Food and Drink

It doesn’t have to be Starbucks: Here are 20 local holiday coffee spots.

By Jessica Swannie
The Cinnamon Chérie Café Crème at Amelie’s mixes cinnamon butter, espresso from Pure Intentions Coffee and milk topped with chocolate whipped cream and cinnamon sugar.
The Cinnamon Chérie Café Crème at Amelie’s mixes cinnamon butter, espresso from Pure Intentions Coffee and milk topped with chocolate whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. Courtesy of Amelie’s French Bakery CharlotteFive

That crazy person you see waiting in a massive mobile order crowd at Starbucks during the first week of November? That’s me.

I obsessively wait for Starbucks to release its holiday menu — and cups — each year. There’s something about that first sip of a peppermint mocha that ignites the holiday spirit. Sadly, this year’s holiday drink lineup did not include the beloved gingerbread latte, which was the perfect mix of holiday warmth and sugary spirit in a cup.

But don’t fret — Charlotte’s stacked with an abundance of local coffee shops that have taken wintry drinks to a new level. Lattes will wrap you in a warm blanket of seasonal cheer with flavors like eggnog, mocha, snickerdoodle and, of course, gingerbread.

Ready to commence your holiday coffee tour? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

(1) Amelie’s French Bakery

2424 N. Davidson St., 380 S College St., 4321 Park Rd., 7715 Pineville Matthews Rd., Unit 34B, 157 E. Main St.

What to order: Cinnamon Chérie Café Crème

What it is: Cinnamon butter, espresso from Pure Intentions Coffee, and milk topped with chocolate whipped cream and cinnamon sugar

Price: $4.15

(2) Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply

225 N. Trade St.

What to order: Snickerdoodle Latte

What it is: Latte with cookie butter and cinnamon syrup, sprinkled with raw sugar

Price: $4.25 for 10 oz., 4.25 for iced, 4.75 for 16 oz.

What to order: Peppermint Mocha

What it is: Latte with peppermint syrup and dark chocolate sauce

Price: $4.25 for 10 oz., 4.25 for iced, 4.75 for 16 oz.

What to order: Cousin Eddie

What it is: Eggnog latte sprinkled with nutmeg (a fan favorite)

Price: $4.25 for 10 oz., 4.25 for iced, 4.75 for 16 oz.

What to order: Apple Chai-der

What it is: Oat milk, Rishi’s Masala Chai, apple syrup, cinnamon

Price: $4.25 for 10 oz., 4.25 for iced, 4.75 for 16 oz.

(3) Cafe Moka

Cafe Moka’s Peppermint Moka has espresso, peppermint, dark chocolate, steamed milk, whipped cream and sprinkled with crushed candy cane.
Cafe Moka’s Peppermint Moka has espresso, peppermint, dark chocolate, steamed milk, whipped cream and sprinkled with crushed candy cane. Courtesy of Cafe Moka CharlotteFive

7416 Waverly Walk Ave.

What to order: Peppermint Moka

What it is: Espresso, peppermint, dark chocolate, steamed milk, whipped cream and sprinkled with crushed candy cane

Price: $4.75

What to order: Gingerbread Latte

What it is: Espresso, gingerbread spices, steamed milk topped with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, black pepper, star anise and cardamom

Price: $4.50

What to order: Eggnog Latte

What it is: Espresso, vanilla, steamed eggnog topped with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, black pepper, star anise and cardamom

Price: $4.95

(4) Coco and the Director

Coco and the Director’s Matcha-Eggnog Latte includes Matcha tea, eggnog syrup, peppermint syrup and milk.
Coco and the Director’s Matcha-Eggnog Latte includes Matcha tea, eggnog syrup, peppermint syrup and milk. Courtesy of Coco and the Director CharlotteFive

100 W. Trade St.

What to order: Matcha-Eggnog Latte

What it is: Matcha tea, eggnog syrup, peppermint syrup and milk

Price: $4.75

(5) Crane Coffee Co.

The Andes Mint Mocha at Crane Coffee features Ghirardelli cocoa powder, melted Andes Mint, peppermint simple syrup and fresh cream.
The Andes Mint Mocha at Crane Coffee features Ghirardelli cocoa powder, melted Andes Mint, peppermint simple syrup and fresh cream. Courtesy of Crane Coffee Co. CharlotteFive

550 S. Caldwell St.

What to order: Andes Mint Mocha

What it is: Medium roast pour over coffee with Ghirardelli cocoa powder, melted Andes Mint, peppermint simple syrup and fresh cream

Price: $4.50 for 12 oz. and $5 for 16 oz.

The Mayan Mocha at Crane includes Ghirardelli cocoa powder, Saigon cinnamon, cayenne pepper and milk.
The Mayan Mocha at Crane includes Ghirardelli cocoa powder, Saigon cinnamon, cayenne pepper and milk. Courtesy of Crane Coffee Co. CharlotteFive

What to order: Mayan Mocha

What it is: Dark roast pour over coffee with Ghirardelli cocoa powder, Saigon cinnamon, cayenne pepper and milk

Price: $4.50 for 12 oz. and $5 for 16 oz.

