A Cup of Cheer

Seasonal sips you can make in the comfort of your home

Our senses, especially taste and smell, are strongly tied to memory. This is why we relate peppermint, gingerbread, pumpkin, and cinnamon spice to the holidays.

Many of us eagerly wait all year for our favorite coffee shop or grocery store to release holiday coffees and creamers. Some fantasize about cozying up in a plush blanket by a fire while sipping a frothy cinnamon coffee from a holiday mug. Others count down the days until they can go holiday shopping with a pumpkin beverage in hand.

“We believe that holiday coffees are popular because you can feel the different seasons with every sip,” said Alyssa Verzo, marketing and events manager with Beignets & Brew in Destin. “We aim to create cozy flavors that transport you back to festive gatherings and sharing sweet moments with your loved ones. Each flavor and scent allows us to relive our most cherished moments that hold a sweet spot in our hearts.”

While a certain behemoth brand might be known for its PSL (pumpkin spice latte), many local shops are brewing and selling tastier, more creative holiday coffees. Plus, what’s more heartwarming than sipping and shopping locally?

Known for its traditional New Orleans-style pastry treat, Beignets & Brew also serves unique holiday beverage flavors. The salted caramel mocha latte began as a fall and winter offering but quickly secured a spot on the menu year-round. And the s’mores latte and cinnamon maple latte are popular seasonal drinks.

Stock & Brew Cafe in Santa Rosa Beach loves celebrating the season by going all in with options such as pumpkin butternut latte, peppermint mocha latte, eggnog latte, caramel apple cider latte, gingerbread latte, and more.

“Holiday coffees are popular because they evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and comfort,” said Michael Flaminio, Stock & Brew’s general manager. “These drinks offer a moment of indulgence and celebration, turning a simple coffee break into something special that captures the festive spirit.”

What sets holiday coffees apart from our everyday caffeine fix? It’s those fleeting flavors that encourage us to slow down and enjoy—a reminder we should hold on to all holiday season long.

STOCK & BREW CAFE’S PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE

Few flavors are more reminiscent of Christmas than the brisk taste of peppermint paired with the creamy sweetness of chocolate.

Brew two shots of espresso.

Add ½ oz. of peppermint syrup and ½ oz. of mocha syrup.

Stir in 8 oz. of your milk of choice.

Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and crushed peppermint.

THE BEIGNETS & BREW SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA LATTE

This is the ideal drink for the sweet and salty lovers. Try it hot or iced.

Brew three shots of espresso.

Whether you make your own or purchase from a retailer, add ½ oz. of salted caramel syrup, ¼ oz. of vanilla syrup, and ¼ oz. of chocolate syrup to your espresso.

Stir in your milk of choice to your liking.

Top with caramel drizzle and sea salt.