When getting older, the things that mark the beginning of different holiday seasons become different. Those markers establish themselves through the little things that may not have always been special but become exciting.Â
As a college student, one of my seasonal markers are the releases of holiday drink menus. As cheesy as that sounds, again, it’s the little things.Â
To prepare for this year’s release, I am sharing some of my favorite menu items that will be returning along with some discontinued favorites from previous years.Â
Caramel BrulĂ©e LatteÂ
This drink is my absolute favorite of any holiday menu item. My dad introduced this drink to me a few years ago and it has become a tradition to count down the days until it returns to the menu.Â
The caramel brulĂ©e latte is the perfect amount of sweet for those that prefer coffee that does not taste too strong. The caramel flakes and whipped cream on top also add to the sweetness without being too overpowering.Â
Since it’s a winter menu item, I always get it hot, but the iced version is equally as good. This has been a returning item for as long as I can remember and will be back with this year’s release.Â
Peppermint MochaÂ
A hot peppermint mocha has been a traditional holiday drink for a long time and that tradition continues in this year’s holiday release. Although this wasn’t always a favorite drink for me, I began to like it more during the past year.
Mocha tends to taste more bitter to me, but paired with the refreshing flavor of mint, the peppermint mocha is a perfect blend of cozy and soothing. It’s perfect for cold winter days.
Aside from actually getting the drink in-store, I also purchase creamers in this flavor to make it myself. Although I prefer some other flavors more, a peppermint mocha is the epitome of a holiday drink and will always be a classic.Â
Toasted White Chocolate MochaÂ
This drink was another favorite from the holiday menu a few years ago. This item has been discontinued but I have a little bit of hope each year that it might return.Â
It is different from Starbucks’ white chocolate mocha, which is a year-round menu item. This holiday menu item was a bit sweet but allowed just enough of the coffee-flavor through to make it a great staple. Â
Other coffee shops often have their own version of this drink, but it isn’t quite the same as the Starbucks version.Â
Cranmerry Refresher Â
With a very short run as a menu item, the cranmerry refresher was a welcome change from the typical coffee-based items. Non-coffee lovers rarely get seasonal specialty items so this addition was a nice inclusion for the 2024 holiday menu.
Paying homage to somewhat forgotten traditions of orange and cranberries as holiday fruits, this drink was a refreshing mix with a hint of citrus that felt like winter. During its run last year, I had only gotten it a few times but I preferred it with apple juice instead of water.Â
Based on Starbucks’ website, it does not seem like this drink will be returning to the menu this year. However, it seemed to be relatively popular last year so I’m sure it would be a welcomed return.Â
Starbucks’ holiday menu released on November 6 and the date for Red Cup day is to be announced. It’s never too early to celebrate, and what better way to get in the holiday spirit?