18 Best Christmas Starbucks Drinks To Enjoy This Festive Season

‘Tis the season for festive flavors and cozy sips! When the holidays roll around, Starbucks fans know it’s time for those special red cups and seasonal drinks that feel like Christmas in a cup.

From timeless classics to creative secret-menu concoctions, we’ve rounded up the 18 best Christmas Starbucks drinks available in a fun countdown.

Each drink brings its own holiday magic whether it’s minty, sweet, spicy, or nostalgic.

So grab a comfy seat by the fire (or the window at your local Starbucks) and let’s count down some holiday cheer, one delicious drink at a time!

18. Santa Claus Frappuccino (Secret Menu)

The Santa Claus Frappuccino sports a cheerful mix of vanilla and strawberry, topped with whipped cream and festive red sprinkles.

This jolly secret-menu treat is as fun and festive as it sounds. The Santa Claus Frappuccino isn’t an official menu item, but it’s a popular ask for those in the know.

What’s in it? It starts with a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino base, layered with swirls of strawberry purée to create a red-and-white “Santa suit” effect.

The result tastes like a creamy strawberry shortcake with a holiday twist – more sweet and fruity than your typical Christmas spice.

It’s topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of red or green sugar. Kids (and the young at heart) absolutely love its merry appearance.

While it’s not a traditional Christmas flavor like peppermint or gingerbread, it earns a spot on the list for pure whimsical joy.

If you’re looking to surprise your little one (or yourself) with something that looks straight out of the North Pole, give this Santa-approved sip a try! Ho ho ho! 🎅🏼

17. Sugar Cookie Chai (Secret Menu Twist)

Chai lovers, this one is for you. The Sugar Cookie Chai is a delightful mashup of spicy and sweet, essentially an iced chai latte with a holiday cookie makeover.

To order it, you ask for a chai latte (hot or iced) and add a few pumps of Starbucks’ Sugar Cookie syrup, plus some vanilla sweet cream cold foam and a scattering of red and green sprinkles on top.

The result is surprisingly magical: imagine the warming cinnamon and clove notes of chai mingling with buttery sugar cookie sweetness. It’s like dunking a Christmas cookie into your spiced tea.

The velvety cold foam makes each sip smooth and creamy, balancing the boldness of the black tea.

Granted, this secret menu hack is pretty sweet (chai purists might raise an eyebrow), but it’s perfect if you have a sweet tooth or want your chai to feel a bit more like dessert.

On a chilly afternoon of holiday shopping, a Sugar Cookie Chai in hand can make everything feel cozy and bright.

16. Candy Cane Frappuccino (Secret Menu)

This minty fresh frappe is a fan-favorite off-menu creation that tastes just like a candy cane in milkshake form.

The Candy Cane Frappuccino keeps it simple: it uses a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino as the base and adds peppermint syrup – one pump for a tall, two for a grande, three for a venti.

Since peppermint syrup is available year-round at Starbucks, you can actually enjoy this icy treat any time, but it really shines during the holidays.

The flavor is light, creamy vanilla mint, which is refreshing and not overly heavy. It’s basically a peppermint milkshake, topped with whipped cream.

You can even ask for bits of peppermint candy topping if your store has them, to amp up the festive factor. Kids and adults alike enjoy this one as a frosty alternative to hot cocoa.

Just be careful not to go overboard on the peppermint syrup because a little goes a long way to keep the flavor balanced.

If you love candy canes and want a break from coffee, the Candy Cane Frappuccino is a cool holiday treat worth trying.

15. Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate (Secret Menu)

If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and caffeine-free, the Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate has you covered.

This secret menu delight is basically Starbucks’ classic White Hot Chocolate dressed up with cinnamon dolce syrup – think white chocolate + cinnamon = snickerdoodle cookie vibes.

Baristas can make it by mixing white chocolate sauce with a couple pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup in steamed milk (some recipes add a pump of vanilla or even chai for extra spice).

The result? A sweet, creamy cup that tastes like a liquid snickerdoodle cookie. It’s topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Each sip is buttery, vanilla-cinnamon goodness reminiscent of those sugar cookies coated in cinnamon (the kind Grandma makes!).

This drink doesn’t have coffee or tea, so it’s great for kids or anyone avoiding caffeine. It’s indulgent for sure and definitely a dessert-like treat, but hey, the holidays are the perfect time to treat yourself.

If you leave one of these out for Santa, he might skip the chimney and use the front door!

14. Candy Cane Cold Brew (Secret Menu)

A festive Candy Cane Cold Brew topped with peppermint sweet cream foam and holiday sprinkles.

