As we dive into the world of holiday coffee drinks, we’re excited to share our collection of unique and festive recipes with you! Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a grand celebration, these specialty coffee drinks are sure to impress your guests. From classic lattes to creative concoctions, we’ve got you covered.
While many people associate holiday celebrations with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, there’s actually a wide range of holidays that warrant themed parties and drinks – including birthdays, the Fourth of July, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mardi Gras, and more. Our list features a mix of lattes and other milk-infused seasonal coffee drinks, as well as Americanos, macchiatos, cappuccinos, mochas, and more.
Some standout recipes include our Mardi Gras King Cake Latte, Juneteenth-inspired Hibiscus Iced Latte, and Pumpkin Spiced Latte. But that’s not all – we’ve also got unique drinks like our Cadbury Creme Egg Frappuccino, Butterscotch Coffee, and Granita, an Italian recipe with a coarse texture perfect for serving in the summertime. We encourage you to experiment with these recipes and perfect them for your next gathering.
Remember to follow the recipes carefully, and don’t hesitate to make substitutions if necessary – just be sure to research thoroughly to ensure the flavor and texture remain intact.
New Year’s Espresso Martini
Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration with a spirited coffee cocktail that combines the best of both worlds – energy-boosting caffeine and a sophisticated drink. This unique espresso martini recipe features Kahlúa, vodka, and rich espresso as its main ingredients. To take it to the next level, use high-quality espresso like Skull Crushing Espresso from Fire Department Coffee to achieve the perfect frothy topping.
You’ll need just four ingredients to make this festive drink: vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
NYE Iced Coffee Cocktail
Looking for a New Year’s Eve cocktail that deviates from the classic vodka-based drinks? Look no further! This unique concoction may just be the perfect fit for you. While it requires a few more ingredients than your average mixed drink, the rich flavor and energizing effects make it well worth the extra effort.
To craft this complex cocktail, you’ll need to gather bourbon whiskey, creme de cacao, water, simple syrup, orange bitters, and chilled French roast coffee.
While the list of ingredients may seem daunting, the end result is a truly special drink that’s sure to impress.
Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Latte
The vibrant hue of this latte is thanks to the addition of beet juice. To ensure a flawless outcome, it’s crucial to follow the recipe carefully. Don’t forget to add a touch of whimsy with Valentine-themed sprinkles in shapes like hearts or red sprinkles. This unique blend requires a few key ingredients: high-quality cocoa powder, pure vanilla extract, beet juice for its striking color, freshly brewed coffee, milk, whipped cream, and an assortment of sprinkles to adorn the final product.
Valentine’s Day Cupid Cappuccino
For those who crave a cappuccino with an extra layer of festive flair, this recipe is sure to delight! The key to its success lies in the harmonious blend of amaretto and crème de menthe. To achieve the perfect balance, be meticulous when mixing the ingredients in the correct order. As you create this holiday treat, don’t forget to add a touch of whimsy with heart-shaped sprinkles on top.
To craft your very own cappuccino, you’ll need espresso, chocolate syrup, crème de menthe, amaretto, frothed milk, sugar, whipped cream, and those adorable heart-shaped sprinkles.
Indian Chocolate Coffee
Spend Valentine’s Day with the ultimate indulgence: rich, velvety hot chocolate! This recipe is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. By combining instant coffee with dark chocolate, you’ll create a decadent blend that will make your taste buds dance. Simply combine dark chocolate, instant coffee powder, milk, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon powder, then add a few drops of hazelnut syrup for an added layer of depth.
The result is a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for savoring on your own or sharing with friends.
Mardi Gras King Cake Latte
Mardi Gras cuisine is synonymous with the indulgent King Cake, its sweet aroma wafting through the air. The cake’s distinctive flavor profile, featuring notes of cinnamon, is a staple of this festive season. Building on this theme, a Mardi Gras-inspired latte has become a popular treat among revelers and home-brew enthusiasts alike. This indulgent drink combines the rich flavors of espresso with sweet and spicy undertones, courtesy of brown sugar, caramel, and a hint of cinnamon.
To craft this beverage, simply combine espresso, brown sugar, caramel, and milk, then finish it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added depth and visual appeal.
