Small Coffee Roasters
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Holiday guide · 2026

Peppermint, gingerbread & eggnog coffees from small roasters

Peppermint mocha season is here. Before you buy, it helps to know there are two kinds of “holiday” coffee. Flavored coffees have flavoring added to the beans after roasting, so a peppermint or eggnog bag tastes like peppermint or eggnog even black. Holiday blends are usually unflavored: the roaster picks beans whose natural tasting notes (chocolate, dried fruit, spice) feel like the season.

Below are a few picks of each from independent roasters, plus two easy recipes. Each section links to a full list of matching bags from other roasters, in stock right now.

  1. Peppermint & candy cane
  2. Gingerbread & holiday spice
  3. Eggnog
  4. Holiday blends that taste like the season
  5. Recipes
  6. FAQ

Every pick was in stock on the roaster’s shop as of October 28, 2026. Holiday flavors are often limited runs, so check the roaster’s page before you count on one.

Flavored

Peppermint & candy cane

The big one in November. These are flavored beans, so the mint is there even before you add milk or chocolate.

Find more peppermint coffees from other roasters

Flavored

Gingerbread & holiday spice

Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses. Great black, even better as a gingerbread latte.

Find more gingerbread coffees from other roasters

Flavored

Eggnog

Creamy, vanilla and nutmeg-forward. Add a splash of milk (or eggnog) to finish the effect.

Find more eggnog coffees from other roasters

Not flavored

Holiday blends that taste like the season

No added flavoring here. These seasonal blends get their festive side (chocolate, dried fruit, berries) from the beans and the roast.

Find more holiday blends from other roasters

Make it at home

Peppermint mocha & gingerbread latte recipes

No espresso machine needed: strong drip, French press or moka pot coffee works. Each makes one 12 oz drink.

Peppermint mocha at home

You need

  • 2 shots espresso, or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (a peppermint bean works great)
  • 1 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder or 2 tbsp chocolate sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar or maple syrup, to taste
  • 1/8 tsp peppermint extract (skip it if your beans are peppermint flavored)
  • Whipped cream and crushed candy cane, optional

Steps

  1. Whisk the cocoa, sugar and a splash of the milk into a smooth paste in your mug.
  2. Heat or steam the rest of the milk until hot but not boiling, then whisk it in.
  3. Add the espresso or coffee and the peppermint extract. Taste and adjust; peppermint extract is strong, so add more a drop at a time.
  4. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane.

Shop peppermint coffee beans

Gingerbread latte at home

You need

  • 2 shots espresso, or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp molasses plus 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and cloves
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream and a crumbled ginger snap, optional

Steps

  1. Warm the molasses, brown sugar, spices and vanilla with 2 tbsp water for a minute, stirring, to make a quick gingerbread syrup.
  2. Spoon the syrup into a mug and add the espresso or coffee.
  3. Heat or froth the milk and pour it over.
  4. Finish with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon or a crumbled ginger snap. With gingerbread flavored beans, halve the spices.

Shop gingerbread coffee beans

Holiday coffee FAQ

What is the difference between flavored coffee and natural tasting notes?
Flavored coffee has flavoring (usually natural or artificial flavor oils) added to the beans after roasting, so a peppermint coffee tastes of peppermint whether you drink it black or not. Tasting notes like “gingerbread” or “chocolate” on an unflavored coffee are the roaster’s description of how the beans taste on their own; they are subtler and nothing is added.
Is there decaf peppermint, gingerbread or eggnog coffee?
Yes. Several small roasters make decaf versions of their holiday flavors, including peppermint mocha, gingerbread cookie and eggnog. On each flavor page, look for the Decaf tag on the card, or search the bag name for “decaf”.
Does flavored coffee have sugar or calories?
Flavored beans are typically sugar-free; the flavor comes from oils added to the beans, not syrup. Check the roaster’s page for specifics, since some list their flavor ingredients.
Can I make a peppermint mocha with unflavored coffee?
Yes. Use any coffee or espresso you like, plus chocolate and a little peppermint extract or syrup (recipe above). A peppermint flavored bean simply lets you skip the extract.
How fresh is this list?
Our flavor pages only show bags that the roaster’s shop listed as in stock on a recent refresh, and they update automatically through the season. Holiday flavors often sell out by mid-December, so check the roaster’s page before you plan around one.

Giving coffee this year?

A bag of peppermint or gingerbread coffee makes an easy stocking stuffer. For gift boxes, samplers, subscriptions and gear, see our holiday coffee gift guide.

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