Cold brew fans can join the holiday fun, too! The Candy Cane Cold Brew is a refreshing yet festive secret-menu beverage that balances the robust smoothness of cold brew with sweet peppermint flair.

Start with a Starbucks cold brew and add white chocolate mocha syrup and peppermint syrup (the recommended mix is four pumps white mocha, two pumps peppermint for a venti).

The real magic happens on top: ask for vanilla sweet cream cold foam with a couple pumps of peppermint mixed in, plus red and green sprinkles to finish it off.

The result is a gorgeous layered drink – dark coffee on the bottom, fluffy minty cream on top.

Flavor-wise, it’s like a peppermint mocha in reverse: the cold brew coffee brings a bold depth, while the white chocolate and peppermint add a cooling sweetness without overwhelming.

It’s not as heavy as a frappuccino or latte, so you can enjoy it daily without sugar overload.

If you find the idea of candy canes and coffee odd, don’t worry, because this combo impressed even skeptics with its perfect balance of mint and creamy sweetness.

For those marathon gift-shopping days, a Candy Cane Cold Brew will keep you buzzing through the holiday bustle with a little peppermint pep!

13. Peppermint Bark Frappuccino (Secret Menu)

The Peppermint Bark Frappuccino blends dark and white mocha with peppermint, which is a frozen homage to the classic holiday candy.

Meet the Peppermint Bark Frappuccino, the grown-up cousin of the Candy Cane Frapp.

This secret-menu creation was designed to taste like the beloved black-and-white peppermint bark candy we all nibble on during Christmas.

To order it, ask for a Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino but with a twist: make half the pumps white chocolate mocha instead of regular mocha.

This blend of dark chocolate and white chocolate sauces, plus peppermint syrup, gives you that layered chocolate mint flavor that peppermint bark is known for.

The Frappuccino is then topped with whipped cream and maybe some chocolate curls or bits of candy cane for crunch.

One of the best parts of this drink is that it’s coffee-based (unlike the simpler Candy Cane Frapp), so you get a nice little caffeine kick along with the festive sweetness.

Each sip is creamy, minty, and chocolaty, hitting all the holiday notes. It’s indulgent, yes, but if you’re a peppermint-chocolate lover, this one hits the sweet spot.

Think of it as the ultimate December dessert in a cup – part milkshake, part coffee, and 100% holiday cheer.

12. Chestnut Praline Cold Brew (Secret Menu)

For a more grown-up holiday flavor in your cold coffee, the Chestnut Praline Cold Brew is an up-and-coming favorite.

Starbucks’ Chestnut Praline syrup (featured in the latte further down this list) is the star here, and it transforms a cold brew into a nutty, cozy treat.

Fans discovered that adding a few pumps of Chestnut Praline syrup and white mocha to a cold brew, then topping it with Chestnut Praline cold foam and spiced praline crumbles, creates something truly special.

This secret-menu beverage was such a notable standout among custom cold brews that some tasters said it might become a new holiday go-to.

Imagine the smooth, strong base of cold brew coffee inflected with toasty caramelized chestnut flavor – it’s a beautiful balance of bold and sweet.

The nutty syrup and the creamy foam add a warmth that makes a cold drink still feel comforting in winter.

The best part is you can often order this through the Starbucks app now, since the company added more flavor and cold foam options (so you don’t have to recite a long recipe in person if that intimidates you).

If you love the Chestnut Praline Latte hot, give this chilly version a try for a refreshing yet cozy afternoon pick-me-up. It’s proof that holiday flavors aren’t just for lattes!

11. Grinch Frappuccino (Secret Menu)

The Grinch Frappuccino is as green as the Grinch himself – a matcha-based treat with a surprisingly sweet heart.

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s famous green grump, the Grinch Frappuccino is a secret-menu item that went from internet rumor to real-life favorite.

At first glance (or first sip), you might expect a weird clash of flavors because after all, this drink mixes matcha green tea with peppermint and sugar cookie syrup.

It sounds strange, but trust us, it works! In fact, tasters were pleasantly surprised by how delicious the combination turned out. T

o order one, ask for a Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino and add pumps of Sugar Cookie syrup (for that sweet buttery note) and a touch of peppermint syrup.

Baristas often dress it up by lining the cup with mocha drizzle (or strawberry sauce) and topping with whipped cream, a dusting of matcha powder, and chocolate curls, creating a green, white, and brown palette that channels “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” vibes.

The flavor ends up like a minty, creamy vanilla-matcha shake with a hint of chocolate – unexpected, but delightful. It’s rich and sweet, yet the peppermint adds a refreshing lift.

