Temperatures are dipping and Christmas lights are twinkling — that makes it the perfect time to try holiday beverages at local coffee shops and cafes. Here are our recommendations, from old favorites to new festive flavors.

Black & Brew Coffee House
This spot is known for its rotating seasonal menu, and this winter is no exception. City Editor Connor is staying warm with the Mexican hot chocolate, made with cayenne-cinnamon syrup.

Pressed Lakeland
This is a drink worth writing about. The Oliver Twist is a vanilla cold brew topped with orange cold foam — we think it pairs nicely with a classic book.

Don't miss Mitchell's other seasonal drinks. | Photo by @mitchellscoffeehouse

Mitchell's Coffee House
Run, run, run as fast as you can to catch a Gingerbread Man latte. This drink is made with gingerbread and white mocha flavors for sweet and spicy kick.

Concord Coffee
The holidays haven't really begun for City Editor Rilee until she's had one of Concord's orange mochas. Try the flavor in your favorite latte, macchiato, or cappuccino for a wintry pick-me-up.

Hillcrest Coffee
We can't get enough of the peppermint mocha lattes here. We might not see a blanket of snow, but we can get a blanket of frothy foam — which may be even better.

Try this drink before your cat lounge appointment. | Photo by @purrologycafe

Purrology Cafe
The cat's out of the bag on how good the Holiday Peppermint Matcha is, made with a touch of peppermint and topped with crushed candy canes.

The Juice Box
Skip the baking this year and try a vegan gingerbread iced latte instead. This drink is made with cold brew, molasses, ginger, and your choice of coconut, oat, or almond milk.

Do you have another favorite drink that means Christmas to you? Tell us which ones we need to add to our winter menu.