It is no surprise that teens at Triton High school enjoy coffee. At 7:42, many students walk the halls with a coffee in hand. The trendy iced coffee and flavored lattes spark the sweet tooth of many students at Triton. During the Christmas season, both Dunkin and Starbucks release holiday flavors. However, which of these coffee shops have the best festive drinks? I compared four drinks, the Dunkin and Starbucks peppermint mocha, and the most favored flavors on the holiday menu. When asked what customers preferred at Starbucks, the barista said the new sugar cookie latte. When I asked Dunks, they told me either peppermint mocha or the toasted white chocolate.

Up first was Starbucks in Newburyport; the first I noticed when comparing Dunkins and Starbucks is their sizes and prices. A grande (medium) at Starbucks is notably smaller than a medium at dunks. A grande holiday latte is about $5.45, whereas a Dunk’s medium is only about $4.19. 

Both peppermint mocha lattes were excellent. Compared to the Dunkins peppermint mocha, the Starbucks peppermint mocha was rich in flavor and quite sweet. Both taste a lot like hot chocolate, with a tinge of peppermint and espresso. If you are a fan of dessert coffee or comforting coffee, I suggest Starbucks. Concerning the look, Starbucks gives customers an additional festive red cup and adds sprinkles to further the sense of the holidays. I would give it a five out of five. It left a slight aftertaste, but it wasn’t overpowering. However, if you like a more subtle flavor, lean more towards the Dunkins option. The mocha is stronger than peppermint in the Dunkins latte; however, it fulfills your sweet tooth. I would give it three or four out of five stars. Overall, I would have to say the Starbucks peppermint mocha takes the cake for a holiday flavored beverage.  

The iced sugar cookie latte from Starbucks and the toasted white chocolate were the following two drinks. I was pleasantly surprised by both of these holiday drinks. Many flavored Starbucks drinks are too sweet and leave a strong aftertaste; however, the sugar cookie latte did not. I found it mouthwatering but not so much that it left any aftertaste. The Starbucks sugar cookie is a syrup, and unlike Dunkins, which was a flavor swirl, it mixed much more effortlessly. It satisfies that sweet tooth while tasting like coffee and not like a dessert. The taste was like vanilla and a faint touch of frosting. 

Another thing I enjoyed about the coffee was the sprinkles on top; they made the drink feel especially festive. The toasted white mocha from dunks was delicious. It almost reminded me of the sugar cookie latte, it wasn’t too sugary or sweet, but it had a holiday-type flavor. Overall I would give it a four out of five stars. With Dunkin’s drink, I noticed the espresso was much more potent than Starbucks. This surprised me because Starbucks coffee is known for being especially strong. Despite the strength, the white chocolate flavor was excellent. It tasted like white chocolate candy mixed with your regular morning coffee. It blended very well with the espresso. I got a hot latte; however, I think it would be even more satisfactory on ice. I would give this drink a four, maybe five out of five stars. I like strong coffee and the taste of espresso, so for these two, I would have to say Dunkin’s was better.

Overall, I would have to say Starbucks is the more promising option for holiday drinks. Dunkin’s beverages were delectable, yet their flavors are more subtle and don’t taste as festive as Starbucks ‘ holiday menu. If you are craving a Christmas drink that will get you in the mood for the holiday season, I will head to Starbucks!