Let’s be honest: Starbucks holiday drinks are basically liquid dessert masquerading as coffee. A grande Peppermint Mocha with whipped cream? You’re looking at 440 calories and 54 grams of sugar. That’s more sugar than a can of soda and a candy bar combined. Yikes.
But here’s the good news—you don’t have to skip the festive drinks entirely or resign yourself to plain black coffee while everyone else sips their Caramel Brulée Lattes. With a few strategic modifications, you can enjoy healthy Christmas Starbucks drinks that actually taste amazing without the calorie bomb.
I’ve spent way too much time (and money) figuring out these orders, so you don’t have to. These 12 healthy Christmas Starbucks drinks will satisfy your holiday cravings without the guilt or the inevitable sugar crash. Ready to become the person who knows exactly what to order? Let’s get into it.
1. Skinny Peppermint Mocha
All the festive vibes, half the calories.
What to Order
- Grande Caffè Americano
- 2 pumps sugar-free peppermint syrup
- 2 pumps sugar-free mocha sauce
- Splash of nonfat milk
- No whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande Caffè Americano (hot or iced).
- Ask for 2 pumps of sugar-free peppermint syrup instead of the regular 4 pumps.
- Add 2 pumps of sugar-free mocha sauce.
- Request a splash of nonfat milk to cut the bitterness.
- Skip the whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
This clocks in at around 25 calories versus the regular version’s 290 calories. The Americano base gives you that rich espresso flavor without drowning it in milk and sugar. I won’t lie—the sugar-free syrups take some getting used to, but after a few sips, you forget you’re drinking the “healthy” version.
2. Chai Tea Latte (Lightened Up)
Spicy, cozy, and way better for you than you’d think.
What to Order
- Grande Chai Tea Latte
- Made with almond milk or oat milk
- Only 2 pumps of chai concentrate
- Add 2 shots of espresso (makes it a “dirty chai”)
- No sweetener
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande Chai Tea Latte.
- Request almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.
- Ask for only 2 pumps of chai concentrate (trust me on this).
- Add 2 shots of espresso for extra flavor and caffeine.
- Skip any additional sweetener.
Why You’ll Love It
The regular chai latte has 42 grams of sugar—absolutely wild. Cutting the pumps in half and adding espresso gives you all that warm, spicy flavor without turning your drink into liquid candy. The almond milk keeps it creamy while saving about 60 calories compared to whole milk.
3. Iced Coffee with Sugar-Free Vanilla & Cinnamon
Simple, classic, and foolproof.
What to Order
- Grande iced coffee
- 2 pumps sugar-free vanilla syrup
- Light splash of nonfat milk
- Cinnamon dolce topping
- No classic syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande iced coffee.
- Specifically say “no classic syrup” (they add it automatically).
- Add 2 pumps of sugar-free vanilla.
- Request a light splash of nonfat milk.
- Ask for cinnamon dolce topping sprinkled on top.
Why You’ll Love It
This is my go-to when I want something festive but don’t want to overthink it. The cinnamon dolce topping makes it feel holiday-themed without any extra calories. Plus, iced coffee is already low-calorie before you start adding stuff, so you’re starting from a good place.
4. Skinny Caramel Macchiato with a Holiday Twist
The Instagram drink, but make it healthy.
What to Order
- Grande skinny caramel macchiato
- Made with almond milk
- Add 1 pump sugar-free peppermint syrup
- Light caramel drizzle (or skip it entirely)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande skinny caramel macchiato.
- Request almond milk instead of nonfat milk.
- Add 1 pump of sugar-free peppermint for a festive touch.
- Ask for light caramel drizzle or skip it to save more calories.
Why You’ll Love It
The regular version isn’t terrible calorie-wise, but this version is even better at around 100 calories. The peppermint addition makes it feel Christmassy without overpowering the caramel. Some baristas give me a weird look when I order this combo, but after one sip, they get it.
5. Hot Tea with Steamed Milk
Sometimes simple is best, you know?
What to Order
- Grande Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea
- Add steamed almond milk or oat milk
- 1 pump sugar-free vanilla syrup
- Cinnamon or nutmeg on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande hot tea (Earl Grey works great).
- Ask them to add steamed almond milk.
- Add 1 pump of sugar-free vanilla.
- Request cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top.
Why You’ll Love It
This is basically a tea latte but with way fewer calories—around 50 calories total. The Earl Grey has this naturally sweet, floral thing going on that doesn’t need much help. Perfect for when you want something warm and comforting but don’t need the caffeine overdose.
6. Cold Brew with Sugar-Free Peppermint
For when you need both caffeine and Christmas vibes.
What to Order
- Grande cold brew
- 2 pumps sugar-free peppermint syrup
- Splash of coconut milk
- Light ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande cold brew.
- Add 2 pumps of sugar-free peppermint.
- Request a splash of coconut milk (it’s naturally sweet).
- Ask for light ice so you get more drink.
Why You’ll Love It
Cold brew is naturally sweeter than regular iced coffee, so it needs less flavoring. The coconut milk adds just enough creaminess and natural sweetness without loading up on calories. This is basically a peppermint latte without the guilt—about 15 calories total.
7. Blonde Flat White with Almond Milk
Smooth, strong, and surprisingly festive with one addition.
What to Order
- Grande blonde flat white
- Made with almond milk
- Add 1 pump sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup
- Cinnamon dolce topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande blonde flat white.
- Request almond milk instead of whole milk.
- Add 1 pump of sugar-free cinnamon dolce.
- Top with cinnamon dolce topping.
Why You’ll Love It
The blonde espresso is smoother and less bitter than regular espresso, so it needs less sweetener. The microfoam makes it feel luxurious without adding many calories. This comes in around 80 calories and tastes way more indulgent than it actually is.
