Every holiday season, Starbucks rolls out the drinks that make winter feel a little brighter.
I love recreating them at home because it turns my kitchen into a mini café, filled with the smell of cocoa, peppermint, and caramel.
It’s not just about saving a trip; it’s about slowing down and enjoying the ritual of making something warm and comforting. From a creamy Peppermint Mocha to a nutty Chestnut Praline Latte, every recipe carries that Starbucks magic.
These Starbucks holiday drinks recipes let you bring the same holiday energy into your own mug — no drive-thru required.
1. Peppermint Mocha
Every sip of a Peppermint Mocha feels like winter finally arrived.
The mix of chocolate and peppermint reminds me of candy canes dipped in cocoa. It’s one of those drinks that hits the perfect middle ground between refreshing and indulgent.
You can easily recreate it at home, and it tastes just as magical. The best part? You control how minty it gets. I like mine with a little extra cocoa so the chocolate flavor stands out more.
Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top, and you’ll have a homemade version that tastes like the holidays themselves.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong coffee), 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp sugar, ¼ tsp peppermint extract, whipped cream, crushed candy cane.
Instructions: Warm milk with cocoa and sugar until smooth. Add espresso and peppermint extract, stir well. Top with whipped cream and candy cane bits.
2. Caramel Brulée Latte
The Caramel Brulée Latte has that deep caramel flavor that reminds me of roasted marshmallows and sugar melting in a pan.
It’s creamy, rich, and tastes like dessert and coffee blended together. The caramel brulée sauce adds this roasted sweetness that makes every sip feel special.
It’s one of those drinks that instantly smells like the holidays the second it’s made. When I make it at home, I drizzle a little extra caramel on top because it just feels right.
It’s sweet without being too heavy, and the vanilla adds the perfect balance. You’ll want to curl up with this one on a chilly night with a movie playing in the background.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp caramel sauce, ½ tsp vanilla extract, whipped cream, caramel drizzle.
Instructions: Steam milk with caramel and vanilla. Pour espresso into a mug and slowly add milk mixture. Top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce.
3. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
This drink tastes like melted white chocolate with a slightly caramelized flavor.
The toasted part gives it that nutty, warm note that makes it taste like something you’d get at a fancy café. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something extra cozy but still want that caffeine kick.
The homemade version is simple to make and gives off the same Starbucks vibe. Just melt white chocolate chips into warm milk, then mix it with your espresso.
I like to top mine with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sugar or shaved white chocolate for that signature sparkle.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp white chocolate chips, ½ tsp brown sugar, whipped cream, sugar sprinkles.
Instructions: Melt white chocolate and brown sugar with milk over low heat. Pour into espresso, stir, and top with whipped cream and sugar sprinkles.
4. Chestnut Praline Latte
The Chestnut Praline Latte has a nutty, caramelized flavor that just feels like the holidays.
It’s one of those underrated drinks that quietly becomes your favorite after a few sips. The chestnut syrup gives it that earthy sweetness, and when it mixes with espresso, it turns into something rich but comforting.
I like making it when I want something that tastes cozy but isn’t overly sugary. Add a bit of brown sugar and a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top to make it extra special.
It’s the kind of drink you sip slowly while the house smells like cookies baking in the oven.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp chestnut syrup, ½ tsp brown sugar, whipped cream, chopped pecans.
Instructions: Heat milk with syrup and sugar. Pour over espresso and stir. Top with whipped cream and chopped pecans or praline crumbs.
5. Irish Cream Cold Brew
The Irish Cream Cold Brew is proof that cold coffee belongs in winter too.
It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and has that cocoa-vanilla flavor that makes it feel like a grown-up treat. The cream on top adds a light, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the boldness of the cold brew.
I love how it looks layered with dark coffee underneath and that thick foam floating on top.
It’s festive without being too sweet, and it gives off that Starbucks café energy right at home.
Add a little cocoa powder dusted over the foam, and you’ve got a drink that’s both simple and impressive.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup cold brew, 2 tbsp Irish cream syrup, ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ tsp cocoa powder, ½ tsp vanilla syrup.
Instructions: Mix cold brew with Irish cream syrup. Froth cream, cocoa, and vanilla together. Pour cream on top and dust lightly with cocoa powder.
6. Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
This Starbucks holiday drinks is pure holiday nostalgia in a cup.
The first sip reminds me of baking sugar cookies on a cold afternoon. It’s lighter than most holiday drinks because of the almond milk, but it still feels festive.
