Starbucks’ holiday drinks leave drinkers with a bitter taste

   Starbucks fans rejoice at the end-of-the-year appearance of the holiday red cups. As with twinkling lights and holiday jingles, the coffee-chain powerhouse's batch of seasonal holiday drinks is becoming a tasty indicator to the start of the Christmas season.       

   For a tasty holiday drink this year, go for the caramel brulée latte but steer clear of the gingerbread latte or peppermint mocha.

   At the Starbucks at 101 E. Chapman Ave. in the Orange circle, a peppy barista prepared my order, with a festive peppermint leaf headband adorning her hair.

   I started with the gingerbread latte, but was disappointed. Although the unique ginger taste was seasonal, it was like an overcooked gingerbread cookie in liquid form – if someone forgot to add the frosting.

   It has a smoky taste, almost like burnt crust. The syrup isn't strong enough to smother the smokiness, so the drink can barely be described as sweet.

   I'll take my gingerbread man with the sugary buttons included.

   The peppermint mocha should perhaps be renamed "hint of peppermint." I could barely taste the minty flavor over the intense powdery texture of the mocha. It was more of a subtle peppermint tease rather than anything reminiscent of a candy cane.

   Just when I began to reconsider Starbucks' legitimacy in the Christmas season, I took a sip of the caramel brulée latte.

   Joy to the world, this is liquid glee.

   The latte will serve a sweet memory of grandma's Christmas caramel popcorn balls. It even offers a crunchy treat with the caramelized sugar sprinkled on the whipped cream.

   The sweetness is at just the right level without being overpowering. There is a soothing combination of milk and caramel, which left me to bask in a few seconds of tasty euphoria.

   By the time my caffeinated buzz reached its full capacity, I turned to a seasonal snack. When I asked about the peppermint cake pop, the barista told me it made her feel uncomfortable.

   This seemed a little dramatic for a treat the size of a cotton ball.

   She explained how the sugar crystals bedazzling the fructose sphere scratched the roof of her mouth and it wasn't quite as enjoyable as Starbucks' other addicting cake pops.

   When I took a bite out of this baby, I nervously braced myself for a scratchy experience. Surprisingly, I had to disagree with the barista.

   The crystals are barely noticeable once you taste the explosion of chocolate flavor inside the pop. Although I prefer a vanilla flavor, the packed chocolate ball was the candy cane lane to holiday spirit.

   After lethargically pushing the infamous red Christmas cups away, I took a moment to soak in the Christmas-themed atmosphere around me. The decorations and Christmas music were comforting and the other 9 a.m. customers seemed relieved to receive their holiday coffee.