It is that time of year once again! The semester is coming to an end in about four weeks, and the Ithaca winter is fast approaching. If you are looking for a place to study, warm up, and enjoy Starbucks’ holiday drink menu, the Amit Bhatia Libe Café, located on central campus’s Olin Library, is the place for you. Since there are many yummy holiday drinks on the menu, I have compiled a list of my favorite holiday drinks and reviewed them so you know what to order the next time you stop by.
Iced Gingerbread Oat Milk Chai
Perfect for chai and holiday spice lovers
Rating: 10/10
If you are a chai lover like me, but looking for some holiday flavor, the Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai is a great option for you. If you are not a fan of oat milk, you can also add gingerbread syrup to some of your favorite lattes. Hot or iced, this drink’s combination of gingerbread syrup with holiday spices of nutmeg and cinnamon is the perfect holiday flavor. The oat milk brings the drink together, balancing the spice with a creamy sweetness.
Caramel Brulée Latte & Cold Foam
Dessert and Coffee in a cup for caramel fans
Rating: 9.5/10
The Caramel Brûlée Latte is a must for a cozy Christmas-themed indulgence. The caramel has smoky and rich notes that intersect with the expresso. The drink is flavorful, especially with the whipped cream and sweet crunchy caramel brulée bits. The sweetness and texture is just enough, but not overpowering to the point it overpowers the coffee. If you love caramel, this is a must-try.
Cran Merry Orange Refresher
Festive and fruity
Rating: 7.5/10
This is my new favorite fruity holiday drink. This option is light and refreshing, yet still captures the essence of a holiday-flavored drink. The tart cranberry mixes beautifully with the citrus orange flavors. It is a great option for anyone who wants a holiday drink but without the heaviness. This drink reminds me of a holiday mocktail and is worth a try. While I don’t typically order Starbucks refreshers, I will likely order this again.
Peppermint Mocha Latte with Cold Foam
Minty and Chocolatey Delight
Rating: 9.5/10
When I think of holiday drinks at Starbucks, this order is the first one that comes to mind. The minty peppermint flavor tastes like Christmas in a cup. The underlying coffee flavor perfectly blends the chocolate and peppermint together and provides a balanced hint of bitterness that contrasts with the sweet flavoring of the drink. On my perfect mocha latte, I love extra whipped cream and chocolate curls.
Starbucks Hot Chocolate
Classic, Nostalgic, Family Favorite
Rating: 8/10
While hot chocolate is not a new addition to the menu, Starbucks’ hot chocolate is still worth mentioning in this review. Hot chocolate is a classic holiday drink that brings me a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It offers both a creamy and rich chocolate taste, perfect for warming up on a freezing Ithaca day. It is made from mocha syrup and steamed milk. To elevate the classic drink, I recommend topping it with whipped cream and mocha drizzle. It is a simple and great option for those who do not want coffee but want a warm and comforting drink. To add your own twist, here are some of my additional recommendations: Extra whipped cream, chocolate or caramel drizzle, peppermint syrup (my personal favorite), toasted marshmallow drizzle or toppings, extra mocha pump, or extra cinnamon!