The best time of year is officially here for coffee lovers looking for a little holiday joy. Starbucks has announced in a post on Instagram that it will bring back its annual Red Cup Day on Thursday, November 13, essentially marking the start of the holiday season. When customers purchase a handcrafted holiday beverage, they will also receive a free reusable red holiday cup. Customers are able to receive this item at participating locations while supplies last. The post by @Starbucksnews on Instagram also informed us that Starbucks will be investing in staffing this holiday season. More baristas will be in store to celebrate Red Cup Day and spread holiday cheer. This signals the return of holiday festivities, Christmas trees, music, lights, and cozy winter vibes.
What is Starbucks Red Cup Day?
This annual Starbucks tradition has been loved by coffee lovers since it first launched in 2018. Each year, Starbucks lovers line up to try and get this collectible that sells out within hours. The red cup’s design changes each year, but the excitement for the holiday season always remains. This is a great eco-friendly holiday tradition that might just give you the right excuse to buy one (or hey, maybe even two) of your favorite holiday drinks.
What’s on the Starbucks holiday menu?
This year’s holiday menu, which dropped on October 6, is bringing back some fan favourites (AKA my favorites). Starting November 6, the coffee chain will be adding the Peppermint Mocha, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, Caramel Brulee Latte, and Iced Gingerbread Chai. Later in the holiday season, Starbucks fans can also expect the Eggnog Latte and Chestnut Praline Latte to make a return to the menu.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside Starbucks’ holiday drinks:
- Peppermint Mocha: This holiday classic is a blend of espresso, mocha, and peppermint, making for a perfect holiday drink. Finished with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. You can enjoy this festive drink hot, iced, or as a frappuccino.
- Iced Sugar Cookie Latte: A tasty mix of blonde espresso, sugar cookie syrup, milk, and ice. Finished with red and green sprinkles on top. This holiday drink is available hot, iced, or as a frappuccino.
- Caramel Brulee Latte: Espresso, steamed milk, and caramel brulee sauce. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and caramel brulee topping. You can enjoy this drink hot, iced, or as a frappuccino.
- Iced Gingerbread Chai: This holiday drink is a blend of chai spices, milk, and ice. Finished with gingerbread cold foam and a dust of spice. A non-dairy alternative is also available at no additional cost.
- Chestnut Praline Latte: This is a sweet and nutty mix of espresso, steamed milk, and notes of caramelized chestnut. Topped off with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. You can enjoy this festive drink hot, iced, or as a frappuccino.
- Eggnog Latte: Back by popular demand, this holiday drink is packed with espresso, steamed eggnog, a dash of milk, and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
Other than the joy that comes with a holiday freebie that you can use all season long, Starbucks’ Red Cup Day is a small reminder that the holidays are about warmth and community. A holiday drink that can be shared one sip at a time. So, make sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, November 13, so that you can enjoy some holiday spirit served in a colourful and festive cup!