The holiday season is already upon us — sorry Thanksgiving, we love you, but you only need one day to shine. Just like when the pumpkin spice latte drops in the fall, we all know that it's time to start playing Christmas music and get out the red and green decor when Starbucks announces the return of its holiday drinks.
Seriously, Starbucks could even put a smile on the Grinch's face with its adorably festive mugs and delicious seasonal beverages. This year, Starbucks' holiday drinks made their debut on November 3 — alongside four new cup designs.
The holiday menu features six returning favorites: Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, and Irish Cream Cold Brew. While we're excited to see the tried-and-trues return, we are a little disappointed that there aren't any new seasonal drinks this year.
Plus, some of our past favorites — like the Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte — didn't make a return appearance to the featured list.
The only new holiday item introduced to the menu can be found in the Starbucks bakery case: the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, which is like a cinnamon roll that also includes mint chocolate chips, coffee, and chopped pistachios.
If you, like us, are in the mood to try a different holiday offering this year, then you'll need to turn to Starbucks' "secret menu." But, remember, while these secret menu drinks might be known by coffee drinkers and social media users, that doesn't mean your barista will know how to make them just by saying the name used on TikTok. Instead, you may have to order these drinks step-by-step either at the coffee shop or in the app.
It goes without saying, but please be kind to your barista when ordering these — they're extremely busy, especially during the hectic holiday season.
Additionally, remember that these items are not official holiday items and won't count toward any Starbucks promotions. For example, if you want to snag a free reusable cup on Red Cup Day (rumored to be November 17), you'll have to order one of Starbucks' flagship holiday drinks.
Starbucks Secret Menu Holiday Drinks
Hot Chocolate Cold Brew
Love hot chocolate, but still want that caffeine kick? Order the hot chocolate cold brew.
How to Order:
- Grande cold brew
- 1 pump vanilla
- 1 pump toasted white chocolate mocha sauce
- 2 pumps mocha
- Add vanilla sweet cream cold foam
- Add cocoa powder on top
- Add chocolate curls on top
Gingerbread Latte
Starbucks' Gingerbread Latte was discontinued from the holiday menu in 2019. But, have no fear, you can still recreate the delicious drink.
How to Order:
- Grande chai tea latte (hot or iced)
- 4 pumps brown sugar syrup
- Optional: add vanilla sweet cream cold foam (for extra sweetness)
Snickerdoodle Cold Brew
Sure, Starbucks has a sugar cookie latte, but what about the cinnamon-sugar goodness of a snickerdoodle?
How to Order:
- Grande cold brew
- 2 pumps white chocolate mocha sauce
- 1 pump cinnamon dolce syrup
- Splash of your choice of milk
Roasted Chestnut Cold Brew
The Chestnut Praline Latte is delicious on its own, but the holidays are all about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, right? If you want more of a toasted taste, try ordering this coffee.
How to Order:
- Grande coffee (hot or iced)
- 2 pumps white mocha syrup
- 2 pumps chestnut praline syrup
- Splash of your choice of milk
Chestnut praline syrup is one Starbucks baristas love to play with. So, if you want to try something else with chestnut praline flavoring, you can add two pumps of it to the vanilla sweet cream cold foam. Or try a traditional iced Chestnut Praline Latte topped with salted caramel sweet cream cold foam or vanilla sweet cream cold foam.
Eggnog Latte
Starbucks' Eggnog Latte is another drink that didn't return to the seasonal menu. While the original latte was made with real eggnog, Starbucks doesn't supply that ingredient anymore. However, you can still make a drink that tastes remarkably similar.
How to Order:
- Grande chai tea latte (hot or iced)
- Only 1 pump chai
- 1 pump caramel syrup
- 1 pump cinnamon dolce syrup
- Add milk of your choice
- Add whipped cream or vanilla sweet cream cold foam (if ordering iced)
Grinch Latte
Even the Grinch needs his morning latte. There are two simple ways to make this green and red drink and they both start with a matcha tea latte.
How to Order:
If you want extra flavors:
- Grande matcha tea latte (hot or iced)
- Add vanilla sweet cream cold foam with strawberry puree blended in
If you don't want extra flavors:
- Grande matcha tea latte (hot or iced)
- Add vanilla sweet cream cold foam with holiday sugar sparkles blended in
Candy Cane Cold Brew
Jumpstart your day with a little extra zing from this minty cold brew.
How to Order:
- Venti cold brew
- 4 pumps white chocolate mocha sauce
- 2 pumps peppermint syrup
- Add sweet cream cold foam with 2 pumps peppermint syrup blended in
