Hannahlaneblogs

On Thursday, November 7th, Starbucks released their holiday menu in stores- a true sign that the Christmas season has begun. (The weather hasn’t realized that yet). Stores celebrated the season with a new cran-merry refresher, five new cold foam flavors, six new snacks/treats, and five new lattes. 

The Cran-Merry Refresher

As an avid coffee drinker, I don’t often dip into the refreshers. (In my middle school days or on wicked hot days I do love the strawberry acai refresher). This winter, Starbucks released a new winter themed refresher, a new concept for them. The cran-merry refresher features orange, cranberry, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It can be enjoyed plain or with lemonade or coconut milk. 

Hot Drinks

Any of these hot drinks can also be enjoyed as iced drinks. The classic peppermint mocha and caramel brulee latte are back!! Peppermint mocha is the perfect winter drink combining mocha and mint tasting just like a York peppermint. It’s like a glorified hot chocolate loaded with caffeine. The caramel brulee latte is another amazing latte that combines sweet caramel, espresso, and crunchy creme brulee topping. Finally, the other primarily hot drink that is being offered this season is the chestnut praline latte. I will admit this is one I have yet to try. A nuttier and slightly spicier version of the caramel brulee latte, the chestnut praline latte features espresso, chestnuts, and winter spices. 

Signature Iced Lattes

These two lattes can also be enjoyed as hot lattes. My all-time favorite winter drink, the Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte is back!! This blonde-roast iced latte tastes just like a warm sugar cookie coated in vanilla icing. It is also topped with cute red and green sprinkles. The Iced Gingerbread Oat milk Chai is also back! As someone who isn’t the biggest chai fan, I haven’t tried this drink yet. This iced latte contains chai, espresso, oat milk, and a gingerbread cold foam. 

Cold Foams

This winter, Starbucks released five cold foam flavors. Their newest one is the gingerbread cold foam which combines vanilla sweet cream with spicy gingerbread flavors. My personal favorite is the sugar cookie cream cold foam which is a combination of vanilla sweet cream and the sugar cookie syrup. Another class is the peppermint chocolate cream cold foam which is the perfect topping for a cold brew if you think drinking a peppermint mocha is too sweet, but you just want a taste. Finally, there’s the chestnut praline cream cold foam and the caramel brulee cold foam. 

Snacks and Treats

This year the iconic snowman cookie has been replaced with the penguin cookie. It is adorable!!! Don’t worry- you can still get your snowman fix with the new snowman cake pop. This cake pop is a vanilla cake with a white chocolate icing. Sticking with the sweet treats, you can also try the cranberry bliss bar or the new dark toffee bundt. A mini personal toffee bundt covered in holiday sprinkles- are you kidding? You’re coming home with me. The cranberry bliss bar is a blonde cake bar topped with cream-cheese icing, orange, and mini dried cranberries. As we enter into the savory category there’s one item that combines sweet and savory. The sugar plum cheese danish is a sweet danish with cream-cheese and sugar-plum spread. Finally, the most savory item is the new turkey sage danish. A danish full of turkey sausage and bechamel sauce. Yum!

The return of holiday menus fills my soul with an indescribable joy! Christmas music is on, holiday candle is burning, and matching sweat set is on! I cannot wait to try more of this menu throughout the season. 

I have so so so many exciting things coming up prior to the holiday season! More gift guides will be coming sporadically throughout the season, a Thanksgiving lookbook, and more special seasonal content. My PODCAST is coming so soon!!! Iced Coffee on the Coast is coming this December and I am so excited to take you guys on this journey. Another one of my creative ideas coming to life. Vlogmas is also starting soon- so the December content is going to be insane! Love you all more than words!

Xoxo,

Hannahlane