Best Christmas Drinks to Order This December
I’ll be honest, every December I tell myself I’ll keep my order simple.
Then one cold night turns into peppermint, caramel, whipped cream, and suddenly I’m ordering like it’s tradition.
That’s when it clicks, Christmas drinks aren’t just seasonal, they’re part of the whole December mood.
If you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth ordering this month, not just what sounds festive, this list has you covered.
Why Christmas Drinks Just Hit Different in December
Warm drinks feel comforting, sweet flavors taste richer, and spices finally make sense. That’s why December menus lean hard into chocolate, caramel, peppermint, and foam-heavy drinks.
If you like seeing how seasonal flavors rotate, the Dutch Bros seasonal menu is a good example of how winter drinks differ from the rest of the year.
Christmas Drinks Comparison, Calories & Sweetness
| Drink | Hot / Iced | Approx Calories (Medium) | Sweetness Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peppermint Mocha | Hot or Iced | 380–420 | High | Classic Christmas flavor lovers |
| Peppermint Hot Chocolate | Hot | 400–450 | High | No coffee, full holiday dessert vibe |
| White Chocolate Hot Cocoa | Hot | 420–460 | High | Creamy, extra-sweet comfort |
| Gingerbread Latte | Hot or Iced | 330–370 | Medium | Warm spice without heavy sweetness |
| Caramel Brûlée Latte | Hot | 360–400 | Medium–High | Rich, bakery-style flavor fans |
| Eggnog Latte | Hot | 450–500 | High | Hardcore holiday traditionalists |
| Iced Peppermint Mocha | Iced | 360–400 | Medium–High | Cold drink fans who want festive flavor |
| Spiced Chai Latte | Hot | 300–340 | Medium | Cozy spice without coffee |
| Peppermint Steamer | Hot | 280–320 | Medium | Kid-friendly or caffeine-free option |
| Vanilla Cold Brew (Holiday Foam) | Iced | 180–220 | Low–Medium | Lighter option with winter vibes |
Calories are estimates and can swing up or down based on milk choice, syrup amount, and toppings. Ordering half sweet or swapping milk usually cuts 60–100 calories without killing the flavor.
Peppermint Mocha, The Classic That Never Misses
This is the drink people think of when they hear “Christmas coffee.”
Peppermint Mocha works because it balances rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and espresso bitterness. It tastes like a candy cane grew up.
Best way to order it:
- Hot for max cozy
- Half sweet if you don’t want it overpowering
- Oat milk for a smoother finish
Peppermint flavors show up everywhere in winter, and you’ll spot similar ideas across many best Dutch Bros coffee drinks lists this time of year.
Hot Chocolate Variations That Feel Like Dessert
Hot cocoa isn’t just basic chocolate milk anymore.
December versions usually include:
- Peppermint hot chocolate
- Salted caramel cocoa
- White chocolate cocoa
These are perfect if you want something festive without caffeine. Many coffee stands dress them up with soft top or drizzle instead of heavy whipped cream.
If you want to see how customizable it can get, check out this full Dutch Bros hot cocoa guide.
Gingerbread Latte, Love It or Hate It
Gingerbread is one of those flavors people either swear by or skip entirely.
It brings warm spice, molasses, and cinnamon together. If it tastes too sharp for you, ask for half gingerbread and half vanilla. That small tweak makes a big difference.
Seasonal spice drinks like this usually show up alongside other winter releases on the Dutch Bros fall and winter drinks menu.
Caramel Brûlée and Toasted Sugar Drinks
These are the low-key winners of December.
Think burnt sugar notes, creamy caramel, and a bakery-style finish. They’re perfect if peppermint isn’t your thing and you want something warm without mint.
Caramel-based drinks stay popular year-round, but winter versions feel richer, similar to what you’ll see in the Dutch Bros caramelizer lineup.
Eggnog Lattes, Only If You’re Committed
Eggnog drinks don’t pretend to be subtle.
They’re thick, rich, and very holiday-specific. If you love eggnog, this is peak December energy. If you’re unsure, ordering it half eggnog and half milk makes it easier to enjoy.
These drinks usually disappear fast, which is why checking what’s new at Dutch Bros helps before they’re gone.
Cold Christmas Drinks, Yes They Exist
Not everyone switches to hot drinks in winter.
Cold holiday drinks usually include iced peppermint mochas, vanilla cold brew with seasonal foam, or white chocolate iced lattes. They still feel festive without steaming your hands.
