We requested our on-line readers what drinks they brewed up this vacation season; right here’s an inventory of a few of our favorites.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Featured photograph courtesy of The Undergrounds Espresso Co.
When the climate exterior is frightful, nothing warms the spirit like a café drink laden with seasonal flavors. For our yearly round-up of our favourite vacation drinks, we requested Barista Journal readers what they have been brewing up for the winter—and their solutions didn’t disappoint. Learn on for our high picks.
Olympia Espresso: Mulled Espresso & Ginger Spice Latte
With areas throughout the state of Washington—a area infamous for its harsh winters—Olympia Espresso is warming their neighborhood up with seasonal drinks like Mulled Espresso (filter espresso with steamed cranberry juice and mulling spices, completed with an orange wheel and cinnamon) and their Ginger Spice Latte (ginger and heat baking spices folded into espresso and steamed milk, completed with orange bitters).
They describe their Mulled Espresso as “a well-recognized vacation aroma, however with slightly shimmer across the edges,” and their Ginger Spice Latte as “vivid and warming, like somebody opened a window and let the vacation air in.” We’re loving their artistic twist on vacation classics.
The Undergrounds Espresso Co.: Pink Peppercorn Persimmon Matcha
For a vacation drink that’s each luxurious and refreshing, The Undergrounds Espresso Co. is serving up a Pink Peppercorn Persimmon Matcha.
Primarily based in St. Petersburg, Fla., the espresso store has infused this colourful beverage with layers of house-made persimmon syrup, persimmon chilly foam, and pink peppercorn flakes. The result’s a seasonal particular that’s each eye-catching and scrumptious—a joyful medley of Christmas cheer.
Taproom Espresso: Oatmeal Crème Pie Latte
Who says espresso can’t even be dessert? Atlanta, Georgia’s Taproom Espresso shares one in every of their seasonal specials, the Oatmeal Crème Pie Latte: made with espresso, milk, house-made spiced oat syrup, and vanilla bean whipped cream.
Different standouts on their winter menu embody a Maple Sage Latte and Gochujang Caramel Latte, infused with a candy and spicy caramel sauce.
And for these native to Atlanta, Ashley Bo, social media supervisor at Taproom Espresso, shares that the café is at present internet hosting a winter donation drive. By means of the drive, which is a collaboration between Taproom and nonprofit Intown Cares, the café will accumulate winter gear, sleeping luggage, and blankets for these in want. To be taught extra in regards to the donation drive, go to Taproom Espresso’s Instagram.
Dedo Espresso: Smoked Star Anise Latte
Primarily based in Lengthy Seaside, Calif., Dedo Espresso is each a specialty espresso store and a hi-fi listening area, the place prospects can sit in for vinyl listening classes hosted by native DJs.
Their vacation menu consists of artistic recipes like their Rosemary Oat Shakerato and Smoked Star Anise Latte: Cloudscape espresso from Unity Espresso with milk, smoked star anise, and cinnamon easy syrup. Candy, smoky, and spicy, this drink hits the entire notes.
Compass Espresso: Sugar Cookie Pudding Matcha
The vacation season merely wouldn’t be full and not using a batch of heat, home made cookies—particularly sugar cookies. Vancouver, Wash.’s Compass Espresso has completely captured the essence of this seasonal favourite with their Sugar Cookie Pudding Matcha.
Sweetened with house-made sugar cookie syrup infused with vanilla and almond, then topped with sugar cookie pudding, this beverage is actually a deal with.
Drink Up & Be Merry
Thanks to the entire cafés that shared their vacation creations with us! As we shut out the yr, could your holidays be full of the entire pleasure, neighborhood, and low your coronary heart needs.
Subscribe and Extra!
As at all times, you possibly can learn Barista Journal in paper by subscribing or ordering a difficulty.
Help Barista Journal with a Membership.
Signup for our weekly publication.
Learn the December 2025 + January 2026 Difficulty totally free with our digital version.
