Which coffee chain has the best holiday drinks in the USA?

Our ranking: 10 out of 10 candy canes

Oregon’s Dutch Bros is a relative newcomer. Their first franchise opened in 2000, but now they have locations up and down the West Coast and as far east as Texas. Dutch Bros has a sleighful of festive drinks on their seasonal menu: a Hazelnut Truffle Mocha, a Salted Caramel Breve, a White Chocolate Chai Latte (with whipped cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg), a Cinnamon Swirl Oat Milk Latte, and a Peppermint Bliss Cold Brew (white chocolate and peppermint with candy cane sprinkles). They also have something completely unique: the Glacier Peak Rebel holiday energy drink. 

Our ranking: 8 out of 10 candy canes

Each year, the switch from pumpkin spice to peppermint is a big event. Starbucks — the world’s largest coffee chain — takes holiday cheer seriously, which is reflected in its holiday menu. This year’s signature offerings include the beloved Peppermint Mocha, a Chestnut Praline Latte, a Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino (with whipped cream and sugar sprinkles), an Irish Cream Cold Brew (with sweet cream cold foam and a touch of cocoa powder), and a Caramel Brulée Latte. And, new for 2021, an Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte takes the menu over the top. Oh, and don’t forget to get the reusable red cup to help cut down on single-use cup waste.

Our ranking: 7 out of 10 candy canes

Founded in Edina, Minnesota, Caribou Coffee understands the cure for the winter blues — their three seasonal drinks are sure to warm your body and spirit. For starters, their Ho Ho Mint Mocha is a classic combination of espresso and mint that’s topped with whipped cream and candy cane bits. Next up is their Fa La Latte, a drink made with espresso and steamed eggnog topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. And if you really need some heat, there’s also the Spicy Mocha, a bold espresso drink with real melted chocolate, ancho chile, and chipotle flavors.

Our ranking: 6 out of 10 candy canes

Our ranking: 5 out of 10 candy canes

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s seasonal menu has two main flavors: Peppermint Mocha (have you noticed a trend yet?) and Speculoos Cookie Butter. Both are available in a few different forms, including latte, iced latte, and also a blended drink with whipped cream and cookie crumbles on top. For the non-coffee drinkers, there’s also a Winter Dream Tea Latte that blends black tea, rooibos, vanilla, and sweet spice. It’s not exactly mind-blowing stuff, but these drinks will work in a pinch.

Our ranking: 4 out of 10 candy canes

Peet’s Coffee, which is based in San Francisco, also has its own Peppermint Mocha (available hot or iced) on its small holiday menu, but edges out Tim Hortons with the addition of Holiday Spice Lattes. The options range from cinnamon to ginger, cloves, and nutmeg (can’t you just smell it already?) in a latte or frappe, and the holiday spices have us feeling warm and cozy already! Peet’s has the added bonus of a holiday blend (with notes of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and spices), which you can brew right at home.

Our ranking: 4 out of 10 candy canes

While Tim Hortons wrangled Justin Bieber with their recent TimBieb collab (for limited edition flavors of their Timbit donut holes), their holiday drink menu lacks the same star power. The Canadian chain’s selection of seasonal beverages includes a few variations of the season's quintessential peppermint mocha, but they don’t go over the top with crafty Christmas drinks (they all come with a sprinkling of peppermint pieces, which isn’t terribly exciting). Grab a festive drink if you’re already in the store picking up some TimBiebs merch (yes, we’re serious), but don’t hold out for an entire menu’s worth of holiday options.

Our ranking: 3 out of 10 candy canes