Culture

What We're Hearing About the Starbucks Winter Drinks Menu for 2024

by: Abigail Ford

Published on Oct 16th 2024

The tastiest Starbucks winter drinks are just around the corner. The classic peppermint lattes and exciting new Starbucks winter drinks with iced coffee make the holiday season a bit brighter. So, what are the winter drinks at Starbucks? We’ve made our best guesses in this article.

Read on for a sneak peek into the winter Starbucks drinks menu. Plus, if you’re looking for last-minute holiday presents, consider a Starbucks gift card. It makes for a stellar Christmas gift for mom or one of the better Christmas gifts for teens.

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Starbucks Winter Menu Release Date

Starbucks Winter Drinks Release Dates — *The official Starbucks menu drops in the first week of November (via Canva)*

One of the delightful winter activities is trying out all the best Starbucks winter drinks. But does Starbucks still have its Christmas drinks? 100% yes! Last year, Starbucks released its winter menu on November 1st. Typically, the menu leaks in early October, but coffee lovers are never quite sure how accurate the leaks truly are. We recommend keeping an eye out for the official Starbucks menu drop in the first week of November.

Typically, the day after the Starbucks drinks menu drops is when the drinks go live and you can purchase them in-store. There is usually a second winter menu drop in early January (this year it was January 3). This process is similar to the Starbucks fall drinks drop where there is one drop in mid-August and another in mid-September. Unlike the Starbucks summer drinks and Starbucks spring drinks which only get one drop each.

For this article, we’re predicting the biggest drop, which is the first one anticipated in early November. Don’t fret if you don’t see your favorite Starbucks seasonal drinks in the first drop. There’s a good chance you can see it in the second!

Now, remember, the best Starbucks winter drinks are often off the menu. If you have a hankering for any alternative Starbucks seasonal drinks, try ordering it directly with the barista. They may be able to help you out!

One last thing: many also ask, “What are Starbucks' seasonal drinks in fall?” For those who only really love the Starbucks fall drinks, don’t start to panic. The Starbucks fall drinks menu items will continue to be available until supplies run out. Your Thanksgiving PSL should still be waiting for you.

Upcoming Starbucks Winter Drinks

Peppermint Mocha

This classic Starbucks holiday favorite has been around for ages. It combines rich espresso, steamed milk and yummy mocha sauce with a (very liberal) splash of peppermint syrup.

The drink is topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls, offering a sweet yet minty flavor profile that evokes the taste of a peppermint patty dipped in chocolate. It’s basically dessert and getting a decaf one for you and your partner before checking out the Christmas lights makes for a stellar Christmas date idea.

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

A festive twist on the Peppermint Mocha, this drink pairs Starbucks' signature espresso with white chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup and steamed milk. The creamy white chocolate blends beautifully with the sharp peppermint, resulting in a sweeter, smoother taste. Plus, it’s topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte

This festive latte is dairy-free, made with blonde espresso, almond milk and sugar cookie-flavored syrup. The flavors are light and subtly sweet, reminiscent of freshly baked sugar cookies. Sprinkles on top add a fun holiday touch. Its delicate sweetness pairs well with the nutlike undertones from the almond milk. Order it cold for the Starbucks winter drinks iced coffee version.

Chestnut Praline Latte

A warming winter favorite, the Chestnut Praline Latte combines espresso, steamed milk and chestnut praline syrup. The roasted flavors of chestnut complement the sweetness of caramelized praline and it’s topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. This latte has a subtly spiced sweetness.

Caramel Brulée Latte

Caramel Brulee Latte Starbucks Winter Drink — *The Caramel Brulée Latte (via Starbucks)*

The Caramel Brulée Latte features espresso, steamed milk and rich caramel brulée sauce. Its buttery and slightly burnt sugar flavor mimics the taste of, you guessed it, a caramelized crème brûlée.

The whipped cream and crunchy caramel toppings add texture and depth, balancing sweetness with the rich espresso notes. Let it inspire you to come up with some family Christmas party ideas. Maybe making crème brûlée can be a new family activity.

Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

This new offering could feature chai concentrate mixed with steamed oat milk and gingerbread syrup, providing a blend of spiced cinnamon and cardamom with a rich, creamy texture. The gingerbread flavors add warmth and spice, giving the drink a nostalgic holiday cookie taste.

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

A cold brew with a wintery twist, this drink is likely sweetened with salted pecan syrup and topped with crunchy pecan bits. The cold brew’s bold flavor balances the sweetness of the pecans, creating a smooth, nutty and slightly salty sip that complements the natural bitterness of the coffee. Let this drink inspire some Christmas appetizer ideas!

Rumored Starbucks Christmas Drinks

Eggnog Latte

We’re feeling pretty confident that the Eggnog Latte will make its return to the Starbucks Christmas drinks menu season. This holiday drink combines rich eggnog with espresso and steamed milk. The creamy, spiced flavors of eggnog (think nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves) blend with bold espresso. Whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg finish it off. If it’s not available, then a lovely winter date idea is to make your own eggnog at home!

Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte

Incorporating Starbucks’ signature Oleato (olive oil) twist, this drink may pair gingerbread syrup, oat milk and espresso with a subtle olive oil infusion. With the rise of the Oleato line, this drink is almost guaranteed to be on the menu.

The olive oil likely adds richness and depth to the sweet, spiced gingerbread flavor, resulting in a velvety, luxurious sip.

Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This rumored drink mixes espresso shaken with hazelnut syrup and oat milk, resulting in a frothy, nutty and creamy beverage. The hazelnut syrup provides a warm, sweet flavor that complements the smooth texture of the oat milk. It’s a balanced and refreshing yet indulgent drink.

Pistachio Latte

The Pistachio Latte line was all the rage. It combines espresso with steamed milk and pistachio-flavored syrup, creating a creamy and nutlike flavor profile. Its subtle pistachio notes offer a delicate sweetness that pairs well with the richness of the espresso. Topped with salted brown butter, this latte has a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

This cold brew combines the boldness of Starbucks cold brew with a creamy pistachio-flavored foam. The pistachio cream adds a lively sweetness, while the cold brew brings a refreshing bitterness. Together, they create a smooth and flavorful balance of earthy, sweet and creamy textures.

Specialty Cold Foams

Sugar cookie cold foam starbucks winter drink — *Sugar Cookie Cream Cold Foam (via Starbucks)*

Cold foams are frothy, creamy toppings used primarily on Starbucks iced drinks, designed to add texture and flavor without the heaviness of traditional whipped cream. They are made by blending cold milk (or dairy alternatives) with sweeteners and flavorings at high speeds, creating a light, airy foam that sits on top of cold beverages. Many of the Starbucks summer drinks and Starbucks spring drinks call for cold foam.

These are the winter foams that we believe are coming back this season:

Peppermint Chocolate Cream
Sugar Cookie Cream
Chestnut Praline Cream
Gingerbread Cream
Caramel Brûlée Cream
Salted Pecan Cream

The Starbucks winter drinks menu promises a delightful mix of returning favorites and exciting new flavors to celebrate the holiday season. There's something for every festive palate.

For even more things to try all year round, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!