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'Tis the season for flavored coffee

Columbia coffee connoisseurs seek that touch of perfect hint of mint.

By Mariah Hibbard

Published Dec. 11, 2009

The arrival of the holidays brings a special aesthetic. It's a time of sparkling lights, yuletide cheer and festive sweaters galore. But even with the festive atmosphere, what many look forward to the most are the distinct tastes of the season. 'Tis the season for flavored coffee. Columbia is an espresso-dripping haven. Each coffeehouse has its own take on holiday coffee classics, including the peppermint mocha. We put these caffeine contenders to the test to see which of these minty, festive classics reign supreme.

Kaldi's Coffeehouse

29 South Ninth St.

Frosted mint mocha and frosted sugar cookie

First impression: Bold. Kaldi's frosted mint mocha packs a punch. Although it has a nice coffee flavor, the drink doesn't quite inspire Christmas cheer. The mint and chocolate flavors were very subtle, maybe too subtle. But this coffee-dominated mocha was redeemed by the pairing with a sugar cookie. Star-shaped, sprinkled and beautifully frosted, the cookie looks like one you would leave for Santa as a kid. Simple, sweet and nostalgic -- a winner in my book. Kaldi's itself has a nice atmosphere, good for studying or reading.

Kaldi's is a popular place, so it can be quite crowded. My drink enjoyment was jeopardized by a close encounter with a web of laptop chargers en route to the elusive empty table. Prices range from two to five dollars for drinks and around two dollars for a cookie or pastry, with a good variety from which to choose. Kaldi's also featured a menu of meal-worthy foods, including quiches, crepes and sandwiches, ranging from $4 to $7.

Yay: Appealing pastries

Nay: More mint, please

Starbucks Coffee Company

Everywhere (Memorial Union)

Peppermint mocha and pecan bar

The peppermint mocha from Starbucks tastes exactly like you'd imagine a peppermint mocha to taste. It has a great balance of coffee with the chocolate and mint flavors. It is definitely the most accessible for those who aren't ardent fans of the straight-up coffee scene. Starbucks definitely offers the most enjoyable cup of chocolate-mint infused seasonal goodness. The pecan bar was the only real seasonal pastry choice. It was insanely sweet and very gooey. It was good, but so rich it was almost over-the-top. This particular location in Memorial Union is very busy in the late afternoon, so service was as you'd expect. The baristas were patient, but obviously rushed. Regardless, the convenience can't be beat. The location in the middle of campus provides easy access and tons of room to stretch out. Prices range from $3 to $6 for drinks, with a familiar menu. Also, the mocha was served with chocolate shavings on the whipped cream. Isn't that cute?

Yay: Convenient

Nay: Busy, busy, busy

Lakota Coffee Company

24 South Ninth St.

Mocha with mint and chocolate croissant

When you walk into Lakota Coffee Company, it feels like you're walking into someone's home. It has kitschy, woodland décor and plenty of space to get cozy. The service is delightful -- the baristas were friendly and helpful. First impression? The place smelled a like trees and coffee mixed together -- which is probably because it's a coffee house with wooden furniture.

The mocha was, once again, very strong in the coffee department, but it wasn't bad in the least. On a cold night, it was a nice kick. Although they had a small selection dessert-wise, Lakota features a nice sandwich menu if a cookie just won't cut it. But don't dismiss the selection quickly. The chocolate croissant was surprisingly good. It was simple: a croissant filled with chocolate mousse. But the flavor was subtle and paired nicely with this cup of coffee. Although the atmosphere isn't overly seasonal, the experience is enough to put you in the mood for the holidays. Its quaint, woodsy (albeit kind of strange smelling) interior paired with a bold cup of coffee makes winter seem much better.

Yay: Friendly service

Nay: Woodsy smell...

Overall winner: Starbucks.

The drink defined what comes to your head when you think about holiday coffee. Despite resistance to the decision, Starbucks knows its stuff. From presentation to taste, it was an all-around winner.