Peppermint Twisted Starbucks Heaven

It's something about the holiday season that makes Starbucks suddenly seem worth it.

Maybe it's because they have red holiday cups.
Maybe it's because it's a little cooler out and we feel the need to "warm up."
Or, maybe it's simply because they start heavily promoting peppermint flavored drinks.

About 3 years ago I wouldn't come within 15 feet of coffee or Starbucks. Then I was handed a Starbucks gift card for Christmas one year and I figured it was worth a try. I didn't like coffee so I tried to find the sweetest non-coffee tasting drink they had.....I stumbled upon the Peppermint Mocha.

After a few sips I concluded that it tasted, "chalky" and I didn't order it again.

As I continued to use my gift card up I became more chatty with the baristas and shared my feelings about the Peppermint Mocha. She told me she agreed and suggested I try a Peppermint WHITE Mocha (it wasn't on their menu board at the time). I gave it a try and at my first sip I became addicted.

Now, 3 years later and significantly poorer I have for the most part given up on having Starbucks very frequently...I might have it once a month at the very most.

Today however in celebration of all things peppermint I somehow managed to dig up the $4 it would take to relive a long lost fantasy of Peppermint White Mocha's

As I strolled into my local Starbucks today I was greeted by the overwhelming holiday cheer, overpriced stocking stuffers and stacks upon stacks of those famous red holiday edition cups.

I glanced over the menu and a new drink stuck out like a sore thumb: Peppermint White Mocha Twist.

My heart gasped, my jaw dropped and my legs quivered. What is this? A Peppermint Twisty thing? Is it really something new, or just a marketing attempt at re-inventing what they already had to make it seem sexy again?

I asked the barista - what's the difference between the regular Peppermint White Mocha and the Peppermint White Mocha Twist. His response....."Nothing really except the Twist has peppermint whipped cream and peppermint chocolate chunks sprinkled on top."

GASP.

I'll take one.

The rather jolly sidekick barista chimed in after seeing the joy on my face, "Do you want extra peppermint whipped cream?"

I nodded quickly.

It came out on the landing deck and I took a slow and enjoyable sip. Oh ya, this is good. The peppermint chocolate chunks had melted every so slightly over the whipped cream and the rich creamy sensation of white mocha, peppermint, and whipped cream were mixed together beautifully.

The bottom was the best. Somehow the chunks and whipped cream kinda hung out until the very end and the last sip was freakin awesome.

Here's the good news. This drink isn't a "limited time offer". Starbucks always has the peppermint syrup, I don't know if they will make the peppermint whipped cream year round....but otherwise you can enjoy this Christmas drink in July.

If you're going to go do it though, go all the way and get extra whipped cream!