As the temperature drops from 90s to 50s, all anyone wants to do is cozy up with a nice holiday beverage. But with the barrage of mixology choices for the holidays it can be hard to pick the superior drink, let alone flavor. Starbucks and PJs both offer a wide array of choices for all your peppermint, caramel and chocolate drink needs. Here is the ultimate guide to all of the coffee choices this holiday season.  

Starbucks: With an entire seasonal menu, this beloved coffee house really knows how to usher in the holiday season. Its classic red cups and holiday flare make the entire experience festive by design.

The additions of the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha all give patrons that cozy feeling that the holiday season has arrived. Additionally, its advertises the Signature Hot Chocolate and Chestnut Praline Latte as seasonal favorites.

Although all have their merits, nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like peppermint does. Starbucks describes its iconic Peppermint Mocha as “a party for your taste buds” and we cannot disagree. Depending on your preference, this holiday delicacy comes hot or cold and definitely lives up to the advertised intertwinement of chocolate, coffee, peppermint and creamy holiday goodness.

PJ’s: This New Orleans local favorite never disappoints, and their holiday menu is no exception. With additions including Jingle Bells Velvet Ice, Butter Rum Latte, Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Bark Velvet Ice, PJ’s caters to a wide variety of holiday favorites and flavors. PJ’s offers both holiday drinks as well as seasonal flavored coffee grounds that include Jingle Bells and Santa’s Blend.  

Its Peppermint Bark Velvet Ice in particular draws attention as similar and yet oh-so-different from the Starbucks equivalent. Perfect for Granita lovers, this holiday delight is icy and boasts a subtle peppermint flavor, perfect for the warm weather of New Orleans while still expressing some holiday flare.

Regardless of personal flavor preferences, the wide array of holiday flavors housed in these coffee havens are sure to have something that meets any and all holiday needs. Happy seasonal drinking!