As temperatures drop, Starbucks welcomes the season with a fresh lineup of winter drinks, blending rich flavors, cozy spices, and creamy textures.
Each year, the menu features a mix of returning favorites and new creations, giving customers something to look forward to during the colder months. Some drinks embrace classic holiday flavors, while others introduce unexpected ingredients that spark curiosity.
That being said, not all winter drinks are created equal. Some deliver the perfect mix of warmth, indulgence, and nostalgia, while others fall short in flavor or balance.
From nutty lattes to spiced chai blends and decadent mochas, this review explores what’s worth ordering and which drinks don’t quite hit the mark.
A good approach could be to rank these based on taste, seasonal appeal, and overall experience. The goal? To help decide which winter Starbucks drinks deserve a spot on the must-try list and which ones are better skipped.
Think about flavors that bring comfort, sweetness levels that match the mood, and the overall coziness factor that defines winter beverages.
Here’s a closer look at Starbucks winter menu, ranked and reviewed.
Cortado
This simple yet sophisticated drink blends three ristretto shots of Blonde Espresso with steamed whole milk, creating a balanced, velvety texture.
The strong coffee base makes it a favorite for those who prefer less sweetness and more boldness in their winter drinks.
At the same time, the smaller serving size (8 oz) ensures that the espresso flavor shines, without being overpowered by milk. A great option for those who want a strong yet smooth winter pick-me-up.
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado
This variation adds brown sugar syrup and oatmilk, enhancing the cortado with a touch of sweetness and spice. The oatmilk’s natural creaminess balances the bold espresso, making it a richer, slightly sweeter choice.
That being said, it remains more coffee-forward than other winter drinks, keeping the balance between bold and smooth. The dash of cinnamon on top adds a final touch of warmth.
Pistachio Latte
Pistachio lovers have something to celebrate. This latte features espresso, steamed milk, and pistachio sauce, topped with a salted brown butter topping for a sweet-savory contrast.
Put simply, this drink delivers a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs well with the cold season. It’s worth noting that the brown butter topping enhances the richness, making it feel more indulgent.
Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
Cold brew isn’t just for summer, and this drink proves why. The bold, smooth cold brew is lightly sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with pistachio cream cold foam. The finishing touch? Salted brown butter sprinkles that add an extra layer of depth.
This is a great choice for those who want a refreshing winter drink without going too heavy on the sweetness. Meanwhile, the cold foam keeps it light yet flavorful.
Peppermint Mocha
Few drinks capture the season like a Peppermint Mocha. The combination of espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint syrup creates a rich, chocolatey experience with a cool, refreshing twist.
That being said, this drink leans toward the sweeter side, which might not appeal to those who prefer a more balanced coffee flavor. Still, the whipped cream and chocolate curls make it feel festive.
Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte
A winter menu wouldn’t be complete without a cookie-inspired drink. This latte blends Blonde Espresso with almond milk and sugar cookie-flavored syrup, topped with festive sprinkles.
It could be that the light, nutty flavor of almond milk pairs well with the sweet, buttery notes of the syrup. At the same time, the Blonde Espresso keeps it smooth and mild rather than overpowering.
Chestnut Praline Latte
This seasonal staple delivers a toasty, caramelized flavor, combining espresso, steamed milk, and chestnut praline syrup. Topped with whipped cream and praline crumbs, it creates a cozy, slightly spiced experience.
A good approach could be to compare this to the Pistachio Latte—both feature nutty flavors, but this one leans more toward a caramelized, roasted profile.
Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
For those who love white chocolate, this variation of the classic mocha offers a creamier, richer version of the Peppermint Mocha. Instead of dark chocolate, it uses white chocolate sauce, making it smoother and slightly sweeter.
One way to think about it is as a winter dessert in a cup. The whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles add to the festive appeal, making this a great option for those who enjoy sweeter holiday drinks.
Caramel Brulée Latte
This drink features espresso, steamed milk, and caramel brulée sauce, topped with whipped cream and crunchy caramel pieces. The burnt sugar undertones give it a unique, slightly smoky finish.
It’s worth noting that this drink feels heavier and richer than some other lattes. For those who enjoy indulgent, dessert-like coffees, this is a solid pick.
Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
For those looking for a non-coffee winter drink, this chai-based option offers the perfect balance of warming spices and creamy oatmilk. The gingerbread syrup brings in a festive touch, complementing the cinnamon and cardamom flavors in the chai.
That being said, this might not be as bold as a traditional chai, but the gingerbread notes make it feel distinctly seasonal.
Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
Cold brew gets a winter makeover with salted pecan syrup and crunchy pecan toppings. The combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors gives this drink an extra dimension.
Meanwhile, the cold brew keeps it smooth and refreshing, making it a good choice for those who enjoy iced drinks year-round.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing Starbucks’ winter lineup, some drinks stand out as absolute winners, while others fail to impress. Here’s the final breakdown:
The Best Winter Starbucks Drinks (Must-Try)
???? Pistachio Latte – Smooth, nutty, and perfectly balanced, making it the ultimate winter comfort drink. The salted brown butter topping adds a rich depth, elevating the experience.
???? Caramel Brulée Latte – Decadent and indulgent, with burnt sugar undertones that make it feel like a winter dessert in a cup.
???? Peppermint Mocha – A classic holiday staple that nails the balance between chocolate, coffee, and mint without feeling too heavy.
???? Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte – A festive and light option that’s sweet without being overwhelming, making it one of the best dairy-free picks for the season.
The Least Impressive Winter Drinks (Better to Skip)
❌ Citrus Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (Not on the Winter Menu, Removed) – This drink was mistakenly included, as it belongs to a different seasonal menu.
❌ Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew – While the pecan crunch topping is fun, the pecan syrup overpowers the cold brew, making it too sweet and unbalanced.
❌ Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai – The gingerbread syrup doesn’t bring enough depth, leaving it underwhelming compared to traditional chai lattes.
