If Starbucks fall drinks are just a warm-up for you, we have good news: You can stop asking, “When does the Starbucks holiday drinks 2022 lineup come out?”
Because we have an answer: The Starbucks holiday drinks will be in stores on Thursday, November 3. The company is bringing back all your old favorites, including the Peppermint Mocha and the Chestnut Praline Latte. Last year’s addition to the drink lineup, the nondairy Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, is also returning. As for new menu items, there’s a bakery treat that sounds absolutely delicious.
Best of all, you can enjoy all of the best Starbucks holiday drinks in the company’s signature red cups, which hit stores nationwide on the same day. And if you’d like to start your holiday shopping early, look for new limited-edition holiday merchandise—think colorful cold cups, tumblers, mugs and more—along with gift cards in a variety of new designs. (Did you know you can text a Starbucks gift card?)
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about everything hitting the Starbucks Christmas drinks 2022 menu.
What are the Starbucks holiday drinks this year?
The are six official holiday drinks on the Starbucks menu, not counting the freshly brewed Christmas Blend coffee. They are: the Peppermint Mocha, the Caramel Brulée Latte, the Chestnut Praline Latte, the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, the Irish Cream Cold Brew, and the nondairy Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte. There are also ways to customize some of these drinks, as well as Starbucks secret menu items you can order to get in the Christmas spirit. For details on that, keep reading.
What is on the Starbucks holiday food menu this year?
You’ll find the traditional holiday bakery items are back, including Christmas-themed cookies and cake pops. Also returning are the Cranberry Bliss Bar and the Sugar Plum Danish. There is a new menu item this year too: the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl.
What’s the best Christmas Starbucks drink?
The best Starbucks holiday drinks are totally subjective based on your taste and dietary needs. However, the Peppermint Mocha is definitely the OG menu item. (This year is its 20th anniversary!) So if you’re unsure what to order, that’s where we suggest you start.
Is the Peppermint Mocha better hot or cold?
Again, that’s based on your preference. Iced drinks are popular at Starbucks year round, so much so that the company introduced the Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte last year. That said, the Peppermint Mocha was originally created as a hot drink. We find that sticking with the original intention often yields the best results when it comes to Starbucks Christmas drinks.
And now, let’s get to the Starbucks holiday drinks 2022 lineup—and how to make them healthier too, if that’s your style.
Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte
Not only is this latte iced, it’s also made with almond milk. Translation: The Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte was the first time the company introduced a nondairy holiday beverage. Made with sugar-cookie-flavored syrup, blonde espresso, and almond milk, it’s light, sweet, and oh, so festive. (Did we mention it’s also topped with red and green sprinkles? Holiday feels abound.) And although the almond milk is just about perfect with the toasty flavored syrup, you can customize it with any milk of your choice, or even get it made hot.
Peppermint Mocha
This holiday favorite is turning 20, and it’s just as comforting as you remember. Made with espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint syrup, with a topping of whipped cream and dark chocolate curls, it’s incredible in hot, iced, or Frappuccino form. It can also be made with the alt-milk of your choice, and without the whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
Caramel Brulée Latte
What’s not to love about those three words? A blend of espresso, steamed milk, and caramel brulée sauce, and topped with whipped cream and caramel brulée bits, this is a desserty delight any time of day. And although it can’t be made entirely dairy-free (there’s milk in the caramel sauce), you can still select any milk of your choice, or skip the whip for a lighter version.
Chestnut Praline Latte
I honestly have no idea if I’ve ever had a chestnut IRL, but I’ll always pick up a chestnut praline latte for a little holiday spice. A combination of espresso, steamed milk of your choice, and chestnut praline syrup, it gets a topping of whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs.
Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
As a die-hard white chocolate mocha fan, I always look forward to this time of year for this upgraded version. Made with espresso, toasted white chocolate sauce, and your steamed milk of choice, then topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles, it’s worth the wait. (Pro tip: Add a pump of peppermint for even more of a holiday twist.) Worth noting: Due to the white chocolate sauce, this bev can’t be made dairy-free, either.
Irish Cream Cold Brew
This frothy iced drink is the Starbucks cold brew spiked with Irish cream syrup, topped with a cold foam of vanilla sweet cream plus a sprinkling of cocoa powder. For a dairy-free twist, skip the cold foam and ask your barista for foam using your favorite alt-milk instead (oat milk usually whips up the best).
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Peppermint Coffee
As low-calorie Starbucks holiday drinks go, this off-menu secret is one we’re big fans of: Try adding your favorite flavored syrup to any regular coffee for a slightly healthier—but equally festive—option. Peppermint syrup is a great choice, but Irish cream would be delish as well.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate
For those looking for Starbucks winter drinks without coffee, nothing beats another customizable option: the peppermint hot chocolate. Made with mocha sauce, peppermint syrup, and the steamed milk of your choice, then topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls, it’s everything amazing about the peppermint mocha, sans espresso. Oh, and don’t sleep on the peppermint white hot chocolate either, made with white chocolate mocha sauce.
PS: Now that you’re feeling the holiday spirit, why not try making winter cocktails or enjoying some winter movies while you’re at it?
