The verdict is in: holiday coffee isn’t just about warmth—it’s about reinvention. Barista Magazine readers turned their seasonal cravings into bold, inventive drinks that blend tradition with unexpected twists. From smoky spices to sweet, creamy indulgences, these creations redefine what a “classic” holiday beverage can be.
Olympia Coffee’s Mulled Coffee and Ginger Spice Latte are proof that nostalgia and innovation can coexist. The former marries filter coffee with cranberry juice, mulling spices, and a citrus garnish, while the latter layers ginger, baking spices, and orange bitters into espresso. Both drinks capture the essence of winter without leaning on clichés. The Undergrounds Coffee Co. takes a different route with its Pink Peppercorn Persimmon Matcha, a vibrant blend of house-made persimmon syrup, cold foam, and pink peppercorn flakes. It’s a drink that looks as good as it tastes, turning holiday cheer into a visual feast.
Taproom Coffee’s Oatmeal Crème Pie Latte blurs the line between coffee and dessert, using spiced oat syrup and vanilla bean whipped cream to mimic the texture of a pie. Meanwhile, Dedo Coffee’s Smoked Star Anise Latte adds depth with its smoky, cinnamon-infused profile, proving that coffee can be both comforting and complex. Compass Coffee’s Sugar Cookie Pudding Matcha elevates the humble sugar cookie into a drinkable dessert, blending vanilla-almond syrup with sugar cookie pudding for a treat that feels like a holiday cookie in a mug.
KEY POINTS – Creativity thrives when tradition meets experimentation: think smoky star anise, persimmon foam, and cinnamon-laced lattes. – Community spirit is baked into these drinks—like Taproom Coffee’s winter donation drive, which turns coffee into a catalyst for giving. – Seasonal ingredients aren’t just for the table; they’re the backbone of holiday beverages that feel both familiar and fresh.
Share your favorite recipe or twist in the comments—let’s keep the conversation brewing.
What’s your go-to holiday drink, and how does it reflect your own version of seasonal magic? Share your favorite recipe or twist in the comments—let’s keep the conversation brewing.
Questions & Answers
What are the top holiday drinks from Barista Magazine readers?
Our favorite holiday drinks include Spiced Cinnamon Latte, Peppermint Mocha, and Gingerbread Hot Chocolate, all crafted by readers for festive flavor and warmth.
How to make a holiday drink at home?
Mix espresso, milk, spices, and whipped cream for a spiced latte. Add cocoa, marshmallows, and hot water for a peppermint mocha. Use ginger, cinnamon, and chocolate for a gingerbread hot chocolate.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
