'Tis the season to be jolly.. and to again experience Starbucks Christmas :)
I went to SM BF Paranaque today for a meeting and arrived an hour early so I went ahead and entered Starbucks since it opens an hour before mall time. I was excited to see the red menu, the red cups, the new food varieties and the Christmas drink menu. :)
My first 2015 Christmas Drink
Last year, I became a huge fan of the Christmas Cookie Crumble Frap, so this year, I decided to go with the new drink, Christmas Pantone Latte. This drink is inspired by traditional Italian Christmas fruit cup. You can have it hot, iced or frap. I chose the iced version and paired it with Chicken Pastel Empanada.
It had some sort of spice that strongly influences its taste. Actually feels like milktea to me. It's not as sweet as I expected which is just right, and the fruit sprinkles become a little "nougatty" and soft when dripped in the cold drink.
I would still have to try the Frappucino version to taste and see the difference with the iced option.
New Food Options
You have to give it to Starbucks for going out of their way to make sure their Christmas drinks are paired with new and exciting food options. New things in my eyes are the Italian Cheese Pocket, the Christmas cookie, Roasted Chicken and Turkey Wrap and the pasta dishes - Spinach Lasagna and Penne Al Formaggio.
Of course, the Toffee Nut Loaf and the Peppermint Brownie are still staples to complement to Toffee Nut Latte and Peppermint Mocha drinks.
I also saw new cake options: the Dark Belgian Chocolate Cake, Birthday Cake and White Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake. Excited to try them next time!
Another reason for being excited about Christmas at Starbucks is the Starbucks Christmas blend and have that good ol' holiday coffee cheer at home or in the office.
The Planner
This year, Starbucks came up with a smaller version of the planner. You can choose either the regular size or the smaller (but thicker) size. The 2016 Planners come in Black, White, Red and Green.
Sorry for the blurry photo. Taking pictures of the planner is actually not allowed so I just zoomed in the planner from where I am seated :D
Lucky Day :)
Best part of my visit is that I got the limited edition sticker card with a free sticker. So I now have 2 stickers but only bought 1 drink. Weeee! :)
Indeed, Christmas at Starbucks is here. :)
