It's Official: My Favorite Starbuck's Holiday Drink Is Off the Menu This Year

Out with the old, in with the new, I guess.

Every year, as we start to close out summer, pumpkin spice lovers begin their countdown for Starbucks’ fall menu to launch. And even though I do love a PSL once in a while, Starbucks’ winter menu is the one I wait all year for.

Nothing puts me in the holiday spirit quite like sipping on a sweet latte while I decorate my Christmas tree, watch my favorite holiday movies, and bake dozens of cookies—and, trust me, a holiday coffee even makes those long mall lines a little more bearable.

Despite the fact that your Halloween decorations are probably still up, we all know November 1 is the unofficial start of the holiday season because that’s when dozens of restaurants and stores switch to selling holiday items. Starbucks is no different, as its holiday menu is here and rolling out on November 2.

Starbucks' 2023 Holiday Drink Menu

This year, the menu features a brand-new drink and four returning favorites—however, it’s with deep sadness that I report my favorite drink will not be returning. Starbucks is introducing a new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai and bringing back its Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, and Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. So, that means the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha (a.k.a. my favorite drink), which joined the menu in 2017, will not be returning this year.

But, when one door closes for a Starbucks lover, another opens because not only is there the new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai drink—but the gingerbread chai’s introduction means another fan-favorite is back as well. Starbucks’ Gingerbread Latte was released in 2000 and was a staple on the menu for nearly 20 years.

However, it was discontinued in 2019, syrup and all, so you couldn’t even customize an existing drink to taste similar. Now, because the Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai is on the menu, the gingerbread syrup is back, and so is the Gingerbread Latte.

Additionally, another gingerbread drink is hitting some Starbucks menus across the U.S. A new Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte—yes, the coffee with olive oil in it—will be available where Oleato is served.

All of Starbucks’ drinks will be available in its new holiday cups, which feature five new designs—including a cold cup design.

Starbucks' 2023 Holiday Food Menu

Obviously, no holiday menu is complete without some treats. This year, the coffee chain is bringing back a few favorites, including the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, Snowman Cookie, Cranberry Bliss Bar, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop, and Gingerbread Loaf.

The Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, Snowman Cookie, and Cranberry Bliss Bar have been returning staples for years, but we haven’t seen the Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop and Gingerbread Loaf in four years.

My favorite drink being discontinued aside, I’m still very excited for Starbucks’ holiday menu to launch. Now, the only question that remains is: Starbucks, when is the famed Red Cup Day?

Read the original article on All Recipes.