Celebrating the Merri-mint at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery

Entrance to Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Sawyer DeLille

One thing about me is that I have always loved coffee. One of my favorite family traditions is sipping a peppermint mocha while picking out the annual ornament for our tree. So, when I had the opportunity to have a true Starbucks experience and enjoy my favorite nostalgic drink, I jumped at the opportunity to feel like a kid again.

As you’ve probably guessed, I am not a stranger to the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery. It was on my bucket list during my first trip to Seattle and now that I am a Washington resident, it is always on the itinerary when friends and family visit. Each visit brings something new to discover. Everything in the Roastery is intentional, from the coffee bean tiles in the sidewalk that lead you into a cozy café to the warm wood that evokes a sense of theater performances. From the moment you arrive, all your senses are piqued by the mastery of this Willy Wonka-esque café.

During my visit, the first stop I made was to look at all the new retail items. Everything sold at the Seattle Roastery is made specifically for that store, so there is always something unique to discover. This year’s theme for the Starbucks holiday collection is “the gift of coffee.” You’ll find curated gift sets that are specific to the Seattle location, including one that has the Seattle Roastery’s storefront on a mug, magnet, and postcard for your loved ones. Or the Microblend Gift Set that gives your friends and family a taste of the Roastery experience at home with a balanced coffee made specifically for the store, hand-selected salted caramels to pair, and custom drinkware to elevate the experience.

While at the Roastery, I highly recommend embracing the exclusive seasonal drinks. During our visit, we tried several items from their holiday menu, which is available through January 2. They have the classic Starbucks Reserve^® Peppermint Mocha, a Starbucks Reserve^® Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini, and the Starbucks Reserve^® Oleato™ Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew; all carefully crafted by the expert baristas. And for food, we had the Princi^® Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Cake and Pistachio Maritozzo.

Starbucks Reserve^® Peppermint Mocha

This classic drink is always one of the most anticipated when Starbucks announces that its holiday collection is back. The peppermint syrup and rich mocha flavor balanced with the coffee make you want to curl up by a fire, put on a holiday film, and reminisce on your favorite memories.

Starbucks Reserve® Peppermint Mocha Sawyer DeLille

Starbucks Reserve^® Oleato™ Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew

Whiskey, olive oil, and coffee aren’t ingredients you commonly think of when you imagine a holiday drink, but this is a must-try. The barrel-aged cold brew has a hint of a Knob Creek whiskey punch that is calmed by notes of vanilla and maple syrup and finished with a velvety cold foam infused with Partanna extra virgin oil. I could barely get my husband to share this drink with me. Apparently, our love for this drink was obvious because we ended up getting the recipe for a “cold fashioned” from the staff so we can make a Christmas morning coffee treat and I’m excited to indulge.

Starbucks Reserve® Oleato™ Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew Sawyer DeLille

Starbucks Reserve^® Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini

My most anticipated beverage was the Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini. This adult twist on my favorite drink was as beautiful as it was delicious. Upon my first sip, the peppermint-infused whipped cream hit me, then the rich chocolate mixed with bitter notes of coffee created something that satisfied my sweet tooth and coffee obsession, and made me feel like Cameron Diaz in The Holiday.

Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini Sawyer DeLille

Princi^® Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Cake

This cake was as decadent as it was beautiful. Topped with a light and airy buttercream and filled with rich sponge cake, chocolate ganache, and toasted hazelnuts. It is the perfect combination for an indulgent holiday treat.

Princi® Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Cake and Pistachio Maritozzo. Sawyer DeLille

Pistachio Maritozzo

My favorite bite was the Pistachio Maritozzo. A light and sweet brioche bun filled with pistachio mascarpone cream and raspberry jam. The melt-in-your-mouth brioche and cream with the tart raspberry jam was the perfect combination.

Coffee is truly an art form and being in the Roastery allows you to experience all the magic that this season evokes. Whether you prefer your coffee from a French press, iced with olive oil foam, or spiked with vodka and topped with peppermint whipped cream, the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Seattle offers something for everyone this holiday season.