Not too long ago, my dreams were made of the following imagery: a rainy New York morning, me rushing to work in my patent leather 5-inch pumps, stopping only to grab a Grande cup of Java Chip Frappuccino from a Starbucks nearby. This was before 2012 obviously, because that was the year my dreams shifted base to New Delhi from New York. In other words, Starbucks was finally in India. And now, I'm proud to admit that I did finally get to live my dream of running around town with a Starbucks coffee in my manicured hands.
I don't know what it is about the global coffeehouse, but Starbucks for me has always been synonymous with indulgence. And therapy. And cure to bad hair days. Also, its this time of the year that my love for Starbucks grows a bit stronger. Sole reason? Special themed holiday drinks. A sprinkle of salted caramel, the aroma of baked apple pie and Cinnamon-sweet slurps, the Starbucks winter holiday menu is nothing short of a Christmas miracle. And the moment of that first eager sip from one of these drinks, feels a lot like Christmas morning!
Doesn't that sound magical? Especially when this time around, we could all use feeling a bit more jolly! It goes without saying, I'll help you get there. And that's the only intention with which I curated this list of my 4 most favourite holiday drinks from Starbucks, perfect for cosying up with, in this chilly weather!
1. Crunchy Red Hat Mocha
Why We Love It
First off, this drink looks like it was personally brought to you by Santa. With a generous dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with strawberry drizzle and chocolate whip, hovering over a concoction of Starbucks signature dark chocolate, the Crunchy Red Hat Mocha is certainly a go-to pick from the holiday menu. The fact that it is so Instagrammable, helps the cause abundantly!
Image Courtesy - GlamSham
2. Salted Dark Caramel Latte
Why We Love It
The thing about salted caramel is, you either hate it with every fibre of your being, or you're obsessed. Fortunately for me, I count myself in the latter category. And when you're a fan, there really isn't a better way to test out your love than this Starbucks holiday cuppa joe. It's a perfectly creamy and velvety Latte to slurp on, and the caramel drizzle emerges as the clear cherry on top of this winter-special cake!
Image Courtesy - GlamSham
3. Salted Dark Caramel Cream Frappuccino
Why We Love It
As I said earlier, I love salted caramel as an ingredient. So to have it as the star of another fantastic drink by Starbucks, is more than I could wish for. I'm a firm believer of getting iced coffee every chance you get, even if it's fricking freezing outside! And any Frappuccino variation by Starbucks, is always a winner. But with the added elements of caramel drizzle, sea salt, and delicious sweetened whipped cream on top, the Salted Dark Caramel Cream Frappuccino is a must-try this holiday season!
Image Courtesy - GlamSham
4. Jolly Baked Apple Latte
Why We Love It
My absolute favourite pick from the Starbucks Holiday menu, there's something so homely and comforting about this drink, you can't help but order it again and again. Imagine if a freshly home-baked Apple pie was remoulded into a beverage form, that is exactly what this Starbucks holiday drink is like. Signature espresso, creamy steamed milk, baked apple sauce drizzle and candied apple sprinkles, all blend together in a cup to leave you feeling warm from the inside!
Image Courtesy - GlamSham
Special Mention
Speaking of the Starbucks Holiday Menu, we cannot miss out on a special dessert recommendation. This sweater weather season, Starbucks has officially brought back their iconic Carrot Cake to the menu, along with our lives. My tastebuds are beyond excited to grab a taste of that decadent, delicious slice, and we'd strongly urge you to join us!
Image Courtesy - Starbucks India Instagram
Catch me at a Starbucks, how 'bow dat?