- \n
- From returning favorites to all-new flavors, I tried every single holiday drink on Starbucks’ menu.<\/li>\n
- The range is impressive\u2014some lean toward sweet, indulgent flavors, while others are more seasonally focused.<\/li>\n
- Of the drinks, the Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline, and Gingerbread Latte led the pack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nSure, I have other job responsibilities, but my main duty? Trying the latest and greatest Starbucks drinks. And while it’s hardly a bad way to earn a living (the opposite, in fact), it feels like an extra-special perk during the holidays\u2014aka when the Seattle-based coffee giant rolls out its winter lineup. <\/p>\n
This year, Starbucks didn’t hold back: it launched not one, but two festive drink drops, bringing back returning faves like the Eggnog Latte\u2014after a four-year hiatus, I might add\u2014and debuting a brand new cold brew concoction alongside them. <\/p>\n
Naturally<\/em>, I tasted every last one. Here\u2019s my definitive ranking of the Starbucks holiday menu\u2014from my ride-or-die favorites to the ones I\u2019d probably just skip. <\/p>\n
\n 7. Sugar Cookie Latte<\/h2>\n
\n \n\n![\"starbucks\"](\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/sugarcookie-69389eb0a17fa.jpg?crop=0.893xw:0.670xh;0.0187xw,0.114xh&resize=980:*\" "\\"starbucks\\"")
![\"pinterest\"](\"https:\/\/www.delish.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nI wanted to love the Sugar Cookie Latte, but it didn’t land the way I’d hoped. It’s very milky, and the flavor skews sweet, which is not my speed as a black coffee enthusiast. If you’re all into dessert-in-a-cup drinks, though, this could be a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. <\/p>\n
6. Eggnog Latte <\/h2>\n
\n \n\n![\"starbucks\"](\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/gingerbread-69389ed0ada96.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.753xh;0,0.122xh&resize=980:*\" "\\"starbucks\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nI’m not usually an eggnog person\u2014point blank, period\u2014but this could make me a convert. It\u2019s rich and creamy with just enough espresso to keep it from feeling heavy. There’s even a touch of nutmeg that makes it festive and surprisingly easy to sip. <\/p>\n
5. Eggnog Cold Foam<\/h2>\n
\n \n\n![\"starbucks\"](\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/coldbrew-69389eef87cf4.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.751xh;0,0.145xh&resize=980:*\" "\\"starbucks\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nThe Eggnog Cold Foam is even better than the latte. You keep that velvety eggnog flavor, but the bold, slightly bitter cold brew flavor cuts through the sweetness. The contrast takes it from good to great. <\/p>\n
4. Caramel Br\u00fbl\u00e9e Latte <\/h2>\n
\n \n\n![\"holiday](\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/starbucks2-69389f0f0851d.jpg?crop=0.903xw:0.677xh;0.00170xw,0.0829xh&resize=980:*\" "\\"holiday")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nThis one is the ultimate indulgence. The caramel is buttery and decadent, and it pairs well with the espresso. Get the whipped cream and caramelized sugar topping to go all in. <\/p>\n
3. Gingerbread Latte <\/h2>\n
\n \n\n![\"starbucks\"](\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/starbucks3-69389f2c9830b.jpg?crop=0.940xw:0.705xh;0.0221xw,0.0816xh&resize=980:*\" "\\"starbucks\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nI will always hold a special place in my heart for the Gingerbread Latte. It was one of the very first Starbucks drinks I ever tried, and TBH, it still holds up. Yes, it’s sweet, but the warm spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger\u2014you know the vibes) adds depth. It tastes like a cookie in a cup, but I’m not complaining. <\/p>\n
2. Chestnut Praline Latte <\/h2>\n
\n \n\n![\"starbucks\"](\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/starbucks-69389f4c8bcd8.jpg?crop=0.789xw:0.592xh;0,0.114xh&resize=980:*\" "\\"starbucks\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nI’ve been sleeping on this one. The nutty, buttery notes blend well with the warm spices and strong espresso. It makes for a cozy drink that cuts through the sweetness for an exceptionally balanced sip. The whipped cream and a final sprinkle of praline crumbs put it in unforgettable territory. <\/p>\n
1. Peppermint Mocha<\/h2>\n
\n \n\n![\"starbucks\"](\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/peppermint-69389fa5b2e63.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.751xh;0,0.0459xh&resize=980:*\" "\\"starbucks\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nBold espresso, rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint\u2014everything I want in a holiday drink, which is why it earned the top spot. It\u2019s festive without being syrupy and indulgent without tipping into full dessert. That balance and overall flavor are why it takes the crown. <\/p>\n