The “Ber” months in the world of coffee culture are extremely popular for one reason: the specialty drinks. The trend of getting a fun iced drink has exploded over the past few years, especially with the pumpkin releases at large-chain coffee shops (namely Starbucks) getting earlier and earlier with each passing year (released in late August this year!!). However, working at a family-owned coffee shop has given me a new perspective on the specialty drink, and how creativity in a latte can really change the game. So, in light of primetime for specialty lattes, here is a list of ten specials made at my coffee shop over the past year that just so happen to be my favorite.
Honorable Mention: Salted Honey Iced Latte – September 2025
Although I never got to try this latte, it was one of our best sellers when we had it on the menu. Honey with a sprinkle of salt was mixed directly into the espresso, which makes it a latte that is easily available at many coffee shops. We also added a vanilla cold foam on top, with honey drizzled over it, and topped with a sprinkle of salt. The balance of the salt had to be just right so as to not make the drink salty on top of the bitterness of the espresso, but with just the right amount all the ingredients complimented each other just right. Typically, about 1/4th tsp of salt (if not less) would be used in a double shot of espresso. The exact taste portfolio is different depending on the person, but that is usually a good starting ratio.
Cookie Butter Latte – December 2025
I am a strong believer in the fact that a cookie butter latte is superior to a pumpkin spice latte, but that is a debate for another article. A strong cookie butter latte starts with a good cookie butter: the usual best option is the Biscoff cookie butter (which I strongly recommend if making this at home!), but that is not always in a customer’s control. The cookie butter is melted into the espresso so it can work into the latte and not be all chunky at the bottom, simply topped with milk of choice, and can be enjoyed either hot or iced.
Apple Pie Chai – October 2025, 2026
A good fall special is nothing without a classic fall food— this one is notably made with apple cider instead of milk as its main base. This yearly special is made with a pump or so of chai (depending on drink size) with some Ghirardelli caramel, a splash of heavy cream, and the rest filled up with apple cider. In a hot drink, the apple cider and heavy cream are steamed together before being poured over the caramel and chai. In an iced drink, the chai, heavy cream, and caramel, are incorporated together before pouring in the apple cider and ice. However, this drink is much more popular hot, and has often been noted as better that way. Most coffee shops should have access to most of these ingredients during the fall months (the apple cider may be touchy, but many small coffee chains offer hot apple ciders during the fall months, so they have it on hand!).
Funnel Cake Latte – October 2026
A classic fair treat; the smell of funnel cakes feel like a cool fall night walking the streets of your local town fair. I hail from Pennsylvania where fair culture is rich, and the streets are filled with the aroma of funnel cakes all night. So, this latte just feels so right to include on a menu for the fall. Made with more simple ingredients, equal pumps of white chocolate, caramel, and vanilla mixed with espresso (and an optional dash of salt) creates the perfect flavor profile that will remind you of this fair treat. When made iced, it would go well with a number of flavored cold foams, from a classic vanilla to a more creative maple.
Samoa Cookie Latte – April 2026
The Samoa Cookie trend was huge at the beginning of 2026, and so many coffee shops (including mine) followed suit. This Girl Scout cookie-inspired latte is made with syrups of the three main flavor profiles: chocolate, caramel, and coconut. Pretty straightforward! My coffee shop used dark chocolate, but any chocolate syrup would do the trick. Many coffee shops would have these flavors available, and the drink is delicious both hot and iced! When made iced, this drink pairs perfectly with a vanilla cold foam (I am biased though, I love a good cold foam). This latte is one that truly made me start to love drinking lattes, and I would recommend it to anyone who is nervous about trying espresso-based drinks, or who just loves Girl Scout cookies!
Iced Blueberry Pancake Latte – May 2026
One of the most creative lattes from the specialty menu, the iced blueberry pancake latte is pretty simple in its construction. The latte consisted of brown sugar and blueberry syrup mixed into the espresso. On top was a cold foam made with locally sourced maple syrup— to imitate the maple syrup drizzled over pancakes. This latte echoed the feeling of waking up to homemade pancakes on a slow saturday or sunday morning, and it tasted wonderful. This latte can, unfortunately, only be made iced (but could be made hot if the cold foam was removed), and may be difficult to obtain at regular chain coffee shops. However, adjustments could likely be made, and this could be made at home with either instant espresso or if you have an espresso machine!
Iced Honey Nut Cheerio Latte – April 2026
Following the breakfast theme, this latte is delicious during the fall months and beyond. Honey Nut Cheerios are a staple within breakfast cereals, and the flavors are recreated in this latte by mixing in honey, vanilla, and brown sugar. When made iced, it would be topped with a vanilla cold foam, but it is possible to make a hot version without the cold foam. With many of these syrups/flavors available at most coffee chains, this latte can be recreated at most places, and you can experience breakfast in a cup for yourself!
Iced Fruity Pebbles Latte – May 2026
The final latte in this short series of breakfast-themed lattes is a reminder of many kids’ favorite sugary cereal. Much of the taste is emulated within the cold foam, but the flavor combination could just as well be added into a latte to be recreated hot. The flavors my shop used to imitate the taste were white chocolate, lavender, and strawberry. Other recipes online also use brown sugar or raspberry in place of either the lavender or strawberry. Whether the original combination or not, this latte is sure to remind you of your childhood cereal bowl.
Cookies and Cream Cold Brew – July 2026
For the cold brew lovers out there, this specialty is for you. Made with dark chocolate syrup in a cold brew with a white chocolate cold foam, and oreo pieces mixed in, this cold brew specialty is the perfect mix of sweet and flavorful. This drink is more suited for the warmer months, but can always be made whenever. I would think that many coffee shops would have at least the flavoring available for this drink, especially the large chains. Many places will likely not carry crushed oreo pieces, but the flavor will remain intact without them.
Blackberry White Mocha – June 2026
A fun twist on a classic drink, the blackberry white mocha is exactly what it sounds like: a classic white mocha with some blackberry syrup added in. This drink is perfect for times closer to the spring, but is truly a year-round perfection. Unfortunately, many coffee shops do not carry blackberry syrup unless they are running a special with it. Fortunately, the syrup can be obtained to make this latte at home! Along the lines with the blueberry pancake latte, this fun latte has a lot of potential for home creation.
A white mocha can also be paired with many other flavors to make a delicious latte, another notable flavor being raspberry.
Strawberry Chocolate Macchiato – February 2026
Last but not least, one of the iconic flavors of Valentine’s Day: the chocolate covered strawberry. This special is made very similarly to a regular caramel macchiato. Strawberry syrup is mixed into the base/milk with chocolate drizzled around the sides of the cup, and on top of the espresso after it is poured over the milk. This iconic flavor combination comes to life with the sweetened chocolate-y espresso and the strawberry milk, the obvious echoes of the gift that lovers give for Valentine’s day. This drink can be enjoyed both hot and iced, and can always have a cold foam added when made iced.
That concludes the list of my favorite monthly specials we had made at the coffee shop I work at! I hope this list can bring you new ideas about flavors to put into lattes, and give some uniqueness to your lattes for a bit in place of the same old same old.