Sarasota has no shortage of locally-based coffee shops, and several of them have gotten into the spirt this season with holiday-themed drink selections. Here are six great picks:

The Clever Cup's caramel apple spice latte is a more festive take on a cinnamon latte. This foamy drink is not too sweet, a great alternative to the often very sugary holiday options. 6350 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, (941) 806-5909.  

Downtown's Payne Park is home to Cafe in the Park, the creators of a delicious holiday gingerbread latte. Topped with whipped cream and crumbled cookie bits, this drink version of the classic holiday treat is full of sugar and spice. 2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota, (941) 361-3032. 

The peppermint mocha served at downtown Buddy Brew  is a sweet balance of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint, the ideal holiday combination. It's the perfect warm drink to enjoy at Buddy Brew's comfortable outdoor seating on a chilly night. 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, (941) 374-7186. 

For those who are fans of the classic chocolate-peppermint pairing but not so inclined to coffee drinks, Pastry Art  has the ideal alternative. Their peppermint hot chocolate is thick and creamy, sweet and minty, and mellow. We recommend picking up a pastry from the bakery's wide selection to accompany your cocoa. 1512 Main Street, Sarasota, (941) 955-7545. 

We all know that it never truly gets really cold in Florida, even in the heart of winter, and The Coffee Loft offers the perfect iced holiday drink that won't make you overheat this season. The peppermint iced coffee is sweet and refreshing, and again highlights the winning combination of mint and coffee. 5025 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 706-4047.

Kahwa Coffee is a chain of shops local to the Tampa Bay, and this season they're serving up a unique marshmallow mocha. Light on coffee and heavy on creamy marshmallow deliciousness, this drink is reminiscent of s'mores with its chocolate-'mallow combo. It's perfect for satisfying that holiday sweet tooth. 1482 2nd Street, Sarasota, (941) 203-8971.