The start of the winter holidays means the release of highly anticipated specialty winter themed drinks.

From Peppermint Mocha, Toasted White Chocolate, to the Caramel Brulee Latte, Starbucks has created a unique variety of drinks. Dunkin matches some of Starbucks’ flavor profiles and added a holiday blend coffee, which is all of the enriching flavors of the cold winter season mixed into one festive drink. 

“After a long winter day, I honestly just enjoy drinking something that reminds me of my childhood,” Junior Melanie Garcia said. “The holiday drinks are a staple for me throughout the season, since they bring several fond memories through their taste and smell.”

Since Starbucks and Dunkin are known for their flavorful drinks, this season they released their holiday drinks earlier than prior year.  Releasing their new holiday flavors starting November 3 from Starbucks and November 2 from Dunkin.

Although several customers are enthusiastic about the festive beverages, the early release dates tie into the idea that everyone seems to forget about the fall holidays, and fast forwards their interest to their winter festivities. 

Nonetheless, these seasonal treats bring customers together to share their favorite drinks as the seasons change and it gets colder outside. 

Senior Lily Contreras also enjoys the holiday drinks.

“I have always been a fan of different drinks that are given at Starbucks and Dunkin for each season,” Contreras said. “I feel like the winter season holiday drinks are always my favorite, since I’m always anxiously waiting for them to be released”. 

Although these festive beverages have become very popular and significant throughout the winter holiday season, there are several people that aren’t too on board with the taste of them. 

Junior Abigail Hernandez isn’t a big fan of the festive drinks, but does enjoy the hot chocolates that are popular throughout the winter season. 

“If I’m being completely honest I’m not a huge fan of the holiday drinks, but I like the idea of them,” Hernandez said. “To me, the most essential thing throughout the holiday seasons is to warm up by drinking a classic hot chocolate, whether it’s home made or from Starbucks or Dunkin”. 

Now that these festive drinks have become more and more popular, it is evident that it has become a part of the winter season culture. While these establishments are increasing their earnings, customers are continuing their new holiday traditions and maintaining their holiday spirits. 

Itzel Gutierrez is a staff writer for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl