When Starbucks introduced its first holiday cups back in 1997, the word “selfie” had not yet been invented. Facebook and Twitter were still years away. Still, those holiday cups created buzz.

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Sandy Nelson, then a Starbucks designer, created that first set of holiday cups, selected from dozens of design concepts. They weren’t red – but instead were wrapped like a gift in rich shades of magenta, sapphire, and emerald and purple. The design featured a linoleum block-style pattern with swirls and hand-drawn holly leaves flecked with coffee beans.

Nelson remembers the first time she saw customers carrying cups with her designs. She was visiting Anchorage, Alaska for Thanksgiving, and stepped off the plane to see a Starbucks kiosk piled high with stacks of colorful cups she had designed.

“I thought, wow, this is big,” Nelson said. “But I had no idea what was ahead.”

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The next year, the holiday cups made an even bigger splash as customers were invited to “embrace the warmth” of the holidays with a cup in purple hues. Then in 1999, the cups featured a candy-apple red design for the first time, and a new icon was born. Before long, pop culture websites featured countdown clocks&nbsp;anticipating when cups would be “red again,” and the cups popped up everywhere from nascent social media platforms to late-night talk shows. Year after year, the excitement around the holiday cup seemed to grow and the cup itself became emblematic of the season.

“What’s happened now in popular culture is that the appearance of the red cup signals to people that it’s time to celebrate the holidays,” said Sandy Nelson. “Who would have thought 25 years ago that would happen?”

This year, Starbucks is introducing <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-holiday-beverages-arrive-on-nov-third/">a new set of four designs for the holidays</a>, wrapped like a gift for their customers just as they were 25 years ago.

“Looking back at all the years of holiday cups, you can see the commitment to design and artistry and all things handcrafted,” said Gary Jacobson, Starbucks creative director for this year’s holiday campaign. “I think that’s why they have become part of a lot of people's holiday traditions. They invite people in because each new design captures a moment in time with its own unique take on the holidays.”

Read on for a look at the last 25 years of holiday cups, plus this year’s new design:

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With the first holiday cups, customers could enjoy a Christmas Blend brewed coffee in one of four jewel-toned hues.&nbsp;

Stores were adorned in deep purple and sepia tones with an elegant holiday cup featuring swirling snowflakes.&nbsp; 

The classic candy-apple red Starbucks holiday cup makes its first appearance in this whimsical design with black line-drawings of snowflakes, stockings and winter celebrations.

“Coffeetown” was the theme for the Y2K cup, depicting a whimsical village of coffee pots, set against a glittering nighttime sky.

Giving the gift of Starbucks became easier than ever this holiday with the introduction of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/a-look-back-at-20-years-of-starbucks-cards/">first Starbucks Gift Cards</a>. The cups themselves are designed to look like a present, trimmed with green and red ribbon and old-fashioned postage stamps.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/starbucks-peppermint-mocha-a-love-story/">Peppermint Mocha</a> makes its debut this year, and a cup design that featured white line art, an illustration style that returned again in 2005 and 2016.

Shadows dance across a fanciful scene with shimmering stars and snowflakes.

The Starbucks logo is reminiscent of an evergreen wreath in this year’s cup design.&nbsp;The cup was also the star of a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-HFl7o1Vxw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks video</a> featuring the cup fixed atop the roof of a yellow taxi speeding through the streets of San Francisco.

This nostalgic design features white woodcut-style­ drawings and a string of holiday lights twinkling along the rim, along with a reminder that “It only happens once a year.”

Illustrations that appear as intricate cut paper silhouettes gather in traditional holiday tableaux.

Ice skaters twirl on a frozen pond as snowflakes gently fall in this quiet winter scene.

A field of reindeer and a single white dove are depicted in a moonlit woodland landscape with an overlay of a cozy knitted pattern.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caramel Brulée Latte</a> makes its debut this year, along with a cup design that features cut-paper ornaments inscribed with the words “joy, hope, love, light, peace” hanging on sprigs of evergreen.

The cups take on a more modern vibe with new holiday characters catching snowflakes in a palette of red, white and gray.

