OCALA, FL. (352today) – With the temperature dropping to the 30s this week, downtown Ocala is feeling the first chill of this year’s holiday season. To help you warm up, a couple of our local coffee houses have dropped their festive drinks to bring a little cheer to every cup.
From a Pumpkin Party to White Christmas at the Gathering Café
Pumpkin Vanilla Latte
With Christmas decorations slowly taking over, this Pumpkin Vanilla Latte is here to help you hold on to all things fall. This latte from the Gathering Café in downtown Ocala is recommended with their pumpkin muffin from scratch, a fan favorite. The cherished recipe for this muffin came from the owner’s grandmother, filling the hearts of pumpkin lovers. For those looking for dietary inclusive options, this muffin comes in a gluten-free option.
White Christmas Latte
If you are ready to sing the yuletide carols with one sip, the White Christmas latte might be your cup of Joe instead. This seasonal staple has been quietly introduced to the menu alongside other holiday drinks with more to come in early December.
306 SW Broadway St., Ocala. 352-421-9810
Experimental brews bursting with holiday cheer at Brown Dog Coffeehouse
Returning flavors
Celebrate the season with a classic Peppermint Mocha, served either hot or iced with candy cane crunch and chocolate drizzle. If peppermint isn’t your go-to holiday flavor, perhaps the Egg Nog Latte will fill your heart with holiday spirit. For a little extra-noggy boost you can order it “dirty,” and they’ll add a shot of espresso.
Make your heart grow three times bigger with a Grinch Vanilla Latte. You can order it hot or iced with matcha and a twist of peppermint syrup. Warm up with a returning favorite, the Hot Chocolate Steamers, made with half and half and chocolate sauce.
Whimsical new brews
This season, Brown Dog Coffeehouse will be expanding their holiday menu with more holiday drink magic. Try a twist on the aforementioned fan favorite Egg Nog Latte with a spiced version of the steamed drink.
For any coffee enthusiast who is looking for a holiday twist that is not a latte, the Affogato might be for you. For a scoop of Madagascar Vanilla gelato drowned with a shot of espresso, sprinkled with crushed peppermints order their White Christmas Affogato.
Or you can indulge in the Grinch Matcha, a matcha drink with peppermint cold foam and peppermint topping. A holiday Italian soda drink may be introduced later into the holiday season. You can continue to sip the season away with their fall drinks along with these new and returning holiday drinks.
40 SW 1st Ave., Ocala. 352-456-7888
Whether it’s a seasonal cup of joy or a cozy space to refuel, Ocala’s local coffee scene offers a warm welcome this holiday season.