(6) Earl’s Grocery

1609 Elizabeth Ave.

What to order: Maple Latte

What it is: Traditional latte with two shots of espresso and steamed milk of your choice, sweetened with maple syrup and garnished with a blend of raw sugar, cinnamon and orange zest (available iced or hot)

Price: $5.29 for 16 oz. cup

The Aztec Mocha Latte at Earl’s Grocery is offered iced or hot.
The Aztec Mocha Latte at Earl’s Grocery is offered iced or hot. Taylor Robbins CharlotteFive

What to order: Aztec Mocha Latte

What it is: Three shots of espresso, a scoop of mocha, house-made hazelnut liquor syrup, cinnamon and cayenne with your choice of milk (available iced or hot)

Price: $5.50 for 16 oz. cup

(7) Enderly Coffee Co.

Enderly’s Peppermint White Mocha is topped with crushed peppermint.
Enderly’s Peppermint White Mocha is topped with crushed peppermint. Courtesy of Enderly Coffee Co CharlotteFive

2620 Tuckaseegee Rd.

What to order: Peppermint White Mocha

What it is: White chocolate mocha sprinkled with freshly crushed peppermint

Price: $4.25

What to order: Gingerbread Latte

What it is: Housemade gingerbread syrup made with maple syrup

Price: $4.25

What to order: Give Me S’more

What it is: Hot chocolate with a spoonful of marshmallow fluff rolled in crushed graham cracker

Price: $4.25

(8) Julia’s Café & Books

What to order: Nutcracker Latte

What it is: Two shots of espresso (more if you’d like), gingerbread and hazelnut flavors, cinnamon sprinkled on top

Price: $3.65 for 12 oz; $4.15 for 16 oz.

The Nutcracker Latte at Julia’s Café & Books has two shots of espresso (more if you’d like), gingerbread and hazelnut flavors, cinnamon sprinkled on top.
The Nutcracker Latte at Julia’s Café & Books has two shots of espresso (more if you’d like), gingerbread and hazelnut flavors, cinnamon sprinkled on top. Courtesy of Julia's Café & Books CharlotteFive

(9) Mac Tabby Cat Cafe

You can top your Maple Pancake Latte at Mac Tabby with a cinnamon sugar cat or homemade whipped cream and maple syrup.
You can top your Maple Pancake Latte at Mac Tabby with a cinnamon sugar cat or homemade whipped cream and maple syrup. Courtesy of Mac Tabby Cat Cafe CharlotteFive

3204 N. Davidson St.

What to order: Maple Pancake Latte

What it is: Flapjacks in your cup: A double shot of espresso mixed with the flavor of pancakes and steamed with your choice of milk/alternative. Add a cinnamon sugar cat on top or homemade whipped cream drizzled with real maple syrup.

Price: $4.25

What to order: Gingerbread Latte

What it is: A double shot of espresso swirled with a dash of nutmeg, your choice of milk/alternative and gingerbread flavored goodness topped with homemade whipped cream and gingersnap crumbles

Price: $4.25

Mac Tabby’s Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Mocha Latte both start with a double shot of espresso.
Mac Tabby’s Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Mocha Latte both start with a double shot of espresso. Courtesy of Mac Tabby Cat Cafe. CharlotteFive

What to order: Peppermint Mocha Latte

What it is: Double shot of espresso steamed with your choice of milk/alternative with rich chocolate sauce, peppermint, homemade whipped cream and candy cane bits

Price: $4.25

Pro tip: New for the holidays — grab a bag of the Cat Lover Blend (berry and brown sugar) to give as a gift.

(10) Not Just Coffee

224 E. 7th St., 222 S Church St., 2000 South Blvd., 421 Providence Rd., 2230 Park Rd.

What to order: Not So Irish Coffee (only available at the Dilworth location)

What it is: A delicious cup of Counter Culture Coffee with house-made vanilla syrup, Amaro Averna, Old Granddad Bonded Bourbon and topped with Domaine de Canton-infused ginger whip.

Price: $11

Pro tip: Not Just Coffee will also have a winter drink menu debuting at all locations on Dec. 21 with non-alcoholic coffee beverages.

(11) Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar

300 S. Tryon St.

What to order: Eggnog Latte

What it is: Real eggnog cut with whole milk to improve texture when steamed, then topped with a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg

Price: $6

What to order: Peppermint Mocha

What it is: Housemade peppermint simple syrup and house-made chocolate sauce

Price: $6

(12) Smelly Cat Coffee

The Gingerbread Latte at Smelly Cat is made with gingerbread syrup, molasses and whole spices, espresso and milk.
The Gingerbread Latte at Smelly Cat is made with gingerbread syrup, molasses and whole spices, espresso and milk. Courtesy of Smelly Cat Coffee CharlotteFive

514 E. 36th St.

What to order: Gingerbread Latte

What it is: Housemade gingerbread syrup with molasses and whole spices, espresso, milk

Price: $5.25

(13) Summit Coffee Co.

