If we see another piece of peppermint bark before next December, it will be too soon. But is there a decent middle ground of seasonal drinks that aren’t played out, overly sweet, or just plain at the end of their run? These Westchester coffee joints have found the answer to making the sun setting at 4 p.m. a little more bearable.
Crème Brûlée Latte at Matters Coffee
50 Maple St, Croton-on-Hudson; 914.810.7248
It seems as though Matters Coffee is constantly dishing out swoon-worthy lattes and beverages including the fall blueberry iced latte and, now, the customer favorite crème brûlée latte. Stop by this season to try the latte, which combines house-roasted espresso with house-made crème brûlée sauce. The creation is then topped with whip and finished with made-to-order toasted sugar for that unforgettable crème brûlée touch. Plus, the drink is available hot or iced.
Peppermint Mocha Latte at Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea
6 Purdy St, Harrison; 914.786.4125
Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea is doing winter right with a whole lineup of seasonal lattes. It has seven lattes on the menu, and they range from a vanilla tea latte to the delectable peppermint mocha latte. If you opt for caffeine-free drinks, the shop also offers an impressive hot chocolate menu.
Cookie Butter Chai Latte at Flour Power
4668 Boston Post Rd, Pelham Manor; 914.222.0704
Yes, by definition, Flour Power is a bakery, but to accept that definition and keep pushing it is an egregious act. A purveyor of caffeine and stacked with an arsenal of seasonal staples, the shop’s siren song is the cookie butter chai latte. If you’ve ever gotten your hand stuck in a jar of Speculoos, you get what we’re talking about. Luscious with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, this drink will turn even the staunchest of sweets haters into aficionados.
Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Mocha at Caffé Ammi
109 6th St, Pelham; 914.738.2511
The gingerbread latte proved so popular that this roastery and tasting room decided to keep it on the menu year-round. Just looking at the latte is mouthwatering, as the perfectly frothed milk is topped with decadent gingerbread crumbs to add an extra layer of comfort. If you weren’t able to decorate a house this year, here’s the perfect way to get your gingerbread fix for the season. Also, for the month of January, the Pelham hotspot will be offering its peppermint mocha. Come February, the rose mocha will make its return.
Green Tea Ginger Twist at Hastings Tea & Coffee
235 Main St, White Plains; 914.428.1000
If you’ve been battling a runny nose for the better part of the month, this soul-soothing zinger will set you back to normal. Made with freshly brewed organic green tea, serotonin-soaring ginger, and throat-coating honey, it’s the perfect way to wave your winter blues goodbye.
Maple Spice Latte at Muddy Water Coffee & Café
52 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.909.2826
If you’re still holding onto the vestiges of fall deep into the wee months of winter, this will warm your cold, probably Libra (guilty) heart. The maple spice lattes pay homage to the comfort we all crave — and continue to crave — once summer ends and hot drinks are back in style. No tree tap required.
Pistachio Shortbread Latte at Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Co.
716 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley; 914.231.5505
Yes, you read that correctly. Pistachio. Shortbread. Latte. Buttery with just the right hint of salt, this is the drink grandmas around the world worry about. While maybe it can’t replace nana’s cookies right out of the oven, it’s a great placeholder and an even better way to start your morning. The shop also has a maple and peppermint latte to seal the deal.
BONUS SIP
Spiced Cider at BXVL Coffeehouse
2 Station Plz, Bronxville; 914.600.8139
If you’re not a caffeine hound and dislike the taste of coffee altogether, hope is not lost. The hot spiced cider at BXVL Coffeehouse will keep you warm from the inside out without keeping you up all night. Cozy cup, secured.
Related: Catch a Buzz at These Top Coffee Shops and Cafés in Westchester