Even if your heart is “two sizes too small,” this fun frappuccino might just make it grow with each festive sip. It’s Instagram-worthy, conversation-starting, and most importantly, yummy.

The Grinch himself might even crack a smile for this one!

10. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Let’s take a moment to appreciate a classic. Peppermint Hot Chocolate isn’t complicated or secret because it’s right on the Starbucks menu and has been a holiday staple for years.

Simply put, it’s the regular Starbucks Hot Chocolate (made with steamed milk and mocha sauce) plus peppermint syrup, topped with whipped cream and usually a sprinkle of dark chocolate curls.

It tastes like a creamy peppermint candy bar melted into a cup.

This drink is pure comfort: the rich chocolate warms you up, and the cool peppermint makes it feel like winter even if you live in a warm climate.

It’s also a fantastic caffeine-free option for kids or anyone avoiding coffee but still wanting a treat.

Many of us have nostalgic memories of sipping a peppermint hot cocoa while strolling through holiday light displays or decorating the tree.

The balance of flavors is just right, sweet and chocolatey, with that peppermint zing that leaves a tingly feeling, like caroling for your taste buds.

If a Peppermint Mocha is a bit too much coffee for you, or you’re already maxed on caffeine for the day, this is the go-to.

It’s basically Christmas comfort in a cup, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

9. Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai (New Holiday Drink)

Here’s a newcomer that quickly made waves: the Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai.

Starbucks introduced this drink in 2023, and it’s a game-changer for gingerbread fans who also happen to love chai tea.

This beverage combines the spicy, warming goodness of chai (black tea infused with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and more) with the sweet molasses-y spice of gingerbread syrup.

It’s all shaken up with oat milk and served over ice, and let me tell you, it’s so refreshing to have a holiday drink that’s not a heavy latte.

The gingerbread perfectly amplifies the spices in the chai, like they were born to be blended. Each sip is creamy, gingery, and lightly sweet, with the oat milk adding a smooth, nutty backdrop.

It almost tastes like a gingerbread cookie dunked in chai tea, yet it’s totally vegan-friendly and dairy-free.

Starbucks made this the centerpiece of their winter menu because it offers something a little different from the usual lineup, a “love letter to gingerbread and ginger,” as one of their beverage developers put it.

Fun fact: by bringing this drink to life, Starbucks actually had to bring back gingerbread syrup, which also means the beloved Gingerbread Latte (next on our list) became possible again after being MIA for a few years.

So chai fans, rejoice because you’ve now got a festive option that’s cool, spicy, and everything nice.

Don’t be afraid to try it hot as well; it’s equally delicious served warm for those cold mornings.

8. Irish Cream Cold Brew

Not all holiday drinks are overflowing with peppermint and sprinkles; some are a bit more subtle but no less festive.

The Irish Cream Cold Brew is a relative newcomer that first joined Starbucks’ holiday roster in 2019, quickly earning a devoted following.

This drink is all about smooth balance: it’s Starbucks cold brew coffee blended with Irish cream syrup over ice, then topped with a cloud of vanilla sweet cream cold foam and a dusting of cocoa powder.

The flavor is reminiscent of a classic Irish coffee (without the whiskey) – think notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a whisper of almond-like creaminess from the Irish cream flavor.

It’s not overtly sweet or dessert-y; it’s more of a lightly sweet, creamy iced coffee with a cozy twist.

If you’re someone who finds the lattes and Frappuccinos too heavy, the Irish Cream Cold Brew is a perfect choice because it’s refreshing, with a nice caffeine kick, and just enough sweetness to feel special.

Many people love that it isn’t cloying; you could drink it every morning in December and not tire of it.

We do have to note for 2023 fans: this drink was temporarily off the menu that year (Starbucks rotated it out along with the Toasted White Mocha), causing some heartbreak among devotees.

But when it’s available, it definitely deserves a spot among the best. It’s a sophisticated holiday flavor in a cup, and the snowy layer of foam with cocoa on top even looks like a snow-dusted winter treat.

7. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

Dreaming of a white Christmas? The Toasted White Chocolate Mocha might be the next best thing in a mug.

This latte was introduced in 2017 as a new holiday offering, and it quickly became a favorite for those who prefer white chocolate over regular.

It’s made with espresso and steamed milk blended with a rich white chocolate sauce that has a “toasted marshmallow” kind of vibe, then topped with whipped cream and festive sparkly cranberry sugar.

The flavor is creamy, sweet, and mellow: imagine a cup of hot white cocoa, made extra indulgent with espresso and a hint of caramelized sugar.

Some say it tastes a bit like golden toasted marshmallows or the browned top of a creme brûlée – without any actual marshmallow, of course.

