Starbucks Holiday Drinks {How to Make Them All!}

Make these Starbucks Holiday drinks: eggnog latte, peppermint mocha, caramel brulee latte, gingerbread latte and Irish cream cold brew.

The minute Starbucks brings out the holiday drinks, I’m instantly feeling festive. But let’s be real, we don’t need to spend a small fortune on lattes every week.

Why you’ll love these drinks

• Perfect copycats: They taste exactly like the ones you’d get at Starbucks (but better).
• Budget-friendly: Quit shelling out almost $10 for a holiday drink and make your own at home.
• Customizable: Make them lighter, sweeter, dairy-free — however you love it!

My Go-To Holiday Faves

These are the Starbucks holiday drinks I remake every single season and what you’ll need to make them at home. They’re simple, flavourful, and honestly too good to limit to December. Enjoy them all year-round!

Peppermint Mocha

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Milk – any dairy or dairy-free milk of your choice.
• Cocoa powder – unsweetened chocolate or hot chocolate mix can be used in a pinch.
• Mint syrup – use a store-bought version to save time.
• Espresso shots – dark roast coffee would also work.

Eggnog Latte

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Espresso shots – dark roast coffee would also work.
• Eggnog – this is key to the eggnog flavour! Make an eggless version if you’re allergic.
• Milk – use any dairy or dairy-free milk.
• Nutmeg – cinnamon would also be good.

Gingerbread Latte

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Espresso shots – dark roast coffee would also work.
• Milk – any dairy or dairy-free milk of your choice.
• Simple syrup – use a store-bought version to save time.
• Cinnamon – nutmeg will have a similar flavour.
• Dried ginger – allspice will work, but the taste will be different.

Caramel Brulee Latte

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Espresso shots – dark roast coffee would also work.
• Milk – any dairy or dairy-free milk of your choice.
• Store-bought caramel syrup – I like the Smucker’s sundae syrup.
• Store-bought crushed toffee bits – I like the Chipits Skor kind.
• Vanilla extract – vanilla syrup or almond extract could also work.

Irish Cream Cold Brew

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Filtered water – you can use tap water, but filtered tastes better.
• Ground coffee – use your favourite blend.
• Irish cream syrup – I like the Torani version best.
• Whipping cream – you can use heavy cream, but it won’t be as frothy.
• Milk – use any dairy or dairy-free milk of your choice.
• Simple syrup – use a store-bought version to save time.
• Vanilla extract – vanilla syrup or almond extract would also work.

How to make these drinks

Step 1: Prep your ingredients.

Make any syrups you may need.

Step 2: Froth the milk.

Use a milk frother or shake it in a mason jar.

Step 3: Make the coffee.

Brew the espresso or make your cold brew the night before.

Step 4: Add everything to a mug.

Pour the espresso into the milk with any syrup and serve.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to use espresso or can you use drip coffee?

The original Starbucks versions are made with espresso or cold brew, but if you’re really not a fan, you can brew a dark roast.

Where do you find the syrups?

You can buy your favourite flavoured syrups online on Amazon, Walmart, Torani’s website, BuyCoffeeCanada, or in store at some grocery stores and limited coffee shops. You can also make your own! Try my caramel and vanilla simple syrup recipes!

Want to make these ahead of time?

You can’t pre-make your drink, but you can definitely prep and store components of the recipes to make your mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups easier:

• Syrups: Make up to 2 weeks in advance and store in a mason jar in the fridge.
• Cold brew: Store it in the fridge for up to 10 days.
• Irish cream: Store without the foam in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Tips: Use airtight containers and label everything with the date so you don’t lose track.

Here are some items you may need

• Mason jars to store homemade syrups or other ingredients.
• Order some Starbucks or Torani syrups.
• Get some cheesecloth to strain the coffee if making cold brew.
• Pick up some coffee beans or pre-ground coffee such as Lavazza.
• A coffee grinder if you’re using fresh whole beans.
• Order some similar clear glass mugs.
• Want to upgrade your espresso machine? Try the Philips 3100.