Coffee is singlehandedly responsible for getting most Americans through the day. Everyone has a different preference; some like it strong, and others prefer it mild. Moreover, millions of coffee chains across the United States promote seasonal drinks through social media or televised advertisements. If a coffee lover can’t decide on a drink, a barista can recommend any number of popular seasonal beverages, such as Starbucks’ Peppermint Mocha or Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte.
These beverages may also get you into the holiday spirit, or remind you of a favorite holiday memory. Seasonal coffees can even be enjoyed while studying for final exams or socializing with friends and family. Coffee chains have their own exclusive drinks for different seasons, and these beverages not only help people enjoy the holidays, but also evoke fond memories through their nostalgic flavors.
Although coffee chains like Starbucks advertise popular drinks during the holidays to attract customers, these promotions can also help consumers enjoy the season. Throughout October, Starbucks sells drinks such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which has a cinnamon and pumpkin flavor that’s perfect for the fall weather.
After Halloween, coffee chains begin to sell winter-themed drinks. For example, Starbucks’s Peppermint Mocha is a mint-flavored drink with a hint of chocolate and a shot of espresso that people of all ages can enjoy. However, if you’re in the mood for something more traditional, the caramel macchiato is the franchise’s most popular drinks, and is a worthy substitute. Unlike its peppermint counterpart, this beverage is sold year-round. Customers adore it for its nutty-caramel flavor and its steamed, frothy milk.
Lactose intolerant customers can also enjoy seasonal oat milk or almond milk beverages, which have a similar creamy texture, but are a safer option for people with dietary restrictions. The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato is a popular Halloween coffee that tastes like a crisp caramel apple. According to Starbucks beverage developer Harvey Rojas Mora, “The oatmilk adds a creaminess and brings forward the oat flavors of a traditional apple crisp topping.” The drink also gives the customer a taste of cinnamon, brown sugar and apple syrup, which are all aesthetically drizzled on top.
Some drinks, however, only temporarily appeared on the Starbucks menu. The Zombie Frappuccino, for example, was popular with customers during the 2017 spooky season. The drink is a Mocha Frappuccino with strawberry puree on the top and bottom. Although the beverage has been discontinued, customers can still ask baristas to make the specialized drink.
During the winter, Starbucks serves the tasty Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, which offers a blonde espresso blend and steamed almond milk topped with red and green sprinkles. The drink creates the cozy feeling of eating sugar cookies with a hot cup of coffee next to a warm fire.
Another popular Starbucks specialty is the White Toasted Chocolate Mocha. This drink features a white chocolate flavor that tastes like toasted marshmallows with a hint of vanilla and coffee. The beverage can be enjoyed while chatting with friends and listening to some light music in the background. Its taste replicates the feeling of sitting with friends around a fire while making s’mores.
All the seasonal drinks of Starbucks and other coffee shops provide customers with creative holiday flavors. Not only do coffee chains want customers to enjoy these drinks, but they also hope to produce joy and memories that the customer will not soon forget.