I love how the sugar cookie syrup gives off that cozy, vanilla-cookie aroma that fills the kitchen when you make it.
If you want to make it extra special, top it with some colorful sprinkles, just like Starbucks does.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup almond milk, 2 tbsp sugar cookie syrup, whipped cream, festive sprinkles.
Instructions: Heat almond milk with sugar cookie syrup. Add espresso, stir gently. Top with whipped cream and a few colorful sprinkles.
7. Gingerbread Latte
There’s something about the Gingerbread Latte that feels like a holiday tradition.
The mix of espresso, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates that cozy spiced aroma that instantly reminds me of baking. It’s sweet but has just enough spice to make it interesting.
You can even top it with whipped cream and a dusting of ground ginger or cinnamon to give it that true Starbucks look. It’s basically Christmas in a mug.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp molasses, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp sugar, whipped cream.
Instructions: Warm milk with molasses, sugar, and spices. Add espresso and stir until blended. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
8. Eggnog Latte
If there’s a drink that feels like pure holiday nostalgia, it’s the Eggnog Latte.
It’s rich, creamy, and has that familiar nutmeg flavor that instantly says December. The mix of espresso and eggnog might sound strange, but it works perfectly.
Pro tip: Use real eggnog for the best flavor, and don’t forget a little sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, ¾ cup milk, ½ cup eggnog, whipped cream, nutmeg.
Instructions: Warm milk and eggnog together (don’t boil). Add espresso, stir, and pour into your mug. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle nutmeg.
9. Holiday Spice Flat White
This drink feels sophisticated but still comforting.
The espresso flavor is stronger here, balanced by warm spices and steamed milk. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove combination makes it taste like a hug in a cup.
It’s a great choice when you want something that’s not too sweet but still seasonal. The microfoam on top gives it that smooth, café-style finish, and a dusting of cinnamon completes it.
I love how it smells while making it, like spiced cookies in the oven.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 2 shots espresso, ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup half-and-half, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, pinch of clove.
Instructions: Heat milk and half-and-half with spices. Froth until creamy. Pour over espresso and dust with cinnamon.
10. Chestnut Praline Cold Brew
If you love iced coffee but still want that holiday flavor, the Chestnut Praline Cold Brew is your answer.
It has that nutty sweetness that makes it feel festive but still refreshing. I love how the chestnut syrup blends with the smooth cold brew. It’s sweet without being heavy.
The foam on top adds a little creamy texture, and if you sprinkle crushed pralines or cinnamon sugar, it turns into a holiday café moment at home.
It’s the kind of drink you keep making long after December’s over.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup cold brew, 2 tbsp chestnut syrup, ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ tsp brown sugar.
Instructions: Stir chestnut syrup into cold brew. Froth cream and brown sugar together, then pour on top. Add crushed praline if you have it.
11. Sugar Plum Latte
The Sugar Plum Latte is one of those drinks that doesn’t get enough attention.
It’s smooth, fruity, and slightly floral, with a sweetness that reminds me of winter desserts. The mix of plum and espresso sounds unusual, but it works perfectly.
It’s also one of the prettiest drinks, especially if you add a little purple sugar on top.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp plum syrup, ½ tbsp vanilla syrup, whipped cream, purple sugar (optional).
Instructions: Heat milk with plum and vanilla syrup. Add espresso, stir, and top with whipped cream and purple sugar.
12. Caramel Apple Spice
This drink feels like a cozy trip to the apple orchard.
It’s made without coffee, so it’s great for afternoons when you want something warm and comforting.
The apple juice with caramel and cinnamon gives it that perfect fall-meets-holiday flavor.
Add whipped cream and a caramel drizzle, and it instantly feels like something straight out of Starbucks.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup apple juice, 1 tbsp caramel sauce, ¼ tsp cinnamon, whipped cream, caramel drizzle.
Instructions: Heat apple juice with caramel and cinnamon. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, and drizzle caramel on top.
13. Peppermint Cold Foam Cold Brew
If you like cold drinks even in December, the Peppermint Cold Foam Cold Brew is the ultimate pick.
It’s refreshing, creamy, and gives you that peppermint mocha flavor without the heaviness. The minty foam on top mixes slowly into the coffee which is so satisfying to watch and drink.
I like using a hint of cocoa in the foam so it feels more festive. It’s basically Starbucks’ way of saying, “Yes, you can enjoy iced coffee in winter.”
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup cold brew, 2 tbsp peppermint syrup, ¼ cup milk or cream, ½ tsp cocoa powder.
