The holiday season has officially begun.
How do we know? Special edition holiday menus have launched across the Bay Area.
The very popular Starbucks Christmas menu was released on November 6th, featuring a variety of classic and new festive treats. The Peppermint Mochas, the Sugar Cookie Lattes, the Caramel Brulée Latte, and the Gingerbread Chai are all fan favorites that offer the perfect Christmas flavors to get into the spirit of the holidays. The Snowman Cookie and Sugar Plum Pastry are just a few of the desserts offered to warm up the chilly days.
With two Starbucks locations within 5 minutes of NDB, it often is an NDB student’s go-to location to grab a seasonal drink or snack before school starts or on an early release day. However, a variety of food places with exciting menus draw in teens and adults alike from all over for special holiday treats.
“I like the Frozen Hot Chocolate from Dunkin’ Donuts. It’s a new take on hot chocolate, which I really enjoy,” shared senior Skylar Loo.
Dunkin’ Donuts is another popular beverage and pastry chain that has a special holiday menu, which dropped on November 5th. While Dunkin’ is known for its donuts, its menu holds a variety of snacks, drinks and even themed foods. The Cookie Butter Cloud Latte and Berry Sangria Refresher both stand out as the most inviting drinks of the Dunkin season, alongside their Raspberry Striped Croissant and Salted Dark Chocolate and Holiday Munchkins.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this exclusive menu is the “Wicked” Collab, a special themed addition to the Dunkin’ Christmas options. This collaboration features a Pink Refresher, Green Matcha and Wicked Munchkins and Tin, only available from November 5th to December 2nd.
Many other chain restaurants similar to Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks also have their own seasonal menus, including Sonic, McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, which all came out in early November. Furthermore, a variety of small businesses spice up their regular menus with holiday additions, which might not be as broadcasted as the larger name businesses but are just as delicious. Keep an eye out for flavors like peppermint or ginger at your local spots for a more rustic and personal holiday bite.
“[Seasonal drinks] are special because you don’t get them all of the time, so you look forward to it…like when I was a kid and I couldn’t wait till March because of the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake,” shared English teacher Jennifer Dorn. “I love to support something, like a small business [this season.] I just went to Penelope’s Coffee and Tea, which I didn’t even know existed. I had a breakfast burrito and a Caramel Latte…which was delicious.”
Big chain restaurants definitely have some exciting options for this winter. Be sure to check out your local small shops for some festive flavors this season; a tasty bite and a holiday symbol all in one.
