If you happened to read my previous article about my favorite fall drinks, I made a claim that I preferred fall drinks to winter ones. But now that the holiday season has rolled around, I might have to change my mind again. There’s simply no better feeling in the winter than sipping a warm and cozy drink during an early morning class or stopping to get an iced festively-flavored beverage in the afternoon. It’s also become my personal mission to try every holiday-themed beverage I can think of before the holidays are over, so I consider myself very qualified to compile my experiences into this list.

Gingerbread oat milk chai

Starting off strong, this creamy and delicious drink will warm you up on absolutely any “cold” California morning. I love to slowly sip on a gingerbread chai in my morning classes and make it last until the very last minute. Chai is already a lovely, comforting drink, but the sweet gingerbread mixed with the creamy oat milk really makes it hard to beat. 

Iced peppermint mocha

If you’re a mocha fan, you’re going to love this winter twist. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is one of my favorite holiday flavors, and getting to taste it in the form of a drink is like opening up a surprise gift. I adore any opportunity to go on a little festive journey after a long class in search of this drink, as it really does motivate me to get through the rest of my work day. 

Iced sugar cookie latte

Just the name itself makes my mouth water! This latte is the absolute best pick-me-up — if I’m having a melancholy day this will never fail to make it just a little bit more cheerful. If you’re not a fan of sugary drinks, this might not be your favorite; I personally only drink it when I’m really in the spirit for a sweet treat. Holiday drinks to me are sometimes more like a dessert, and I think it’s honestly socially acceptable to embrace that!

Iced gingerbread latte

This drink is similar to the latte above but with some more spice to it. It’s a blissful choice for when I don’t quite want a chai but still want a little kick in my drink. It also just automatically makes me think of my childhood self decorating a gingerbread house during the holidays. Sometimes, we need to feel warmed by a metaphorical fireplace from our holiday memories — a feeling this drink will evoke. 

Peppermint white hot chocolate

Last but not least, we have my favorite winter hot chocolate. Speaking of sweet treats in drink form, this one has to be my absolute favorite. Forget nostalgia — drinking one of these hot chocolates literally makes me feel like a little kid again, and I absolutely love transporting myself into this wistful spirit.

Take this as your sign to try a few of my favorite holiday concoctions, or maybe to venture out and experience a new sweet treat of your choosing. Whatever you decide, I hope that you can incorporate a little holiday cheer into these few weeks leading into finals and before winter break — because I promise that as we turn the corner towards the end of the semester, you’ll feel just a little more relaxed and cozy in no time.