By Alana Frank & Joylynn Lee
Theme Editor & Executive Arts Editor
Verve Coffee Roasters’ holiday drink menu features sweet creations such as the pumpkin pie and gingerbread lattes. The iced gingerbread latte contains hints of ginger and molasses and is garnished with a gingersnap cookie crumble to fully immerse customers in the holiday spirit.
However, the gingerbread latte’s pleasant flavor is not significantly different from that of Verve’s vanilla latte. A 12 oz gingerbread latte can be purchased for $5.75, as can the vanilla latte. The lack of flavor in this beverage disappoints with a tired, generic spice blend.
Peet’s Coffee’s seasonal beverages include a classic peppermint mocha and a holiday spice latte. The holiday spice latte is a returning favorite that features a blend of espresso and Peet’s holiday syrup topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon for additional flavor. The hot spice latte is a cozy combination of fall and winter flavors in one delicious drink.
Peet’s peppermint black tie mocha pairs a peppermint-infused Cold Brew with rich chocolate sauce and sweetened condensed milk. This creation is perfect for those who want something with a caffeine kick that is not as sweet as a normal peppermint mocha.
A 12 oz peppermint black tie mocha is $6.85 and a 12 oz holiday spice latte is $6.70–while delicious, these drinks will quickly sap your holiday savings.
Considering flavor and festivity, Peet’s is the clear winner. Spending the extra dollar is worth it for a taste of the unique holiday beverages at Peet’s.
Every holiday drink needs a treat to complement it. While Peet’s and Verve offer pastries for sale, taking the search one step further has uncovered some real delicacies.
Urth Caffe’s vegan pumpkin pie is a crowd-pleaser and is usually sold out by the middle of the day. The pie can be enjoyed by all, with a vegan filling and gluten-free crust. It is best paired with a piping hot espresso or a chai latte. Each slice is served warm, tasting of holiday spices combined with the satisfying crunch of an organic graham cracker crust. Urth Caffe’s pumpkin pie is made without any artificial flavors or ingredients, allowing customers to truly embrace the fall spirit. One slice goes for $6 and will be available for the next couple months, so it should definitely be one to choose.
Vegan banana walnut bread at Coffee Bean is definitely a pastry you don’t want to miss out on trying. Though it doesn’t contain any elements of pumpkin or spices, the ingredients are phenomenally balanced, and the warm bread evokes holiday spirit.
The vegan banana walnut bread is perfectly complemented by a warm winter dream oatmilk latte, which provides the perfect amount of festive spice. The two items are best ordered in conjunction to create a unique flavor profile. However, the bread also pairs well with the Peet’s holiday spice latte. The vegan banana walnut bread is only available at Coffee Bean until the end of this month and is $5.45 a slice.
While these two delicious treats are absolutely delicious in their own ways, the pumpkin pie is definitely one to try this season. It would be a crime not to.
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