The moment we’ve awaited has arrived. Starbucks’ holiday menu is back on offer. Almost nothing can rival the glow of PSL season, and this year’s lineup brings four brand-new beverages that we’ve been eager to sample.
Our Definitive Ranking
- Apple Pomegranate Refresher
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Beyond my personal judgments about this drink, the deciding factor for whether it’s a good pick for you is whether you enjoy the tangy Green Apple Jolly Rancher flavor, because that taste largely defines the beverage. It arrives bold, brash, and not particularly natural-tasting, though there are fans who truly crave that sharp, tart green-apple profile you find in hard candies and sour gummies.
If you were hoping for something akin to amplified apple juice or cider, you’re in for a surprise. That’s not to say it’s bad—just be aware of what you’re ordering. Also, the pomegranate popping boba mainly contributes texture rather than nuanced flavor.
- Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew
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Whereas the tiramisu latte leans into the dessert’s gentle, creamy richness that often accompanies the holidays, the cold brew version feels somewhat out of place. The cold brew itself contains no cream besides the tiramisu velvet topping, so the balance of coffee and creamy tiramisu flavors isn’t as pronounced as it is in the latte.
The coffee flavor is quite dominant in a way that doesn’t ruin the drink, but it doesn’t allow you to fully savor the subtle notes from the cold foam and the chocolate dusting. We’d still finish the entire cup, and if you’re a cold-brew devotee, this option on the holiday menu offers a palate-friendly festive kick without an in-your-face holiday assault.
- Snowy Apple Refresher
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Generally, I tend to favor the traditional fruity refreshers over their creamy counterparts. Yet in this instance, the sharp apple note is pleasantly softened by the creaminess, making the drink smoother and easier to sip.
Additionally, the pale creamy green hue paired with the small red popping beads gives the drink a wintry, charming appearance. It’s also refreshing that this version isn’t cloyingly sweet. Because the apple flavor is quite tart, it doesn’t come across as sugary or unbalanced the way some sweeter options like the Strawberry Acai Refresher can.
- Tiramisu Velvet Latte
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I think a recurring issue with many tiramisu-inspired drinks lately is that they don’t truly taste like tiramisu, since coffee tends to be the primary flavor of the dessert. And often there’s an artificial sweetness in these coffees that undermines the flavor and pulls you away from the tiramisu concept.
This beverage, however, stands out as the best tiramisu latte we’ve tried so far, mainly because it avoids heavy artificial flavors in favor of a simple, rich, and creamy coffee crowned with mascarpone—an emblem of the dessert itself. The cocoa dusting on top adds that tiramisu-like touch without drifting into mocha territory, which we believe better captures the dessert’s overall spirit.
