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Life

Holiday Inspired Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks You Have to Try This Year

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter.

Nothing marks the start of the most wonderful time of the year like the end of Thanksgiving break, a nice blanket of snow on the Flatties, and a holiday Starbucks cup. As if Starbucks wasn’t incredible enough during the other months, it’s absolutely magical once November and December come around. While the tried and true peppermint mocha can never truly be replaced, there’s a whole secret menu dedicated to the holiday season that’s worth exploring. Get yourself ready for some mind blowing drinks inspired by candy canes, cookies, and all other good things that come along with the season. After all, nothing gets you in the Holiday spirit like the warmth of a Starbucks cup in your hands.

 

Candy Cane Frappuccino 

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If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious holiday treat, look no further. This is a no frills, extremely delicious take on the classic Christmas candy. 

The order:

  • Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
  • Add peppermint syrup
    • 1 pump for a tall, 1.5 pumps for a grande, and 2 pumps for a venti.

Recipe credit: StarbucksSecretMenu.net

 

Caramel Apple Spice 

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Although this drink is on the menu and technically not a secret menu recipe, it’s definitely worth including and one of my personal favorites. If you’re familiar with apple cider, consider this to be a pimped outtake on the traditional holiday beverage. A Caramel Apple Spice is comprised of steamed apple juice, cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and a generous caramel drizzle. This is a perfect choice if you’re craving some something warm and comforting to help you bear the cold.

The order:

  • Caramel Apple Spice

 

The Roasted Chestnut Frappuccino 

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Why just sing along to “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” when you can drink it, too? This frapp is jam-packed with sweet and spicy flavor, meaning it will definitely hit the spot on those chilly December days in Boulder.

The order:

  • Hazelnut Macchiato
  • Add toffee nut syrup
    • 1 pump for tall, 1.5 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps for a venti
  • Add hazelnut syrup
    • 1 pump for tall, 1.5 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps for a venti
  • Add white chocolate mocha syrup
    • 1 pump for tall, 1.5 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps for a venti
  • Top with spiced whip cream and hazelnut drizzle

Recipe credit: StarbucksSecretMenu.net

 

Christmas Cookie Frappuccino 

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Every year when December rolls around, the only thing I love more than re-watching Love Actually for the 100th time is a big, warm plate of Christmas cookies. While recipes vary from family to family, almost all can agree that there is something magical about a good cookie. Considering that these treats are such a holiday staple, it’s no wonder that there’s an amazing secret menu concoction inspired by them.

The order:

  • Crème base Frappuccino
  • Add peppermint syrup
    • 1 pump for tall, 1.5 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps for a venti
  • Add toffee nut syrup
    • 1 pump for tall, 1.5 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps for a venti
  • Top with whipped cream, caramel, and sugar sprinkled on top

Recipe credit: StarbucksSecretMenu.net

 

“Christmas in a Cup” Latte 

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So far, no drink has had a name more ambitious and promising than this one. The “Christmas in a Cup” Latte claims to be inspired by all of the yummy flavors intrinsic to the holiday season. Packed with the likes of cinnamon, chocolate, and peppermint, it’s everything you could have ever hoped for in a seasonal drink.

The order:

  • Cinnamon Dolce Latte
  • Add white mocha syrup
    • 1 pump for tall, 1.5 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps for a venti
  • Add peppermint syrup
    • 1 pump for tall, 1.5 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps for a venti
  • Top with chocolate whipped cream or plain whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle

Recipe credit: StarbucksSecretMenu.net

 

Hopefully, all of these decadent secret menu drinks inspire you to be a little extra with your Starbucks order this year. Happy sipping and Happy Holidays!

Grace McAllister

CU Boulder '22

I'm Grace McAllister and I'm from Atlanta, Georgia. I'm so excited to be a Freshman at CU Boulder this year! I'm planning on studying Marketing in the School of Business and I'm considering a minor in advertising or journalism. I'm really passionate about all things CU, makeup, netflix, dogs, fitness, and of course food. I'm so excited to spend this chapter of my life at CU Boulder and in the Her Campus Community!
Sko Buffs!