Starbucks’ New Wintry Juniper Latte Sounds Amazing, But There’s One Catch

If pumpkins are the mascot for autumn, consider juniper berries the stand-out representation for the winter season. They're whole essence is precisely why you'll be on the hunt for Starbucks' latest latte debut. You'll have to be in the know about where to get Starbucks' new Wintry Juniper Latté, because it's only popping up in a few special Starbucks stores around the country. But don't worry, I'll dish all the details so that you can wrap your hands around a warm cup of this blissful, wintry mix as soon as possible.

You might have previously been under the assumption that taste is the only sense that matters in coffee consumption, but trust me: aromas play a significant part in the whole experience. The entire experience of a winter experieced in the freshly frosted woods is exactly what is captured in this cup. One sip and a flurry of wintry admiration will accumulate in your heart. Sleigh rides, snow-shoeing, rocking around the Christmas Tree? Ahh, yes, breath it all in in one heavy whiff of aromatic berries, mulled spices, mandarin, and sage. I mean, this latté is like a spa treatment, and therefore worth the chase if you don't happen to live close to a participating Starbucks Reserve Roastery location.

This is the kind of drink that suddenly makes 4 p.m. sunsets a welcomed sight. The most important part of the coffee, no matter the flavor, is the base — the bean. Starbucks' Reserve Roastery takes pride in the process of their coffee, which is why we're basically all returning cup after cup. A spokesperson for Starbucks describes the Starbucks Reserve Christmas 2017 used in the latté from their farm at Hacienda Alsacia as, "imparting flavors of orange and mulled spices." OK, I pretty much have one foot out the door already. The spokesperson continues with, "the Indonesian component features a rare, spicy coffee from the island of Sumatra, carefully aged to bring out their deep notes of cedar and sweet, black licorice." First of all, "cedar" and "sweet, black licorice" are all the right words to get me in line.

It gets better. The flavors and aromas are concluded with juniper sugar and a face full of a fresh sage sprig. Can it even get more wintry than this?! I feel like I'm being transported to the center of a snow globe. But just as snowmen slowly melt with the first chirps of spring's birds, the Wintry Juniper Latté will only be available in participating Starbucks Reserve stores for a limited time. So slide your way to your nearest store soon.

The latté will be available for a limited time at Starbucks' Reserve Roastery in Seattle, Washington. Don't go checking Google Flights for airfare to the Pacific North West just yet, though — the drink will also make an appearance in participating U.S. stores with a Starbucks Reserve coffee bar. Wondering if one is close to you? According to Starbucks' site, here are all the locations you'll be able to catch a whiff of winter in a cup at:

If you're in New York City, you'll find your latte at 10 Waverly Place or 85th & Madison. Los Angeles will have the drink available at 4th and La Brea and Hillhurst & Avacado. Chicago can indulge in sips at their North & Damen, Oak & Rush, and Western & Deerpath locations. The Bay Area has plenty of options with the latte premiering at the Stevens Creek & DeAnza in Cupertino, Broadway & Hamilton in Redwood City, and Blossom Hill Pavilion in Los Gatos, and 7th & K in Sacramento locations. Seattle will find theirs at 1st & University. Palm Springs, California can ~finally~ enjoy a rare taste winter at Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon. Birmingham, Michigan can enjoy the latte at N. Old Woodward & Maple. And Texans will find their cup of cheer at Legacy West in Plano, McKinney & Olive in Dallas and Domain II Northside in Austin.

Don't be surprised if this drink inspires you to start caroling. Enjoy your latté wherever you find it and get ready for a most wonderful winter!