Low-Carb Starbucks Holiday Drink Instructions!
It’s holiday drink season at Starbucks and I’m all about a good peppermint mocha, but I need this low-carb. I was able to create a delicious version! Starbucks has released its famous “red cups” in lieu of the holiday season! In fact, today (11/7) you can get a free reusable red cup with the purchase of one of their holiday drinks.
This is a starting list, meaning that I will be adding to it as I experiment with new holiday drink variations! Today I’m starting with the low-carb Peppermint Mocha. We’ll start there (after all, I can’t drink Starbucks multiple times a day. UNLESS someone would like to donate to this experiment – ha!!)
Blog posts contain affiliate links. When you click on these links I earn a small commission that helps keep this blog running and support my family. If you have any questions, feel free to read my disclaimer and privacy policy. Thank you!
Curious about how to make one of these delicious drinks low-carb (keto), I asked the barista how to go about this. She helped me create a low-carb version of the Peppermint Mocha. I then went on the research what other holiday drinks could also be created in a low-carb version and will be experimenting with those soon!
So Starbucks locations do not have the skinny mocha syrup, but always ask because it’s not always listed as an option on their menu. My local stores carry it year-round!
Note that the macros all estimates, for your convenience, but may not be 100% accurate. I’ve done the best I can to figure these out and it’s the closest I can come too. As always, please note that I am not a certified nutritionist. If nutrition is important to you, I highly encourage you to verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator & use ingredients according to your plan.
Starbucks “Skinny” Peppermint Mocha (grande)
You might feel inclined to think 1 pump of peppermint is not enough for a grande, in my option it is. The peppermint is a pretty strong flavor and if you’re okay with going “light” on the peppermint syrup, this is the way to go. You can add another pump, but it’s going to cost you an additional 5g carbs. This drink cost me $5.99 (including tax) at my location.
136 calories, 7g carbs, 3g protein, 9g fat
- Order a Grande “Skinny” Mocha
- Add 1 pump peppermint syrup
- Request to be made breve style (with 1/2 & 1/2 instead of milk)
- Ask for no whip or chocolate curl (or add light whip for an additional 1g carb, as pictured)
Starbucks Keto Caramel Cappuccino (grande)
While on the smaller side, a cappuccino will give you espresso and a nice bit of steamed, milky foam. In this case, I requested it made “breve,” which is with half and half instead of milk. You are going to benefit from this fat-heavy drink! This drink cost me $4.91 (including tax) at my location.
270 calories, 14g carbs, 9g protein, 21g fat
- Order a Tall Breve Cappuccino
- Add 1 pump caramel syrup
Starbucks Keto Chestnut Praline Americano (grande)
Simple, basic and gets in the holiday cheer. I found that if you want a hot Chestnut Praline drink, the Americano is the best option for this! I don’t know why an Americano has carbs in it, I’ve heard that it is something about the way the espresso in an Americano is made vs. just coffee. But, alas a grande Americano has 2g total carbs in it. So we’re keeping everything else as low-carb as possible here. This drink cost me $3.73 (including tax) at my location.
95 calories, 14g carbs, 1g protein, 3g fat
- Order a hot Grande Caffe American
- Add 2 pumps of chestnut praline syrup
- Add a splash of half and half (or almond milk for non-dairy)
- Add 1-2 packets of Splenda (or your own Stevia packets)
- Optional: add whip for an extra 1g carbs
Starbucks Toasted White Chocolate Mocha (grande)
Smooth and made with cold brew, this concoction is made by TheMacroBarista on Instagram. It’s a cold drink so to make it hot I’d suggest an Americano (add 2g carbs). The Toasted White Chocolate Mocha is one of my favorite drinks! This drink cost me $4.37 (including tax) at my location.
105 calories, 14g carbs, 1g protein, 4.5g fat
- Order a grande Cold Brew
- Add 1 pump of toasted white chocolate mocha sauce
- Add 3 pumps of sugar-free vanilla
- Add a splash of half and half (or almond milk for non-dairy)