As an iced coffee enthusiast who’s reliant on caffeine for anything and everything, deems my happiness on how close Christmas is, and spends way too much money at the Cascade Starbucks drive-thru, I was overjoyed when my favorite coffee outlet released its 2021 holiday drink catalog.

Annually, Starbucks never fails to recirculate their best, most cheerful drinks when the November month hits. And as I’m sipping on my Iced Peppermint Mocha writing this, I’ve never been more eager to exclaim the bliss I have while consuming.

Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

This iced cup of goodness is a never-before-tasted drink. Every year, Starbucks introduces at least one brand new drink to their holiday lineup, and the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte was nothing less of a quality welcoming to the winter season. I, being an advocate of adding oat milk to everything, immediately knew I would prefer the oat milk taste over the almond milk, so that was my consensus when ordering. To be frank, this drink tastes like a sugar cookie—but not the cheap ones from the grocery store. Rather, it embodies the homemade cookie dough flavor more prominently. And this is exactly what I was hoping it would be. Initially, I had regrets when ordering this because I was convinced it’d be an overload of sweetness and essentially, sugar in a cup. However, as a pleasant surprise, this drink over ice had the sweetness level down to perfection, with just enough of the sugary taste to suffice my needs. I never enjoy a drink with too much sugar, it rather disgusts me, but this latte was nonetheless of a splendid cup of cheer. And to top it all off, some green and red sprinkles lined the ice cubes on top to make it that much more festive.

Iced Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

This drink, nonetheless, is a classic. It’s a classic holiday drink that, without fail, Starbucks always brings back because of the wonderful reviews. I have to say, this drink is for ones with a sweet tooth. It’s labeled as a coffee, but there’s not much coffee taste to it. Regardless, the drink is still a top favorite of mine. Oddly enough, it doesn’t taste much like white chocolate itself, considering I despise white chocolate. It tastes like more of a creamy milk chocolate in a coffee aspect.

Iced Caramel Brulee Latte

I have been obsessed with this latte since I discovered it last year. My best friend Grace and I are always so bummed when the holiday season is over, simply because the Caramel Brulee Latte will no longer be with us until next season. It is, undoubtedly, my go-to drink when I’m feeling down. It will wake me up in the morning for school while also sufficing my craving for Starbucks after a long day of schoolwork. Again, ironically enough, I am a hater of the dessert Creme Brulee, but this drink is an eternal favorite.

Iced Chestnut Praline Latte

The Iced Chestnut Praline Latte is very similar to my number one favorite, the Caramel Brulee Latte. Although chestnut and caramel are two entirely different tastes, these drinks remind me of each other in the best ways possible. They both have a tolerable richness to them, one that will make you want to never set your cup down. With the Chestnut Praline, I recommend adding sweet cream foam on top for that extra boost of flavor. Additionally, scrumptious little toppings are laid across the top of the drink to further exemplify the nutty aspect of the coffee. For me, this drink is a ten.

Iced Peppermint Mocha

To be short, this drink simply tastes like Christmas. And no—that is not an exaggeration. The Iced Peppermint Mocha tastes like a tamed candy cane; it has the perfect balance of the coffee flavor I love and a warm peppermint. As I’m a firm advocate of iced coffee and iced coffee only, I can say I can happily tolerate this drink hot as well. It is just a rush of holiday spirit. The peppermint is strong enough to the point where it’s not overpowering, and that’s what I love most about this mocha. 

If I could describe Starbucks’ 2021 holiday drinks in one word, it would be delightful. Delightful in the sense that none of them are too strong, too minimal, or too mediocre; they are all the perfect mix of holiday happiness. Starbucks has done an exquisite job of brewing together desirable coffee with a hint of Christmas cheer to make the most wonderfully blended outcome.