As temperatures quickly drop from the high sixties to lower thirties, places such as Dunkin’ and Starbucks are replacing their traditional white coffee cups or clear, cold cups with fun festive designs. Menu items were changed immediately after Halloween to their winter options, leaving behind pumpkin and apple flavored items. The season change makes us wonder what are some of our Ledyard students and teachers favorite holiday menu items? 

Junior Sarah Vincent is excited as Starbucks changes from their fall to winter items. “My favorite is a Venti Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk latte with vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top; they also put sprinkles on top which adds sparkle to it and I love how sugar cookies taste,” said Vincent. 

Senior Katelyn Patton enjoys a year-round drink from Starbucks. “I am excited to start drinking peppermint mocha from Starbucks because I love mint and feel like it’s wrong to drink during summertime,” said Patton

Senior Kayla Veal is thrilled to have more of Dunkin Donuts’ hot chocolate this chilly season. “Hot chocolate reminds me of the winter time and it reminds me of hot chocolate bombs,” said Veal.

Senior Leah Petersen is a big fan of Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte. “This drink makes me feel warm and cozy, reminding me of Christmas time,” said Petersen. 

Junior Lucy Sajkowicz purchases her favorite peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks. “Even though you can get this drink all year, it is so refreshing to have on a cold morning,” said Sajkowicz. 

Junior Kalyssa Ritchey sips on her favorite Dunkin drink during this cold season. “I really like having the toasted white chocolate marshmallow drink from Dunkin because it tastes toasty and reminds me of sitting by a fireplace,” said Ritchey

Senior Natalia Curcuo favorites a drink option from Panera, their caramel hot chocolate. “Their normal hot chocolate gets really boring and they are bringing back the caramel hot chocolate for the first time in years,” said Curcuo

Freshman Ryan Carvalho explains how he isn’t a big fan of drink options at restaurants but enjoys the Christmas themed donuts at Dunkin. “I like the festive colors on the doughnut’s, although they taste the same as the other sprinkled donuts, it looks pretty cool,” said Carvalho

On a final note, I am not a huge fan of coffee despite all the different flavors or add-ins. I love both Dunkin and Starbucks hot chocolates, specifically the peppermint mocha or marshmallows flavored ones. Although I am sad that all pumpkin-flavored items have disappeared till next season, I am thrilled to try all the peppermint-flavored drinks, sweets, and treats. 

With chilly, winter weather and holiday spirits quickly approaching, trying new or different food or drink items is super important. Who knows, you may even find a new favorite item!

Kristin Carvalho, Staff Writer

Senior Kristin Carvalho is a staff writer for the 2023-2024 Colonel Newsmagazine. She loves listening to music while driving around with friends, and going to watch the sunsets by the water.