It’s time to queue Mariah Carey, because the Starbucks holiday menu is here. It is the most wonderful time of the year for a coffee break, and the holiday menu dropped just in time.
The menu is back with many fan favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte and the Chestnut Praline Latte, but other additions were made to the menu this year. Along with many nostalgic flavors like sugar cookie and gingerbread, Starbucks debuted its new refresher.
Here is a review of the 2024 Starbucks holiday menu:
Cran-Merry Orange Refresher: 2.5/5
The Cran-Merry Orange Refresher is a new addition to this season’s holiday menu. The Cran-Merry Drink is similar to the Pink Drink, but it has a weird taste of a watered-down cranberry juice.
It was good, but nothing about its flavors made this drink stand out. The drink would be good as a sparkling water option because the bubbles could help bring out the fruity flavors.
Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte: 3/5
The Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte may be one of the Starbucks seasonal menu’s classics, but the latte has something different about it this year. Whether it was the almond milk or the sprinkles, the latte had almost a burnt taste to it.
The latte still ranks higher than the new refresher because it was better hot than iced. Instead, ordering a shaken espresso with the sugar cookie syrup as a substitution gives the classic holiday flavor the justice it deserves.
Gingerbread Latte: 3/5
The Gingerbread Latte is another classic drink on the menu, but it still falls in the middle tier of options. Nothing stands out about this drink, but there is also nothing bad about it either.
Between mixed reviews and needing a stronger coffee flavor, this drink is still not a bad option on the holiday menu. Depending on how you like your coffee, this latte may be a keeper for you.
Chestnut Praline Latte: 4/5
Some harsh critics out there may not agree with this holiday drink’s ranking, but it is is a delicious and nutty drink. The balance of the nutty caramelized flavor, espresso, steamed milk and a topping of whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs makes you think of the holidays.
The drink could have had a bit of a stronger coffee flavor, but the taste is what makes it rank high. If you like a nutty holiday drink that is not too strong in coffee, this may be the drink of the holidays for you.
Peppermint Mocha: 4.5/5
The Peppermint Mocha is the drink of the holidays. The nostalgia it brings is a reason this drink is dependable and highly ranked. You feel warm and fuzzy inside after taking a sip of the peppermint mocha in a holiday cup. It is a classic you cannot have just once during the holidays.
The reason it does not earn a full five stars is because everyone doesn’t like the minty flavor. However, the drink is a classic for those who do. A hack for this drink is getting a regular latte and substituting peppermint syrup if you want the classic drink without the mocha.
Caramel Brulee Latte: 4.5/5
Everyone should try the Caramel Brulee Latte this holiday season. It is a true, must-have holiday drink that is perfect on a cold winter day. It is a little sweet, which is why this drink does not earn a full five stars.
The iced version of this drink helps cut the sweetness, giving it the justice it deserves. If you are looking for a holiday drink to keep in your lineup throughout the holiday season, this is one to put on your list.
