Barista tips: How to lighten up your holiday beverage

Peppermint, caramel, toasted white chocolate – the festive flavors of the season are back at Starbucks.

Here are a few tips from Starbucks baristas to lighten up customer-favorite holiday beverages.

• Request nonfat milk when ordering any classic seasonal beverage. While 2 percent milk is standard, beverages can be made with nonfat milk or dairy-free options including almondmilk, coconutmilk and soymilk.  
• Ask for less syrup or fewer pumps to reduce the sweetness and calories in any holiday beverage.  
• Ask for just a little whip or no whip to save between 80 and 110 calories, depending on the size and type of drink — a great way to still enjoy a seasonal Frappuccino like Toasted White Chocolate Frappuccino.  
• Select sugar-free vanilla syrup in your holiday beverage for great festive flavor without added calories or sugar.