Carolers sing, an ice skater spins, and a dog sleds down a hill with these series of three holiday cups. Customers make these&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo3VeweHD74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">merry scenes come to life</a>&nbsp;with Starbucks Cup Magic, an augmented reality app.

The holiday characters, including a jaunty snowman, come in for their close-up in this design series&nbsp;with bold accents of navy and gold.

The cup features a swoop of coffee cherries, coffee flowers and vintage ornaments painted in a deep garnet with touches of gold.

“Let there be bright” is the theme for this year’s holiday, with fanciful brushstrokes in bold colors, the perfect complement to the new <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/873068661/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes">Chestnut Praline Latte</a>.

The cup features a two-toned ombré design, with a bright poppy color on top that shaded into a darker cranberry below.

For the first time, Starbucks features customer-created&nbsp;<a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-red-cups-2016">holiday cups&nbsp;with 13 designs</a>&nbsp;from six countries around the world, all with hand-drawn white against a red background.

Starbucks unveils its first white holiday cup that customers could color in themselves, with a pair of hands connected with swirling ribbons and splashes of red and green. Later in the season, a red cup debuted with a white heart inviting customers to “Give Good.”

The suite of cups celebrated the spirit of yesteryear with a modern twist, with doses of vintage colors and patterns and reinterpreted with graphic flair. The set of four designs featured snippets of Starbucks holidays past – a star, a branch of coffee cherries and a flame.

A perfectly wrapped gift inspired this series of four designs in our signature colors of red, white and Starbucks green. Typography is used as the main illustrative element for three of the designs, with whole letters playfully danced like musical notes&nbsp;(and even sprang to life on Instagram using augmented reality). <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123139/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Irish Cream Cold Brew</a> made its debut this season in a special holiday cold cup with dancing letters that spelled “merry coffee.”

Designers started with little ribbons like washi tape (a decorative, adhesive tape) and wrapped them in different ways on cups. They brought in greens and a shade of red that’s a little brighter than the shade Starbucks may be famous for to give it an extra pop. The cups reminded customers to “Carry the Merry.”

With shimmering ribbons, a splash of color and a sprinkle of stars – this year’s designs are wrapped up like gifts for the holidays. This year's theme features festive colors of red, green and white with playful touches of lilac.

The classic holiday red and Starbucks green are joined with accents of mint and sparkles in this set of cup designs, a perfect way to celebrate the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/starbucks-peppermint-mocha-a-love-story/">20th anniversary of the Peppermint Mocha</a>.

Pyramid stack of 25 years of Starbucks holiday cups

How did a coffee cup become a cultural icon? Let’s take a look back at 25 years of Starbucks holiday cups.

Celebrating 25 years of Starbucks (mostly) red holiday cups

Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

Starbucks Stories

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The cheer starts here! Those first sips of the season are arriving at Starbucks stores in the United States starting Nov. 3 with Starbucks holiday beverages including <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/496/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppermint Mocha</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes#:~:text=Espresso%2C%20steamed%20milk%20and%20rich,Hot%20Coffees%20%2F%20Caramel%20Brulee%20Latte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caramel Brulée Latte</a><a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123591/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">,</a> <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122482/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toasted White Chocolate Mocha,</a> and <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/873068661/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chestnut Praline Latte</a>. Cold coffee beverages including <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123591/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte</a> and <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123139/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Irish Cream Cold Brew</a> are also back for another holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/the-holidays-are-back-at-starbucks-with-seasonal-sips-and-festive-food/">new holiday food</a> and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-unveils-this-years-most-festive-holiday-gifts/">gifts</a>, a new collection of specially designed Starbucks holiday cups signals the start of the season, just as they have <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/celebrating-25-years-of-starbucks-mostly-red-holiday-cups/">since their debut 25 years ago</a>.&nbsp;

This year, four new Starbucks holiday cup designs offer the comforts and cheer of the season, each wrapped up like a gift. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have always talked about the cups as little gifts, and we hope they feel like a festive present to our customers and store partners,” said Gary Jacobson, Starbucks creative director for this year’s holiday campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To bring that sentiment to life on the cups, designers created a collection of holiday motifs – like sparkles, ornaments and snowflakes – to add a sense of seasonal joy. Ribbon and tape elements bring another gift-giving element, along with gift tags on the back of each cup – perfect for a personalized note. The color palette features classic seasonal colors with the added flair of mint green. The result is a warm and welcoming vibe during a season that brings people together.&nbsp;

“We are really focused on creating a joyful experience throughout the entire Starbucks experience – whether a customer is visiting at our drive-thru or in our café,” said Jacobson. “Whatever we can touch, we wanted to make sure that we make someone’s day a little bit brighter in a holiday way.”

