‘Tis The Season for Peppermint Mochas: Reviewing Holiday Starbucks Beverages

As Andy Williams sings to us in his famous 1963 holiday song,

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year

With the kids jingle belling

And everyone telling you be of good cheer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year”

With multiple international holidays coming around the corner, it is important for all of us to recognize the many facets of life that puts us in this cheerful, jolly state of mind. Let’s make a list, shall we? Of course, we have to start out with our supportive family, closely followed by the friends who keep us going. And in third place, we have coffee! In order to pay homage to my favorite type of beverage and spread holiday cheer, I headed out to a nearby Starbucks and tried out a few of their holiday-themed drinks.

1. Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

The Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha is the perfect combination of classic white chocolate and seasonal peppermint flavors. With 4 pumps of each flavor’s syrup topped with chocolate curls and whipped cream, this definitely ranks as number one on my list of favorite Starbucks’ holiday drinks. The mocha is creamy, sweet, minty, everything you could possibly expect from this type of drink and more! If you are like me and enjoy both the excitement from eating white chocolate and the sharp tingling sensation in your mouth after eating a candy cane, this drink is the result of a match made in heaven.

2. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

If you are a nostalgic person and have the urge to take a quick trip back to the good old days, a single sip of the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha perfectly allows you to revisit any sweet, emotional memory. The base mocha layer made of caramelized white chocolate and steamed milk combined with whipped cream and holiday sugar sparkles sitting upon it is more than enough to do the trick. You can also enjoy this with crispy white sugar pearls on the whipped cream – what could be more merrier than that?

3. Chestnut Praline Latte

To my friends out there who enjoy anything and everything with nuts, the Chestnut Praline Latte is perfect for you. With the satisfying feeling you get when you bite on the praline bits, 2 shots of Starbucks’ Signature Espresso Roast, and the creamy whipped cream to top it all off, a sip is enough to keep you going. And if you ever feel like the effects are wearing off, no problem! Just take one more sip and you will be recharged for the rest of the day.I truly hope that these reviews are enough for you to shut off the electronic device you’re reading them on and hop into your vehicle to get some Starbucks’ holiday drinks yourself. And if you are feeling up to it, go ahead and share this article with a friend who could use a delicious mocha or latte and spread some holiday cheer! Happy holidays and we will see you in the new year!

KRISHNA MANO

Editor at The City Voice | National Junior High Story of the Year Finalist | MIPA 1st Place Award Winner

Hello! My name is Krishna Mano and I am a sophomore at City High School. This is my fourth year writing for The City Voice and second year as an editor. Apart from the newspaper, I am part of the Speech and Debate team, President of the 10th Grade Student Council, and Treasurer of the NHS. Outside of school, I enjoy playing the violin, reading, skiing, and paddleboarding. If you have any questions about my articles, please contact me at krishna.mano.thecityvoice@gmail.com.