This Peppermint Mocha Is Back For 2016, Too

Nov. 1 was an exciting day, what with the return of the Starbucks holiday drinks. Not to be outshone, though, another popular name is hopping on the seasonal beverage bandwagon: Starting today, Nov. 2, McDonald's is bringing back the McCafe Peppermint Mocha for 2016, a holiday favorite. Made of 100 percent Arabica bean espresso, dark chocolate syrup, peppermint, steamed milk, whipped cream, and a chocolate drizzle, the Peppermint Mocha promises to warm you up even in the chilliest of weather.

When you buy McDonald's Peppermint Mocha, you're not just enjoying a hot cup of deliciousness. You're also making a statement. Each cup is sourced in an environmentally manner, which is just the cherry — err, whipped cream? — on top. Select restaurants will also be offering the Peppermint Mocha as a cold beverage. Not a huge coffee lover? Try to Peppermint Hot Chocolate instead. Or take one of each. Just a thought.

McDonald's is no newbie when it comes to seasonal drinks. The Peppermint Mocha made its debut in 2011, and as McDonald's first seasonal beverage, no less. 2012 introduced the ever-popular Shamrock Shake, which actually originated in 1970 as the St. Patrick's Day Shake. And in 2013, McDonald's was feeling extra creative and gave us the McCafé White Chocolate Mocha and Pumpkin Spice Latte — two more holiday hits. They are not to be underestimated!

The Peppermint Mocha offers a unique taste, and it was largely well-received. FastFoodGeek wrote the year it came out, "It felt like I was in Grandma’s kitchen, a honey ham roasting on a spit, and the pitter patter of sleigh bells in the distance. The feel of the holiday season was upon me. The mocha flavoring was there in full force, less bitter than other mochas I’ve encountered." I call that a win.

Prices and availability will vary by market, but the average price of a medium McCafe Peppermint Mocha is $2.99 and the drink will be available until roughly mid-January.

Images: McDonalds; Giphy