The approach of winter inevitably triggers an onslaught of seasonal flavors in your favorite foods and beverages.
It’s time to transition those autumnalpumpkin spice lattestoholiday-themed beverageslike the popular peppermint mocha.
The mocha has numerous flavor iterations; obviously, peppermint is one of the more favorable.
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Starbucks introduced perhaps the most popular version of the seasonal peppermint mocha back in 2002.
The chain has spawned numerous copycat recipes and even produces retail versions of the treat.
By making the right decision all winter long, you might keep your holiday cheer intact.
Photo: Amanda Mactas. Design: Eat This, Not That!
To top it off, the drink comes with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls.
A tall-sized cup cost $6.39the most expensive of the bunch.
There definitely used to be whipped cream on top with chocolate shavings, but it had clearly melted down.
Photo: Amanda Mactas. Design: Eat This, Not That!
As someone who prefers my drinks sans whipped cream though, I wasn’t too upset about it.
The taste:This one really packs in a punch of minty flavor right from the first sip.
There is an abundance of peppermint syrup in this drinkit might be a tad too much.
Photo: Amanda Mactas. Design: Eat This, Not That!
It tastes almost more like a dessert than a coffee drink.
There is plenty of chocolate flavor here, as well.
It’s a subtle combination that adds just a hint of holiday cheer to your morning cuppa.
Photo: Amanda Mactas. Design: Eat This, Not That!
I’d take this subtlety over Starbucks' ultra-sweetness any day.
Customers can opt for a whipped cream topping or just goau naturale.
A small cup cost me $6.33.
The look:Gregory’s peppermint mocha looked light and creamy when I opened the lid.
It appeared as though the barista frothed the milk in this beverage, which was a nice touch.
This was the only chain that didn’t use a seasonal cup to serve its peppermint mocha.
The taste:This was one of my favorite mochas of the group.
Compared to my #1 pick, this mocha is a bit more minty in flavor.
It’s not as evident right away, but hits you in the aftertaste.
It almost tastes like liquid candy cane, but unlike Starbuck’s version, it’s not too much.
Those who order the drink can choose to have it topped with a whipped topping and crunchy peppermint pieces.
A small cup cost me $4.50.
The taste:This beverage has a good peppermint flavor.
No single flavor overwhelms the other, and it doesn’t taste overly sweet or artificial.
That’s two thumbs up for this cup o' joe.
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