The Best Booze for Spiking Your Starbucks Holiday Lattes

updated May 1, 2019
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What’s the best way to get through the holiday season? By being merrily caffeinated, of course! Starbucks holiday lattes are the obvious place to start. And then you’ll need the booze!

Keep reading to learn what to pair together. Then, get to your local coffee chain — because you don’t want to have to wait a whole year before these jolly drinks come back around.

Caramel Brûlée Latte

Top choice: Amaretto. The nuttiness of this almond liqueur plays well with the caramelized flavors in this drink. Not only will you want to gulp it down, but the scent of the two combined is also basically wizardry.

Honorable mention: Bourbon. The oaky and caramel notes are an outstanding match if you’re not feeling nutty.

Chestnut Praline Latte

Top choice: Brandy by a long shot (pun intended)! Brandies such as Armagnac and Cognac really enhance the chestnut’s sweet, warm notes with nothing else than brandy’s own warm and rustic ones.

Honorable mention: Rum. A smooth-sipping amber rum matches the sweetness of praline and elevates the richness of the chestnut flavor.

Eggnog Latte

Top choice: Irish whiskey. Its smoothness and presence of fruit and spice packs a serious punch to this latte. It’s the holiday edition of Irish coffee!

Honorable mention: Rum. A dark rum, to be exact. It gives this holiday-spirited latte a smoky-sweet kick.

Peppermint Mocha

Top choice: Baileys Irish Cream. The added touch of creaminess with cocoa and Irish whiskey comes together with the minty mocha to befriend your palate like no other.

Honorable mention: Marshmallow vodka. Make a drinkable minty s’mores. If you’re feeling really crazy, you can even crumble some graham crackers on top. Then you’ll really be living the dream!

Gingerbread Latte

Top choice: Spiced rum. The spices of each blend perfectly well with the other. A sweet, spiced taste that, simply put, is a match made in boozy latte heaven.

Honorable mention: Kahlúa. This combo ups the coffee flavor a few notches, while the rum in the liqueur augments the gingerbread spices.

Holiday Spice Flat White

Top choice: St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur. Yes, this is very specific, but it’s worth hunting down this bottle. The richness and depth of the liqueur complement the flat white’s holiday spice beautifully. With hints of vanilla and the caramelized flavors of chicory root, you’re setting up a delicious New Orleans-style spiked coffee experience.

Honorable mention: White chocolate liqueur. Mix these two and you end up with a flat white turned white mocha with a festive touch — and a delicate, delectable drinking experience.

Spiced Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Top choice: Mezcal. For a smoky twist to a cold brew, this is a must-try. The dash of spice in the coffee is a wonderful pairing to the roasted notes of the craft spirit.

Honorable mention: Silver tequila. Smooth and sweet with hints of citrus, this combo becomes oddly refreshing.

How much to add? You do you and add as much or as little as you want. Start with a shot or less and tinker until you find the level that’s just right.