National Peppermint Latte Day falls on December 3, right when winter drinks start appearing on café menus. The mix of espresso, steamed milk, and peppermint has become a familiar sign that the holiday season is underway, turning early December into a time for festive flavors.
The observance doesn’t have a known founder, but it grew online in the mid-2010s as peppermint lattes and mochas spread across coffee shops. Much of that momentum traces back to Starbucks, which introduced the Peppermint Mocha in 2002 after experimenting with flavors inspired by classic holiday candies. Its success helped establish peppermint-and-coffee as a favorite winter combo, and many cafés now offer their own take on the drink.
When Is National Peppermint Latte Day Celebrated?
National Peppermint Latte Day is observed every year on December 3, giving it a fixed spot at the start of the holiday drink season. The early-December timing matches the moment cafés shift to winter menus, so the date feels natural for a drink that signals the shift into colder months. Because it never moves, it’s easy to remember and simple for coffee shops and fans to acknowledge each year.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | December 3, 2025 (Wednesday) |
| 2026 | December 3, 2026 (Thursday) |
| 2027 | December 3, 2027 (Friday) |
| 2028 | December 3, 2028 (Sunday) |
| 2029 | December 3, 2029 (Monday) |
| 2030 | December 3, 2030 (Tuesday) |
8 Facts About Peppermint Latte
Here are a few curious facts about peppermint lattes that explain why this drink became such a beloved winter flavor and why it keeps its popularity year after year.
- Peppermint syrup was originally a seasonal ingredient in most cafés. Before the early 2000s, many coffee shops didn’t keep peppermint syrup year-round. It was stocked only in winter, which helped peppermint lattes feel special and tied to a short season.
- Peppermint flavor pairs well with coffee because of its cooling compounds. Peppermint contains menthol, which activates cold-sensing receptors in the mouth. When combined with hot espresso, the contrast creates a sensory “warm-cold” effect that people often describe as refreshing.
- Peppermint lattes gained popularity alongside the rise of specialty coffee. As espresso-based drinks grew in the U.S. during the late 1990s and early 2000s, seasonal lattes became a way for cafés to experiment with new flavors. Peppermint stood out because it didn’t overpower coffee the way some sweeter syrups did.
- The Starbucks Peppermint Mocha has remained on holiday menus for over 20 years. Its 2002 debut makes it one of the chain’s longest-running seasonal drinks, longer than several now-retired favorites such as Toffee Nut Latte (in some countries) or the original Gingerbread Latte in the U.S.
- Peppermint works as a natural palate cleanser. This is one reason chocolate-and-mint pairings are so widespread. When added to coffee, peppermint softens heavier flavors and makes rich drinks feel lighter.
- Peppermint flavor is one of the most stable syrups for hot drinks. Syrups with citrus or fruit notes often lose intensity in heat, but peppermint holds its strength, which is why it blends well with steamed milk and hot espresso.
- Peppermint lattes are commonly one of the first holiday drinks to sell out. Independent cafés often report peppermint syrup shortages in December because demand spikes sharply in the first two weeks of the month.
- Peppermint latte variations spread internationally through social media. The drink became popular in countries without a strong peppermint tradition partly because of online content showcasing colorful, decorated holiday drinks.
How to Celebrate National Peppermint Latte Day
There are tons of fun ways to celebrate National Peppermint Latte Day, at home or out in the world. It’s the perfect excuse to lean into winter vibes and enjoy something minty and warm. Here are some ideas to try:
- Make your own peppermint latte using whatever coffee setup you have at home.
- Try a new version at your favorite café, especially if they have a seasonal menu.
- Share a photo with the hashtag #NationalPeppermintLatteDay to join the seasonal vibe.
- Bake something mint-chocolate to go with your latte, like cookies or brownies.
- Take a winter walk with a peppermint latte if the weather cooperates.
