25 Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks for Winter That Are Even Better Than a Peppermint Mocha
Updated: Apr. 18, 2024
It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas...
The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means! Starbucks will soon be rolling out all of the seasonal drinks we can only get our hands on once a year. But the best seasonal drinks we can’t help but crave come from the Starbucks secret menu—and they’re so easy to order, as long as you know how. These are the Starbucks winter drinks you should be ordering off the secret menu this holiday season.
Before we get started, here’s a reminder to have the recipe pulled up at the drive-thru—you don’t want to end up on that barista pet peeves list!
Peppermint Chip Frappucino
Bored of ordering the Peppermint Mocha every time? Upgrade with this Frapp that’s bound to become a new seasonal favorite.
How to order: Start with a Grande Toasted White Mocha Cream Frappuccino, and add 3 pumps of peppermint syrup, one scoop of java chips, and very light strawberry puree. Top off the whole thing with mocha cookie crumble topping and strawberry drizzle, and you’ve got your creamy, crunchy Christmas-colored drink.
Irish Cream Frappuccino
Love Baileys? This is the Frappuccino for you, created by the brilliant Holly Walker for Totally the Bomb. Pair this treat with a homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar.
How to order: Start by ordering a Grande White Mocha Frappuccino made with breve. (In case you’re not a Starbucks barista, breve is like a latte, but the espresso is steamed with half-and-half instead of milk.) Then, ask for 3 pumps of Irish cream syrup and chocolate curls on top!
Candy Cane Cold Brew
When you don’t have a candy cane at the ready, you reach for the next best thing, and that’s a Candy Cane Cold Brew from Starbucks! This drink is an instant classic and one we just can’t stop ordering this year.
How to order: Begin with a Venti Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew, but ask the barista to nix the vanilla. Instead, replace it with four pumps of white mocha and two pumps of peppermint. Next, ask for two more pumps of peppermint, but request them to be included in the cold foam. Complete this beverage with red, holiday topping.
Nutcracker Frappuccino
It’s not the Sugarplum Macchiato from Dunkin’, but it’s just as indulgent and maybe even a little sweeter: introducing the Nutcracker Frappuccino. Nothing will have you dancing into the holidays—point your toes!—quite like a sip of this.
How to order: Start with a Grande Strawberry Frappuccino, and ask your barista to substitute the classic syrup with toffee nut syrup. Pad this drink out with whipped cream on the top and the bottom, and finish it off with chocolate curls and that crunchy, red holiday topping. It’s like tasting Christmas for the first time!
Cookie Crisp Frappuccino
This recipe from Totally the Bomb may not necessarily be one of the Starbucks holiday drinks, but it’s still sweet enough to keep sipping on throughout the chilly season. This drink tastes just like your favorite cereal—Cookie Crisp—packing in chocolate and cookie crumbles you could ask for.
How to order: Order a Grande Java Chip Frappuccino, but ask your barista to include one pump of toffee nut syrup and two pumps of hazelnut syrup. Finish this simple (yet delicious) drink off with some whipped cream and cookie crumble topping. Yum!
Snickerdoodle Cold Brew
This caffeine-packed drink from TikTok will surely have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree. What’s better about this festive pick-me-up is that it’s only 90 calories per serving, so you can sip on these guilt-free all week long.
How to order: Start with a Grande Cold Brew, and request one pump of white mocha sauce, two pumps of sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup and just a splash of half-and-half. The result is a cold brew that’s as sweet and flavorful as a snickerdoodle cookie, but without all the sugar.
Have your Starbucks and stick to keto, too! Check out these 14 keto Starbucks drinks to order.
Raspberry Cheesecake Frappuccino
Christmas isn’t only about peppermint bark cheesecake and candy canes—raspberry is also a perfectly acceptable festive flavor! And this Raspberry Cheesecake Frappuccino from Totally the Bomb never goes out of season…
How to order: Start with a Grande White Mocha Frappuccino, and include one pump of hazelnut and one pump of raspberry with your order. Request some caramel crunch topping on the bottom of the cup and the top of the cup before rounding this masterpiece off with some whipped cream and a light drizzle of strawberry puree.
Pro tip: this recipe is also amazing with heavy whipping cream instead of milk. Give it a try next time you head out for a ‘Buck run!
Holiday Spice Cold Brew
It’s not the holidays without a little holiday spice, is it? This Holiday Spice Cold Brew recipe from Totally the Bomb packs in the spirit of Christmas and all the festive flavor we crave come December.
How to order: Ask for a Venti Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew to begin your order. Next, have the barista add one raw sugar packet, cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder in the cold foam. Finish this drink by adding those same powders on top, and you’ve got yourself a cold brew fit for Santa himself.
Also check out these 18 healthy Starbucks drinks that taste indulgent.
Eggnog Fluff Cold Brew
This list just isn’t complete without some creamy eggnog, is it? Thanks to Totally the Bomb, we’re ordering this Eggnog Fluff Cold Brew every year from now on—it’s an instant classic!
