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

Whenever Starbucks releases its holiday menu, you can officially get in the spirit! Except be smart like me: save money and make them at home!
Why you'll love these drinks
- Perfect copycats: They taste exactly like the ones you'd get at Starbucks (but better).
- Wallet-friendly: Quit shelling out almost $10 for a holiday drink and make your own at home.
- Super festive: All your favourite holiday flavours, in a delicious caffeinated drink!
Tis the season!
Skip the long lines at the counter and ditch the high price tag by making your fave Starbucks holiday drink at home. Plus, you don't have to wait for their seasonal drinks to come out – you can make them all year round.

Peppermint mocha
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Vanilla extract – vanilla syrup or almond extract would also work.

Irish cream cold brew
- 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.

Customizing your drink
Just like at Starbucks, you can customize your holiday coffee drinks at home to your liking!
- Milk: Skim milk, almond milk, oat milk and soy milk would all work.
- Coffee: Use decaf espresso or even cold brew.
- Sugar-free: Use sugar-free syrup for a skinny latte.
- Boozy: Add some Bailey's, peppermint schnapps, rum, bourbon or brandy!
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 use a dark roast.
Can you make your drink dairy-free?
Yes! You can make these drinks using any dairy-free milk of your choice.
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.

Prepping components ahead of time
You can't pre-make your drink, but you can make mornings easier by prepping certain components:
- 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.
More Starbucks drink recipes
Meal prep tools
- Get some cheesecloth to strain the coffee.
- Pick up some coffee beans or pre-ground coffee such as Lavazza.
- You may need a coffee grinder if you're using fresh whole beans.
- Order some similar clear glass mugs.
- Order some Starbucks caramel syrup online.
- Want to upgrade your espresso machine? Try the Philips 3100.

Starbucks Holiday Drinks
Ingredients
Peppermint Mocha
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp mint syrup (2 tbsp boiling water, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp peppermint extract)
- 2 espresso shots
- Light whipped cream (optional topping)
- Crushed candy canes (optional topping)
Eggnog Latte
- 2 espresso shots
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- Light whipped cream (optional topping)
Gingerbread Latte
- 2 espresso shots
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp simple syrup (1 tbsp boiling water & 2 tsp sugar)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp dried ginger
- Light whipped cream (optional topping)
Caramel Brulee Latte
- 2 espresso shots
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp storebought caramel syrup (I find the Torani brand gets the flavour close)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Light whipped cream (optional topping)
- Caramel sundae sauce (optional topping)
- Crushed toffee bits (optional topping) I buy the Skor brand
Irish Cream Cold Brew
- 8 cups filtered water
- 2 cups ground coffee
- 1 tbsp storebought Irish cream syrup (I find the Torani brand gets the flavour close)
- 1/3 cup whipping cream
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp simple syrup (1 tbsp boiling water and 2 tsp sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Peppermint Mocha
- Stir milk, cocoa powder and mint syrup together in either a large cup or a milk frother. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot, or froth until hot. Meanwhile, brew espresso shots. Pour them into milk mixture when milk is ready, and stir to combine. Add whipped cream overtop if desired and sprinkle with candy canes. Serve and enjoy!
Eggnog Latte
- Stir milk, eggnog and nutmeg together in either a large cup or a milk frother. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot, or froth until hot. Meanwhile, brew espresso shots. Pour them into milk mixture when milk is ready, and stir to combine. Add whipped cream overtop if desired and sprinkle with extra nutmeg. Serve and enjoy!
Gingerbread Latte
- Stir milk, simple syrup, cinnamon and ginger together in either a large cup or a milk frother. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot, or froth until hot. Meanwhile, brew espresso shots. Pour them into milk mixture when milk is ready, and stir to combine. Add whipped cream overtop if desired and sprinkle with extra ginger. Serve and enjoy!
Caramel Brulee Latte
- Stir milk, caramel syrup and vanilla together in either a large cup or a milk frother. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot, or froth until hot. Meanwhile, brew espresso shots. Pour them into milk mixture when milk is ready, and stir to combine. Add whipped cream overtop if desired, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toffee bits. Serve and enjoy!
Irish Cream Cold Brew
- Make the cold brew coffee by mixing water and coffee grinds together in a large pitcher. Let sit overnight in the fridge for at least 12 hours (or up to 48 hours if desired). When ready to serve, slowly pour coffee through cheesecloth that is sitting in a fine mesh sieve into another large pitcher. Make sure you pour slowly and with precision to ensure there are no coffee grounds in the cold brew.
- Mix together whipping cream, milk, simple syrup and vanilla extract, frothing with an immersion blender until thickened slightly to make your sweet cream.
- Add 1 cup of cold brew to a large glass, then mix in Irish cream syrup. Top with sweet cream, then sprinkle with cocoa powder if desired. Serve and enjoy!
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