As Mariah Carey said….IT’S TIMEEEE! Starbucks has finally released its 2025 Winter menu, and this year the selection is bigger than ever. This means choosing what to order can feel overwhelming, maybe even borderline impossible. But don’t worry! After tasting every drink and treat, I have ranked the entire lineup. Here’s what’s worth trying…enjoy!
1. Peppermint Mocha
This drink is a holiday classic! It combines espresso, steamed milk, mocha, and peppermint syrup, all topped with whipped cream. It is chocolatey, with refreshing mint notes, perfect for the winter season! It tastes like hot chocolate mixed with peppermint bark, and the flavors complement each other well. After all, who doesn’t love the combination of warm chocolate and cooling mint?
2. Iced Gingerbread Chai
Sweet and spiced! This drink is a classic chai latte topped with gingerbread cold foam, making it the perfect feel-good pick-me-up! I would only recommend this if you are a fan of chai and gingerbread, since it can be on the sweeter side. However, adding an espresso shot can help balance the flavor if you prefer something less sugary. You order it hot or cold, but either way, it’s a perfect, cozy addition to the holiday season.
3. Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
I was so excited to try this drink, and it absolutely lived up to its expectations — it is sweet and spectacular! The latte combines sugar-cookie syrup with Blonde Espresso Roast and 2% milk, then gets topped with festive red and green sprinkles. It truly tastes just like the nostalgic, sweet flavor of a sugar cookie… just in latte form!
4. Gingerbread Latte
This is another perfect gingerbread holiday drink for chilly winter mornings! It features delicate gingerbread flavors, blended with Blonde Espresso Roast and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and a pumpkin spice blend. It is definitely another festive must-try.
5. Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino
And yet again, Starbucks delivers chocolatey-pepperminty perfection! This festive drink blends Frappuccino roast, mocha sauce, peppermint syrup, milk, and ice to create a delicious treat. It is topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls.
6. Sugar Cookie Latte
This is essentially the hot version of the Iced Sugar Cookie Latte! While I personally prefer it cold because I find it more refreshing (especially living in California, where our cold days are nothing below 65°F), the hot version is perfect for cozy, cold winter days! It is a mix of sugar-cookie syrup, blonde espresso Roast, steamed milk, then topped with red and green sprinkles. To take this latte to the next level, I would suggest adding extra cold foam!
7. Caramel Brulée Latte
This drink is both iconic and merry! It blends Starbucks’ signature espresso with steamed milk and rich caramel brulée syrup. It is definitely meant for those who enjoy sweeter coffee, with its mix of caramel, vanilla, and white chocolate. While it is very delicious, it is just on the sugary side.
Now, we are moving on to Starbucks’ infamous foods!
1. Polar Bear Cake Pop
If you love the Starbucks cake pops, you should get this! It is their classic vanilla cake pop, and not only is it totally adorable, but it’s also delicious. An absolute must-try!
2. Classic Snowman Cookie
This is a buttery shortbread cookie decorated with white chocolate icing. This cookie is a delectable winter dessert. You can make it even better by pairing it with the sugar cookie latte!
3. Cranberry Bliss Bar
This pastry features a soft blondie cake filled with dried cranberries, topped with a layer of cream cheese icing and a sprinkle of dried cranberries. The flavors balance each other perfectly, making it a fun and festive treat!
4. Cinnamon Pull-Apart
This is a new item: pull-apart bread filled with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel. This pastry is moist and soft, served warm and gooey, making it an absolute joy to eat!
5. Sugar Plum Cheese Danish
This is a delicious, fluffy Danish filled with cream cheese and topped with a spiced sugar plum spread. This pastry is flaky and showcases the sugar-plum flavor well!