Is it really the holiday season until we’ve had our first festive coffee?

We’re in November already! Halloween is behind us and we all know Christmas is coming next. We can feel it in the air. And in the shops! Everyone’s favorite coffee shop is looking a lot more festive now. The pumpkin spice obsession is slowly making way for peppermint, gingerbread, and everything that tastes like Christmas in a cup. And to be honest, you can love or hate Starbucks, but it is true that they make our regular coffee orders feel a little more special.

Now, I have to confess something. Except for the seasonal specials (which I always want to try), I’m one of those people who walks into Starbucks, looks at the menu, considers trying something new, and then orders the same thing I always get. A Caramel Macchiato. Every single time. But here’s where I get a little adventurous. Depending on the season, I’ll order it hot or iced. When the weather is warm, nothing beats an iced Caramel Macchiato. But as soon as it gets chilly enough to justify holding a warm cup between my hands, I’m switching to the hot version. See? Variety. And there’s an essential part of my order: a chocolate muffin. I can’t walk out of the store without that muffin. At this point, the chocolate muffin and the Caramel Macchiato are a package deal.