King Cake Frappuccino For Mardi Gras
For those who prefer their drinks on the cooler side, the King Cake Frappuccino is a refreshing treat. What sets this frappuccino apart is the incorporation of actual King Cake chunks into the recipe. To create this icy coffee drink, simply blend together espresso, ice, milk, whipped topping, and – of course – the star of the show: crumbled King Cake. For an added touch of whimsy, sprinkle on some purple candy pearls to resemble beads.
New Orleans Cafe Au Lait
During Mardi Gras, you might want to take a break from sweet treats like king cake. Instead, consider celebrating with a classic New Orleans coffee drink – Cafe Au Lait. This beverage is distinct from others due to the addition of chicory, which gives it a unique flavor profile. To recreate this regional specialty at home, start by heating milk to the desired temperature. Then, combine French roast coffee and chicory for a rich and satisfying taste experience.
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Mocha
Kick off your St. Patty’s Day celebrations with a festive shamrock shake that combines the best of Irish charm with rich, decadent flavors. To craft this seasonal treat, start by combining cold-brewed coffee, half & half, Torani chocolate syrup, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, and a hint of minty freshness – whether you prefer to use peppermint extract or Torani’s creme de menthe, the choice is yours! Blend these ingredients together with a cocktail shaker until they’re smooth and creamy.
Then, add a splash of green food coloring or top with vibrant green sprinkles to get into the holiday spirit. Finally, finish your shamrock shake with a dollop of whipped cream and a few cubes of ice for a refreshing twist on the classic coffee drink.
Classic Irish Coffee For St. Patrick’s Day
Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day brunch or breakfast gathering, this classic Irish coffee recipe is sure to be a hit. The rich combination of medium to dark roasted coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and decadent Bailey’s Irish cream will not only warm your guests’ hearts but also keep them caffeinated and ready to take on the day’s festivities.
To make this delightful drink, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients: medium or dark roast coffee, a shot of fine Irish whiskey, and a splash of creamy Bailey’s Irish cream.
Patrick’s Day Pistachio Iced Coffee
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day festivities with a vibrant green pistachio iced coffee that’s as delightful as it is decadent. This sweet treat combines the richness of pistachio ice cream with the smoothness of sweet cream, all wrapped up in a festive package perfect for any party. To conjure this magical elixir, you’ll need just a few ingredients: pistachio ice cream, sweet cream creamer, Irish creme liqueur, cold brew coffee, sugar, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of green magic to top it off.
Spring Solstice Lavender Vanilla Iced Latte
As the seasons transition from winter to spring, the world awakens in a vibrant display of color. While we may not be throwing parties to welcome the new season, it’s only fitting that we celebrate with a refreshing iced latte. This homemade lavender vanilla syrup recipe invites you to put your mixing skills to the test and savor the flavors of springtime.
To craft this delightful beverage, gather sugar, water, dried culinary lavender, fresh lavender, vanilla bean, vanilla extract, milk, espresso, and of course, the star of the show – lavender vanilla syrup.
Spring-Inspired Cardamom Latte With Honey
As the seasons transition from winter to spring, a refreshing and fragrant floral latte recipe is perfect for Easter brunches or Mother’s Day gatherings. This delectable seasonal drink requires just a few simple ingredients: rich espresso, sweet honey, aromatic ground cardamom, and creamy milk.
Cadbury Creme Egg Frappuccino
As Easter brunch approaches, why not treat your guests to a unique drink that incorporates the beloved Cadbury creme eggs? If you’re a fan of combining candy with coffee drinks, this sweet concoction is sure to delight. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only a good blender to get started. To make this decadent drink, you’ll need espresso, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, ice cubes, Cadbury creme eggs, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
Simply blend everything together until smooth, then top with additional whipped cream and shaved chocolate for a visually appealing finish.
Peeps Easter Latte
Easter is not complete without indulging in those iconic marshmallow treats, affectionately known as Peeps. While some may view them as a sweet delight, others might find their sugary charm to be, well, a bit too much. Regardless of one’s stance on these quintessential springtime sweets, they can certainly add a delightful touch to a cup of coffee. Take this recipe for a Peeps latte, for instance.
