Holiday Drinks From Starbucks' Secret Menu You Can Order Year Round
At Starbucks, seasonal drinks are not just a thing during the Fall season, when Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Apple Crisp Macchiatos reign supreme. Specialty beverages sold during the holiday season (such as the Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte) are so famous that Starbucks fans have nicknamed this time of year the "red cup season." A few Christmas-inspired drinks are especially iconic.
Who could forget festive holiday drinks like the Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte, or Caramel Brûlée latte? To make the holidays all the more exciting, Starbucks sometimes unveils new drinks (like the aforementioned ones) each year. However, this may not be the case in 2022: While the holiday menu has returned to Starbucks, there are no new drinks to report (as per USA Today).
However, there is a way to try new seasonal drinks at Starbucks this winter. The key is the Starbucks secret menu. This hidden menu includes items like the Purple Drink or the Fruity Pebbles Frappuccino. But Starbucks' secret menu also includes a variety of seasonal beverages that you can order, such as the Candy Cane Cold Brew or the Santa Claus Frappuccino.
The items on the secret menu are also available year-round. That means you can get a seasonal beverage whenever you want it. Whether you're looking for something new to order at Starbucks during the holidays or you'd like a taste of Christmas in July, you can order these secret menu holiday drinks whenever you want.
Candy Cane Frappuccino
The Candy Cane Frappuccino is a Starbucks secret menu item that's perfect for the holidays: Even its appearance is festive. As this drink consists of a snow-white Frappuccino that is topped with red sprinkles, it mimics the colors of a candy cane. It's also a frozen drink, so it could be uniquely fitting for celebrating the holidays in places with warmer climates. But this secret menu drink could also help to satisfy your craving for minty candy cane flavors during the remainder of the year as it can be ordered year-round.
This is one of the easiest secret menu items to get. To order the Candy Cane Frappuccino, ask for a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino. Then, ask for the addition of peppermint syrup to your drink. That's it: You can choose to add whipped cream if you wish. Also, holiday sprinkles can be requested if you want to add a little extra festivity to your beverage.
This secret menu Frappuccino could be a good fit for fans of holiday Starbucks Frappuccinos. Brewed Daily complimented the minty notes of the drink and recommended it to all fans of peppermint. Coffee at Three asserts that the drink really lives up to its advertised name. As with any secret menu item, it's important to remember that many employees may not be as familiar with this item, so it's important to tell them the instructions required for each step of the recipe.
Christmas in a Cup Latte
For an excellent Starbucks secret menu hot drink, try the Christmas in a Cup Latte (via Secret Menus). To order, ask for a Cinnamon Dolce Latte, then specify the required modifications. Next, ask for the addition of White Mocha Syrup to the drink: the amount of added syrup depends on the size and the taste you desire. If you want to order a tall latte, you'll need one and a half pumps of white mocha syrup. If you're getting the grande size, you'll need two pumps.
If you're getting a venti, you'll need two and a half pumps. Then, ask for peppermint syrup. You'll need half a pump for a tall size, one pump for a grande, and one and a half pumps for a venti. Finally, you can choose to add toppings of chocolate or whipped cream.
The Christmas in a Cup Latte is a Starbucks secret menu latte that tastes like winter. According to Starbucks' secret menu, the flavor trifecta of peppermint, chocolate, and cinnamon (from the base of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte) combine to give you a satisfying holiday taste. As such, the drink has fans. One person on Twitter expresses much love for this delicious drink.
Olaf Frappuccino
If you'd like to order a Starbucks secret menu item that's perfect for kids, lend your ears to the Olaf Frappuccino (via Our Community Now). To order, start by asking for a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino. Then, ask for the addition of White Mocha Drizzle. Then, purchase a snowman cake pop: if this isn't available, consider purchasing a snowman cookie, which should be found in the bakery case (via Starbucks). For toppings, ask for chocolate swirls and whipped cream.
To get the final look, remove the lid from your Frappuccino, then stick your cake pop on the side. The result gives the appearance of a little snowman sitting in a pile of fresh snow. The employees likely will not do this part for you.
Whatever you do, don't expect workers to know how to make the Olaf Frappuccino. As one barista explained on Reddit, since the secret menu is not actually official, employees often do not have the specific recipe for the drink. But as long as you read the recipe to a Starbucks employee, they should be able to help you access this cup of holiday spirit.
Andes Mint Cold Brew
The Andes Mint Cold Brew is a Starbucks secret menu item that takes inspiration from another famous chain: Olive Garden. At Olive Garden, chocolate after-dinner mints are often handed out along with the bill.
But Andes Mints are not just reminiscent of Olive Garden. Their combination of chocolate and mint flavors tastes like the holidays. If you want to drink a Starbucks beverage that tastes like candy, Christmas, Olive Garden, and Andes Mints at the same time, go for this beverage.
