The Ultimate Guide to Starbucks Christmas Drinks (Copycat Recipes)

Okay, real talk: every November I turn into a complete Starbucks Christmas drink zombie. I’ll happily drop $8 on a Sugar Cookie Latte like it’s nothing… until I check my bank account in January and cry into my sad black coffee. So this year? We’re making them at home, and dare I say—some of these taste EVEN BETTER than the real thing. You’re welcome in advance 

I’ve tested these recipes like a mad scientist (my kitchen still smells like peppermint mocha), and I’m handing you the winners. Let’s get into the holiday menu you’ll actually be proud to serve.

1. Peppermint Mocha (The One That Started It All)

This is the OG Christmas drink. Rich, chocolatey, minty perfection that makes you feel like you’re in a snow globe.

Ingredients (makes 1 tall drink)

• 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee if you’re not extra)
• 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk = Starbucks vibes, oat milk = still delicious)
• 2 tbsp dark chocolate sauce (Torani or Ghirardelli, trust me)
• 1–2 tbsp peppermint syrup (again Torani, or see homemade below)
• Whipped cream (duh)
• Crushed candy cane or chocolate shavings for the drama

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brew your espresso or strong coffee.
2. Heat the milk on the stove or froth it if you’re fancy (I use a $20 milk frother and feel like a barista).
3. Stir the chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup into the hot coffee until it looks like melted Christmas.
4. Pour in the steamed milk, leaving room for whipped cream mountain.
5. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Take a photo. You’ve earned it.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s literally half the price and twice the peppermint punch. I accidentally made mine with 3 tbsp peppermint syrup once and nearly ascended. 10/10 do recommend (in moderation).

PIN IT

2. Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte (The 2021 Icon We Still Can’t Quit)

This one tastes like you baked Christmas cookies and then drank them. It’s stupidly good.

Ingredients

• 1–2 shots espresso
• 1 cup almond milk (must be almond—oat changes the vibe)
• 2 tbsp sugar cookie syrup (Torani makes one, or homemade version below)
• 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
• Whipped cream + sprinkles (the colored sugar ones Starbucks uses)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pull your espresso shots.
2. Heat and froth the almond milk.
3. Mix the sugar cookie and vanilla syrup into the espresso.
4. Pour in the frothy almond milk.
5. Crown it with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles like a chaotic elf.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s sweet but not tooth-ache sweet, and the almond milk keeps it light. My roommate stole half of mine and texted “marry me” so… results may vary.

3. Caramel Brûlée Latte (Crack in a Cup)

The burnt sugar top is everything. Yes, we’re torching stuff at home. No, your fire alarm won’t hate you (probably).

Ingredients

• 1–2 shots espresso
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp caramel sauce (good quality, not the ice cream topping)
• 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
• 1 tsp brown sugar (for the brûlée magic)
• Whipped cream
• Extra caramel drizzle + raw sugar for torching

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix caramel sauce and vanilla syrup into hot espresso.
2. Steam/froth your milk and pour it in.
3. Top with whipped cream and drizzle more caramel.
4. Sprinkle raw sugar on top and hit it with a kitchen torch until bubbly and golden (or broil for 30 seconds if you’re torch-less).
5. Try not to burn your tongue because it smells insane.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s basically dessert you’re allowed to drink at 8am. The crunchy sugar top? Chef’s kiss.

4. Chestnut Praline Latte (The Underrated Queen)

People sleep on this one and I will never understand why. Nutty, cozy, perfect.

Ingredients

• 1–2 shots espresso
• 1 cup milk
• 1½ tbsp chestnut praline syrup (Monin or Torani)
• ½ tbsp caramel syrup
• Whipped cream
• Spiced praline crumbs (recipe below or crush candied pecans)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine both syrups with hot espresso.
2. Froth that milk like your life depends on it.
3. Pour, top with whipped cream, and shower with praline crumbs.

Why You’ll Love It

Tastes like Christmas vacation in a cabin. I made this for my mom and she said “this is better than Starbucks,” and almost fainted from shock.

5. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha (The Boujee One)

White chocolate + caramelized vibes. It’s extra, and I’m here for it.

Ingredients

• 1–2 shots espresso
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp white chocolate sauce
• 1 tbsp toasted marshmallow syrup (or caramel + extra vanilla in a pinch)
• Whipped cream
• Candied cranberry or white chocolate curls (optional but iconic)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Stir white chocolate sauce and toasted marshmallow syrup into espresso.
2. Add steamed milk.
3. Whipped cream mountain + festive toppings.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s like drinking a fancy holiday candle (in the best way). My boyfriend hates white chocolate and still demolished this.

6. Irish Cream Cold Brew (Because Winter Deserves Cold Coffee Too)

Starbucks brought this back and we all cheered. Now make it at home for pennies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cold brew concentrate
• ½ cup milk or Irish cream cold foam (recipe below)
• 2 tbsp Irish cream syrup (non-alcoholic version exists!)
• Cocoa powder dusting

Irish Cream Cold Foam

• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp Irish cream syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour cold brew, leave room for foam.
3. Whip the cold foam ingredients with a frother until thick.
4. Spoon that glorious foam on top and dust with cocoa.

Why You’ll Love It

Tastes like a grown-up iced coffee that got invited to a holiday party.

Bonus: Homemade Syrups So You Never Run Out

Peppermint Syrup

• 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar + 1 tsp peppermint extract. Boil, cool, done.

Sugar Cookie Syrup

• 1 cup water + ¾ cup brown sugar + ¼ cup white sugar + 1 tsp vanilla + ½ tsp almond extract + pinch of salt. Simmer 10 mins.

Spiced Praline Crumbs

• Chop pecans, toss with brown sugar and cinnamon, bake at 350°F for 8 mins. Try not to eat them all.

The Bottom Line

You now possess the power to make every single Starbucks Christmas drink—better, cheaper, and in your pajamas. Your wallet called, it’s crying happy tears.