While it is sweet, it’s not as boldly flavored as peppermint or gingerbread drinks; instead, it’s smooth and buttery, with a subtle caramel-toast finish.

The red candied cranberry sprinkles on top give it a slight tangy crunch and a pretty holiday look.

This latte was sadly left off the menu in 2023 (to many folks’ disappointment), but it had a solid run of six years and is still near and dear to our hearts (and taste buds).

If you ever see it make a comeback, or you’re able to customize something similar, definitely give it a try. It’s like a warm hug from a snowman, meltingly sweet and bound to make you smile.

6. Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

The Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte is relative royalty among newer holiday drinks. It debuted in 2021 as the first-ever non-dairy holiday drink on the Starbucks menu.

And what a debut! This latte (which can be ordered iced or hot) captures the flavor of a buttery frosted sugar cookie in a cup.

It starts with blonde espresso and almond milk, combined with a special Sugar Cookie syrup that brings notes of vanilla, almond, and that unmistakable baked cookie taste.

It’s all topped off with whipped cream (or foam) and cute little red and green sprinkles. Visually, it’s adorable; flavor-wise, it’s a winner for anyone who loves cookies, but not overly heavy drinks.

Because it uses almond milk, it has a lighter, slightly nutty finish (almost like the nuttiness of a real sugar cookie).

When iced, it’s refreshing yet cozy, and the sweetness is moderate about a medium level, so you get a nice dessert-like treat without feeling like you drank pure frosting.

The fact that it’s non-dairy by default was a huge plus for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant; finally, a holiday drink everyone can enjoy without substitutions!

The taste really does evoke a holiday sugar cookie, especially if you sip it alongside a plate of actual cookies (why not double up?).

It’s like childhood nostalgia meets grown-up coffee fix. Many people loved it so much on launch that it quickly became a regular in the holiday rotation.

If you haven’t tried it yet, picture yourself cozying up to a Christmas movie with a cup of this in hand – pure sugar and spice and everything nice.

5. Eggnog Latte

A freshly made Eggnog Latte in a Starbucks holiday cup, topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Few drinks spark as much nostalgia (and debate) as the Eggnog Latte.

This iconic holiday beverage has been around since 1986, making it one of Starbucks’ oldest seasonal traditions.

For decades, fans would wait all year for that first taste of eggnog blended with espresso because it’s literally Christmas morning in a cup for those who love it.

The latte itself is simple: rich eggnog (yes, the real eggnog base) is steamed with a bit of milk and then combined with espresso, topped with a light sprinkle of ground nutmeg.

The result is thick, creamy, and decadent. The flavor? Imagine the custardy, spicy richness of eggnog, hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and cream, given a roasty depth from the espresso.

It’s incredibly cozy and indulgent. Now, eggnog as a flavor can be polarizing; if you’re not into that creamy nutmeg vibe, this might not be your jam. But for many, it’s a must-have holiday indulgence.

In fact, when Starbucks tried to drop it from the menu in 2014, customer backlash was so strong that the company quickly brought it back and apologized! That’s how beloved this drink is.

Unfortunately, in recent years, Starbucks has scaled back availability as of 2020; it was discontinued nationally, breaking eggnog lovers’ hearts.

You might still find it in select stores or regions late in the season (or try a secret hack: a mix of chai, caramel, and vanilla can mimic eggnog’s flavor).

But whether you’re one of the faithful or just eggnog-curious, the Eggnog Latte’s legacy earns it a top-five spot. When it’s on the menu, it truly feels like the holidays.

4. Gingerbread Latte

Gingerbread Latte is the quintessential holiday coffee that many people consider Christmas in a cup.

First introduced in 2000, this drink was a Starbucks menu staple for nearly 20 years, and for many of us, the season didn’t start until we had our Gingerbread Latte.

It’s an espresso-based latte flavored with gingerbread syrup, which brings in that warm, spicy-sweet mix of ginger, cinnamon, and clove, with a touch of molasses flavor.

Traditionally, it’s topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg (or sometimes raw sugar sprinkles). The aroma alone could make you hear sleigh bells.

It smells like freshly baked gingerbread cookies and cozy kitchen spices.

Taste-wise, it’s heavenly: the spices are comforting but not overpowering, the sweetness is just right, and there’s a slight buttery-cookie note that lingers.

Drinking one feels like sitting by a fireplace wrapped in a soft blanket.

Sadly, Starbucks in the U.S. discontinued the Gingerbread Latte after 2018 (cue the tears), even pulling the special syrup so you couldn’t easily DIY it… until now!

In 2023, to everyone’s surprise and delight, gingerbread flavoring made a comeback via the new Gingerbread Chai, meaning the Gingerbread Latte could quietly be ordered again off-menu.