The base is comprised of cold brew, which you'll have to ask for first. For a venti size, request three pumps of mocha syrup, three pumps of white mocha syrup, and two pumps of peppermint. Then, ask for a topping of regular cold foam. You can choose to add chocolate curls on top of that cold foam, which will be sprinkled over the cream.
According to Reddit, other variations have a different way of creating an Andes Mint-inspired drink. One person said they generally order a mocha cold brew, then ask for it to be topped with both peppermint and matcha cold foam. Either way, you can enjoy that festive mint chocolate flavor blend anytime.
Christmas Cookie Frappuccino
The Christmas Cookie Frappuccino is one Starbucks secret menu holiday drink that's fairly popular with video creators on TikTok. Like many other Frappuccinos on the Starbucks secret menu, in order to get one, you'll start by ordering a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino for the base. According to FastFoodMenuPrices, the recipe gets more complicated from there. You'll need to ask for both peppermint syrup and toffee nut syrup. Finally, multiple toppings are added, including caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and holiday sugar sprinkles.
According to Yahoo, ordering secret menu drinks like the Christmas Cookie Frappuccino doesn't just require knowing the instructions. After spelling out each step, you'll also have to pay more due to the requested additions. Then, you'll have to stand and wait for this drink, possibly for a while, since the barista following the instructions may not quite be familiar with the recipe. But in the end, drinks like the Christmas Cookie Frappuccino can be worth it. The rich, toffee nut flavor combines with caramel to make something that perfectly tastes like a winter dessert.
Candy Cane Cold Brew
The Candy Cane Cold Brew is another festive secret menu drink that's popular on TikTok. Various videos posted on TikTok will tell you how to make this drink. The recipe entails first ordering a Sweet Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew. Then, ask for white mocha sauce and peppermint syrup (the amounts will vary based on your drink size). Finally, ask for the addition of festive sprinkles to your beverage: this will ensure that your drink has the holiday vibe (via Totally the Bomb).
Although it may seem similar to other secret menu holiday drinks, the Candy Cane Cold Brew stands out to us in major ways. It swaps out the Frappuccino base for a cold brew one. This already makes it seem like a more unique beverage that will appeal to coffee lovers. Additionally, it utilizes Starbucks' cold foam, an even more recent addition to the chain's menu that has become an instant hit.
Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino
If you're someone who loves extravagance and indulgence, the Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino is for you. Ferrero Rocher candy sometimes shows up around the holidays as part of Christmas-themed crafts or within gift boxes.
The fact that the candy is sold in gold wrapping adds to the silver-and-gold vibe of the holidays. If you want to drink something that tastes a bit like a Ferrero Rocher, you can do so at Starbucks by ordering from the secret menu.
According to Totally the Bomb, ordering this drink starts with a grande Java Chip Frappuccino. Next, you can add hazelnut syrup and toffee nut syrup. Finally, ask to have caramel drizzle added to the top. Starbucks doesn't usually sell Ferrero Rocher candies as part of the snacks and sweet section available at Starbucks.
But if you have one on hand, you can add it to the top of your beverage for a little added decoration. According to Cooking Panda, the result is a chocolate and caramel-filled drink that tastes a lot like the iconic candy itself.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte
The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte is a Starbucks drink that is loaded with nostalgia. This drink is designed to taste exactly like the famous cereal brand. For those who haven't had this sugar-filled breakfast since the '90s, the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte from Starbucks is guaranteed to remind you of childhood memories.
According to one Reddit post, if you order this secret menu item, you'll find yourself drinking something that tastes highly similar to Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Although it's not exactly a holiday drink, the Cinnamon Toast Crunch drink does sort of have a Christmas theme. During the holidays, cinnamon is a key spice in popular Christmas cookies such as snickerdoodles or gingersnaps. Also, let's not forget gingerbread, which is also made with cinnamon.
To make a Starbucks secret menu item reminiscent of these various things, start by ordering an iced white mocha. For the venti size, add two additional pumps of white mocha syrup. Next, ask for three pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup. Finally, request whipped cream.
You can add on the final topping yourself. Locate the packets of cinnamon and sugar in the area where Starbucks houses napkins, stirring straws, and the trash can, then sprinkle these final two components on top.
Peppermint Bark Drink
Starbucks' Salted Peppermint Bark is a popular treat among the fans of the chain. This snack is usually sold near the register in individually wrapped little packages. It consists of dark chocolate and white chocolate melted together and topped with pieces of peppermint. It's a highly beloved drink among fans, and you can order it from the secret menu year-round.
According to Starbucks Secret Menu, there are a few different ways to order this drink. You could have it as a cold drink by first asking for a Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino and then requesting the addition of half the mocha sauce and half the white chocolate sauce.
