Long before pumpkin spice claimed its spot as fall’s reigning flavor, another scent was already signaling the holidays ahead: peppermint.
No longer relegated to your grandfather's pocket, Winter’s frostiest flavor is enjoying a full-on glow-up with brands, cafés and creators everywhere jumping on the bandwagon. Whether swirling in a mug, folded into chocolate or perfuming a room, peppermint remains the unmistakable essence of holiday cheer — and this year, it’s trendier than ever.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to sip, snack and scent our way through the happiest time of the year.
Sip The Season
One seasonal sip you won’t want to miss this year is La La Land Kind Café’s Peppermint Latte. It’s a dreamy blend of bright peppermint and velvety espresso that feels like a holiday hug in a cup. The balance is spot-on: not too sweet, not too strong, but full of cheerful winter flavor. For longtime fans of the classics, Starbucks’ Peppermint Mocha continues to deliver its iconic, chocolate-mint warmth. When you want something a little more spirited than hot cocoa, the Peppermint Bark Martini at the Holly Jolly Bar inside Hotel Vin steals the show. Creamy, minty and delightfully decadent, it’s a sure fire way to warm you up inside and out.
Sweet Bites
Peppermint lovers, rejoice! This is truly your year to indulge. Milkshake Factory’s Peppermint Bark delivers cool crushed peppermint folded into creamy milk chocolate, creating a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that doubles as the perfect stocking stuffer. Of course, the original classic still holds its crown: Williams Sonoma’s iconic Peppermint Bark, beloved for its rich chocolate layers and satisfying peppermint snap. For something more decadent, Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cake offers rich chocolate, studded with chips and bright peppermint in every bite. And for a show-stopping seasonal dessert, Emporium Pies’ Father Christmas Pie — a peppermint white chocolate custard topped with peppermint whipped cream in a chocolate cookie crust — is worth the trip to Bishop Arts or a Goldbelly delivery straight to Southlake.
Holiday Scents
If you want your home to smell like pure holiday cheer, start with Voluspa’s Gourmand Crushed Candy Candle, sold at Anthropologie. It delivers a luxurious swirl of sugary mint that’s festive without feeling overpowering. The scent is crisp, clean and just sweet enough to warm up the room. Bath & Body Works’ Twisted Peppermint Candle brings a bold, playful hit of mint that instantly energizes any space, while Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Peppermint Soy Candle sold at Target offers a fresher, more natural take on the seasonal fragrance. Light any of these and your home instantly transforms into a winter wonderland.