Main Street has been covered by heavy coatings of snow for the past week—with possibly the highest local snowfall seen in the past two years. Yet, not even the surrounding 4-inch-high piles of snow could deter the students from their daily walk to Starbucks. In an attempt to make future trips worth it, Lawrentians and Starbucks employees share their winter drink recommendations.
While winter has its own merits, Risa Kato ’26 prefers a drink that reminds her of summer. “The Paradise Drink,” Kato claimed, “is an icy drink that perfectly blends tropical flavors and creaminess.” She particularly enjoys the texture of dried pineapples standing out in the smooth, coconut milk consistency.
Similarly, Akhila Mantri ’25 adores a cold winter drink as well. Mantri always orders an Iced Chai Latte with Strawberry Cold Foam. “The strawberry cold foam makes this drink as much about aesthetics as it is about the taste” she elaborated, “the pink really compliments the completely snow-white campus.”
Sydney Wang ’25 on the other hand, prefers a warmer drink. She described a Hot White Chocolate as “a recipe for perfection” in the cold weather as it has never failed to “warm up [her] freezing hands as [she] walks out of Starbucks.” Likewise, Anastasia Fabian ’26 talked about the importance of drinking a hot drink on a winter day. “I love my Peppermint Mocha hot,” she emphasized, “it’s so sugary that the drink feels like a dessert.” Fabian believes that this sweet, chocolatey treat acts like “medicine for the mind” after a day of exhausting school work.
The Starbucks employees also offered their profession” takes on winter drinks.
CJ, a Starbucks barista known for their sweet tooth, expressed their love for a “grande Chestnut Praline” on a snowy winter day. They explained that they “do not understand why [they] love the drink so much, but sugar can always elevate [their] day.” Lucas, also a Starbucks barista, agrees with CJ’s reasoning on sweet drinks but prefers the Vanilla Iced Chai himself.
Starbucks offers far more than just drinks. Mina Kanburlar ’24 is a strong advocate for the Pumpkin Loaf. “It creates this warm and fuzzy feeling that reminds me of autumn,” Kanburlar expanded, “And the balance between the sweetness and spices is amazing.”
All in all, Starbucks serves more as a social hub for students than a café, and students embark on their daily trips for many reasons apart from the drinks. From more conventional choices like a Pink Drink to more customized orders like the Vanilla Iced Chai Latte, Starbucks brings students joy and comfort on cold winter days.