There's a lot of debate about when the holidays officially begin, and when you can finally put on your favorite winter album, but coffee fans know that the real sign of the season is the return of Starbucks' iconic red cups and holiday candies. Well, get ready to start decking the halls, because the coffee giant just announced that its 2023 holiday menu will be hitting shelves soon.
In addition to the special Oleato drink, which is only available at select locations, there's a new gingerbread flavored drink to rival all the classics. I previewed the new drinks ahead of their release, and the lineup is sure to keep you entertained all season long.
Launching in stores on November 2, the holiday menu features all your favorite returning drinks, including Peppermint Mocha, Creme Brulee Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte. Meanwhile, the seasonal new Iced Gingerbread Oat Milk Tea combines warm gingerbread flavor, milk tea spices and creamy oat milk. Despite its name, this drink is available hot or iced. It’s basically the winter version of the Iced Pumpkin Cream Tea Latte from the fall menu.
In addition, the new Oleato Gingerbread Oatmeal Latte will be sold at Starbucks stores that offer Oleato coffee. This unique beer is made with Starbucks Blonde espresso, combined with flavors of gingerbread and steamed oat milk, and infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil. The drink is finished with a sprinkle of gingerbread and citrus flavors for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
You can also try delicious holiday treats with your next coffee, including Cranberry Bliss Bars, Gingerbread Bread, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops, Snowman Cookies and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish.
You only have a limited time to try your favorite holiday drink, so if you're on the fence about ditching your usual order, this review details everything you need to know about the new product.
'Tis the season for gingerbread chai
If the Iced Pumpkin Cream Tea Latte has been your drink of choice since its launch earlier this year, then you're going to love the Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Milk Tea.
The first thing that caught my attention was the enticing scent of gingerbread. It's tangy yet comforting, and even if you order it ice-cold, it's sure to keep you cozy all season long. Speaking of holiday flavors, the gingerbread flavor was definitely the most prominent in this bite, but I’m not mad about it.
The oat milk base gives the drink a creamy texture that tastes like gingerbread cookies soaked in ice-cold milk. You might think this drink has a slightly bitter taste thanks to the mix of chai tea and gingerbread spices, but don't be fooled—the festive offering is purely sweet.
Gingerbread and olive oil, anyone?
An olive oil with seasonal flavors, Oleato's Gingerbread Oat Milk Latte is just as warming as it sounds.
While the olive oil doesn't taste as good as the gingerbread initially, the flavor is definitely noticeable in the aftertaste. The blend of oat milk and olive oil gives this drink an extra smooth texture that's truly one-of-a-kind, and serving it as a hot drink will definitely have you resisting the urge to stay on the couch and watch holiday movies all day.
The drink balances its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors well, so if you're looking for a mild alternative to gingerbread milk tea, you'll want to find the nearest Starbucks that offers Oleato ASAP.
When will the red cup return to Starbucks?
The coffee giant's famous red cup is also making a triumphant return on November 2, this time in four eye-catching new patterns: party plaid, mint swirl, ribbon spool and baubles wrap. Plus, your cold mug will get a major makeover too, thanks to new playful gadgets and sparkly designs.
