CREDIT: FSU PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

One of my favourite things to do during the holiday season is curl up by the fire with a nice book and a festive drink, and nothing screams festive drinks like Starbucks. If you are anything like me and love the classic “red cup” season at Starbucks, this is the guide for you. As any Starbucks lover knows, Starbucks truly goes hard during the holiday season.

Starbucks holiday drinks usually drop in early November. With the return of the classic holiday favourites like the iconic Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulé Latte, we can expect nothing but comfort to the taste buds. The Chestnut Praline Latte is also making a return, alongside the Irish Cream Cold Brew.

This year, Starbucks has introduced an all-new Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, which unfortunately meant two drinks got the chop including the classic Eggnog and Gingerbread Lattes.


With great drinks also comes a great line-up of sweet treats. This year brings the return of the Cranberry Bliss Bar (my personal favourite, especially warmed up), the iconic Snowman Sugar Cookie and the introduction of a brand new Reindeer Cake Pop.

Now if anyone is truly obsessed with Starbucks and loves exploring the secret menu or if you just want to try something new to satisfy your taste buds, there are a few drinks that I recommend trying. If you like sweet drinks, I recommend ordering a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with added peppermint syrup (shots vary on sizing, a size tall would get one pump, a size grande would get one and a half pumps and a size venti would get two pumps). This drink tastes just like a candy cane.

If you are looking for something less sweet and are feeling upset over the loss of the Eggnog Latte, here’s how you can enjoy one all year round. Order a Chai Latte and add caramel syrup (two pumps for a tall, three pumps for a grande and four pumps for a venti) and if you want it iced, just order an Iced Chai Latte and add the same amount of caramel syrup as you would to a hot version.

These holiday treats will bring your taste buds some festive cheer and get you in the holiday mood. It’s always nice to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a trip to Starbucks to explore their menu. For more hidden secrets you can go to starbuckssecretmenu.net and find more options to explore this holiday season.