I Used to Be a Starbucks Barista, and These Are My 10 Favorite Winter-Themed Secret Menu Drinks
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My favorite part of working at Starbucks was inventing new drinks. Because I worked by myself at a hotel Starbucks, I would usually have a couple of hours to kill before the customers started to roll in. You'd find me at 6 or 7 in the morning, with four espresso shots' worth of energy, hands sticky with hazelnut or caramel syrup, busy at work in my little Frappuccino lab. And winter-themed drinks were always a favorite to create. From a roasted chestnut macchiato to a sugar cookie hot chocolate, there are plenty of drinks not on the traditional menu that'll warm you right up (or, if you like iced coffee, give you those cold winter vibes) all season long. Keep reading for a collection of all my favorite winter secret menu items and how to order them. With a variety of unique flavors, these drinks are the perfect remedy for any winter blues.
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Candy Cane Frappuccino
Inspired by a classic winter treat, this Frappuccino is so simple yet so good. With only one addition to remember for the drink, this one is super easy to order.
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Roasted Chestnut Macchiato
One sip of this macchiato will transport you to an outdoor holiday market in Prague, with the sweet, smoky aroma of chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Ahhhhh . . .
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Holiday Spice Cold Brew
This one is inspired by the potpourri that seems to be part of everyone's holiday decorations nowadays. There's just something so comforting about the flavors and aromas that come with winter.
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Sugar Cookie Hot Cocoa
This is for anyone who has a sweet tooth! Hot cocoa is the perfect beverage to keep you warm on cold days, and this one has a mouthwatering spin on it. I'd recommend ordering a sugar cookie to go with it!
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Snowman Frappuccino
How adorable is this? This recipe is inspired by Totally the Bomb's Olaf Frappuccino. This secret menu item is the excuse you need to order a cake pop to go with your drink.
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Hot Apple Cider
For those who like a more refreshing drink that will still keep them warm, the hot apple cider is a must. The chai concentrate and apple juice pair surprisingly well together. If you want something a bit sweeter and more similar to the Caramel Apple Spice, you can opt to top this drink with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle!
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White-Chocolate Cinnamon Chai Latte
I got this idea from the official Starbucks Secret Menu website. This drink is sweet, but not too sweet. While it uses winter flavors, I say it can be enjoyed year-round.
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The Ultimate Christmas Latte
For many of you out there, it's not Christmas without eggnog! This latte takes it to the next level by incorporating new flavors. (The eggnog in this drink is alcohol-free, because we're getting drunk on holiday spirit instead.)
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Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino
This is another one from the Starbucks Secret Menu site. This Frappuccino is inspired by the chocolate and hazelnut flavors of Ferrero Rocher, the crowd favorite that, while enjoyed in all seasons, seems to be especially popular in winter.
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Christmas Cookie Frappuccino
Baking Christmas cookies is one of the major rituals of the holiday season. This Frappuccino gives you the same pleasure without the mess in the kitchen (finally!).