By carefully balancing the spices and incorporating the marshmallow treats in just the right way, you’ll be treated to a truly indulgent beverage experience. To make it, you’ll need milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, ground ginger, maple syrup, a chocolate mousse Peep, coffee, and of course, additional Peeps for garnish. The result is a rich, velvety latte that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Cinco De Mayo Mexican Mocha
Kick off your Cinco de Mayo celebration with a morning pick-me-up that’s as bold as the holiday itself. Introduce your taste buds to a Mexican mocha that combines rich chocolate flavors with a surprising kick of spicy cayenne pepper. The unique blend of spices in this flavored coffee recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
To make it, you’ll need a few essential ingredients: freshly brewed coffee, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and heavy cream. Simply combine the ingredients in a mug, whisk until smooth, and serve with a flourish.
Mexican Cafe De Olla
For those looking to add a touch of authentic Mexican flair to their Cinco de Mayo or Dia de Los Muertos celebrations, the cafe de olla is a must-try drink. Its unique flavor profile is largely due to the addition of piloncillo, a traditional sweetener made from unrefined sugar cones or bars. This specialty coffee drink is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
To prepare this delicious concoction, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: water, piloncillo, dark coffee, a cinnamon stick for added depth of flavor, and an orange peel for garnish.
Juneteenth-Inspired Hibiscus Iced Latte
Juneteenth celebrations are often characterized by the incorporation of hibiscus flowers, which are native to warm climates such as Africa. These vibrant flowers play a significant role in holiday cuisine, adding a pop of color to dishes and drinks. One way to bring this festive spirit to your next Juneteenth gathering is by serving a refreshing hibiscus-infused drink. To create this lively beverage, you’ll need hibiscus tea, hot water, milk, raw honey, and ice.
For an added boost, consider adding a splash of instant coffee for a unique twist. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a larger celebration, this delightful drink is sure to be a hit.
Fourth Of July Coca-Cola & Cold Brew
Combine the unique flavor profiles of cold brew and Coca-Cola for a revitalizing summer drink that’s surprisingly easy to make. Simply craft your cold brew, then carefully blend it with Coke and ice. Feel free to take it to the next level by adding a touch of vanilla syrup – a subtle yet delightful twist. This refreshing concoction requires only three essential ingredients: coffee, Coca-Cola, and ice, making it one of the simplest specialty coffee drinks on our list.
Refreshing Americano
When it comes to festive beverages, Americans have a special affinity for the classic Americano. This holiday espresso drink is the perfect way to celebrate all things American with friends and family. For an added touch of sweetness, feel free to incorporate flavored syrups into the mix. To craft your very own Americano, you’ll need just three essential ingredients: water, rich espresso, and ice.
From there, the possibilities for flavor enhancement are endless – simply add in a simple syrup of your choice to create a custom concoction that’s sure to please.
End Of Summer Coffee Granita
Granitas, those delightful iced desserts perfect for beating the summer heat, are a staple in many cuisines. As we bid adieu to another sweltering season, there’s no better way to commemorate Labor Day than with a specialty coffee drink that embodies the essence of summertime. And the best part? This refreshing treat is incredibly easy to whip up! All you need are three humble ingredients: rich coffee, crushed ice, and a touch of sweetness courtesy of sugar.
But what if you’re craving something a bit more exotic? Fear not, for this recipe can be easily adapted to incorporate coconut sugar – or, if that’s not your thing, a clever combination of brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup will do the trick just as well.
Apple Cider Latte
As autumn’s cozy charm descends, a new favorite coffee drink emerges: this scrumptious apple cider latte. The perfect blend of fall flavors, it’s elevated by the inclusion of fall spiced whipped cream – a game-changer for any crisp fall day. To craft this treat, you’ll need a few essential ingredients: espresso, apple cider, milk, maple syrup, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Join the festive spirit with a classic fall drink that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. This seasonal coffee recipe is made with authentic pumpkin puree, which adds a rich and creamy texture to the beverage. To make this delightful treat, gather the following ingredients: milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, hot coffee, and whipped cream for garnish.
As you brew the perfect cup, don’t forget to try our companion recipe, Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee, for an added layer of autumnal cheer!
