Christmas in a Cup

As much as you try to avoid it, the holidays are in full swing. Starbucks has already started using the red cups and their holiday blend is brewing (at least in my house). However...as much as I love the red cups, it's just too early. I already started feeling the pressure when I figured out there are only 8 more Saturdays before Christmas! I am not sure how this happened since the Thanksgiving blend isn't out yet, but I managed to snag some of the Holiday Blend from Bed, Bath and Beyond. This one seems to have a much more intense coffee taste, but there are notes of maple and cinnamon in the background. It's actually quite delicious with a splash of vanilla. I am not trying to force the holidays on to anyone but it's better to be prepared and to find yourself scrambling at the last minute. Maybe this Christmas in a cup is just what you need to unwind. 

Starbucks Anniversary Blend

You know that it's time to put something hot in your cup as the weather turns and the stores begin to look like fall. I know that everyone has special fall drinks, but fall is also the beginning of the special coffee releases at Starbucks. The Anniversary Blend kicks everything off and this year they were doing a promotion that if you bought the Anniversary Blend, then you got a 3 ounce espresso cup. Not only is the Anniversary Blend a new coffee, but it also gets a new package design as well. This year's coffee is spicy and crisp. I know that crisp isn't usually a word that describes coffee, but the spice stands out and the crispness comes like the chill in the air. It ends with a smooth buttery taste and doesn't have the lingering bitterness. If you want to make your coffee extra falley, than add a few dashes of pumpkin pie spice to it. It seems to really bring out the spice notes and makes it seem a bit like the Pumpkin Spice Latte. But don't get me wrong, this is definitely not a replacement for that fabulous drink! Be sure to try it before it's gone...as sure as the weather changes so does the coffee at Starbucks.

Two for Tea

I have always been a fan of coffee, but sometimes I like variety. There is something romantic about curling up with a cup of tea and a book. I do have to admit though that when I imagine that, it is fall and there is a crispness in the air, but sadly I am a bit early for that. I have acquired an appreciation for tea and have found that it is very relaxing, so it is a perfect morning beverage alternative. Trader Joe's never ceases to amaze me, so I was sure these would be winners. There was a ginger pear tea and a pomegranate white tea. I tend to be cautious around ginger products because it is a very strong flavor. However, the ginger flavor wasn't overwhelming and the touch of pear added a sweetness to balance the stringent ginger. The pomegranate white tea was bright and full of fruit flavor. It was a bit sweeter than the ginger pear and that was without added sugar. I have found that they best way to have a cup of tea is traditional way with milk and sugar. But because I am trying to watch the waistline, I only add a touch of sugar, but usually I drink it plain. I like tea because it makes me feel immediately energized and ready to take on the day. So grab a cup and enjoy!

Sweet, Natural Energy

Ok, so energy drinks have come to stay, but until now I was definitely not a fan. The smell of them is not pleasant, so I usually stuck to coffee. One day when I was in Starbucks, I saw an ad for some new drink called a Refresher. I had not idea what it was, but they were giving samples away. I came to find out that a Refresher is a natural energy drink made with green coffee beans and fruit. There were two flavors- Cool Lime and Wild Berry Hibiscus. The lime was so refreshing and there was subtle mint taste that complimented the lime perfectly. The wild berry had a touch of ginger and fresh blackberries. This one had natural sweetness and a floral taste from the hibiscus. Both of them are fantastic alternatives to the traditional energy drink and they are low calorie as well, which is even better! If I had my choice, I would go for the Cool Lime because it is such a unique blend of flavors and absolutely refreshing. Stop by a Starbucks today to try one out and let me know which one you like.