The Starbucks Latte That Combined Hot Cocoa And Gingerbread

When Starbucks debuted its Gingerbread Latte in 2000 as part of its iconic holiday drink lineup, the company knocked its customers' holiday socks off (via Starbucks Stories & News). The dreamy blend of espresso, gingerbread syrup, steamed milk, whipped cream, and a dash of nutmeg filled people with coziness and instantly lifted holiday spirits. The drink was a winter favorite for millions of Americans for almost 20 years when, in 2019, the coffee giant crushed sugar plum dreams all over the country by discontinuing the beverage in the US of A, according to Today. While it was still available in Canada and Europe, Americans were left reeling.

Plenty of people have resorted to creating their own homemade versions, but like so many other copycats, they are just not the same. Fans of the Gingerbread Latte do have plenty of other enticing coffee drinks to choose from this year at Starbucks, including the Caramel Brulée Latte, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Peppermint Mocha. But for the absolutely desperate, there is hope, if you have the means. The Gingerbread Latte is still being served at Starbucks shops in the Asia Pacific region, Japan, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, according to Starbucks Stories & News. What's more, some of these lucky folks also have a new, decadent version of the drink to entice them in.

In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Starbucks has debuted the Chocolate Gingerbread Latte, which includes all of the elements of the classic version, but with the addition of decadent cocoa, per Starbucks Stories & News. Reminiscent of both hot chocolate and a Gingerbread Latte, it appears to be the best that the holidays have to offer.

Popsugar suggests that Americans can still order a Gingerbread Latte-like drink off a "secret menu." According to the site, the hack involves a Cinnamon Dolce Latte with the additional flavorings of white mocha syrup, chai tea concentrate, and nutmeg — although it appears this won't mirror the new chocolate version of the drink.

Thrillist notes that there are several holiday drinks at international Starbucks coffee shops that have never made an appearance in America, like the Cranberry Mocha Blanco Latte in Latin America, the Lava Choco Dark Mocha in China, and the Jolly Baked Apple Cold Brew in Asia Pacific. Clearly, people all over the world crave a cup of holiday cheer, just perhaps in different, exciting flavors. The debut of such drinks each year gives millions something exciting to look forward to — even if that means a favorite drink has retired, so long as it is replaced with something just as good. And if it includes hot chocolate, all the better.