When our very first drive-thru opened in Ashland, Oregon in June of 1998, we launched with a drink that would eventually become one of the most beloved items on the menu. Back then, it was called the “Snowy Mt. Ashland,” named after the locally beloved community and non-profit ski area. Today, it’s simply the Snowy. And if you've had one, you know why it's stuck around for 28 years!
A Twist on Traditional Mochas
Flash back to 1998: traditional chocolate mochas were familiar territory. Our founders wanted to offer something more — a drink that felt indulgent, unique, and unmistakably The Human Bean. The answer? Ghirardelli's premium white chocolate, chosen for its quality and character, mixed with rich espresso and steamed milk. Ghirardelli chocolate is richer and more specialty than standard options, and that was exactly the point. The goal from the very beginning wasn't just to make a good drink. It was to make customers feel taken care of and treated to something extra special. The Snowy was designed to be an above-and-beyond experience, not just an order.
Snowy Love at First Sip
And then…the Snowy quickly became a fan favorite, and never stopped being one! There was no slow build, and no gradual word-of-mouth. It was love at first sip for the first guests who ordered it and the first baristas who made it. We’re talking instant connection — you know the kind.
What became clear early on was that this wasn't going to be a seasonal offering or a limited-time novelty. It was something guests were coming back for, bringing their friends to try, and honestly just talking about. A year-round star (or snowflake) was born!
The Snowy's Staying Power
Here's the thing about the Snowy: it's both exceptional on its own and a blank canvas for twists and variations. As a standalone white chocolate mocha, it checks all the boxes. Add pumpkin and you get one of our most popular seasonal drinks, the Pumpkin Snowy. A splash of hazelnut and English toffee makes a nutty, buttery Yeti Snowy. And then there's the Muddy — a signature Snowy made with chocolate milk that has built its own devoted following.
Most drinks have one version of themselves. The Snowy has many, and every single one feels like it belongs.
There's "Snow" Better Way to Start the Day
Twenty-eight years after it first appeared on our menu board, the Snowy still represents what we set out to do from day one: brighten people's days, use quality ingredients, and make every guest feel genuinely taken care of. It's a nod to our Pacific Northwest roots, a reflection of where we started, and a reminder that our commitment to a great experience — the one that guided every decision since 1998 — hasn't wavered one bit.