8. Iced Green Tea Lemonade (Unsweetened)
Refreshing and festive? Hear me out.
What to Order
- Grande iced green tea lemonade
- No liquid cane sugar
- Light lemonade
- Add 1 pump sugar-free raspberry syrup
- Fresh mint if available
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande iced green tea lemonade.
- Specifically say “no liquid cane sugar.”
- Ask for light lemonade to cut the tartness.
- Add 1 pump of sugar-free raspberry for a festive red color.
- Request fresh mint if they have it.
Why You’ll Love It
Okay, so this isn’t traditionally “Christmassy,” but the raspberry makes it red and the mint makes it festive. Plus, it’s basically zero calories and the green tea gives you a gentle caffeine boost. I order this when I’m completely over coffee but still want something interesting.
9. Steamer with Sugar-Free Flavoring
For the non-coffee drinkers in your life.
What to Order
- Grande steamer (just steamed milk)
- Made with oat milk or almond milk
- 2 pumps sugar-free vanilla
- 1 pump sugar-free cinnamon dolce
- Cinnamon and nutmeg on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande steamer.
- Choose almond milk or oat milk as your base.
- Add 2 pumps sugar-free vanilla.
- Add 1 pump sugar-free cinnamon dolce.
- Request cinnamon and nutmeg sprinkled on top.
Why You’ll Love It
This is basically hot flavored milk, and it’s perfect for late-night sipping when you don’t want caffeine. The oat milk makes it extra creamy and adds a natural sweetness. Total calories? Around 120, which is pretty reasonable for a cozy holiday drink.
10. Caffè Misto with Sugar-Free Peppermint
Half coffee, half steamed milk, all festive.
What to Order
- Grande Caffè Misto
- Made with almond milk
- 2 pumps sugar-free peppermint syrup
- No added sweetener
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande Caffè Misto.
- Request almond milk instead of regular milk.
- Add 2 pumps of sugar-free peppermint.
- Make sure they don’t add any classic syrup.
Why You’ll Love It
A Caffè Misto is just half brewed coffee and half steamed milk—it’s like a latte’s easier, cheaper cousin. The sugar-free peppermint gives you that candy cane vibe without the sugar overload. This runs about 50 calories and costs way less than a latte. Win-win.
11. Iced Passion Tango Tea with Coconut Milk
Tropical vibes meet Christmas somehow.
What to Order
- Grande iced Passion Tango tea
- No liquid cane sugar
- Light coconut milk
- 1 pump sugar-free vanilla
- Extra ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande iced Passion Tango tea.
- Skip the liquid cane sugar.
- Add light coconut milk for creaminess.
- Include 1 pump of sugar-free vanilla.
- Request extra ice.
Why You’ll Love It
The Passion Tango is naturally vibrant red, which feels festive even if it’s not traditionally a holiday flavor. The coconut milk makes it creamy like a tea latte but way lighter. IMO, this is the most underrated drink at Starbucks—basically zero calories if you skip the milk entirely.
12. Espresso Over Ice with Sugar-Free Flavoring
For the minimalists who still want flavor.
What to Order
- Grande espresso over ice (4 shots)
- 2 pumps sugar-free mocha
- 1 pump sugar-free peppermint
- Splash of almond milk
- Extra ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Order a grande cup with 4 shots of espresso over ice.
- Add 2 pumps sugar-free mocha sauce.
- Add 1 pump sugar-free peppermint.
- Request a splash of almond milk to mellow it out.
- Ask for extra ice.
Why You’ll Love It
This is basically a DIY iced mocha with maximum coffee flavor and minimum everything else. You’re looking at around 30 calories total and serious caffeine content. The espresso over ice stays stronger than iced coffee because it’s more concentrated. Perfect for those mornings when you need both Christmas spirit and a kick in the pants. 🙂
Pro Tips for Ordering Healthy Christmas Starbucks Drinks
Before you rush to your nearest Starbucks, here are a few things I’ve learned from way too many trial-and-error orders:
Always specify “no classic syrup” when ordering iced coffee or iced tea drinks. They automatically add it, and it’s pure sugar. Don’t be shy—just say no.
Ask for “light” milk or syrup instead of skipping it entirely. Sometimes a splash is all you need to make a drink actually enjoyable instead of punishingly bitter.
Sugar-free syrups are hit or miss. The peppermint and vanilla are solid. The caramel and hazelnut? Meh. They have a slightly chemical aftertaste that some people love and others hate. Try before you commit to a venti.
Mobile order when possible. It’s way easier to customize drinks in the app without feeling like you’re giving the barista a dissertation on your order. Plus, you can save your favorite combinations and reorder with one tap.
Don’t be a martyr. If you hate almond milk, try oat milk. If sugar-free syrups make you sad, use one regular pump instead of four. The goal is sustainable healthy choices, not miserable ones.
Your New Holiday Coffee Routine Sorted
There you have it—12 healthy Christmas Starbucks drinks that prove you can enjoy the season without mainlining sugar and empty calories. These drinks save you anywhere from 150 to 400 calories compared to their full-sugar, full-fat counterparts, which really adds up over the holiday season.
The best part? You’re not sacrificing flavor or festivity. You’re just being strategic about where the sweetness comes from and how much of it you actually need. Turns out, you don’t need 54 grams of sugar to enjoy a peppermint mocha—who knew?
FYI, these modifications work year-round, not just during Christmas. Once you get comfortable customizing your drinks, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered off the menu like a regular person.
Now go forth and order your healthy holiday drink with confidence. And maybe save some of that money you’re not spending on whipped cream for actual Christmas presents. Just a thought! ☕
