Countdown to Christmas with Coffee: 12 Days of Coffee Flavours & Pairings

The holiday season brings a special kind of magic, and what better way to celebrate than by counting down to Christmas with delicious creations from your very own 12 days of coffee lineup? Imagine waking up each December morning to a new festive coffee flavour paired with a delightful seasonal treat.

This Christmas coffee countdown transforms your daily brew into a luxurious advent experience that rivals any chocolate calendar.

Day 1: Mistletoe Mocha

A cosy cup of Christmas cheer, this Mistletoe Mocha blends rich espresso, silky chocolate, and a cool hint of peppermint. Topped with frothy milk and crushed candy canes, it’s a merry little moment in every sip. The perfect festive kickstart to your holiday countdown!

Ingredients

• 1 shot (30 ml) strong espresso (or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee)
• 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
• 2–3 drops peppermint extract (or to taste)
• ½–¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1–2 tsp crushed candy canes (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted chocolate (for rimming the mug)
• 1–2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for the rim)

Method

• Rim the mug by dipping it in melted chocolate, then in crushed peppermint.
• Make the mocha base by mixing espresso with chocolate syrup and peppermint extract in the mug. (Start small—peppermint is strong!)
• Heat the milk until hot but not boiling.
• Froth the milk using a milk frother, or a French press, until it’s light and cloud-like.
• Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the foam for a festive crunch.

Perfect Pairing: Mint brownies or chocolate peppermint cookies.

Day 2: Gingerbread Latte

A cup that tastes like Christmas baking in liquid form, this Gingerbread Latte blends warm spices, molasses, and creamy milk with rich espresso. Topped with whipped cream and ginger cookie crumbles, it’s a nostalgic hug in a mug. The perfect cosy companion for frosty December mornings, and a highlight in your coffee pairings for Christmas list.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or ¼ cup strong coffee)
  
• ¾ cup milk
  
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
  
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
  
• A pinch of nutmeg
  
• 1 tsp molasses
  
• Whipped cream
  
• Crumbled ginger cookies
  
• 1 cinnamon stick (for stirring)

Method

• Heat the milk gently and whisk in ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses until combined.
• Brew the base. Brew one shot of espresso and pour it into your mug.
• Add the warm spiced milk to the espresso and stir.
• Add whipped cream and sprinkle crumbled ginger cookies over the top.
• Add a cinnamon stick as a fragrant stirrer.

Perfect Pairing: Serve with gingerbread men or spiced biscotti for the full festive experience.

Day 3: Winter Orange Spiced Coffee

Bright citrus meets cosy winter spices in this aromatic brew that awakens the senses. The orange zest and cinnamon create a fragrant cup that feels like sunlight on a cold day. A festive pick-me-up that pairs beautifully with buttery shortbread.

Ingredients

• 1–2 tbsp orange zest
  
• 1 cinnamon stick
  
• A pinch of ground cloves
  
• A pinch of nutmeg
  
• Coffee grounds (enough for 1 cup)
  
• Thin orange peel (for garnish)

Method

• Prep the grounds. Add orange zest, cloves, nutmeg, and the cinnamon stick to your coffee grounds.
• Brew as usual using your preferred method (filter, French press).
• Pour & serve. Remove the cinnamon stick and pour the spiced coffee into your mug.
• Add a thin orange peel twist for aroma and visual appeal.

Perfect Pairing: Best paired with vanilla shortbread or citrus scones.

Also Read: Tips for Storing and Preserving Coffee Beans

Day 4: White Chocolate Mocha

A luxurious winter treat, this White Chocolate Mocha blends silky sweetness with espresso for a dreamy holiday indulgence. Finished with nutmeg and delicate white chocolate shavings, it feels like sipping Christmas magic. Perfect for a refined, festive coffee break.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or ¼ cup strong coffee)
  
• ¾ cup milk
  
• 2–3 tbsp white chocolate syrup
  
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
  
• A pinch of nutmeg
  
• Grated white chocolate (for topping)

Method

• Brew a shot of espresso and pour it into your mug.
• Mix in the sweetness. Add white chocolate syrup and vanilla extract, stirring until well blended.
• Heat and froth the milk until hot and velvety.
• Pour the steamed milk into the mug and stir gently.
• Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top and grate a little white chocolate over the foam.

Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with madeleines or white chocolate bark for a luxurious coffee break.

Day 5: Peppermint Bark Cold Brew

Cool, crisp, and delightfully minty, this Peppermint Bark Cold Brew proves festive flavours aren’t just for hot drinks. Swirls of chocolate and peppermint make every sip refreshing and indulgent. A frosty holiday favourite for iced-coffee lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cold brew coffee
• 1–2 tbsp peppermint syrup
• 1 tbsp chocolate syrup (for swirl)
• Ice
• Chocolate shavings (for topping)

Method

• Prep the glass. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass to create a swirl effect.
• Fill the glass with ice cubes.
• Pour cold brew over the ice and stir in the peppermint syrup.
• Top with chocolate shavings.

Perfect Pairing: Serve with peppermint bark or fudge squares.