If you like balancing treats with lighter options, browsing low-calorie Dutch Bros drinks can help you customize without losing the holiday vibe.
Non-Coffee Christmas Drinks That Still Feel Festive
If coffee isn’t your thing, December still delivers.
Popular non-coffee picks:
- Spiced chai
- Peppermint steamers
- Vanilla cream drinks
- Caramel apple cider
Chai especially shines in winter, and this Dutch Bros chai menu guide shows how many warm variations you can order.
Best Low-Sugar Christmas Drinks to Order
Quick takeaway, you don’t have to skip festive drinks just to avoid a sugar overload. A few smart swaps keep the holiday flavor without turning your drink into dessert.
Top Low-Sugar Christmas Picks
Peppermint Americano
All the minty holiday vibe, barely any sugar. Ask for one pump of peppermint instead of the full amount.
Spiced Chai with Reduced Syrup
Chai already has bold spice, so cutting the syrup in half still tastes cozy and balanced.
Vanilla Cold Brew with Light Holiday Foam
Cold brew stays naturally low in sugar. A small amount of vanilla or seasonal foam adds flavor without going overboard.
Sugar-Free Peppermint Latte
If sugar-free syrups are available, peppermint is one of the best-tasting options and works great with espresso.
Hot Cocoa, Half Sweet
Even cutting the sweetness in half keeps it chocolatey while dropping a surprising amount of sugar.
Easy Ordering Tips That Actually Work
- Say “half sweet” first, it makes the biggest difference
- Skip extra drizzle or whipped cream
- Choose oat or almond milk if whole milk feels too heavy
- Stick to one flavor instead of stacking syrups
If you want more ideas like this year-round, these sugar-free Dutch Bros hacks are useful even outside the holidays.
How to Order Smarter in December
Here’s the part that saves regret later.
Holiday drinks stack sugar fast, so small tweaks help:
- Ask for half sweet
- Pick one main flavor
- Swap milk if heavy drinks bother you
You still get the festive taste, just without the crash. If you want more ideas like this, these Dutch Bros secret menu hacks are surprisingly useful year-round.
Christmas Drinks Worth Ordering More Than Once
Final takeaway.
The best Christmas drinks aren’t about novelty. They’re the ones you’d happily order again on a freezing morning.
Repeat-worthy favorites:
- Peppermint Mocha
- Caramel Brûlée Latte
- Holiday Hot Chocolate
- Spiced Chai
- Vanilla cold brew with seasonal foam
Those are the drinks that turn December into a routine, not just a month.
Best Christmas Drinks Under 200 Calories
🎄 Holiday Picks That Won’t Overdo It
Best Under 200 Calories
- Vanilla cold brew (half sweet)
- Peppermint Americano
- Iced coffee with light milk
- Hot coffee with cinnamon
Kid-Friendly & Low Sugar
- Peppermint steamer (half sweet)
- Vanilla steamer
- Chocolate milk, reduced syrup
- Warm apple cider (light)
Go-To Orders Under 200 Calories
Vanilla Cold Brew
Naturally low calorie and smooth. Add one pump of vanilla or seasonal flavor and keep it half sweet.
Americano with Peppermint
Almost zero calories on its own. A small amount of peppermint gives it holiday flavor without turning it into dessert.
Iced Coffee with Light Milk
Ask for a splash of milk instead of a full pour and one holiday syrup pump.
Cold Brew with Soft Top (Light)
Request a light layer of soft top instead of the standard amount. You still get the creamy finish with fewer calories.
Hot Brewed Coffee with Cinnamon or Nutmeg
Simple, cozy, and surprisingly festive with no added sugar.
For more lighter ideas beyond the holidays, this list of Dutch Bros drinks under 50 calories shows how far customization can go.
Kid-Friendly Low-Sugar Christmas Drinks
Quick takeaway, kids can enjoy holiday drinks without needing a sugar rush or caffeine.
Best Picks for Kids
Peppermint Steamer
Warm milk with a light peppermint flavor. Ask for half sweet to keep it balanced.
Chocolate Milk, Half Sweet
Tastes like a treat but skips the heavy syrups. Great for younger kids.
Vanilla Steamer
Smooth, simple, and easy to customize with reduced sweetness.
Warm Apple Cider (Light Syrup)
Naturally festive and cozy. Asking for light syrup keeps sugar in check.
Strawberry or Vanilla Milk
Fun flavor without caffeine. Easy to order with reduced syrup.
If you want more safe, simple options, this Dutch Bros kids menu guide breaks down drinks made specifically for younger customers.