Keto Cinnamon Toast Butter Coffee
Adhering to a keto diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience when it comes to your morning cup. This sugar-free butter coffee recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a holiday-inspired drink while staying true to your dietary plan. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and no complicated cooking techniques.
To craft this delicious keto coffee, you’ll need: strong black coffee, unsalted butter, Torani sugar-free brown sugar cinnamon syrup, heavy whipping cream, ground cinnamon, and Swerve granulated sugar. Follow the straightforward instructions and you’ll be sipping on a rich, velvety brew that’s sure to become your new morning go-to.
Witches Brew Iced Coffee
Get ready to cast a spell on your Halloween party guests with a bewitching brew of iced coffee. This enchanting concoction combines the rich flavors of cold-brewed coffee with a blend of autumnal spices, including cinnamon sticks, hazelnut creamer, whole cloves, and star anise. To add an extra layer of mystique, serve it over dry ice for a smoking effect that will leave everyone under its spell.
The recipe is simple: just combine cold-brewed coffee, hazelnut creamer, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole star anise, fresh nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a cauldron-sized container and let the magic happen.
Pecan Pie Coffee
This year, ditch the traditional Thanksgiving dessert for a unique and delicious apres-dinner treat: Pecan Pie Coffee! While it may require a bit more effort than simply serving pie, the result is well worth the extra step. To make this specialty coffee, you’ll need to gather a few ingredients, including chopped pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, original blend brewed coffee, maple extract, hazelnut coffee creamer, and whipped cream.
By combining these flavors in a way that mimics the process of baking a pecan pie, you’ll create a truly show-stopping beverage that’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
Butterscotch Coffee
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with a delightful butterscotch coffee drink perfect for holiday gatherings. This creamy concoction gets its distinctive flavor from the harmonious blend of rich butter and caramel-like brown sugar. A crucial note: keep a watchful eye on the stove to ensure the mixture doesn’t take on an unintended toasted quality, preserving that signature butterscotch taste.
To create this mouthwatering creamer, you’ll need half & half, melted butter, brown sugar, a hint of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Gingerbread Macchiato
As the holiday season approaches, few flavors evoke as warm and cozy a feeling as gingerbread. This simple yet delightful recipe allows you to whip up a batch quickly, making it perfect for wrapping up a Christmas party or other festive celebration. To take your creation to the next level, be sure to top it off with a miniature gingerbread man for added flair!
The ingredients may seem familiar: hot milk, rich espresso, and the unmistakable warmth of gingerbread spice all come together to create a truly special treat. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – a small gingerbread cookie, carefully placed on top like a tiny holiday crown.
Peppermint Marshmallow Latte
For a truly festive touch, whip up this merry latte using an espresso machine. The pièce de résistance is the homemade peppermint marshmallow syrup that’s as easy to make as following instructions. This delightful drink will be the star of your next holiday gathering!
To craft this winter wonderland in a cup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: espresso, crushed candy canes for added crunch, half & half for creaminess, mini marshmallows for a fun textural element, peppermint extract to give it that fresh minty flavor, heavy whipping cream for richness, and icing sugar to balance out the sweetness.
Eggnog Latte
One of the most iconic Christmas coffee drinks is a staple of many holiday seasons. This velvety beverage combines rich, bold coffee with creamy real eggnog, resulting in a treat that’s both indulgent and inviting. If you’re an eggnog enthusiast, this thick and luscious latte is sure to become a new favorite.
To recreate this seasonal delight, you’ll need brewed coffee, a touch of light brown sugar, a cup of eggnog, some whipped cream to top it off, and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg for added warmth.
The bottom line
As the holiday season unfolds, it’s common to find oneself in the midst of festive gatherings, big or small. Amidst the merriment, food and drinks play a significant role in making these celebrations truly unforgettable. To elevate your party game, consider incorporating themed items that harmonize with your chosen theme and the essence of the holiday season. For instance, you could experiment with recipes that embody the spirit of the holidays.
Our curated list of holiday coffee creations is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the decadent King Cake Latte to the refreshing Pistachio Iced Coffee and the timeless PSL, this comprehensive collection has something for everyone. So go ahead, take a sip, and let the magic of the season unfold!
