By ALEXA BEAULIEU   |   St. Petersburg High
 

Peppermint, gingerbread and eggnog are irresistible flavors I can’t get enough of, so sampling some of the special drinks restaurants dole out at holiday time was an easy assignment. These fanciful treats usually disappear as fast as a snowman in the Florida heat, so check ’em out soon:

Burger King’s Gingerbread
Cookie Shake
This one is probably my MVP. Vanilla soft-serve and gingerbread syrup are blended and topped with whipped cream and gingerbread crumbles. For a total splurge, check out the other goodies such as the Cinnabon Minnabon Rolls. Small shake: $1.99
 

Chick-fil-A’s Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
You can rely on Chick-fil-A’s annual return of this minty milkshake. A twist on the classic mint chocolate chip, this one is red, festive and minty sweet. Dash through the drive-thru in your one-horse open sleigh to snag this yummy milkshake, exceptionally good after a sporting event.
Medium: $2.60; large: $3.05
 

Starbucks’ Jolly Holidays
Peppermint Mocha is a guaranteed great mocha with peppermint flavored syrup topped with whip cream and chocolate curls. Also not to be overlooked is the Eggnog Latte, with steamed eggnog and milk topped with ground nutmeg.

The Gingerbread Latte (above) is sure to keep you warm and toasty and make you feel winter is here, even if you’re not by the fireplace. This light and spicy latte is a combination of baked gingerbread and fresh espresso.
Prices for all three are the same but vary by size and whether iced or hot
Hot grande: $4.55
 

Dunkin Donuts’
Holiday Cheer
There’s a traditional Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha Latte (below), plus a White Chocolate Latte. Too warm for a hot drink? Ask for these lattes iced. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a holiday star doughnut.
Hot medium: $2.88