Ranking of Starbucks' 2021 Holiday Beverages

Ranking of Starbucks' 2021 Holiday Beverages

Coffee lovers, rejoice! Here's a lowdown on some of the scrumptious holiday drinks that Starbucks served up in 2021, along with my take on 'em. So sit tight, and let me spill the beans on these tasty treats.

Peppermint Mocha

• First sip feels like: A divine encounter with an Andes mint
• Would I order again? Absolutely, yes!
• Suggested modifications: Half the usual syrup please

Admit it, you were expecting a dud, but just like that Falcon and the Winter Soldier twist, this one took me by surprise. It hit the spot with its sweet start and a minty finish, not weighing me down like some sugary monstrosities you'll find here. If you're minding your sugar consumption, just ask for half the syrup and enjoy guilt-free.

Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte

• First sip tastes like: A sugar cookie campaign from holidays past
• Would I order again? Yep, without a second thought
• Suggested modifications: No sprinkles if it's iced, mate

This was a blast from the past, reminding me of my beloved iced caramel macchiato in a holiday-inspired twist. The almond milk offered the perfect nougat sugar cookie flavor, and hey - Vegans can join in the fun too. Just beware that those crunchy sprinkles are on the move if you're getting an iced beverage.

Chestnut Praline Latte

• First sip tastes like: Heavenly Lucky Charms, courtesy of that top-notch chef
• Would I order again? You betcha!
• Suggested modifications: None, but feel free to add a dash of cinnamon for that extra coziness

This drink was a divine balancing act, managing to be flavorful without falling into the syrupy richness pit. Although you won't find the chestnut or praline flavors you were craving, it had a delightful marshmallow sweetness that's hard to resist.

Irish Cream Cold Brew

• First sip feels like: A juggernaut of sweet creamer in a cold brew knockdown
• Would I order again? Yep! With a little less sweet cream
• Suggested modifications: Ask for half the Irish cream syrup, and consider mixing in the sweet cream foam for an added vanilla kick

This baby brought some serious coffee flavor to the party, but it was like a deranged bartender was trying to drown it in creamer. The Irish cream was thicker, creamier, and richer than a typical syrup, so be prepared for that just in case. If you like your coffee with a lot of cream and sweetener, you're golden! But just ask for less of the Irish cream syrup if you want to cut back a bit.

Caramel Brûlée Latte

• First sip tastes like: A mouthful of rich caramel syrup followed by a robust latte
• Would I order again? I'm ambivalent about this one
• Suggested modifications: Half the syrup if you want a less sweet version

This was neck-and-neck with my top pick until the artificial caramel taste took over. It tasted like taking a shot of caramel syrup followed by a caramel latte. Maybe it was just that particular bottle of caramel syrup, but it's a hard pass from me, dawg.

Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

• First sip tastes like: Yogurt on yogurt-covered pretzels (Weird, I know!)
• Would I order again? Nah, not my cup of Joe
• Suggested modifications: None – but maybe try a different drink if you're into white chocolate flavors

This drink was way too rich, syrupy, and even had a sour aftertaste. White chocolate lovers might enjoy it, but for normal folks like me, no thank you.

What else is new?

Taylor Swift and Starbucks teamed up to create "Taylor's Latte," (a grande caramel nonfat latte) that you can order by name, and even grab Taylor-branded Starbucks gift cards, because why not?

Enrichment Data:Overall, Starbucks had an impressive lineup of holiday drinks in 2021.

1. Peppermint Mocha
2. Description: A peppermint-infused espresso drink with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
3. Recommendation: Perfect for those who love minty flavors.
4. Modification Suggestion: Request less syrup for a less sweet version or ask for an extra pump of peppermint if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
5. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
6. Description: A drink featuring espresso, white chocolate mocha sauce, steamed milk, whipped cream, and toasted white chocolate shavings.
7. Recommendation: Ideal for white chocolate lovers.
8. Modification Suggestion: Try it with a non-dairy milk like almond milk for a lighter taste.
9. Caramel Brûlée Latte
10. Description: A caramel brûlée-infused latte, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
11. Recommendation: Great for caramel enthusiasts.
12. Modification Suggestion: Ask for an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweeter taste.
13. Chestnut Praline Latte
14. Description: A latte with chestnut praline flavors, topped with whipped cream and praline crumbs.
15. Recommendation: Suitable for those who enjoy nutty flavors.
16. Modification Suggestion: Pair it with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth.
17. Eggnog Latte
18. Description: A creamy drink made with espresso, steamed eggnog, and topped with nutmeg.
19. Recommendation: Perfect for eggnog fans.
20. Modification Suggestion: Ask for a lighter eggnog to reduce the richness.

Discontinued in 2021- Salted Caramel Mocha: Although it was discontinued in 2021, it featured a blend of toffee nut and mocha syrups. If you missed it, you might enjoy the similarity in flavors with the Caramel Brûlée Latte.

1. Judging by the rich caramel taste, it seems that the Caramel Brûlée Latte is reminiscent of a Salted Caramel Mocha, a Starbucks drink discontinued in 2021 that combined toffee nut and mocha syrups.
2. On the subject of temperature, if you prefer your Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte without the crunchy sprinkles, be sure to order it as a hot drink instead, as the cold version comes with the added texture.
3. The Irish Cream Cold Brew, with its thick creamer, may provide a novel experience for those who normally order nonfat drinks; the high-calorie content could be reduced by asking for half the Irish cream syrup.
4. In the pursuit of nonfat offerings, coffee lovers might be interested to know that Taylor Swift and Starbucks have collaborated on "Taylor's Latte," a grande caramel nonfat latte that you can order by name.
5. Lastly, in exploring other nutrition options, it's worth noting that many popular Starbucks drinks can be modified to accommodate dietary preferences, such as half the syrup, non-dairy milk, or less sweet creamer.

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