Every year, Starbucks releases a delicious Christmas menu in its stores around the world. Enjoyed by many, lots of Starbucks consumers eagerly await the release of this menu every year. Although each of their products has its likes and dislikes, we have taken our time to try these products and rank them based on our personal opinion and other Starbucks fans’ reviews.
- Sugar Cookie latte (hot or iced)
The well-known fan favourite drink everyone adores and desires to get their hands on is the infamous Sugar Cookie Latte. Enjoyed hot on cold days spent outside or cold for cozy days indoors. This festive drink combines the creamy, subtle notes of cookie dough and French vanilla. For an even tastier experience, consider adding the sugar cookie cold foam to create a more delicious cookie flavor. This drink is crafted perfectly to not be too bitter or too sweet.
- Caramel Brulee Latte
Coming in second place, we have the Caramel Brulee latte. Hot, iced, or blended as a frappuccino, this drink perfectly combines the pleasant caramel flavor with the bold espresso. It includes caramel syrup and thick whipped cream, creating an immensely delicious flavor profile. This is the perfect drink for those who love sweet and buttery caramel, ensuring you a flawless drink for the winter season.
- Peppermint Mocha
The nostalgic peppermint mocha immerses you in the Christmas spirit with the perfect mix of peppermint and chocolate. The drink reminds me of Christmas Eve, baking cookies with Elf playing in the background late at night. Similar to a hot chocolate, those who enjoy strong chocolatey and peppermint flavors will greatly enjoy this drink.
- Iced Gingerbread Chai
In fourth place is the widely known Starbucks signature drink, enjoyed during the holiday season, is the Iced Gingerbread Chai. A great option for customers who prefer a smooth, creamy drink but dislike the bitterness of coffee. The holiday classic is often described as having the chai and cinnamon spices, giving it a deep flavour, and is topped with a gingerbread-flavoured cold foam. It gives you a blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. The perfect balance of bold and sweet attracts many customers. Additionally, the iced gingerbread chai tastes extremely similar to the pumpkin-spiced latte, which contrasts with the Christmas spirit associated with the drink. However, to those who miss the pumpkin spice of the fall season, this drink is a perfect option.
- Iced Sugar Cookie Breve
The iced sugar cookie breve, similar to the sugar cookie latte, is a fun twist on the original drink. In contrast, the latte, this drink has a creamier consistency, as it is made using half and half instead of other types of milk, such as cow’s milk. This also gives it a richer taste. If you enjoy a heavy and strong sugar cookie and espresso flavor, we recommend choosing this option for your next Starbucks visit.
- Snowman Cookie
Next on the list, we have the Snowman cookie. Perfect for Christmas cheer, this cookie displays an adorable snowman with a matching red scarf and earmuffs. Although this cookie may appear as a plain sugar cookie, the shortbread is buttery and soft when bitten into. The white chocolate icing perfectly complements, making the perfect winter treat.
- Polar Bear Cake Pop
New this 2025 season, the polar bear cake pop is a cute spin on the all-year-round cake pops. Even though its flavour is no different from the birthday cake pop, many reach towards this treat instead of the others during the winter. This was put low on the list due to its having no flavor change, which would have been a perfect addition to the menu.
- Cinnamon Pull-Apart
The cinnamon Pull-Apart is a twist on the classic cinnamon roll, crafted in small pieces, easy to snack on while studying, working and on the go. It’s a convenient classic winter pastry that the vast majority enjoy. However, due to its low creativity and that it’s available in almost any grocery store, we put this as an 8 on our list.
- Cranberry Bliss Bar
The Cranberry Bliss Bar is a highly controversial pastry; some think it should be a year-round addition, while others strongly do not recommend it, believing it is overhyped due to its dry texture and odd citrus undertones. The cranberry bliss bar can be described as bland, overly sweet and having a more summery orange-y taste than a Christmas cranberry. Due to personal preference, we believe the dish deserves a 9 on our overall ranking.
- Sugar Plum Cheese Danish
Last on our list, we have the sugar plum cheese danish. We put this in last place due to its odd mix of flavour, artificial taste, and unpleasant texture. While many enjoy this treat, more agree that this Danish should not be on the menu. The sugar plum spread has often been compared to potpourri, giving this its fake and displeasing flavor. The bread has also been said to be dry with little taste, desperately in need of softness and flakiness. Despite its perks, this treat is a favorite of many Starbucks lovers, and we recommend trying it if you enjoy sweet sugary flavors and dry breads.
Overall, this menu provides a wonderful addition to those who love Christmas-time treats during the festive months. Clearly, the drinks this season have risen above the baked goods and have come to the top of our and others’ lists. Each item on our list is enjoyed by many, even if given a low ranking. Many community members love the festive flavours and the feeling of starting their day with a fun drink that fits the weather, and fulfills their excitement for the holiday season.
