With temperatures dropping and holiday spirits rising, stores across the nation are quick to stock their menus with delicious seasonal drinks to prepare for the rapidly approaching winter. This year, chain cafes such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and Peet’s Coffee released both brand-new beverages and returning fan-favorites to spread holiday cheer in the form of a cup. 

Away for the Holidays: Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte Sold for Limited-Time

Combining pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, Starbucks die-hards and occasional customers alike are always excited for Starbucks’ classic pumpkin spice latte to return to menus during the fall. 

English teacher Kimberly Scott, a pumpkin spice latte fanatic, holds the drink in high regard as her favorite beverage all year-round. 

“A pumpkin spice cappuccino is this heavenly concoction of, in my case, five shots of espresso with nonfat milk and three full pumps of pumpkin divinity infused into it,” Scott said. “The most important is the pumpkin sprinkle on the top of the foam that provides not just the taste, but also the aromatic experience of the spicy goodness of our Earth.” 

However, the sweet, toasty drink is only sold for a limited time, and the duration of its promotion shortens each year.

“When they brought out that pumpkin spice, they used to carry it until February,” Scott said. “But now they don’t even have it until Christmas.”

While the beverage is expected to leave the menus before Christmas, pumpkin spice fans can always find delicious pumpkin spice creamers and syrups in stores. 

Enjoy an Eggnog Latte at Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts, another popular coffee shop, offers a wide variety of beverages to celebrate the winter weather. According to Delish, this year’s seasonal offerings make up the shop’s largest holiday menu ever with four new signature lattes and two new coffee flavors. All-time classic Peppermint Mocha returns as a fan-favorite while new additions to the menu include Toasted Gingerbread, Merry Mocha Mint, Frosted White Chocolate, Eggnog Latte and more.  

“At Dunkin’, we have the new eggnog latte. We put eggnog and cinnamon flavoring in there and we’ll steam the eggnog and basically mix it with cinnamon and ice if it’s an iced latte,” senior and Dunkin’ Donuts employee Jun Ito said. “If it’s a hot latte, then we’ll steam the eggnog and put the cinnamon flavoring afterward.”

The beverage can come with an extra sweet, tasty boost as well. 

“If you want, we can top it off with whipped cream and powdered cinnamon with a caramel drizzle on top,” Ito said.

Kung Fu Tea Kicks off the Holidays with Brown Sugar Ginger Tea

Recognized for its cool, refreshing bubble tea, Kung Fu Tea’s menu offers beverages fit for the chilly weather. The drinks are available as a hot latte or iced with various toppings like the classic honey boba. Composed of a mix of rich brown sugar and spicy ginger syrup, the Brown Sugar Ginger Tea is a ginger-infused beverage that provides a healthy energy boost for chilly mornings and afternoons. With powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, the Brown Sugar Ginger Tea is perfect for the wintertime to help ward off the flu and the common cold. Kung Fu Tea’s seasonal series also includes pumpkin oolong milk tea and winter melon tea.

Peet’s Coffee Pours out a Minty Peppermint Mocha

Peet’s Coffee’s holiday flavors menu offers unique drinks such as the Dark Chocolate Orange Mocha, Citrus & Spice Latte, Holiday Spice Latte and the classic Peppermint Mocha. 

Senior Jacey Lanier, a regular customer at Peet’s, has been enjoying her favorite seasonal drink this winter. 

“My favorite drink at Peet’s is the Peppermint Mocha because the peppermint [gives] a winter flavor that reminds me of warmth, so it’s nice to drink in the cold weather,” Lanier said. 

Infused with hand-pulled espresso, house-made chocolate sauce and topped with sweet peppermint and whipped cream, the Peppermint Mocha is easily recognized as one of the most popular drinks at Peet’s during the holiday season. 

Customers at Peet’s are ensured the highest quality beverages, each handcrafted with housemade whipped cream and chocolate. With available adjustments such as non-dairy milk options and sugar-free sauces and syrups, you are sure to find an expertly crafted drink suited to your preference.