It's the most wonderful time of the year! Starbucks rolls out its annual holiday menu on Nov. 7. That means holiday cups are back too, and you can fill them with the delicious flavored drinks, including the Peppermint Mocha, Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai and some newcomers, including the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, along with other holiday favorites.
Holiday snacks and treats are also back, so if you need to feel festive, now's the time to head to Starbucks and treat yourself to a seasonal beverage or bite.
In this article: Starbucks Reusable Color-Changing Plastic Hot Cups, Starbucks Limited-Edition Color Changing Candy Cane Reusable Plastic Hot Cups and Starbucks 16-oz Holiday Red Glitter Tumbler with Straw
For over 20 years now, in good times and in bad, we have been able to depend on Starbucks' holiday menu and new cups to be one of the first signs that the holiday season is indeed upon us. A retrospective of the designs through the years is like going back in Starbucks time, seeing how the designs and colors have changed over the last few decades.
In a press release, Starbucks Creative Director Kristy Cameron shared that the company was looking to a joyful vibe. “We love finding these genuine moments of joy and coffee to inspire the creative,” Cameron said. “Whether that’s coffee trees growing, beans roasting, cups toasting, or lights glowing, we wanted to share the warmth of our coffeehouse and the anticipation of the red cups arriving with our customers and partners.”
The new cups feature the familiar Starbucks shades of green and cranberry, with a bit of an old-school twist in terms of design. The graphic patterns communicate connection and joy (this season's theme is Merrier Together), which is exactly what the company is aiming for. “We're really excited to lean into greens this year,” Cameron said. “The jade green is so vibrant and bright, and we love how it references our brand colors in a way that brings a spark of joy to our holiday cups this season.”
This year's menu has some staples returning — plus some treats we're seeing for the very first time.
First up is the Peppermint Mocha, a longtime favorite rumored to return to the Starbucks holiday menu year after year. This drink features Starbucks' signature Espresso Roast, steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint syrup. All are topped off with whipped cream and dark chocolate swirls. It's the perfect festive flavor to get you in a holiday mood.
Also returning this year is the Caramel Brulée Latte, which features Starbucks' signature Espresso Roast, steamed milk and caramel brulée sauce, topped with whipped cream and caramel brulée bits.
Holiday menu fans will be pleased to see the Chestnut Praline Latte is back, featuring the signature Espresso Roast, steamed milk and flavors of chestnuts and spices, all topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs.
The Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte is back — combining sugar cookie flavored syrup with Starbucks Blonde Espresso, ice and almond milk — topped with red and green sprinkles for a holiday twist.
The holiday menu is rounded out with iced and blended drinks, including the leaked new Cran-Merry Orange Refresher and Salted Pecan Cold Brew, plus tasty holiday snacks like the Cranberry Bliss Bar, Sugar Plum Cheese Danish and the new dessert items Dark Toffee Bundt and Turkey Sage Danish. Your kiddos will be pleased to learn there is reportedly a new Snowman Cake Pop and Penguin Cookie.
While the holiday cups at Starbucks are part of the fun, Amazon has more sustainable options that you can reuse throughout the holiday season — and for years to come.
Starbucks Reusable Color-Changing Hot Cups
This six-pack of color-changing resuable cups means you'll have enough for the whole family, or just a bunch for yourself. The set includes several designs, all in festive green, red and white.
Starbucks Limited-Edition Color-Changing Candy Cane Reusable Plastic Hot Cups
In keeping with the color-changing theme, this three-pack of candy cane-adorned cups go from purple to green when you add hot liquid. They are top-rack dishwasher-safe and hold 16 ounces.
Starbucks Reusable Color-Changing Plastic Hot Cups
More color-changing cups, but this five-pack includes straws and lids. Each of the cups in this set has a unique festive floral design and the straws are striped like candy canes. 'Tis the season, after all.
Starbucks 16-oz Holiday Red Glitter Tumbler with Straw
If you're looking for something a bit more heavy-duty, check out this gorgeous and sparkly red tumbler with a lid and straw. It's insulated so it can hold all of your most festive holiday beverages.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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