Top Five Local Holiday Drinks to Try

If you are a bean lover one of the best parts of the holiday season is having an excuse to indulge in  rich, bold, creamy and enticing coffee drinks.  and . have their versions of some of these seasonal coffee specialties. 

1.Caramel Brulée Latte-

A scrumptious combination of espresso and steamed milk flavored with delectable caramel brulée sauce, topped with sweetened whipped cream and sparkling pieces of caramel topping. The inspiration behind this beverage is a dessert called crème brulée. Crème brulée is a custard usually baked in ramekins topped with a caramel disc or sugar which is burnt or bruléed right on the custard using a torch or other means. Starbucks investigated over 40 different toppings for their latte to make it just right. 

* Available at and .

2.Peppermint Mocha-

This popular holiday beverage is representative of the season. It is made with peppermint flavored syrup, chocolate, espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls. At Starbucks, the bittersweet chocolate in the drink and dark chocolate curls are what sets this drink ahead of the rest.   

* Available at Starbucks, St. Louis Bread Co., and .

3.Pumpkin Spice Latte-

The first sign of the changing seasons is pumpkin, Jack-O-Lanterns, pumpkin pie and of course the pumpkin spice latte. This latte contains espresso and pumpkin blended with the spices of fall, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove with steamed milk and topped with sweetened whipped cream. Try this if you are a pumpkin lover... or even if you're not!

* Available at Starbucks and More Than Coffee.

4.Eggnog Latte-

The longest standing holiday drink at Starbucks is the eggnog latte. They have been serving it for 25 years. Enjoy it on a cold afternoon after shopping. This rich espresso beverage brightens with subtle holiday spices, steamed milk and nutmeg dusting. 

* Available at Starbucks.

5.Gingerbread Latte-

The beverage is a heady combination of gingerbread spices, espresso and milk. You'll enjoy the flavor of a freshly baked gingerbread combined with freshly ground espresso and steamed milk. It is almost like an unsweetened gingerbread, so if you like it sweet, be sure to top it with sweetened whipped cream.
* Available at Starbucks and More Than Coffee.

If you are not a coffee lover that does not mean you cannot indulge as well.  The Starbucks gingerbread latte can be made without espresso and become gingerbread crème. All of their drinks can be made iced as well. Both St. Louis Bread Co. and More Than Coffee have coffee-less drinks with the holiday spirit. St. Louis Bread Co.  has a new peppermint hot chocolate with steamed milk, peppermint, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.  They also have a chai tea latte brewed with black tea, honey, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and foamed milk. Although this chai tea latte is not a seasonal item, the flavors meld well with the the holiday season.  At More Than Coffee they offer caramel hot chocolate or if the mood strikes you you can create your own holiday mix.

Both More Than Coffee and Starbucks have programs that give back to the community.  Give back by enjoying your favorite holiday drink.  Happy holidays!