The addition of honey to a traditional vanilla latte creates a uniquely flavored drink that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Kendra Martinez / Daily Nexus

KOZY Craft Coffee has become a staple for most UC Santa Barbara students by being one of the few coffee shops in town. Not only do they serve amazing drinks, but they also provide a super cozy ambiance that makes for a great study spot when you can find a seat. The dimly lit coffee shop is located in the heart of I.V. on 6560 Pardall Road. Drop in at any point in the day between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and you will find the coffee shop busy with students waiting for their drinks or doing work on the outside patio. KOZY offers quite a wide selection of drinks along with an array of pastries to satisfy any sweet treat run. Not only are their drinks great, but the KOZY staff are incredibly friendly and provide quick service. As a coffee enthusiast, I frequent the cafe many times a day and have tried several of their drinks, including their limited-time holiday menu, and here are my honest reviews: 

Honey vanilla latte 10/10 

This signature creation is the best drink KOZY has to offer. A twist on the classic vanilla latte, the honey vanilla latte’s unique sweetness keeps you coming back for more. When I first tried the drink, I did not know what to expect, but it certainly blew me away and instantly became my new go-to coffee order. The honey adds enough spunk to an already great latte but does so in a way that enhances the drink’s flavor profile. If you are looking for something new to try that’s still within the comfort zone of a traditional latte, KOZY’s honey vanilla latte is the drink to order. 

Vanilla latte 9/10

Speaking of vanilla lattes, I can say that the vanilla latte at KOZY is one of the best ones in I.V. It’s not too sweet, but it is still flavorful. The right amount of milk and syrup allows for the coffee flavor to come across. Because KOZY uses its own coffee beans to make the espresso and makes its own vanilla syrup, the drink is unique while still being a classic. It’s the standard go-to if you want something that you can trust will always be good. 

Raspberry mocha 9/10

Mochas are generally not my favorite, but I was intrigued by the combination of raspberry and mocha because I love chocolate and raspberry together on a cake. I was not disappointed. It had a rich chocolate profile, reminiscent of a hot chocolate. Combine that with the delicious raspberry syrup, and it makes a delightful drink on a cold evening. 

Peppermint bark mocha 10/10

My fear of peppermint-flavored things is that they will taste too much like toothpaste, but when done right, peppermint is one of the best flavors paired with coffee. KOZY definitely knew what they were doing and made a perfect peppermint mocha. The peppermint is subtle enough that it doesn’t completely overpower the mocha and coffee flavors. The peppermint crumbs add a nice crunch and little flavor kicks. It’s definitely my favorite on the holiday menu. 

Nutcracker cold brew 8/10

Cold brew can be a tricky drink to get right, but KOZY has nailed their recipe for a smooth, silky and rich coffee. The addition of the hazelnut cold foam added an additional kick of flavor and made for a beautiful, picture-ready drink. It was a refreshing, nutty cold brew and is perfect for those looking for a slightly more caffeinated, tasty cup of coffee.

Snickerdoodle latte 7/10

This one is definitely for the cinnamon coffee lovers, and it’s not too overpowering. The first sip has a subtle hint of cinnamon and it’s not until after that you’re hit with the full cinnamony flavor. While I’m not a huge fan of cinnamon, this drink was still an enjoyable and flavorful coffee. 

KOZY is great for morning coffee, afternoon coffee, evening coffee or, really, all-day coffee. They also offer a selection of teas and matcha drinks for those who don’t love coffee. Whether you want to try their fun creations or stick to classic coffee drinks, there’s something for everyone. Their seasonal menu is still available, so if you’ve made it to the end of this article, it would be silly not to go order a drink.

A version of this article appeared on p. 8 of the January 18, 2023 version of the Daily Nexus.