Summit’s Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Vanilla Latte feature housemade syrups.
Summit’s Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Vanilla Latte feature housemade syrups. Courtesy of Summit Coffee Co. CharlotteFive

128 S. Main St., Davidson

What to order: Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Vanilla Latte (also available as Peppermint Vanilla Mocha)

What it is: Its usual rich coffee is enhanced with homemade syrups, so you can elevate the coffee to your liking.

Price: $4.75 for 10 oz., $5.25 for 16 oz.

(14) The Artisan’s Palate

The Gignerbread Man Latte at The Artisan’s Palate includes Jade espresso from Magnolia Coffee Company, house-made gingerbread simple syrup and steamed milk with cinnamon.
The Gignerbread Man Latte at The Artisan’s Palate includes Jade espresso from Magnolia Coffee Company, house-made gingerbread simple syrup and steamed milk with cinnamon. Courtesy of The Artisan's Palate CharlotteFive

What to order: Gingerbread Man Latte

What it is: Jade espresso from Magnolia Coffee Company, house-made gingerbread simple syrup, steamed milk with cinnamon

Price: $4.25

The Artisan’s Palate’s White Chocolate Peppermint Cappuccino has Jade espresso from Magnolia Coffee, house-made white chocolate, a peppermint stick and steamed milk with peppermint.
The Artisan’s Palate’s White Chocolate Peppermint Cappuccino has Jade espresso from Magnolia Coffee, house-made white chocolate, a peppermint stick and steamed milk with peppermint. Courtesy of The Artisan's Palate CharlotteFive

What to order: White Chocolate Peppermint Cappuccino

What it is: Jade Espresso from Magnolia Coffee, house-made white chocolate, peppermint stick, steamed milk with peppermint

Price: $4

(15) The Suffolk Punch

The Can’t Catch Me Warmer at The Suffolk Punch is made with ginger tea, molasses and steamed cinnamon milk.
The Can’t Catch Me Warmer at The Suffolk Punch is made with ginger tea, molasses and steamed cinnamon milk. Courtesy of The Suffolk Punch CharlotteFive

2911 Griffith St. Suite A

What to order: Can’t Catch Me Warmer

What it is: A delicious holiday warmer made with ginger tea (caffeine free), molasses and steamed cinnamon milk topped with a dusting of cinnamon

Price: $5

(16) Trade and Lore

933 Louise Ave.

What to order: Blueberry Muffin Tops

What it is: Described as “cozying up with a warm blueberry muffin, in a mug, as a latte

Price: $5.75

What to order: Spiked Chai

What it is: Homemade chai with a shot of espresso and Muddy River Distillery Spiced Rum (available as decaf, as well)

Price: $11

(17) Queen City Grounds

644 N. Church St.

What to order: Let It Snow

What it is: Peppermint mocha with whipped cream

Price: $6

The Overnight Sensation is all about the taste of gingersnaps.
The Overnight Sensation is all about the taste of gingersnaps. Courtesy of Queen City Grounds CharlotteFive

What to order: Overnight Sensation

What it is: Gingersnaps, but as a latte

Price: $6

Holiday spices and plum sauce flavor the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Holiday spices and plum sauce flavor the Sugar Plum Fairy. Courtesy of Queen City Grounds CharlotteFive

What to order: Sugar Plum Fairy

What it is: Latte mixed with holiday spices and delicate plum sauce

Price: $5.50

What to order: Walt Mintman

What it is: Minty fresh matcha latte

Price: $5.50

(18) ROOTS Cafe

The peppermint mocha includes chocolate, espresso, milk and peppermint topped with whipped cream.
The peppermint mocha includes chocolate, espresso, milk and peppermint topped with whipped cream. Courtesy of ROOTS Cafe CharlotteFive

2135 Southend Dr., Suite 109

What to order: Peppermint Mocha

What it is: Chocolate, espresso, milk and peppermint topped with whipped cream

Price: $4.75

(19) Sunflour Baking Company

Sunflour’s Gingerbread Latte includes a housemade sauce.
Sunflour’s Gingerbread Latte includes a housemade sauce. Courtesy of Sunflour Baking Company CharlotteFive

2001 E. 7th St., 220 East Blvd., 14021 Conlan Circle, #B-9, 5040 NC-49, Harrisburg

What to order: Gingerbread Latte

What it is: Latte with homemade sweet and spicy gingerbread sauce

Price: $4.70

(20) Undercurrent Coffee

2012 Commonwealth Ave.

What to order: Bananas Foster Latte

What it is: Bananas are caramelized in the oven, then blended with brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and rum extract to create a sauce that’s then combined with espresso and steamed milk. Topped with a banana chip dipped in cinnamon

Price: $6

This story was originally published December 11, 2019 at 5:44 AM.

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