We tried Dunkin' Donuts' and Starbucks' hottest beverages of the holiday season — and the winner is clear

Hollis Johnson

As pumpkin spice is the sweet flavor of fall, peppermint is the refreshing taste of winter.

We had a pumpkin spice latte faceoff in October, and now it's time for a peppermint mocha latte battle.

Our previous taste test included Dunkin' Donuts, Panera Bread, Pret A Manger, and Starbucks — but Panera and Pret A Manger aren't serving peppermint mocha lattes this season, just peppermint hot chocolate.

So our holiday battle royale has become a duel between two coffee giants. Here's our taste test to see who serves the better warm holiday drink.

Two coffee giants. Two minty lattes.

Round two of the seasonal latte battle consists of Starbucks' and Dunkin' Donuts' peppermint mocha. Dunkin' Donuts narrowly won the battle for best pumpkin spice latte, so now the heat is on ... literally.

First up, Dunkin' Donuts. The aroma is deliciously light, but lacks a whiff of peppermint.