As days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, the season of winter arrives accompanied by its own special charm. The following months bring with them a unique set of traditions and comforts, and for many, it’s all about the beverages that warm both hearts and spirits.
“Hot chocolate is the perfect drink,” Jack Durkin ‘26 said. “I get it every time I go to Starbucks.”
And what other drink could be as satisfying as a rich and indulgent mug of hot chocolate? Especially during the winter season, hot chocolate has been the face of the beverage industry for more than a century. The allure of hot chocolate is undeniable, and its widespread popularity is evidence of the comfort and warmth it brings to the GA community.
“Whenever I feel like it, I just make a nice warm cup of hot chocolate,” Kevin Knebel ‘26 said. “It’s easy to make, and it tastes good.”
Warm, easy to make, and delicious? Indeed, hot chocolate’s timeless appeal often evokes images of cozy fireside evenings, with marshmallows adrift in velvety cocoa and a comforting aroma enveloping you.
“Hot chocolate is 100% the king of all winter drinks,” Walter Mulroy ‘26 said. “It’s the only drink I would ever get during the winter besides water.”
Hot chocolate seems to go beyond just the sweet taste and warmth that it provides. For many students, it represents their childhood and fond memories from when they were younger.
“My favorite winter drink is hot chocolate,” Utsav Mittal ‘25 said. “When I was a kid, I used to drink it whenever it was cold and snowy.”
Yet, as we delve deeper into GA’s winter beverage preferences, we find that the realm of winter drinks is far more diverse than a single iconic favorite.
“Brisk Iced Tea is my favorite. It’s sweet, and it’s by the can,” Charles Morris ‘25 said. “I enjoy Gatorade as well.”
Evidently, not all students seek the warmth of certain traditional winter beverages; some find comfort in the refreshing bite of an iced beverage, even in the coldest months.
“Personally, Frozen Caramel Coffee from Dunkin is my favorite,” Connor Bradley ‘26 said. “It tastes really good, and I also prefer Dunkin over Starbucks.”
The rivalry between Dunkin and Starbucks highlights the wide range of options within the world of winter beverages, with students expressing their preferences based on both flavor and brand loyalty.
“Iced Peppermint Mocha is my favorite winter drink from Starbucks,” Maddie Evers ‘26 said. “It tastes like Christmas.”
The seasonal flavors from Starbucks are always something to look forward to. Whether to get some caffeine before the school day or just to have something nice to sip on, Starbucks is a great choice for many in terms of convenience, caffeine, and holiday-themed delights.
Overall, hot chocolate remains a timeless favorite, but students also embrace a wide range of choices, from Dunkin’s coffees, to Starbucks’ seasonal drinks, to Brisk Iced Tea. In the end, winter at GA is more than just various drink choices; it’s a time for students to come together, share experiences, and create lasting memories. The warmth of these shared moments is what truly defines the winter season at GA, making even the coldest days just a little bit cozier.