Starbucks recently released its seasonal menu consisting of drinks new to this year as well as the holiday classics. Over the years, Starbucks has cultivated a collection of holiday treats that is only growing. The seasonal menu strikes nostalgic cords with many through its use of traditional holiday flavors and adaptation of dishes associated with winter. While Starbucks relies on the sentimental and nostalgic feelings of the consumer, the seasonal menu has also made a name for itself separate from association. The seasonal menu is the subject of numerous discussions, raving reviews, and even criticisms all across social media every year without fail. Whether you love it or hate it, the Starbucks holiday menu has emerged as a defining feature of the holiday season as we know it now.
Hot chocolate with a hint of coffee and a melted candy cane. However, the sweet flavor of the mint becomes overpowering halfway through the drink. Smaller sizes like tall or grande are perfect for this drink.
Design by Baila Love
The perfect alternative to the Caramel Brulee Latte for a lighter, less sweet option.
Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte
Perfection in a cup. Enough to make a casual Starbucks hater wait in line for this delicious treat. This drink was a shocker considering the level of backlash and criticisms it received in previous seasons. A big improvement from last year.
Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino
Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher
While very tasty, this drink was almost indistinguishable from the regular Cran-Merry drink. This drink was a perfect opportunity to tie in citrus elements from classic winter and holiday dishes, yet it seems like Starbucks is playing it safe with the flavors. The orange flavor notes could’ve been more apparent with this drink.
Tastes like biscuits and gravy and of being home for breakfast during the holidays. While this danish was filling in taste, the portions compared to other Starbucks menu items felt lacking. While smaller portions would be understandable if this pastry was overly rich or sweet, it was fairly standard in its flavor notes.
This bundt cake is rich in flavor, yet lacking in quality, making one bite more than enough. One might expect more from this item considering the level of effort required to mess up a bundt cake. Close runner-up to the worst item on the seasonal menu.
Sweet and tasty, yet unoriginal. While there is nothing inherently bad about this cake pop, one might expect more from a treat included on a holiday menu. Aside from the snowman design, this cake pop had no seasonal or holiday components. A more experimental approach with the flavor would easily make this cake pop a simple and yummy addition to the seasonal menu that compliments the flavors in other items.
Egg Pesto and Mozzarella Sandwich
Lacking in pesto and seasonal notes but still a delightful, savory treat. If this sandwich was not labeled as a seasonal item, it would be hard to know. This spot on the menu felt like a missed opportunity for Starbucks to adapt a classic seasonal dish into a quick and easy sandwich.