How to order: Begin with a Venti Cold Brew with four pumps of toasted white mocha sauce and only one pump of cinnamon dolce syrup. Next, request some eggnog in the cold foam, and top it all off with cinnamon dolce topping. Nutmeg also acts as a great topping for this drink!
Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino
Your favorite chocolatier is at Starbucks—or at least on the secret menu. This Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino (courtesy of Totally the Bomb) packs in all the hazelnut and chocolate we crave from our favorite stocking stuffer. Who can turn this down?
How to order: You’ll want to start your order off with a Grande Java Chip Frappuccino as the base, then ask for one pump of hazelnut syrup and one pump of toffee nut syrup. Finish this simple secret menu masterpiece with some caramel drizzle—and maybe a little mocha drizzle if your sweet tooth calls for it.
Andes Mint Cold Brew
This decadent cold brew from Totally the Bomb tastes just like your favorite mint chocolate dessert—except with a little more caffeine. It’s an absolute must-try for the holidays. The best part? Sans the chocolate curls, this drink is available all year round.
How to order: Ask your barista for a Venti cold brew, then add three pumps of mocha and three pumps of white mocha. Request regular cold foam on top, then have your barista include two pumps of peppermint in the blender. Top this drink off with chocolate curls and a sippy lid, so you can taste each flavor one at a time.
Gingerbread House Frappuccino
We can’t turn a charcuterie chalet into a Frappuccino, but we can mix all of our favorite gingerbread house ingredients into one! This recipe from Totally the Bomb locks in all the gumdrop, candy cane and frosting flavor we crave from a gingerbread house. We seriously can’t put this Frappuccino down!
How to order: Begin your order with a Grande White Mocha Frappuccino, and ask for one pump of hazelnut and one pump of chai to really get that gingerbread flavor. Next, ask for a dusting of chestnut praline topping on the bottom of your cup, then ask for the same topping over your whipped cream once the drink is done blending. Finally, top it all off with some holiday sprinkles.
Hot Cocoa Cold Brew
Set aside the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, because this winter is all about Totally the Bomb’s Hot Cocoa Cold Brew. It’s the sweetest wintry treat we can’t stop sipping on, and here’s why.
How to order: Start with a Venti Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, but ask your barista to only include two pumps of vanilla. Next, request four pumps of regular mocha sauce and one pump of toasted white mocha sauce. Finish your new favorite beverage off with chocolate curls and chocolate powder on top. Yum!
Fruitcake Frappuccino
This Totally the Bomb recipe seriously lives up to the name, packing in all the fruity flavors you crave from a seasonal fruitcake. Here’s how to order the most festive Frappuccino to date!
How to order: For this Frappuccino, you’ll want to begin with a Grande White Mocha Frappuccino with only two pumps of white mocha sauce. Next, ask your barista for one pump of raspberry syrup and two pumps of hazelnut syrup. Finally, ask for strawberry inclusions to be added to the blender, then top your Fruitcake Frappuccino off with whipped cream, a single dried strawberry and, of course, some chestnut praline topping. The final result is a drink so good you’ll be sipping it all winter long!
Toasted Caramel Brulee Cold Brew
We have Totally the Bomb to thank for this recipe! Whether you crave toasted sweetness or coarse caffeine early in the morning, this secret menu drink has you covered. It’s a combination of salty, sweet and everything in between—call it a cousin to the Salted Caramel White Mocha Cold Brew!
How to order: Build this drink using a Venti Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew as your base, then ask the barista to omit vanilla syrup. Next, ask for two pumps of white mocha and two pumps of caramel brulee sauce in the cold brew. You’ll also want to add two pumps of caramel brulee sauce into the cold foam. Finally, finish your secret menu masterpiece with some caramel brulee topping and a sippy lid!
The Ultimate Christmas Drink
This secret menu beverage comes to us from Totally the Bomb, and it’s the Christmas drink to beat all Christmas drinks. The foamy green to deep red is so festive you’ll be singing Christmas carols at first sip!
How to order: Start by asking your barista for a Venti Passion Tango Tea with about 1/4 of the cup filled with strawberry puree. Next, ask for two pumps of raspberry syrup and two pumps of liquid cane sugar. Finally, finish this drink by ordering cold foam on top made with nonfat milk and two scoops of matcha powder. The result is a drink that melts into a colorful, Christmasy masterpiece. Can you say “yum?!”
Olaf Frappuccino
If you’re a Disney fan, we know you’ve seen Frozen, which is the perfect holiday movie to settle under the blankets with. What’s better is you can indulge in a Frappuccino inspired by Olaf the Snowman from Frozen. (Shout out to Totally the Bomb for this recipe!)
How to order: Begin your order by asking the barista for a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with a pump or two of white mocha drizzle painted around the cup. (You’ll want to keep the drizzle light, as Starbucks’ white mocha is very sweet.) Next, top it off with whipped cream, some chocolate curls, and order a Snowman Cake Pop on the side. To finish the look, pop your cake pop into the whipped cream, and you’ve got a tasty Olaf Frappuccino.
