Starbucks — America’s midafternoon break headquarters — dusts off the yuletide cheer in beverage form, returning three holiday beverages to its menu through the end of the year. Are they worth your hard-earned gold bullion, or more deserving of a lump of coal?
Peppermint mocha
First thought: Thin Mints cookies and Andes chocolate transformed into a warm beverage. A subtle, cool after-sensation of mint. Not bad to sip next to a fireplace.
Second thoughts: Not enough caffeinated sock ’em. A drink for older kids.
Nutrition information: 410 calories, 15 g fat, 63 g carbohydrates
McGrade: A-
Eggnog latte
First thought: Smells faintly of eggnog, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Second thoughts: Utterly indistinct — doesn’t know whether to be coffee, egg or nog. It is none of the above. An artificial, off flavor, with about as much fat and calories as a McDonald’s double cheeseburger.
Nutrition information: 470 calories, 21 g fat, 53g carbohydrates
McGrade: D+
Gingerbread latte
First thought: An appealing aroma of gingerbread. Thin, milky, with an almost peppery aftertaste. Not cloyingly sweet. Of the three drinks, the lowest in calories, carbs and fat.
Second thoughts: What I like about gingerbread does not translate into this drink. More “ginger” would’ve put it on my nice list.
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Nutrition information: 320 calories, 13 g fat, 39g carbohydrates
McGrade: B-