10 Irresistible Starbucks Drinks You Need to Try This Season
starbucks drinks have a way of turning an ordinary day into a little celebration. Maybe you need a cozy sip for a chilly commute, or you just want a fun treat that tastes like the holidays in a cup. I get it. Picking from that big green menu can feel like a game of guess and sip. So I rounded up the 10 irresistible options I keep coming back to, plus a few easy tweaks to make them totally yours. Grab your favorite cup and let’s talk about the good stuff. 
Bring on the merry
When the weather gets cooler, I start craving drinks that taste like joy. Think warm spices, creamy sweetness, minty sparkle. These are the heavy hitters that never let me down, each with a flavor profile that actually feels like the season.
Top festive sips you need to try
Here are my current stars. I’m keeping it simple, but sharing tips so you can order with confidence and get exactly what you want.
1. Caramel Brulée Latte
Buttery caramel, a little toasted sugar vibe, and a silky finish. Ask for one less pump if you prefer it less sweet, or add an extra shot if you like a stronger coffee presence. Oat milk adds a subtle cookie note that’s honestly lovely.
2. Chestnut Praline Latte
Nutty, cozy, and lightly spiced. I love this with almond milk to lean into the praline flavor. Ask for light whipped cream if you’re managing richness but still want that festive feel.
3. Peppermint Mocha
Chocolate and mint, the classic duo. For a cleaner mint note, try half peppermint syrup and keep the full mocha. Or flip it, half mocha with full peppermint, if you want that bright candy cane vibe.
4. Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
Gentle vanilla sugar meets almond milk for a soft bakery flavor. It’s excellent iced too. Add a splash of vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top to get that dessert finish without making the drink heavy.
Pro ordering move: ask for “light drizzle” or “light topping” if you’re trying to strike the balance between festive and not-too-sweet.
“I finally asked for half-sweet on my Peppermint Mocha, and it was perfect. Still festive, just not a sugar bomb. Total game changer.”
Quick personal tip: caramel lovers, try one pump of caramel syrup added to the Chestnut Praline for a toffee twist. And if you like to DIY a little at home, here’s my DIY caramel drizzle that tastes amazing over a plain latte too.
It’s a great day for coffee
Not every drink has to be super sweet. If you want that coffee-forward comfort with just a touch of holiday, these choices deliver a warm, balanced cup.
Cozy hot picks
5. Irish Cream Cold Brew
Yes it’s cold, but the flavor is rich and cozy. Order it “light sweet cream” if you’re watching sugar, or get it with one extra splash of cold foam for a lush finish. The cocoa powder dusting makes every sip feel special.
6. Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
Spicy chai meets warm gingerbread. Oat milk is perfect here because it amplifies the cookie note. If you like a little bite, ask for an extra shake of cinnamon powder on top.
7. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Bright apple spice, layered with toasty espresso. Ask for one less pump if you want the espresso to shine. I like this with light ice so it doesn’t dilute too fast.
Sweet tweaks that actually work
- Ask for half syrup or fewer pumps to dial sweetness.
- Try oat milk for cozy cookie notes or almond milk for nutty depth.
- Add a single shot to any latte if you want more coffee oomph.
- Light ice keeps flavor strong without watering things down.
Bring a little joy along
Some days, you want a fun iced treat you can sip while running errands or cruising through lights with music low and windows slightly fogged. These drinks are easy to love and totally portable.
8. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
No caffeine needed. Chocolatey, minty, and kid friendly too. Ask for extra foam if you like that cloud on top. A tiny pinch of sea salt at home turns it into a peppermint brownie situation.
9. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Not seasonal by default, but it tastes like caramel holiday joy. I ask for one pump of hazelnut to add warm, nutty depth. Light whip keeps it from being too heavy.
10. Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte with Cold Foam
This one feels like a sugar cookie milkshake in the best way. Order it with vanilla sweet cream cold foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you’re sensitive to sweetness, try it half syrup and it still tastes like a treat.
