From peppermint mochas to gingerbread lattes, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious holiday coffee drinks. The Tribune has compiled several scrumptious coffee drinks that are sure to delight your taste buds, add a touch of festivity to your day, and, most importantly, brighten up your mood this exam season. All recipes make two servings, so you’ll be able to treat a friend as well! 

For peppermint lovers: Peppermint Mocha

Creamy, minty, and chocolatey? This cozy peppermint mocha is a much-needed boost to help you power through long study periods.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of any milk of your choice
• 6 tbsp of sugar
• 2 tbsp of cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 ½ cups of espresso (or strong coffee)
• 1 tsp of peppermint extract
• ½ tsp of vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Steps:

1. In a small saucepan, mix milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. 
2. Heat the saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edge and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Stir in espresso, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Remove from heat. 
4. Divide the drink between two mugs and, if desired, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

For white chocolate fans: White Chocolate Mocha Latte

Make this indulgent white chocolate mocha latte from the comfort of your home. This popular coffee drink is rich and always a hit!

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup of any milk of your choice
• 6 tbsp of white chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp of espresso (or strong coffee)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Coffee beans (optional)

Steps: 

1. Heat milk and white chocolate chips over medium-low heat in a small saucepan until melted. Stir consistently. 
2. Pour the coffee into the saucepan. Divide the drink between two mugs. 
3. If desired, top with whipped cream and coffee beans. Serve warm.

For gingerbread fanatics: Gingerbread Latte

Bursting with rich flavours and packed with aromatic spices, this gingerbread latte is a must-try for winter. Best of all, you can make your own cup of this delectable beverage with just a few simple ingredients!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup of espresso (or strong coffee)
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp of ground ginger
• 2 tsp of sugar
• 2 tbsp of molasses (or honey)
• 1 ½ cups of any milk of your choice

Steps:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the coffee, milk, cinnamon, ginger, sugar, and molasses. 
2. On medium heat, bring to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, reduce to low and stir regularly. After 2 minutes, remove from heat.
3. Divide between two mugs and serve immediately.

For s’mores lovers: S’mores Latte

This s’mores latte is the perfect coffee drink to warm you up on a snowy winter day or reward yourself after your final exams!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp of marshmallow syrup
• ½ tbsp of chocolate syrup
• ¼ cup of espresso (or strong coffee)
• ¾ cup of any milk of your choice
• Marshmallows, toasted (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix milk, marshmallow syrup, and chocolate syrup in a small saucepan. 
2. Heat the saucepan until warm and stir to combine. 
3. Pour the espresso into the saucepan. Divide the drink between two mugs and serve immediately.
4. If desired, top with toasted marshmallows.

For the salted caramel fans: Salted Caramel Latte

This salted caramel latte is a soul-soothing coffee drink for those days when you need a little extra comfort or feel drained from studying. It’s sweet, with a little saltiness and a hint of chocolate flavour.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of any milk of your choice 
• 8 tbsp of salted caramel sauce
• 4 cups of espresso (or strong coffee)
• Whipped cream (optional)

Steps:

1. Combine milk and salted caramel sauce in a small saucepan. 
2. Heat the saucepan until warm. Stir well to dissolve the salted caramel sauce.
3. Add coffee and use an immersion or regular blender to blend until frothy. 
4. Divide between two mugs and, if desired, top with whipped cream and more caramel sauce.

These recipes were adapted from Ashley Fehr’s Peppermint Mocha, Real Housemoms’ White Chocolate Mocha Latte, Christina Lane’s Gingerbread Latte, Kitchen Concoctions’ S’mores Latte, and Christin Mahrlig’s Salted Caramel Latte.