Starbucks Just Dropped an Exclusive New Holiday Drink—and We Tried It First

All holiday movie fans know the best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear. The second best way is to feed them a peppermint-flavored sweet (preferably chocolate and peppermint, if we’re getting specific.) From the drive-thru to the grocery store, peppermint-chocolate treats are everywhere, and I’m not mad about it.

When I heard that Starbucks was dropping an exclusive holiday drink in addition to its already-stacked holiday lineup, I was jazzed. When I heard that drink featured my favorite seasonal duo of chocolate and mint, I was ecstatic. And when I tried it, well, I was officially sold.

Starbucks Launches Target-Exclusive Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate

It seems Starbucks made it its mission to cross off every wishlist item for its fans this holiday season. Eggnog Latte back and better than ever? Check. Highly giftable merch? Definite check. New spin on the ever-beloved Peppermint Mocha? Check, check, check. Introducing the Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate, a new take on the Frappuccino.

The festive frozen sipper features a classic Creme Frappuccino blended with mocha sauce, then layered over peppermint-flavored whipped cream and red and green sprinkles. The adorable drink is finished with a secondary swirl of peppermint-flavored whipped cream and a shake of red and green sprinkles to make it picture-perfect.

Now for the first-of-its-kind part. For the first time, Starbucks is debuting a drink exclusively in Starbucks locations within Target stores. I can’t think of a better way to curb energy crashes while conquering my holiday shopping (because we all know that going to the store hungry is a recipe for disaster). But with so many chocolate-peppermint treats out there, how is one to know if this one’s worth your money?

Luckily, I got an early taste of the new Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate, and here’s my honest review.

My Honest Review of Starbucks’ New Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate

I couldn’t tell you the last time I tried a Frappuccino before this summer, when I tried the layered Strato Frappuccinos. But this Frappuccino puts all three of those to shame.

I’m a huge fan of Serendipity 3’s famous Frozen Hot Chocolate, so this drink was right up my alley. The mocha syrup mixed into a Creme Frappuccino has a delightfully rich, almost malty chocolate flavor, and the layers of light peppermint-flavored whipped cream with crunchy sprinkles adds textural intrigue along with a burst of minty freshness.

Not enough people are talking about how good Starbucks’ whipped cream is—it’s seriously decadent stuff. My only complaint as a peppermint enthusiast is that the mint flavor is only in the whipped cream. I would have liked some peppermint extract in the frozen hot chocolate as well. But for those easily overwhelmed when mint tips into toothpaste territory, I have a feeling this will hit right in the sweet spot.

The Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate is available now throughout the holiday season at participating Starbucks locations within Target stores in the U.S. Prices vary by location, but a Grande size starts at $5.95. You can order it in-store or through the Target app with the “drive-up” option.