I love bringing a box of these to family game night and letting everyone pick their favorite. If you want to be the hero guest, pair them with simple bakery treats. I keep a little list here for easy planning in my holiday bakery pairing guide.
Best brewed together
Half the fun is sharing. If you are placing a group order, mix hot and iced so everyone has something they love. And make the drinks work for you with simple customizations.
Group order tips that never fail
Plan variety: include at least one minty drink, one caramel based drink, one chai, and one chocolate heavy drink. That covers nearly every taste.
Balance sweetness: order half-sweet versions for anyone who tends to sip slower, since the ice will melt and dilute the drink over time.
Milk matters: oat milk is the universal crowd pleaser. Almond milk is great for nutty flavors. Whole milk is best for ultra creamy profiles.
Temperature strategy: if you are transporting, iced drinks travel best. For hot, ask for double-cupped to keep the heat.
If you like keeping your own order organized, write the custom notes on your phone beforehand and hand it over at the register. The baristas are pros, and a clear note keeps the line moving. If you are testing a tweak, start small with a single pump swap so you can learn your sweet spot without guessing.
Our gift to you
Let’s talk little wins. If you are on Starbucks Rewards, save those stars for seasonal drinks since they tend to be pricier. That way the freebie feels like a true treat. I also love ordering a simple hot chocolate for a kiddo and adding a single peppermint pump so they feel part of the seasonal fun too.
Low effort hacks: ask for extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of lattes for a cozy scent, and try adding a splash of breve to a regular coffee for instant richness. If you are sensitive to dairy, vanilla sweet cream cold foam still tastes great in a small dose across iced drinks. And if you are ever on the fence between two flavors, go half and half. It is surprising how often that mix becomes a new favorite.
Common Questions
Q: What is the best way to order if I want less sugar?
A: Ask for half syrup or one less pump, and choose cold foam instead of whip. It keeps texture fun without adding too much sweetness.
Q: Which drinks are the most coffee forward?
A: Irish Cream Cold Brew and Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. You can also add an extra shot to any latte for a stronger coffee note.
Q: Can I make any holiday drink dairy free?
A: Usually yes. Oat milk is great for creamy drinks, almond milk for nutty or praline flavors. Just confirm if sauces contain dairy at your store.
Q: What do I order if I don’t like mint?
A: Try Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, or Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. They’re festive without the minty kick.
Q: How do I keep iced drinks from getting watery?
A: Ask for light ice, and drink sooner rather than later. For to-go time, keep the lid on and avoid shaking the cup so the ice melts slower.
Sip happy all season
There you have it, 10 cups of pure cheer that make busy days feel a little brighter. If you want to explore everything beyond this list, peek at the menu at Starbucks for more options and sizes. Holiday fans, you can also see what’s new and when festive cups return by checking the official update here: Starbucks holiday menu returns Nov. 6 with festive drinks, cups and treats. I’ll keep testing, tweaking, and sipping so you can order like a pro. Try one of these picks this week and tell me which one steals your heart.
Starbucks Holiday Drinks
Explore ten delightfully festive Starbucks drinks that bring joy and warmth to your chilly days, complete with tips for customization and ordering.
Ingrédients
Method
Ordering Tips- For a sweeter option, ask for additional syrup; for less sweetness, request half syrup or fewer pumps.
- Choose your milk wisely; oat milk works for cookie notes, almond milk for nutty flavors, and whole milk for creaminess.
- Plan for a mix of hot and iced drinks if making a group order to satisfy various preferences.
- When transporting, iced drinks travel well; order hot drinks double-cupped to retain warmth.
Notes
These drinks are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Consider pairing with simple bakery treats for an elevated experience.
Some days, you want a fun iced treat you can sip while running errands or cruising through lights with music low and windows slightly fogged. These drinks are easy to love and totally portable.
8. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
No caffeine needed. Chocolatey, minty, and kid friendly too. Ask for extra foam if you like that cloud on top. A tiny pinch of sea salt at home turns it into a peppermint brownie situation.
9. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Not seasonal by default, but it tastes like caramel holiday joy. I ask for one pump of hazelnut to add warm, nutty depth. Light whip keeps it from being too heavy.
10. Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte with Cold Foam
This one feels like a sugar cookie milkshake in the best way. Order it with vanilla sweet cream cold foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you’re sensitive to sweetness, try it half syrup and it still tastes like a treat.
I love bringing a box of these to family game night and letting everyone pick their favorite. If you want to be the hero guest, pair them with simple bakery treats. I keep a little list here for easy planning in my holiday bakery pairing guide.
Best brewed together
Half the fun is sharing. If you are placing a group order, mix hot and iced so everyone has something they love. And make the drinks work for you with simple customizations.
Group order tips that never fail
Plan variety: include at least one minty drink, one caramel based drink, one chai, and one chocolate heavy drink. That covers nearly every taste.
Balance sweetness: order half-sweet versions for anyone who tends to sip slower, since the ice will melt and dilute the drink over time.
Milk matters: oat milk is the universal crowd pleaser. Almond milk is great for nutty flavors. Whole milk is best for ultra creamy profiles.
Temperature strategy: if you are transporting, iced drinks travel best. For hot, ask for double-cupped to keep the heat.
If you like keeping your own order organized, write the custom notes on your phone beforehand and hand it over at the register. The baristas are pros, and a clear note keeps the line moving. If you are testing a tweak, start small with a single pump swap so you can learn your sweet spot without guessing.
Our gift to you
Let’s talk little wins. If you are on Starbucks Rewards, save those stars for seasonal drinks since they tend to be pricier. That way the freebie feels like a true treat. I also love ordering a simple hot chocolate for a kiddo and adding a single peppermint pump so they feel part of the seasonal fun too.
Low effort hacks: ask for extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of lattes for a cozy scent, and try adding a splash of breve to a regular coffee for instant richness. If you are sensitive to dairy, vanilla sweet cream cold foam still tastes great in a small dose across iced drinks. And if you are ever on the fence between two flavors, go half and half. It is surprising how often that mix becomes a new favorite.
Common Questions
Q: What is the best way to order if I want less sugar?
A: Ask for half syrup or one less pump, and choose cold foam instead of whip. It keeps texture fun without adding too much sweetness.
Q: Which drinks are the most coffee forward?
A: Irish Cream Cold Brew and Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. You can also add an extra shot to any latte for a stronger coffee note.
Q: Can I make any holiday drink dairy free?
A: Usually yes. Oat milk is great for creamy drinks, almond milk for nutty or praline flavors. Just confirm if sauces contain dairy at your store.
Q: What do I order if I don’t like mint?
A: Try Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, or Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. They’re festive without the minty kick.
Q: How do I keep iced drinks from getting watery?
A: Ask for light ice, and drink sooner rather than later. For to-go time, keep the lid on and avoid shaking the cup so the ice melts slower.
Sip happy all season
There you have it, 10 cups of pure cheer that make busy days feel a little brighter. If you want to explore everything beyond this list, peek at the menu at Starbucks for more options and sizes. Holiday fans, you can also see what’s new and when festive cups return by checking the official update here: Starbucks holiday menu returns Nov. 6 with festive drinks, cups and treats. I’ll keep testing, tweaking, and sipping so you can order like a pro. Try one of these picks this week and tell me which one steals your heart.
Starbucks Holiday Drinks
Ingrédients
Method
- For a sweeter option, ask for additional syrup; for less sweetness, request half syrup or fewer pumps.
- Choose your milk wisely; oat milk works for cookie notes, almond milk for nutty flavors, and whole milk for creaminess.
- Plan for a mix of hot and iced drinks if making a group order to satisfy various preferences.
- When transporting, iced drinks travel well; order hot drinks double-cupped to retain warmth.