Vegan-ize Your Holidays: Delicious Starbucks Vegan Holiday Drinks to Make at Home

The holidays are a time for indulging in cozy drinks and festive flavors. While Starbucks might be known for their seasonal specials, you don’t have to miss out on the fun just because you’re vegan! This year, bring the cheer home with these delicious and easy-to-make vegan Starbucks holiday drink recipes. You’ll be sipping on creamy, dreamy, and perfectly spiced beverages in no time.

Deconstructing the Starbucks Vegan Holiday Menu: Dairy-Free Delights Await

Starbucks Vegan Holiday Drinks might seem tricky to recreate at home, but with a little creativity, you can enjoy these festive flavors without relying on dairy or artificial ingredients. From creamy coconut milk to rich cashew cream, there are plenty of plant-based options to achieve the perfect texture and taste. We’ll be exploring some classic holiday favorites, broken down into simple steps and customizable to your liking.

Vegan Starbucks Holiday Drinks Spread

Homemade Vegan Starbucks Holiday Drink Recipes

Get ready to impress your friends and family with these veganized versions of your Starbucks holiday favorites!

1. Vegan Caramel Brulee Latte: A Symphony of Sweet and Salty

Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like a caramel brulee latte. This vegan version captures all the sweet and salty notes of the original, with a creamy oat milk base and a hint of espresso.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
• 1 cup unsweetened oat milk
• 2 tablespoons vegan caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• Vegan whipped cream (coconut whipped cream or aquafaba meringue)
• Vegan caramel drizzle, for topping

Instructions:

1. Brew your coffee: Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee or pulling a double shot of espresso.
2. Heat and froth the milk: In a small saucepan, heat the oat milk over medium heat until it’s steaming. You can use a milk frother for extra creaminess, or simply whisk vigorously for a few minutes to create some foam.
3. Combine the flavors: Add the vegan caramel sauce, maple syrup or agave, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the warm oat milk. Whisk until well combined.
4. Assemble the latte: Pour the brewed coffee or espresso into your favorite mug. Slowly pour the caramel oat milk mixture over the coffee, leaving some room at the top for toppings.
5. Top it off: Garnish with a dollop of vegan whipped cream and a drizzle of vegan caramel.

Close-Up of Vegan Caramel Brulee Latte in a Mug

Chef’s Tip: “For a truly decadent caramel brulee experience, use a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar topping on your whipped cream. It adds a beautiful caramelized crunch and enhances the visual appeal.” – Avery Lawson, Vegan Pastry Chef

2. Vegan Peppermint Mocha: A Minty Chocolate Dream

This vegan peppermint mocha is the perfect combination of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and a caffeine kick. It’s like a holiday party in a mug!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• Vegan whipped cream (coconut whipped cream or aquafaba meringue)
• Crushed candy canes or vegan peppermint bark, for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare your coffee base: Brew a strong cup of coffee or pull a double shot of espresso.
2. Create the chocolate peppermint milk: In a saucepan, whisk together the almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup or agave, peppermint extract, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture is smooth and steaming.
3. Combine and enjoy: Pour the coffee or espresso into your favorite mug. Slowly pour the chocolate peppermint milk over the coffee, leaving space for toppings.
4. Add festive toppings: Top with vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or vegan peppermint bark.

Ingredients for Making a Vegan Peppermint Mocha

Chef’s Tip: “For a richer chocolate flavor, use a high-quality cocoa powder or even melt a small amount of vegan dark chocolate into the warm milk mixture. Just be sure to stir well until fully incorporated.” – Avery Lawson, Vegan Pastry Chef

3. Easy Vegan Chestnut Praline Latte: Warm, Nutty, and Festive

This simplified version of the chestnut praline latte captures the warm, nutty essence of the original without any complicated syrups.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
• 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon chestnut puree or spread (can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon almond extract)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• Vegan whipped cream (cashew cream is ideal for this recipe)
• Chopped candied chestnuts or vegan praline crumble, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew and measure: Prepare a strong cup of coffee or a double shot of espresso.
2. Combine the flavors: In a saucepan, whisk together the cashew milk, maple syrup or agave, chestnut puree (or almond extract), vanilla extract, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat, whisking often, until steaming and well combined.
3. Assemble the latte: Pour the coffee or espresso into your mug. Slowly pour the chestnut milk mixture over the coffee.
4. Top and enjoy: Garnish with a dollop of vegan whipped cream. For an extra special touch, sprinkle with chopped candied chestnuts or a vegan praline crumble.

Pouring Cashew Milk into Chestnut Praline Latte

FAQ: Your Vegan Starbucks Holiday Drink Questions Answered

Can I make these drinks without an espresso machine?

Absolutely! You can use strongly brewed coffee instead of espresso for any of these recipes. To make your coffee extra strong, try using a French press or an AeroPress.

What are some other vegan milk options I can use?

Feel free to experiment with different plant-based milks based on your preference. Soy milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or even hemp milk can all be delicious substitutes.

Can I make these drinks ahead of time?

While these drinks are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the milk mixtures ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your drink.

Where can I find vegan whipped cream?

You can find vegan whipped cream options in most grocery stores, usually in the natural foods section. Look for brands made from coconut cream, almond milk, or cashew cream.

What are some other festive toppings I can use?

Get creative with your toppings! Vegan chocolate shavings, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries, or a sprinkle of nutmeg can all add a festive flair.