Ah, yes. The holiday season. Time to break out the holiday sweaters from storage and look forward to the first snowflake of the winter. And what better way to celebrate the holiday season than a nice warm cup of joe? Spice up your coffee drinks with the flavors that scream holiday season, including peppermint, eggnog, gingerbread and pumpkin, and get them while you can because, like the holiday season, it goes by fast.
Savor the moment and check out these places for the best brews in Champaign and Urbana.
Starbucks
The official Starbucks holiday season kicked off Nov. 16, and the iconic bright red cups emerged amidst the dreary Midwest weather. Take the time to warm up and enjoy the holiday-only drinks, including the Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Eggnog Latte and Gingerbread Latte, all costing about $3.25 for a “tall.” These drinks are perfect for cold mornings walking to the Quad, and the combination of freshly ground espresso, steamed milk and holiday spices are sure to warm up the taste buds.
Walnut Street Tea Company
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
At this retail store, check out the cornucopia of coffee flavors, including Christmas morning, Nutcracker Suite, Christmas Cookie and Snickerdoodle, which cost about $10.75/lb.
The company also has different tea flavors, including various Christmas blends and pumpkin spice. The price of these specialty teas depends on the brand, but individual boxes can go for between $4 and $7.
“I’d say the Christmas flavor teas are pretty popular, with the pumpkin spice ones the most popular among our customers,” said employee Sherry Manea. “Of course, we also offer mulling spices for cider and wine, as well as flavored individual single-serving packets of hot cocoas, from banana to peppermint caramel mint and truffle white chocolate, which are my personal favorites.”
Café Kopi
At Café Kopi, pumpkin is the word this holiday season. The Pumpkin Chai Lattes, which cost $3.34 for a medium, are only available from September through December.
Most students gravitate toward the flavored chai lattes, including the Ginger Chai Lattes, which cost $3.34, as well as the spiced ciders, which cost $2.40, said employee Kate Thomas.
Espresso Royale
Savor your taste buds with the variety of holiday-themed drinks this popular coffee shop offers. Choose among Gingerbread Lattes, Peppermint Bark Mochas, Caramel Spice Lattes, Cinnamon Tea Lattes and Ginger Chai Lattes for $3 and $5. “Most popular among students is the Peppermint Bark Mocha and the Ginger Chai Lattes”, said Lauren Gramly, manager at the 6th and Daniel location. Starting next week, eggnog lattes will be available also.
Panera Bread
Take a break from studying and satisfy your sweet tooth with Panera Bread’s signature Peppermint Mocha Latte and Peppermint Hot Chocolate, costing $3.99 and $3.29, respectively, for a 16 oz. cup.
