Espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint-flavor syrup come together in a delicious hot beverage. Top it all off with sweetened whipped cream and dark chocolate swirls, pour it in a red Christmas cup and the picture paints itself.
On a cold, winter night, when snowflakes are falling gently from the sky, Christmas lights and a Starbucks drink in hand make for a truly festive event; it is a picture-perfect scene.
The holiday season is officially upon us and with that comes time with family and friends, lots of food and laughter and, of course, holiday drinks from Starbucks.
In the American culture, these drinks seem to officially be a part of the seasonal celebrations. The holiday season has begun and coffee no longer comes in boring, white plastic cups, but instead is adorned with snowflakes, snowmen and reindeer.
Starbucks pulls out all the bells and whistles during this time of year. From now until Jan. 1, the coffee shop sells its special festive drinks and cups to eager holiday-lovers.
According to Stacy McCarty, assistant manager of Starbucks – located at 350 Millcreek Plaza – four major holiday drinks emerge during this special time: Caramel Brulèe Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte.
The Peppermint Mocha is the most popular, with the Caramel Brulèe Latte in a close second.
Many different types of people order these drinks, McCarty said, and she added that it’s a split decision on who orders them the most – men or women.
The appeal to drink coffee and “fun” drinks seems to resonate more with people during the chilly months. Brooke Bateman, a junior occupational therapy major, said her favorite holiday drink at Starbucks is a Gingerbread Latte, with an extra shot of espresso.
“I rarely drink Starbucks in the summer,” Bateman said. “But since it’s colder out, I can enjoy the winter and festive flavors all in a cup of coffee.”
Kelsey Franke, a junior nursing major, said she enjoys both the Peppermint Mocha and the Gingerbread Latte for their taste and representation and because she can only buy them during this season.
“For one, the holiday drinks are only around for a limited time,” Franke said.
“But when the drinks finally come out, I know Christmas is right around the corner.”
While many people enjoy Starbucks and their holiday drinks, a few do not.
Alex Duchini, a sophomore engineering major, said the drinks really don’t appeal to him and his palate.
“I barely go to Starbucks and when I do, I don’t want peppermint in my drink.”
Ashley Buzzell, a senior English major, doesn’t enjoy the Starbucks holiday drinks and said she believes the specials serve one purpose: advertising.
Buzzell said she thinks Starbucks feels like it has to supply the public with holiday drinks and that’s why it does it.
However, McCarty said that it is much more than it. The drinks help set the mood for the upcoming holidays and get people excited.
“It’s a change of season for people,” McCarty said. “Just like when the Pumpkin Spice Latte comes around for fall, everyone loves the change.
“People look for these drinks because it puts them in the spirit.”
SAMMIE JANIK
