Move over, Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread Latte. There's a new holiday beverage at Starbucks — the Juniper Latte [1] — and it takes the festive vibes to a whole new level. Inspired by a similar drink that was served last year exclusively at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle [2], this updated version of the Juniper Latte starts with Starbucks signature espresso and steamed milk and incorporates juniper-flavored syrup. (FYI, juniper is that evergreen tree or shrub that produces those tiny blue berries used to flavor gin. Sadly, the Juniper Latte is gin-free.) The warm and wintry drink is finished with creamy foam and a sprinkling of pine-citrus sugar, making for a Christmasy concoction best enjoyed while wearing a flannel shirt and listening to Mariah Carey's "All I Was For Christmas Is You" [3] on repeat.
The new and improved Juniper Latte was released on Nov. 27 at Starbucks stores in both the US and Canada for a limited time while supplies last. If the tempting flavors aren't enough to make you sprint to the nearest Starbucks to order a venti-sized Juniper Latte, there's another incentive to do so. On Dec. 1, Starbucks will honor World AIDS Day [4] by donating 20 cents for every latte purchased, including the Juniper Latte, to help (RED) fight against AIDS. Ahead, catch a glimpse at the Juniper Latte in all its Christmas-ready glory, and start preparing your tastebuds now for those pine-citrus sugar crystals.
