Starbucks Just Dropped a New Holiday Latte, and It Tastes Like Christmas in a Cup

Move over, Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread Latte. There's a new holiday beverage at Starbucks — the Juniper Latte — 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, 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" 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 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.