‘Tis the season to lift a cup of cheer

While Corpus Christi experiences the series of cold fronts known as winter, jackets move closer to the front of the closet and Starbucks-goers change their preference to a hot drink instead of a chilled coffee or Frappuccino.

Like most people, I have my own preferences, and I look forward to them when the cold air rolls through South Texas.

Cayce Berryman/Foghorn

The Coffee Waves “Hug in a Mug” and the Star- bucks Caramel Brûlée are among the favorites of the holiday drinks.

CAYCE BERRYMAN

Coffee Waves “Hug in a Mug”

Ididn’thaveaHugina Mug until recently, but I’m more than happy it was in- troduced to me. Unlike most oddly named drinks, the Hug in a Mug lives up to its name, and it doesn’t require a cud- dle buddy. With a refreshing, yet subtle minty aftertaste, this sweet drink provides the warm, fuzzy feeling that can only be achieved by a perfect combination of ingredients. I don’t typically enjoy mint- flavored drinks, but this made it to the top of my list when I’m craving something sweet, or when I think I need a hug.

Rating: 5/5

Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte

Because I don’t like whipped cream, this latte was not as sweet as it may have been. However, the nutty fla- vor contributed more to the drink than the sweet flavor

would have. The seasonal Chestnut Praline Latte is sub- tly sweet, and the nutty flavor provides a great, gentle aro- ma in addition to the calm- ing drink. It has caramelized chestnuts and subtle spices with espresso, which are a fantastic winter combination for anyone looking for a richer drink.

Rating: 3.5/5

SAMANTHA DOUTY

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

I went to Barnes and Noble to work on homework, and I decided to try one of the holi- day drinks at the Starbucks inside. I opted to try the Pep- permint Mocha. Since I am a Barnes and Nobles mem- ber, I got $.50 off. I don’t usually drink chocolate drinks, so this was new ter- ritory for me. I am more of a coffee, caramel-flavored drinker. The Peppermint Mo- cha drink was very rich. The mocha overwhelmed the peppermint but anytime I got a hint of peppermint, it was delightful. I decided to order a grande (medium) and I wish I hadn’t. A tall (small) would have been sufficient with the decadency of the mocha fla- vor. For avid mocha/chocolate drinkers, this is the drink for you. As for me, this is not my favorite. Although it wasn’t my favorite it does remind me of the holiday season with the peppermint flavor.

Rating: 3/5

Starbucks Caramel Brûlée Latte

I am a frequent coffee drinker so once it starts get- ting cold; it is time for the holiday drinks at Starbucks. I decided to try a grande (me- dium) Caramel Brûlée Latte. At first look it is beautiful. The latte is topped with fluffy

whipped cream and caramel nuggets. Anytime I think of Christmas, I think of the Cara- mel Brûlée now. It had a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon – perfect Christmas flavors. This drink was more my style than the peppermint mocha drink. The Caramel Brûlée was yum- my and warm. Two crucial fea- tures when it comes to a good cup of Christmas coffee. I don’t look forward to the New Year for the simple fact that I will have to wait another 11 months to drink the Caramel Brûlée Latte again.

Rating: 4.5/5

Starbucks Holiday Hours

Christmas Eve: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

New Year’s Eve: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.

New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.