A Merry Coffee Christmas Series: Starbucks Holiday Menu

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, meaning Starbucks holiday menu has been released and so have their cheerful holiday cups. I look forward to this date every year and I love trying new things, so of course, I decided to try every item out and review it for you!

Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

A lot of people love the toasted white chocolate mocha, including one of my favourite Youtuber’s Hannah Elise, however, after tasting it, it is not my favourite. I really tried to love it, I did, but the white chocolate taste just isn’t for me.

It’s a little strange considering I love white chocolate, but in the coffee form, it’s just a tad too sweet. Don’t get me wrong, this drink is really delicious, but it’s very sweet. If that sounds like something you’d love, I’d highly recommend it, but it’s just not my cup to tea.

I’d give this drink a 6/10

Peppermint Mocha

The peppermint mocha is my all time favourite holiday drink from Starbucks, or from anywhere. When I was younger, I would always drink peppermint hot chocolates, even in the summer and fall. Then when I turned into a coffee addict, I transitioned from hot chocolates to peppermint mochas. 

The peppermint mocha is the perfect blend of chocolate, peppermint, and coffee. The coffee can’t even be tasted because the chocolate and peppermint flavours are so strong. Some people might not enjoy the drink because of how powerful it is, but if that’s your thing then you’ll love it (I know I do). In my opinion, anything peppermint flavoured makes the best Christmas drink. 

I’d give this drink a 9/10

Caramel Brûlée Latte

If you’re a fan of the caramel machiato, then this drink will be your new holiday favourite. It tastes lighter than the caramel macchiato, as it is a latte, but it still has those strong caramel flavours that the machiatto has. This drink is extremely delicious and is my go-to holiday drink when I’m not feeling like drinking a strong peppermint mocha. 

I’d highly recommend this drink to you if you’re looking for a new extremely festive holiday drink. 

I’d give this drink a 7/10

Gingerbread Latte

There is always a ton of hype for the gingerbread latte around this time of year, yet this was my first time trying it. There was a ton of scandal in America due to the latte not being on the 2019 holiday menu, however, it is still on the menu in Canada.

With all the hype I was really excited to try it. I mean, who doesn’t love gingerbread cookies? But, I must say, I was very underwhelmed and disappointed by this drink. I would even say it’s my least favourite out of all of the holiday drinks thus far. It was extremely sweet and tasted as if someone threw an entire gingerbread house into a blender, candy and all, then threw in some water and decided to pass it off as a drink.

If you’re the kind of person who loves sweet coffee, then this could be your drink! It has a little bit of spice to it which was yummy, but overall, I was not a fan.

I’d give this drink a 5/10

Chestnut Praline Latte

I feel that the chestnut praline latte is underrated, as not many people choose it out of the main holiday drinks, but it is actually the most delicious out of all of them.

This latte has a smooth, nutty, light flavour that isn’t too strong, yet tastes amazing. It has a neutral taste so anyone who doesn’t like strong coffee would love it and the flavours are pretty simple, but they blend together like a dream. If you haven’t tried this latte yet then I would definitely recommend giving it a chance. You might be surprised at how good it is.

I’d give this drink a 9/10

Snowman Cookie

The snowman cookie is a classic treat from Starbucks during the holiday season. Not only is it super cute, but it tastes delicious. They are always super soft and the icing tastes delightful. It’s the perfect pairing for your holiday latte. 

Cranberry Bliss Bar

I’ve never tried this treat before and I don’t love cranberries which is why I always stayed away, but this is one of the most delightful treats on the holiday menu. I assumed, based on pictures, that it would be hard and crunchy, but it was extremely soft and had a cake-like texture.

The cranberry bliss bar, as per the Starbucks website, is a blondie cake base with sweet cream cheese icing, dried cranberries, and white orange drizzle. All of the flavours blend so nicely together and it’s a sweet, yet light treat. I assumed it would taste alarmingly like cranberries, but the cranberries blend right in with the icing and the citrus flavours. It’s an incredible mixture.

I’d give this treat an 8/10

Candy Cane Brownie Cake Pop

I’m not going to lie, this cake pop is pretty sweet, but its holiday exterior is just so festive that I can’t help but buy it every once in a while. Casing the brownie inside is a coating of peppermint with sprinkles, so the flavours are pretty strong. It is a pretty sugary treat, which might not appeal to everyone. However, it is worth a try because who doesn’t love cake pops but be prepared for the sugar rush. 

I’d give this treat a 7/10

Nanaimo Bar

Known as Canada’s holiday dessert, the Nanaimo bar is a longtime favourite treat of mine. Usually, I only buy one on special occasions like after I’ve completed finals as they are so filling. This is definitely not a lightweight treat due to the chocolate and filling, but it is so worth it. If you’ve never tried this treat, I definitely recommend getting one the next time you find yourself at Starbucks.

I’d give this treat a 9/10

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If you find yourself at Starbucks during this holiday season, treat yourself to one of these festive drinks and treats. And, if you’re a frequent coffee drinker, pick up some festive reusable hot and cold cups! They’re super cute and perfect for coffee or any other drink! Plus, when you order with a reusable cup, you save ten cents!