Instructions: Mix cold brew with peppermint syrup. Froth milk and cocoa together, pour on top, and serve over ice.
14. Holiday Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate might be the simplest holiday drink, but when done Starbucks-style, it feels special.
The trick is using real cocoa and a bit of vanilla to make it extra rich.
Add whipped cream and chocolate shavings, and you’ve got the kind of hot chocolate that deserves a snow day.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1½ cups milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp vanilla extract, whipped cream, chocolate shavings.
Instructions: Heat milk, whisk in cocoa, sugar, and vanilla. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
15. Gingerbread Cold Foam Cold Brew
This drink takes the warmth of gingerbread and gives it a cool twist.
The cold brew balances the spices, so you get that cozy ginger-cinnamon flavor without the heaviness of a latte.The creamy foam on top tastes like spiced frosting.
I like to sip it while working or running errands; it feels festive but still energizing.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup cold brew, 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup, ¼ cup cream, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg.
Instructions: Mix syrup with cold brew. Froth cream with cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour foam on top and dust lightly with cinnamon.
16. Sugar Cookie Cold Brew
This Starbucks holiday drink feels like a chilled version of a sugar cookie in a cup.
It’s creamy, sweet, and has that nostalgic vanilla-butter flavor that instantly brings back holiday baking memories. The cold brew keeps it refreshing, while the sugar cookie syrup adds just enough sweetness.
The creamy foam on top makes it taste like Starbucks, especially if you add a sprinkle of red and green sugar. It’s cheerful and cozy even without the heat.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup cold brew, 2 tbsp sugar cookie syrup, ¼ cup milk or cream, whipped cream, festive sprinkles.
Instructions: Stir syrup into cold brew. Froth milk or cream until fluffy, pour on top, and add whipped cream and sprinkles.
17. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Latte
This latte is all about layers: creamy milk, caramel drizzle, and that crunchy topping that makes it so good.
I like how it mixes warm caramel with coffee without feeling too heavy. You get a bit of crunch with each sip, which makes it more fun to drink.
It’s perfect for those cozy weekend mornings when you want something that feels special.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp caramel syrup, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, toffee bits.
Instructions: Heat milk with caramel syrup. Pour espresso into a mug, add milk, and top with whipped cream, drizzle, and toffee bits.
18. White Chocolate Peppermint Cold Brew
This Starbucks Christmas drink tastes like a winter dessert but with the smoothness of cold brew.
The mix of peppermint and white chocolate gives it that holiday twist, while the coffee keeps it strong.
I like how the cold brew cuts through the sweetness. It’s balanced and creamy. The peppermint foam on top melts slowly into the drink, making it taste better with every sip.
It’s a perfect choice when you want something festive but iced.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup cold brew, 2 tbsp white chocolate syrup, 1 tbsp peppermint syrup, ¼ cup cream.
Instructions: Mix syrups into cold brew. Froth cream lightly and pour on top. Add crushed peppermint if you want extra flavor.
19. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
This drink feels like a cinnamon roll in latte form.
The warm cinnamon flavor blends perfectly with espresso and milk, creating something sweet but balanced. I love how simple it is to make at home, yet it still feels like a café treat.
The cinnamon dolce syrup gives it that signature Starbucks warmth, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top takes it over the edge. It’s my morning pick-me-up on cold winter days.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar.
Instructions: Steam milk with syrup. Pour over espresso, stir, and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
20. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Peppermint hot chocolate is a holiday classic that never gets old.
The peppermint adds a cool twist to the traditional cocoa. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you want something warm that feels like Christmas.
I like using dark cocoa for a deeper flavor and finishing with crushed candy canes on top. It’s simple, comforting, and full of holiday spirit.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1½ cups milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp sugar, ¼ tsp peppermint extract, whipped cream, crushed candy cane.
Instructions: Warm milk, whisk in cocoa, sugar, and peppermint. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and candy cane pieces.
Check out more Starbucks drinks ideas:
- 10 Starbucks Low-Calorie Holiday Drinks That Still Taste Festive
- 20 Best Copycat Starbucks Recipes to Make at Home
- 20 Best Starbucks Fall Coffee Drinks Ranked and Reviewed
Marina is the writer behind CozyCornerCharm. She grew up on Turkish coffee, later discovering specialty brewing through her first V60, which inspired her ongoing coffee journey. She has written for Craft Coffee Spot, Home Grounds, and Barista HQ and now shares her experience here on her own coffee corner.
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