Day 6: Nutcracker Nutty Espresso

Rich, bold espresso meets the warm sweetness of hazelnut in this Nutcracker-inspired treat. Topped with crunchy nuts and praline crumble, it delivers pure holiday decadence in every sip.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
  
• 1–2 tbsp hazelnut syrup
  
• Chopped nuts (hazelnut, almond, pecan)
  
• Optional: praline crumble

Method

• Brew a fresh shot of espresso and pour it into a small cup.
• Mix it with hazelnut syrup
• Top it. Sprinkle chopped nuts generously on top.
• Optional upgrade: Add a spoon of praline crumble for extra richness.

Perfect Pairing: Pair with pecan tartlets or caramelized nuts.

Day 7: Chestnut & Praline Latte

A cup straight out of a European Christmas market, this latte blends chestnut puree and praline syrup into silky steamed milk. Caramel drizzle and soft foam turn it into pure festive indulgence. A comforting, nutty delight for winter evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
  
• ¾ cup milk
  
• 1 tbsp chestnut puree (if available)
  
• 1–2 tbsp praline syrup
  
• Caramel drizzle
  
• Milk foam

Method

• Brew your espresso and pour it into your latte mug.
• Heat the milk and whisk in chestnut puree and praline syrup until smooth.
• Froth the flavoured milk until creamy.
• Pour the milk over the espresso, holding back some foam.
• Add foam on top and drizzle with caramel.

Perfect Pairing: Best enjoyed with roasted chestnuts or praline candy.

Also Read: Traditional Indian Coffee Rituals: Brewing, Serving & Sharing

Day 8: Sweet Plum Vanilla Pour-Over

Delicately fruity and wonderfully aromatic, this pour-over combines plum preserve and vanilla for a gentle holiday sweetness. Warm, soothing flavours make it a unique festive twist. A perfect companion for cosy afternoons and spiced desserts.

Ingredients

• 1–2 tsp plum preserve
  
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
  
• Coffee grounds (enough for 1 cup)
  
• Hot water
  
• Cinnamon (for dusting)

Method

• Add your coffee grounds to the pour-over filter.
• Spoon plum preserve and vanilla extract over the grounds.
• Slowly pour hot water over the mixture, letting it drip through.
• Transfer into your mug once fully brewed.
• Dust lightly with cinnamon.

Perfect Pairing: Pairs beautifully with plum tart or fruitcake.

Day 9: Fig & Honey Latte

Elegant and naturally sweet, this latte blends fig jam, honey, and espresso into a velvety cup of holiday comfort. Steamed milk softens the flavours into a warm, golden harmony. A refined festive treat for slow December mornings.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
• ¾ cup steamed milk
  
• 1 tbsp fig jam
  
• 1 tbsp honey syrup
  
• Thin fig slice (for garnish)

Method

• In your mug, combine fig jam and honey syrup.
  
• Brew and pour the espresso over the mixture, stirring until smooth.
  
• Pour steamed milk into the mug.
  
• Garnish with a thin fig slice.
  

Perfect Pairing: Best served with honey pastries or fig oat bars.

Day 10: Cranberry Sparkle Espresso

Bright, bubbly, and full of holiday cheer, this sparkling espresso blends cranberry, orange, and rich coffee for a festive fizz. Sugared rims and citrus notes make it celebration-ready. A lively Christmas coffee perfect for parties.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
  
• 2–3 tbsp cranberry juice
  
• Splash of orange juice
  
• Sparkling water
  
• Sugar (for rimming)
  
• Ice (optional)

Method

• Rim the glass with sugar.
• Add espresso, cranberry juice, and orange juice to the glass.
• Top with sparkling water (and ice if using).
• Mix gently to keep the fizz.

Perfect Pairing: Pair with cranberry muffins or orange loaf.

Day 11: Toasted Marshmallow Macchiato

Sweet, gooey, and joyfully nostalgic, this macchiato captures the magic of campfire marshmallows at Christmas. Silky milk and toasted marshmallows create a dessert-like treat that warms the soul. A playful holiday favourite for all ages.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
  
• ½–¾ cup steamed milk
  
• 1–2 tbsp toasted marshmallow syrup
  
• Mini marshmallows
• Optional: kitchen torch

Method

• Flavour the milk. Add toasted marshmallow syrup to steamed milk and stir.
• Pour the milk into the mug, then slowly pour espresso on top (macchiato style).
• Place mini marshmallows on top.
• Toast (optional): Lightly torch the marshmallows until golden.

Perfect Pairing: Serve with s’mores or marshmallow bars.

Day 12: Hazelnut Affogato

The grand finale of your coffee countdown—hot espresso melting into creamy ice cream for a luxurious holiday dessert. With crunchy hazelnuts and optional liqueur, it’s indulgence at its finest. A festive showstopper to end the season in style.

Ingredients

• 1 scoop hazelnut or vanilla ice cream
• 1 shot hot espresso. (You can try our Bloom Mood blend)
• Crushed hazelnuts

Method

• Add a scoop of ice cream to a serving bowl.
• Pour hot espresso directly over the ice cream.
• Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top.
• Optional twist: Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur.

Perfect Pairing: This Christmas coffee recipe pairs well with hazelnut biscotti or chocolate gelato for the perfect finale.

Conclusion

While these recipes provide structure, don’t hesitate to adjust sweetness levels and creaminess to match your preferences and chosen food pairings. You can explore our Indian coffee blends for unique experiences. This Christmas, celebrate every sip — let our coffee bring a little extra joy to your holiday season.