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The cheer starts here! Starbucks holiday beverages wrapped in their festive red cups are arriving in stores on Nov. 3, with customer favorites like Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte and Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, along with new holiday food, Christmas Blend coffee and gifts.

Starbucks holiday beverages arrive on Nov. 3

Here&#8217;s a look at this year&#8217;s Starbucks holiday drinks and cups

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Here’s a look at this year’s Starbucks holiday drinks and cups

20 years already? Learn the story behind the most beloved of beverages, Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

When does it officially feel like the holidays? For some it could be hearing the first notes of holiday music or seeing that first flurry of snow. But for the last two decades, the arrival of the holidays can be marked by that first taste of Starbucks Peppermint Mocha and its rich, full-bodied espresso mingled with the flavor of chocolate, peppermint and whipped cream. 

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha may be one of the most-loved of holiday beverages, but it wasn’t actually the first. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/an-insiders-guide-to-christmas-blend-and-starbucks-holiday-coffees/">Christmas Blend</a> coffee made its debut in 1984, hand-scooped and packaged in brown kraft paper coffee bags to be brewed at home. Then came the first handcrafted holiday beverage in 1986, created behind the espresso bar at Il Giornale (which merged with Starbucks in 1987) by Dave Olsen, who steamed up a pitcher of eggnog and milk to make the first Eggnog Latte.

Ten years later, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/celebrating-25-years-of-starbucks-mostly-red-holiday-cups/">the first red Starbucks cup made its appearance</a> and, as the company expanded into Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Starbucks created its first beverage research and development team.

“Customers’ understanding of espresso and lattes was really in its infancy,” said Peter Dukes, who joined Starbucks as a product manager for espresso beverages in 2001. “I think [a holiday beverage] was a good introduction for a lot of people back then to lattes and espresso.”

After successfully launching Gingerbread Latte (now available in Canada and select international markets) in 2000, the R&amp;D team was tasked with exploring ideas for the next holiday beverage. Dukes remembers being invited to the R&amp;D team’s Liquid Lab to be part of a team of about 10 partners who tasted new beverage concepts. The group was truly cross-functional – including partners from operations, finance, supply chain. 

The team tried a few different flavors that would resonate with customers during the holiday, including an idea for a white chocolate cranberry beverage. But they quickly landed on a peppermint-flavored twist on the classic Caffè Mocha inspired by the flavors of traditional holiday candies. From there, the team refined the recipe, finding the perfect combination of rich Starbucks espresso with bittersweet mocha sauce, peppermint syrup, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of red sugar sprinkles. 

The beverage was introduced to Starbucks customers for the 2002 holiday season, and quickly became the most popular holiday beverage in Starbucks history. It’s still among the most loved holiday beverage on the menu today and is available hot, iced and blended. Its recipe has changed only a little; it’s now made with 2 percent milk as the standard and with dark chocolate curls on top instead of red sprinkles.

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“To know you're part of something that turned out to be pretty special years later is unique. It takes me back to those times in the Liquid Lab with an extremely diverse group of partners sitting around a table tasting different variations of the peppermint mocha,” Dukes said. “None of us were professionally trained, but we ended up with a beverage that continues to resonate with our customers today and we had a lot of fun making it.”

Celebrating 20 years of Starbucks Peppermint Mocha - Starbucks Stories

Celebrating 20 years of Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

Which came first, the Peppermint Mocha or the Egg(nog)? Learn the story behind the classic Starbucks holiday beverage.