Christmas Cookie Frappuccino
If you’ve ever wanted to sip on your favorite Christmas cookies, Starbucks’ secret menu has just the recipe. Be sure you don’t leave this Christmas Cookie Frappuccino out for Santa—he’ll have to stick to regular milk and cookies.
How to order: Start your order out with a Grande creme-based Frappuccino with one and a half pumps of peppermint syrup. Next, ask for one and a half pumps of toffee nut, and have it all blended up. Top your Christmas Cookie Frappuccino with whipped cream and a packet of raw sugar to achieve that classic sugar cookie texture!
Santa Claus Frappuccino
Is it Christmas if you’re not indulging in a Frappuccino named after the big guy himself? We don’t think so, which is why this delicacy belongs on your winter Starbucks secret menu bucket list.
How to order: Begin with a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino—the size is totally up to you. Next, ask the barista to cover the bottom of the cup with strawberry puree, then request another stripe of strawberry puree in the middle of the beverage. Finish this Frappuccino with some whipped cream and red Christmas sprinkles. (If your store doesn’t have the sprinkles in stock, feel free to get creative with your toppings!)
Buddy the Elf Frappuccino
What’s a Santa Claus Frappuccino without everyone’s favorite not-so-little helper, Buddy? This Frappuccino is perfect for sipping during your yearly rewatch of Elf (or any of these all-new Hallmark flicks).
How to order: Start with a Green Tea Frappuccino of any size—we suggest a Venti for maximum indulgence—then substitute the classic syrup for peppermint syrup. Complete this bevvie with some whipped cream and red and white Christmas sprinkles. If your Starbucks doesn’t have the sprinkles in stock, ask for a light dusting of matcha powder on top.
Candy Cane Frappuccino
Christmastime means candy canes, and if you know us, you know we love new and inventive candy canes you wouldn’t think exist in real life. Maybe that’s why we can’t get enough of this Candy Cane Frappuccino!
How to order: Begin with a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, and ask your barista to add peppermint (make sure it’s with no mocha) to the blender. Ask for one pump of peppermint for a Tall, one and a half pumps for a Grande and two pumps for a Venti. Complete your Candy Cane Frappuccino with whipped cream and some sprinkles—or mocha drizzle if you want a rich chocolate aftertaste.
Year-Round Eggnog Latte
With the Eggnog Latte off the Starbucks winter menu, we’re definitely keeping the recipe for this recreation in our back pocket. It doesn’t have eggnog, but it tastes just like everyone’s favorite Christmas drink. Of course, you can order it year-round!
How to order: Ask for a Chai Tea Latte and add caramel syrup—one pump for a Tall, two for a Grande and three for a Venti—and finish the drink with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar topping. You can also get an iced version by ordering an Iced Chai Tea Latte with caramel (two pumps for a Tall, three for a Grande and four for a Venti) or a frozen version by ordering a Chai Tea Frappuccino also with caramel (use the same measurements at the iced drink).
Snowball Frappuccino
Snowball fights are one of our favorite winter activities, so capture all that magic in a Snowball Frappuccino from Starbucks! It’s just what to cool down with after you work up a sweat pelting the competition.
How to order: Ask the barista for a White Chocolate Creme Frappuccino, then include toffee nut syrup and hazelnut syrup (one pump each for a Tall, one and a half each for a Grande and two each for a Venti). Next, request a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of caramel brulee topping. If your store doesn’t have the caramel brulee topping in stock, the topping is totally up to you!
Peppermint Bark Frappuccino
Peppermint bark is a holiday staple, so it’s only natural there’s a Starbucks secret menu Frappuccino that pays homage to everyone’s favorite winter treat. If there’s one Frappuccino on this list to try this holiday season, it’s definitely this one.
How to order: Start with a Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino—which you can order year-round, by the way—and ask your barista to cut the mocha sauce in half. Then, replace the missing sauce with white mocha sauce, and finish it all off with whipped cream, mocha drizzle and red Christmas sprinkles. The result is a totally creamy and indulgent drink that tastes just like liquid peppermint bark.
Roasted Chestnut Macchiato
You’ve heard of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but have you heard of chestnuts roasting in a macchiato? This isn’t your typical Starbucks beverage, but it’s certainly one you’ll order every holiday season from now on.
How to order: First, order a Hazelnut Macchiato, and add toffee nut syrup (one pump for a Tall, one and a half pumps for a Grande and two pumps for a Venti). Next, ask your barista to add some extra hazelnut (the same measurements as above) and a little bit of white mocha syrup (half a pump for Tall and Grande and one pump for a Venti). Top your roasted masterpiece off with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
Up Next: Make sure you know how to order a medicine ball tea at Starbucks (if you’re under the weather.)
Originally Published: December 06, 2021
