, but it is still the perfect Christmas dessert.
Dutch Bros Mistletoe Collection
Coffee and tea not your thing? I used to be in the same boat, which is why I love that Dutch Bros not only offers a lemonade base as a caffeine-free option but also includes it in their seasonal menu. The mistletoe flavor is straightforward, featuring raspberry and pomegranate in an energy drink or lemonade, but gets dressed up for the holiday season with a festive green glitter glaze on top.
Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte
The cookie butter coffees at Dunkin’ feel like a new classic! While they certainly taste like a drinkable bakery treat, the cookie butter isn’t as “holiday cookie” as a lot of the other flavors I’ve tried. While I prefer the latte base, I appreciate that a cold brew variant is also offered for when I need a more substantial coffee boost. This year, the addition of the “cloud” cold foam makes it an extra delightful treat! I recommend ordering without the cookie crumble because, unless you drink it fast, the crumbles fall to the bottom and get a little soggy.
Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip Frosted Coffee
I usually see people raving about Chick-fil-A’s peppermint chip milkshake, but I’ve never seen anyone raving about their peppermint chip frosted coffee! I initially tried this when I couldn’t decide between the milkshake and the iced coffee, and it is truly the perfect blend of both. While I used to order tons of milkshakes every December, the frosted coffee has become my go-to!
Starbucks Iced Sugar Cookie Latte (with Gingerbread or Peppermint Chocolate Cold Foam)
It’s hard to ignore the popularity of Starbucks’ iced sugar cookie latte. It might be the most popular holiday coffee on the menu this year! However, have you considered plussing it with the brand’s new cold foam offerings? I prefer adding the gingerbread or peppermint chocolate options for a more unique cookie flavor.
The Human Bean Candied Peppermint Snowy
The green tea smoothies are summer perfection, and the frozen hot chocolates are a delicious treat; surely the candied peppermint snowy is an incredible December choice! I love that this drink is available hot, iced, or blended, so it can be enjoyed in any climate or mood. Plus, it’s a fun twist on a classic peppermint mocha by opting for white chocolate, while still leaving room for additional customization with more flavors and sauces.
Krispy Kreme Brown Butter Toffee Latte
The Krispy Kreme Original Glazed iced coffee is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorites. Who wouldn’t love a donut-flavored coffee that’s not too sugary? While I admit I have yet to try this year’s special holiday flavor, I am very excited for a warmer take on one of the best daily pick-me-ups.
Chicken Guy Holiday Cookie Shake
I don’t often get a milkshake from Chicken Guy, but I am very loyal to both the year-round Triple Double Mint Shake and the limited-edition Sunshine Orange Shake from a few summers ago. Instead of basing this shake on a traditional holiday sugar cookie, we get a unique spin with multicolored chocolate candy pieces (and an actual cookie). How sweet!
Paris Baguette Cinnamon Sugar Churro Latte
Cinnamon is, in my humble opinion, an underused holiday flavor. So, a cinnamon sugar churro latte sounded like a wonderful and unique take! Available hot or iced, this latte is a simple and subtly festive option. I haven’t made it to my local Paris Baguette yet to try it, but I am eager to check it off my list!
Cracker Barrel Merry Berry Tea
I won’t lie, Cracker Barrel is absolutely the wild card on this list, given that I tried to select drinks from brands that are broadly accessible across the country and typically known for their grab-and-go model. However, I found myself at a Cracker Barrel on Thanksgiving morning while traveling with my family, and there was genuinely no other place to get breakfast. I was shocked to see a holiday tea on the limited Thanksgiving menu, and even more surprised when it turned out to be one of the best berry blend teas I’ve tried! It was a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness, and also a tea that would be perfect even after the New Year.
Which holiday drink are you most excited to try this year? Did one of your favorites not make my list? Let me know in the comments!
Cheers to finding your perfect sip this season!
