When the weather outside is frightful, nothing is more delightful than a smooth, delicious cup of Christmas cheer. A mug filled to the brim with a hot, holiday beverage is the perfect remedy to a wintry chill and provides warmth to the body and soul from the inside out.
When the craving for winter comfort strikes, students do not need to search very far. Riverside is home to an array of local eateries, each offering a wealth of luscious lattes, creamy cocoas and scrumptious cider to keep the season merry and bright.
Sips Coffee
With two Riverside locations, Sips Coffee is the perfect place to enjoy a warm drink while studying for final exams. The comfortably furnished interior is welcoming, peaceful and provides free wireless internet access.
Sips Coffee offers reasonable prices, excellent service and three classic Christmas lattes sure to please any student who seeks a place to study or an escape from the stress of exams. The most popular seasonal indulgence is the Peppermint White Mocha. Espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup, peppermint and whipped cream come together to create a delightful peppermint sensation. Other holiday lattes include the Gingerbread Latte and the Eggnog Latte.
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Located across the street from the historic Mission Inn, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf provides a wealth of holiday beverages to enjoy while strolling through the festive streets of downtown Riverside.
For consumers who prefer tea over coffee, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf offers multiple Christmas tea selections. One popular favorite is the Winter Dream Tea Latte, crafted from black tea, rooibos, sweet spices and creamy vanilla syrup. Another Christmas tea latte is the Candy Cane Tea Latte. This creamy cup of Christmas joy is made from black tea, flavored with peppermint and vanilla.
Another delicious coffee-alternative is the Red Velvet Hot Cocoa. This sweet delicacy tastes like a red velvet cupcake and is sure to bring joy to the chocolate lover.
Festive coffee options include the Gingerbread Cookie Latte and the Peppermint Dark Chocolate Latte, available hot, iced or blended.
Starbucks
Starbucks rises to the occasion to offer an abundance of delicious Christmas beverages, each served in a festive red cup. Coffee-seekers do not need to search very far; locations can be found in almost every local neighborhood, including drive- thru locations, stands in malls and grocery stores.
The newest addition to the Starbucks holiday family is the Caramel Brulee Latte. This creamy latte boasts a smooth, buttery taste that is sure to satisfy the sweet tooth. It is made from espresso, steamed milk, caramel brulee sauce and is embellished with the finishing touch of whipped cream and caramel brulee topping.
Other holiday favorites include the White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte and Eggnog Latte.
For those who prefer coffee-free options but still crave rich flavor, the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is an excellent choice. At first the combination of sweet and salty may sound odd, but consumers will fall in love at first sip. Mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup are swirled into a steaming cup of hot chocolate and topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, sea salt and Hawaiian Turbinado sugar. Another coffee-free option is the Caramel Apple Spice, a twist on apple cider with cinnamon and caramel.
Wanda’s
Why travel across town when Christmas comfort is available for enjoyment on our own campus? Conveniently located in the Yeager Center, Wanda’s is the ideal spot to meet up with friends or grab a hot drink between classes. During the month of December, the interior is appropriately adorned with snowflakes, lights and even a miniature Christmas tree.
Wanda’s offers a variety of Christmas flavors, such as the Christmas Blend coffee. When you order, ask what seasonal flavors are available. There are various options for a cup of cheer.
