The Holiday Cup Has Arrived
The red cups are back, the air smells like roasted coffee and cinnamon, and Starbucks has officially declared the start of the holiday season. Every year, Starbucks fans eagerly await the return of their favorite festive drinks — a lineup of sweet, spiced, and delightfully cozy flavors that have become just as iconic as the season itself.
But with so many choices on the menu, how do you know which one to order first? To help you decide, we conducted the ultimate Starbucks Seasonal Drinks Taste Test for 2025 — sampling each holiday drink and scoring it for flavor, balance, and overall festive cheer.
From the creamy Caramel Brûlée Latte to the nostalgia-filled Gingerbread Latte, we’re revealing which holiday drinks are worth every sip and which ones might be better left behind the counter.
The Starbucks Seasonal Lineup 2025
Before diving into the results, here’s the full lineup we taste-tested this year:
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Peppermint Mocha
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Caramel Brûlée Latte
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Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
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Chestnut Praline Latte
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Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
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Gingerbread Latte
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Irish Cream Cold Brew
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Hot Chocolate (Holiday Edition)
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Eggnog Latte (Limited Availability)
Each drink was tested both hot and iced (where available), ensuring we captured every possible version of that signature holiday flavor.
Taste Test Criteria
Each Starbucks holiday drink was rated on the following five categories:
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Flavor Profile: How well-balanced are the ingredients?
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Sweetness Level: Is it dessert-in-a-cup sweet or comfortably cozy?
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Festive Factor: Does it taste like the holidays in every sip?
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Drinkability: Would we order it again (and again)?
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Overall Score: A blend of all the above for the final ranking.
Peppermint Mocha — The Evergreen Favorite
If Starbucks had a holiday mascot, it would be the Peppermint Mocha. This drink combines espresso, mocha sauce, and peppermint syrup, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls. It’s been around since 2002 — and there’s a reason it’s still the fan favorite.
Taste Test:
Rich, smooth chocolate meets a refreshing burst of peppermint. The balance is near perfect — bold coffee flavor without being overshadowed by sweetness. It’s like drinking a minty chocolate truffle wrapped in holiday spirit.
Sweetness Level: Moderate
Festive Factor: 10/10 — instantly feels like Christmas.
Drinkability: Excellent hot or iced.
Overall Score: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Verdict: Still the undefeated holiday classic. If you only order one drink this season, make it this one.
Caramel Brûlée Latte — The Buttery Indulgence
This golden beauty combines espresso, steamed milk, and rich caramel brûlée sauce, topped with whipped cream and caramelized sugar bits.
Taste Test:
The first sip hits with buttery caramel and creamy warmth. It’s sweet — make no mistake — but that toasty flavor gives it depth. The caramelized topping adds a subtle crunch that makes every sip feel luxurious.
Sweetness Level: High
Festive Factor: 9/10 — buttery-sweet and golden like a Christmas dessert.
Drinkability: Best enjoyed hot on a cold day.
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Verdict: Dessert lovers will adore this one. It’s rich, comforting, and practically made for sitting by the fire.
Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte — The Nostalgic Favorite
Starbucks’ first non-dairy holiday latte quickly became a seasonal staple. Made with blonde espresso, sugar cookie syrup, and almondmilk, it’s topped with festive red and green sprinkles.
Taste Test:
Light, buttery, and subtly sweet — like sipping a sugar cookie fresh from the oven. The almondmilk adds a slightly nutty undertone that complements the syrup perfectly. It’s less sweet than expected but full of comforting bakery vibes.
Sweetness Level: Mild
Festive Factor: 8.5/10 — charmingly nostalgic.
Drinkability: Excellent iced or hot.
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Verdict: Perfect for those who prefer a lighter, dairy-free festive drink.
Chestnut Praline Latte — The Warm Hug
This underrated classic combines espresso, steamed milk, and chestnut praline syrup, topped with whipped cream and praline crumbs. It’s the quiet star of the menu — subtle, nutty, and undeniably cozy.
Taste Test:
Each sip feels like sitting next to a crackling fireplace. The nutty chestnut flavor pairs beautifully with the caramelized praline topping. It’s slightly toasty and not overly sweet, making it one of the most balanced drinks on the list.
Sweetness Level: Moderate
Festive Factor: 9/10 — warm and nostalgic.
Drinkability: Ideal as a morning latte.
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Verdict: A refined, sophisticated choice for true coffee lovers.
Toasted White Chocolate Mocha — The Dreamy Dessert
Toasted White Chocolate Mocha brings espresso together with toasted white chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream and festive sugar pearls.
Taste Test:
Creamy, rich, and sweet enough to double as dessert. The toasted element adds a caramel-like flavor that keeps it from being overly sugary. However, it can be quite heavy after a few sips — definitely a treat, not an everyday order.
Sweetness Level: High
Festive Factor: 8/10 — very indulgent and rich.
Drinkability: Best in small doses.
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Verdict: If you love white chocolate, this is your holiday heaven.
Gingerbread Latte — The Cozy Comeback
The Gingerbread Latte made its grand return this year, and fans couldn’t be happier. It blends espresso, steamed milk, and gingerbread syrup, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Taste Test:
The aroma alone feels like Christmas. It’s spiced, warm, and slightly sweet with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It tastes like freshly baked gingerbread cookies dipped in coffee.