You could also order this as a hot drink. To do so, first ask for a hot Peppermint Mocha, then ask that it be made with half mocha sauce and half white chocolate sauce. In each version, the mint and chocolate flavors are already there. You're simply adding in a splash of white chocolate flavoring to mimic the main aspect of the peppermint bark.
Turtle Macchiato
The Turtle Macchiato is an under-the-radar item, even for Starbucks' secret menu. Although it may be a lesser-known drink, it's beloved by some fans of the coffee chain. One Twitter user claims that the drink is absolute heaven.
This Starbucks drink takes inspiration from turtle candies (also known as chocolate turtles), which are traditionally made using a combination of caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans, all formed into a shape resembling the eponymous reptile. This candy resurfaces around Christmas time, when the chocolates may be given as part of candy gift boxes. Luckily, the Starbucks secret menu allows you to procure this Christmas treat yourself, regardless of the time of year.
The Turtle Macchiato includes the caramel and chocolate components of turtle candies. There are a few ways to order it. Make Drinks recommends asking for a double shot of espresso with steamed milk, caramel syrup, and mocha sauce.
One Reddit user spelled out what they thought was the cheapest and easiest way to order it, suggesting that customers request an iced grande caramel macchiato that swaps the caramel with vanilla syrup alongside three pumps of mocha and whipped cream.
Irish Cream Frappuccino
Starbucks' Irish cream is an ingredient that mimics Baileys, which is an ingredient that shines during the holiday season. Around Christmas time, you'll find this liqueur is used to make comforting seasonal cocktails like espresso martinis or mudslides (via House Fur). A few years back, Starbucks took inspiration from the use of Baileys in holiday drinks and used it to create the Irish Cream Cold Brew. This seasonal beverage is made with Irish cream. It's not exactly Baileys, but it tastes similar.
Thanks to the success of the Irish Cream Cold Brew, we now have more ways to enjoy Starbucks' Irish Cream. You can now order the Irish Cream Frappuccino using the chain's secret menu. According to Secret Menu Drinks, all you have to do is order a Matcha Crème Frappuccino, add Irish cream and vanilla syrup, remove the classic syrup, and switch the milk to heavy cream. According to a Reddit user, the drink tastes like a similar beverage from Tim Hortons, which is another coffee chain.
Santa Claus Frappuccino
Like other items from the secret menu, there are a few ways to make the Santa Claus Frappuccino (via Reddit). The most important holiday element of this drink is its appearance. It should have a mix of red and white colors to get that "Santa Claus" effect. To obtain this result while making things as easy as possible for Starbucks employees, you can simply ask for a Strawberry Crème Frappuccino. This item already exists on the Starbucks menu, so employees will already know how to make it.
If this doesn't appeal to you, there are other ways to order a Santa Claus Frappuccino. Since this is a secret menu drink, no one recipe is more official than another. One option is to order a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with strawberry purée, whipped cream, and Christmas sprinkles (via Totally the Bomb). Other recipes recommend that you specify the layering method of making this drink. Coffee at Three suggests that you ask for the strawberry cream to be layered on the top and the bottom of this drink. Either way, you'll end up with a red and white Frappuccino.
Snickerdoodle Cold Brew
The Snickerdoodle Cold Brew is a Starbucks secret menu item that has been mentioned on TikTok: One recipe video for this drink has over 26,000 likes. This makes sense to us. There is a lot to love about this drink. The cold brew base gives you a strong kick of caffeine, while the sweet cinnamon flavors give you a hint of Christmas energy.
To order Starbucks' Snickerdoodle Cold Brew from the chain's secret menu, start by asking for a cold brew. For a grande-sized drink, ask for the white mocha syrup and the sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup to be added to the drink. Finally, ask for cream (which is half and a half) (via The Macro Barista).
If you go with the grande size, you'll want to get one pump of the white mocha syrup and two pumps of the cinnamon dolce syrup (via Fast Food Menu Prices). This is a relatively light seasonal cold brew drink. However, it does contain dairy. So lactose intolerant people should avoid this secret menu item.
Snowball Frappuccino
The Snowball Frappuccino is a good one to try for those who enjoy the notion of a white Christmas. This completely white drink really gets into the winter theme. But even though its appearance is simple, the flavors that are present in the Snowball Frappuccino are quite complex. This drink combines hints of mocha, toffee, hazelnut, and caramel into a beverage that is packed with several different flavors that totally embody the holiday season.
To order this secret menu holiday beverage at Starbucks, begin by asking for a White Mocha Frappuccino. For a venti-sized order, ask for the addition of two pumps of toffee nut syrup, followed by two pumps of hazelnut syrup. Then, ask for the addition of both whipped cream and caramel brûlée topping to your beverage. In the end, you'll get a Frappuccino that looks simple but is filled with various Christmas flavors.