And rejoice, because a new generation gets to taste this classic. If you manage to get your hands on one, savor it. It’s festive, heartwarming, and wonderfully nostalgic.

One sip might transport you to memories of decorating gingerbread houses or watching Home Alone in footie pajamas.

Truly, the Gingerbread Latte is the ghost of Christmas past we’re always happy to see return.

3. Chestnut Praline Latte

If the holiday season had an official comfort drink, the Chestnut Praline Latte would be a strong contender.

Debuting nationwide in 2014 as Starbucks’ first new holiday beverage in five years, it instantly won fans with its unique flavor profile.

This latte combines espresso and steamed milk with a caramelized chestnut and brown sugar syrup, and it’s topped with whipped cream and crunchy spiced praline crumbs.

The overall vibe is cozy and indulgent without being over-the-top. Take a sip, and you get a toasty, nutty sweetness like the aroma of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but in liquid form.

There’s a hint of buttery caramel and a whisper of warm spice in there too, making it wonderfully layered.

It’s sweet, but interestingly, not the sweetest on the menu. In fact, it has slightly less sugar than the popular Caramel Brulée Latte, so you won’t feel like you’re drinking pure candy.

The praline crumble topping might be the best part: little bits of sugared nuts and spices that add texture and bring out the latte’s baked good flavors.

Each cup feels like a treat and a hug combined.

Over the years, Chestnut Praline Latte has become a modern classic and a staple of the U.S. holiday lineup (while our friends in Europe have long loved their similar Toffee Nut Latte).

If you’re looking for something beyond the usual peppermint or vanilla, give this a try.

2. Caramel Brulée Latte

Coming in at number two is the Caramel Brulée Latte, a drink that could easily be dessert and coffee all in one.

This gem was part of Starbucks’ holiday drink expansion back in 2009 and has been a returning favorite ever since.

As the name suggests, it’s inspired by crème brûlée, the classic burnt-sugar custard dessert, and it lives up to that decadence.

The latte is made with espresso and milk plus a special Caramel Brulée sauce that tastes like rich caramel with deep, smoky notes of caramelized sugar.

It’s sweet, buttery, and has that “cooked sugar” taste that really does remind you of cracking the shell of a crème brûlée.

On top, you get whipped cream and the Caramel Brulée topping, which are crispy caramel-sugar bits that add a satisfying crunch and extra flavor pop.

The first sip might just make your eyes light up; it’s indulgent in the best way, with the espresso lending a balancing bitterness to all that sweet caramel.

Yes, it’s on the sweeter side of Starbucks drinks (the Atlantic once noted it has more sugar than even the Chestnut Praline Latte), but hey, the holidays are a time to treat yourself.

This latte just feels celebratory; it’s the one you grab when you’ve wrapped the last gift or finished a long day of holiday errands and you need a pick-me-up that doubles as a reward.

Many people consider this their #1, and it was a close call here.

It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and utterly festive, basically, liquid caramel joy. If you love caramel, the Caramel Brulée Latte is a must-try (just be prepared to crave it all year long).

1. Peppermint Mocha

Drumroll, please… Peppermint Mocha takes the crown as the ultimate Christmas Starbucks drink, and honestly, are you even surprised?

This beverage is the hallmark of Starbucks’ holiday season, appearing on the menu for the 21st consecutive year in 2023.

It’s the OG holiday drink that has kept people coming back winter after winter.

What makes the Peppermint Mocha so special? It’s that perfect harmony of cool peppermint and rich chocolate combined with smooth espresso and velvety steamed milk.

In each sip, you get the indulgence of a creamy chocolatey mocha, followed by a refreshing minty tingle on your tongue like a bite of a peppermint chocolate candy cane, but warm and caffeinated.

The flavor just screams holiday cheer. It’s topped with whipped cream and usually garnished with dark chocolate curls (or sometimes little red candy cane bits in years past), adding to the festive flair.

One could argue this drink has reached legend status: it’s consistently Starbucks’ top-selling holiday beverage, with fans awaiting it as eagerly as kids await Santa.

It even has its own hashtag and dedicated following, which is truly the rock star of red cup season.

And despite many new contenders over the years, the Peppermint Mocha remains a fan favorite because it’s nostalgic yet never gets old.

You feel instantly merry holding that peppermint-scented cup. Whether you’re decorating the tree, braving the cold, or just need a midday holiday pick-me-up, Peppermint Mocha always hits the spot.

It’s the taste of the holidays, distilled into one delightful drink. All hail the Peppermint Mocha, the reigning champion of Christmas beverages at Starbucks, and may it never go out of style!