Sweetness Level: Moderate
Festive Factor: 10/10 — pure nostalgia in a cup.
Drinkability: Great balance of spice and sweetness.
Overall Score: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Verdict: A must-try. This one’s a heartwarming return to tradition.
Irish Cream Cold Brew — The Chill Classic
For those who prefer their caffeine cold, the Irish Cream Cold Brew is a refreshing yet festive option. It’s made with Starbucks’ smooth cold brew, topped with Irish cream cold foam and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Taste Test:
Smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet. The cold foam adds a velvety texture, while the cocoa dust gives a chocolatey finish. It’s not as festive as the spiced drinks, but it’s elegant and refreshing.
Sweetness Level: Mild
Festive Factor: 7/10 — classy but understated.
Drinkability: Excellent for cold coffee fans.
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Verdict: Perfect for those who want a winter coffee without the sugar rush.
Hot Chocolate (Holiday Edition) — The Family Favorite
A Starbucks holiday menu wouldn’t be complete without hot chocolate. The seasonal version includes rich mocha sauce, steamed milk, whipped cream, and festive chocolate drizzle.
Taste Test:
Thick, creamy, and nostalgic. It’s not overly complex, but it delivers that cozy “holiday at home” feeling. Great for kids or anyone avoiding espresso.
Sweetness Level: High
Festive Factor: 8/10 — simple and comforting.
Drinkability: Always hits the spot.
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Verdict: A timeless favorite that warms you from the inside out.
Eggnog Latte — The Classic Return
A cult favorite that makes occasional appearances, the Eggnog Latte blends espresso with rich, spiced eggnog and steamed milk.
Taste Test:
Creamy, spiced, and incredibly nostalgic. The nutmeg and vanilla notes are perfectly balanced, though it can be quite rich. A “once-a-season” indulgence for those who love traditional holiday flavors.
Sweetness Level: High
Festive Factor: 10/10 — Christmas nostalgia in liquid form.
Drinkability: Best enjoyed slowly.
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Verdict: A classic comfort drink that feels like Christmas morning.
The Final Starbucks Holiday Drink Ranking (2025)
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Peppermint Mocha — The ultimate holiday favorite
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Gingerbread Latte — The nostalgic comeback star
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Chestnut Praline Latte — Warm, nutty perfection
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Caramel Brûlée Latte — Buttery and indulgent
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Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte — Light and dairy-free delight
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Toasted White Chocolate Mocha — Sweet and dessert-like
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Irish Cream Cold Brew — Smooth, classy, and chilled
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Hot Chocolate — Simple comfort for all ages
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Eggnog Latte — Seasonal nostalgia in a cup
Pro Tips for Enjoying Starbucks Holiday Drinks
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Customize Sweetness: Most drinks come with four pumps of syrup — try asking for two if you prefer less sweetness.
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Switch Up the Milk: Oat or almond milk can give your drink a subtle flavor twist.
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Try It Iced: Even the festive flavors taste amazing cold — especially the Sugar Cookie or Peppermint Mocha.
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Pair It with a Snack: A Cranberry Bliss Bar or Ginger Loaf enhances your drink’s holiday flavor.
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Order a Sample Size: If you want to taste-test multiple drinks yourself, ask for a “short” size — smaller portions, same flavor.
Fun Holiday Pairing Ideas
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Peppermint Mocha + Chocolate Cake Pop – A sweet, minty match.
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Chestnut Praline Latte + Gingerbread Cookie – Earthy meets spice.
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Caramel Brûlée Latte + Croissant – Buttery bliss.
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Sugar Cookie Latte + Snowman Cookie – Cute and festive combo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Starbucks holiday drink is the most popular?
The Peppermint Mocha continues to be the top favorite worldwide thanks to its perfect mix of chocolate, espresso, and peppermint.
What’s the best dairy-free Starbucks holiday drink?
The Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte is the best non-dairy festive option, offering a light, buttery flavor.
Which drink has the least sugar?
The Irish Cream Cold Brew and Chestnut Praline Latte are lower in sweetness compared to most holiday drinks.
Are all Starbucks holiday drinks available iced?
Most are! The Sugar Cookie, Peppermint Mocha, and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha can all be ordered iced or as frappuccinos.
When does Starbucks release its holiday menu?
Starbucks typically launches its holiday lineup in early November and keeps it available until early January.
What’s new on the Starbucks 2025 holiday menu?
The long-awaited Gingerbread Latte has returned — and it’s as delicious as ever!
Final Thoughts: The Taste of Christmas in a Cup
After tasting every drink on Starbucks’ 2025 holiday menu, one thing is certain: Starbucks knows how to capture the magic of the season in every cup.
The Peppermint Mocha still holds its crown as the ultimate Christmas drink, with the Gingerbread Latte and Chestnut Praline Latte close behind. But no matter which one you choose, each holiday beverage delivers that unmistakable feeling of warmth, nostalgia, and joy — the kind that makes winter mornings and snowy evenings a little brighter.
So, this Christmas, treat yourself to a cup of comfort, share one with a friend, and let Starbucks’ festive flavors make your season a little sweeter — one sip at a time.
