My Favorite Store-Bought Coffee Is Better Than Any Drive-Thru Drink

For some, the changing seasons are ushered in by Starbucks’ menu updates. But for me, it’s what’s on shelves at the grocery store. Every fall, I patiently wait for my favorite store-bought coffee brand, Stok, to bring back its spiced pumpkin cold brew.

But the real excitement begins after the leaves fall and the weather stays permanently cool. It is then, often in mid-November, that my number one returns to shelves. A coffee that’s smooth, creamy, and captures two of the holiday season’s most popular flavors in a single sip: Stok Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew Coffee.

Stok Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew Coffee 

Some may scoff at store-bought cold brew, but Stok is the only brand that’s ever exceeded my expectations—coffee chains included. I can enjoy it without sweetener and milk on busy mornings becayue it has a smooth finish and lacks any bitterness. And when I do decide to zhuzh it up, Stok’s entire lineup rises to the occasion, reminding me that fixing a cup at home doesn’t have to be boring.

I start by pouring it into a tall glass or a festive tumbler. You can add ice, but I like the taste better without it. The coffee is already sweetened and made with a splash of cream, but sometimes I use a small pour of milk or seasonal creamer for a thinner consistency. Feel free to include a pump of liquid sugar or vanilla syrup if you enjoy a sweeter cup.

To top it all off, cold foam is my go-to, usually either Dunkin’s or Coffeemate Peppermint Mocha Cold Foam Creamer. If I’m feeling extra festive, I’ll add a sprinkle of candy cane-flavored finishing sugar. Alternatively, you could drizzle it with chocolate.

You don’t have to add these extras, but if you’re trying to convince yourself that the home-prepared brew can compete with the drive-thru, you’ll appreciate the garnishes.

You can find Stok’s lineup, including this holiday flavor, at major retailers nationwide, including Target and Walmart. If you enjoy it as much as I do, be sure to try the rest of the brand’s lineup. So far, I haven’t had one I didn’t love.