As a chill falls over us here in Minneapolis, nothing helps me feel more in the holiday spirit than a seasonal drink. From eggnog to gingerbread, the flavors are impeccable. A warm, festive beverage can be a game changer, most importantly the fact that it’s physically warming me up when it’s -10° outside. Today, we will be taking you through some of the best places in Minneapolis to get your hands on a seasonal beverage that will make you feel just as warm and cozy as if you were home in a knit blanket in some fuzzy socks.
1. Hope Breakfast Bar
Now featuring two locations, one in St. Paul and one in St. Louis park, Hope Breakfast Bar has extensive options when it comes to cozy beverages. Available both hot and iced, I have a couple of favorites on their menu. First up, their Horchata Cafe. Hope’s warm and spicy take on traditional Horchata hits you right in the heart. Next, their Matcha Dream latte. With a touch of maple syrup, this matcha is cozy and bright. Last but not least, the Cabo Mocha. Featuring mole infused ganache, this drink is just as decadent as it sounds. Thick and creamy, the Cabo Mocha is sure to warm you up. 
2. Hark! Cafe
A celiac safe and vegan cafe, Hark! offers a wide variety of items suitable for all dietary restrictions. Forget about that oatmilk upcharge, no such thing at Hark! There are two great seasonal selections at Hark!. First, their Gingerbread Tea Latte. The gingerbread syrup is made in-house, (aka extra delicious), then added to a tea latte made with a fantastic roasted chestnut tea and topped off with caramel. My second favorite remains on the menu year round: chai. Hark! Makes their chai in-house and oh boy, can you tell. The love in this drink is palpable. It warms you right up to your core with the perfect balance of spicy to sweet.
Photo used from Hark! Cafe’s Instagram
3. Wild Grinds
Fresh on the cafe scene, Wild Grinds is already making a splash. Inside Wild Minds Ales, the atmosphere of this cafe is open and bright, where the smell of brewery and coffee lingers. This winter, you need to try their Winter Solstice Flight. With a total of three espresso shots and three different drinks, you enjoy both the flavors and the Instagram worthy shot. Wind Grind’s flight features their First Frost, North Star, and Dark Goddess drinks. Try them out and you’re bound to fall in love.
Photo used from WildGrind’s Instagram
4. S.K. Coffee
Okay, I might be partial here. I love SK. However, so will you. This season they are featuring a Spiced Latte. Mmmmmm, so good you guys. Creamy, spicy, with a touch of silky sweetness. It’s the perfect blend of espresso and fine crafted flavors. Incorporating nutmeg, cardamon, and cinnamon, it’s a more tamed out and caffeinated chai. If you’re a fan of more craft and less sweet lattes, this ones for you.
Photo used from S.K. Coffee’s Instagram
5. Corner Coffee
A Minneapolis staple, Corner Coffee houses three locations, North Loop, Uptown, and Camden. At all three locations you can find their extensive and delicious holiday menu. Featuring six festive beverages there are plenty of options. My personal favorite, their Eggnog Chai. Part chai and part ‘nog, this drink is an eggnog lover’s dream. A close second is their Nordic Latte and the Gingerbread Latte. Both are beautifully spiced and warm. If you’re in the mood for something different however, try their Peppermint CMCD, chocolate milk cold brew. It’s iced, pepperminty, and still plenty festive.
Photo used from Corner Coffee’s Instagram
6. Uncommon Grounds
If it wasn’t already clear enough, I love a good winter time chai and Uncommon Grounds is the top dog when it comes to this category. Specializing in the making of chai, Uncommon has a huge range of flavors. I once tried their Mint Chai. At first, I was concerned, but after my first few sips I was hooked. Their fan favorite however is the, pardon my language, Orgasmic Chai, which it really is. There’s no better chai on the market. Perfect for a hot sip as you walk around lake Harriet looking at Christmas lights.
As you finish up your last minute Christmas shopping, don’t lie I know you have some, go check out one of these seasonal drinks! I promise, it’s the finishing touch you need to make your life feel like a Hallmark movie this season. Don’t forget to pack your mittens, tip your barista, and have a happy holiday.
-Written by Grace McDonald
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