So its that time of year where i do my dorky thing where i get a venti decaf americano at the starbucks at Barnes and Noble and catch up on all the readings i dont get to when i am in school.  Anyhow, a good friend of mine has worked at starbucks for years, its kind of an elite club, they have this special card they can use even once they stop working there and they can get free drinksvand discounts if they flash it. I swear they are like a little latte mob. She spilled to me that she actually has no idea what's in most of they specialty lattes cause most of them are simply lattes with "gingerbread powder" and "gingerbread syrup".  I know that for the holidays, Starbucks have been pimping out their slogan, "Pass the cheer!" but from the looks of their drinks, their passing loads of calories.  For example, a 16 oz egg nog latte (which i believe is a grande) is 480 calories. dude, thats a Big Mac minus the sauce and cheese.  A white hot chocolate is 520 calories with whipped cream (again, for merely a 16 oz), and its actaully just the hot chocolate with vanilla syrup and white chocolate syrup.  Anyhow, my friend suggested i try the gingerbread latte but simply request it made with sugar free syrup and nonfat milk. And for 16oz, its only 130 calories.  At least its less than burger!  So i tried it and heres my take. I think its way too sweet. maybe the barista squrited to much syrup but i felt like i was drinking spiced honey.  The flavor was unique and nice, but again i couldn't get over the sweetness and i didn't even add any other sweetner.  I also had a hard time uncovering the coffee flavor in this drink, which i sort of craved at the time.  I appreciate the tip from my pal, but i'll stick to my americano with the mocha flavored splenda flavor blends.  BUT, did you know borders sells these tiny gingerbread men at their coffee counter (which i think is seattle's best now). a pack of 8 little men is only 80 calories and they are so cute and give you that sweet gingerbread fix if your craving one.