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TAMU | Culture

Starbucks who? cozy Christmas sips that won’t break the bank

Emika Tsumura Student Contributor, Texas A&M University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TAMU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Let’s face it — when the holiday season rolls around, it’s hard to resist a cozy, festive drink (I’m talking to you, Starbucks). But what if you could make something just as delicious — or even better — at home, for a fraction of the price? Say goodbye to those occasional $7 drinks and hello to festive sips every day in December!

Below are three iced and one hot festive drink recipes that you can easily make at home. Happy home cafe☕✨

All recipes serve 1.

Gingerbread white mocha [ICED]

  • 2 shots espresso OR 1 square white chocolate (melted with espresso heat)
  • 1 tbsp gingerbread syrup
  • 2 shots espresso (or strong brewed / instant coffee)
  • ½ cup milk of choice
  • Ice

How to:

  1. Brew 2 shots of espresso (or prepare instant espresso following package directions).
  2. In a glass, combine the hot espresso, white mocha sauce (or chocolate), and gingerbread syrup. Stir until fully dissolved.
  3. Add a handful of ice cubes.
  4. Pour in the milk of your choice and stir. Optionally top with whipped cream and allspice and enjoy!!


Eggnog matcha latte [ICED]

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp matcha powder
  • 3 tbsp hot (not boiling) water
  • ½ cup store bought eggnog
  • 1–2 tbsp syrup or sweetener of choice (optional, depending on eggnog sweetness)
  • Cinnamon to top it off
  • Ice

How to:

  1. In a matcha bowl or cup, sift in the matcha powder.
  2. Add 3 tbsp hot (not boiling) water.
  3. Whisk using a bamboo whisk in a “W” motion or use a frother until smooth and no clumps are left. Add sweetener here if desired and whisk again.
  4. Fill a glass with ice and pour the eggnog over it.
  5. Pour over the prepared matcha and take a moment to enjoy the gradation!.
  6. Dust with cinnamon and enjoy!!

Chai hot chocolate [HOT]

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup chai concentrate (store-bought e.x from trader joes, or homemade)
  • ½ cup milk of choice
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1–2 tsp sugar or sweetener (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Optional whipped cream

How to:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine chai concentrate and milk.
  2. Warm over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
  3. Whisk in cocoa powder and sweetener until smooth and frothy.
  4. Pour into a mug and sprinkle cinnamon on top.
  5. Optionally top with whipped cream an extra festive touch and enjoy!

Peppermint bark latte [ICED]

Ingredients:

  • 2 pieces peppermint chocolate (I like to use Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark)
  • 2 shots espresso (or strong brewed / instant coffee)
  • ½–¾ cup milk of choice
  • 2 tbsp vanilla or simple syrup
  • Ice

How to:

  1. Brew 2 shots of espresso.
  2. In a cup, place the peppermint chocolate pieces and pour the hot espresso over them. Stir until melted and smooth.
  3. Add syrup and mix well.
  4. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the espresso mixture.
  5. Top with milk and stir to combine and enjoy!!
Hi!! My name is Emika and I am a food science major. I obviously love everything food including baking, trying new food and going to cute coffee dates. I also love long walks and going to the gym. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin sister (non identical) and she’s literally my best friend. Also, I am currently trying to get into reading more books this year!! So far I’ve read 18 books 💪📚