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Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: A love story

It’s here, that first sip of the season and those red Starbucks cups that signal the return of familiar favorites (hello, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/starbucks-peppermint-mocha-a-love-story/">Peppermint Mocha!)</a> and the anticipation of new ones, like the debut of Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. The holidays are arriving at Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada on Nov. 4, along with <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122482/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas">Toasted White Chocolate Mocha,</a> <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes#:~:text=Espresso%2C%20steamed%20milk%20and%20rich,Hot%20Coffees%20%2F%20Caramel%20Brulee%20Latte">Caramel Brulee Latte</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/873068661/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes">Chestnut Praline Latte</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123139/iced">Irish Cream Cold Brew</a>, and seasonal food and gifts. &nbsp;

Suzie Reecer, Starbucks associate creative director, led the Starbucks Creative team for this year’s holiday campaign. “This holiday, we wanted it to feel magical, we wanted it to be warm, and we wanted it to be inclusive,” she said. “Our goal was to really bring joy to every customer and every partner.”

The Creative team brought those sentiments to life with the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/redcupdesigns/">2021 red cup designs</a>, inspired by all the gifts of the season. They wrapped each of the four cup designs in classic shades of red, green and white with hints of frosty lilac. As a finishing touch, they added a little gift tag on the back of each cup to create room for a cheerful message.

“I'm so looking forward to the holidays in our stores,” Reecer said. “I think it's going to just bring so much happiness to everyone at a time when we are all really ready for it. We hope Starbucks can be a place that brings our customers and partners pure holiday joy.”

New tastes of the season

On the menu this season is Starbucks first non-dairy iced holiday coffee beverage, the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-newest-holiday-drink-iced-sugar-cookie-almondmilk-latte/">new Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte</a>, giving customers even more choices in their holiday beverage experience. The beverage (available both hot and iced) was inspired by&nbsp;home-baked holiday cookies, and features&nbsp;sugar cookie-flavored syrup,&nbsp;combined with&nbsp;Starbucks®&nbsp;Blonde Espresso, ice&nbsp;and&nbsp;creamy&nbsp;almondmilk. It’s topped with&nbsp;festive red and green sprinkles for a modern twist on a holiday classic.&nbsp;

The bakery case is full of treats, including the new Reindeer Cake Pop, with a red button nose that could guide any sleigh, along with <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122869/single">Sugar Plum Cheese Danish</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/506/single?parent=%2Ffood%2Fbakery%2Fcookies-and-brownies">Cranberry Bliss® Bar</a> and <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122532/single">Snowman Cookie</a>. Starbucks® Christmas blend whole bean coffee is also making its annual return along with <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2121428/whole-bean">Starbucks Reserve® Christmas 2021</a> (in select stores). Or fill your stockings with a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-unveils-most-festive-holiday-gifts-under-30-coming-this-holiday-season/">colorful collection of merchandise</a> and <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/card">Starbucks Gift Cards</a> and eGifts. You can also find many of your <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/ring-in-the-season-with-starbucks-holiday-at-home-products-available-now/">favorite Starbucks coffees where groceries are sold</a>, in Roast &amp; Ground,&nbsp;K-Cup®&nbsp;pods**&nbsp;and as ready-to-drink beverages.

Holiday ads: Red Cup Season Has Arrived

Along with the arrival of red cup season at Starbucks, the company will feature a series of holiday ads, based on real moments that happened in the lives of Starbucks partners. It portrays how the holidays bring people together – whether that’s a granddaughter meeting her grandmother for coffee on a snowy day, or a group of friends celebrating the season by the pool.

“It’s all about comfort and connection, and being together,” Reecer said.

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* Check the Uber Eats app for availability and restrictions. ** Keurig, K-Cup, and the K logo are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., used with permission.

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The holidays are arriving at Starbucks stores in the United States on Nov. 4, along with seasonal beverages like Peppermint Mocha, red holiday cups and holiday food and gifts.

Holiday beverages (and Starbucks red cups!) have arrived in stores

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Sometimes a Peppermint Mocha is more than just a beverage. It’s a moment of joy, a familiar ritual that connects holidays past and present. Starting Nov. 6, you can enjoy the comforts of the season at Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada with a flurry of seasonal favorites, including <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/496/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas" target="_blank">Peppermint Mocha</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122482/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas" target="_blank">Toasted White Chocolate Mocha,</a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes#:~:text=Espresso%2C%20steamed%20milk%20and%20rich,Hot%20Coffees%20%2F%20Caramel%20Brulee%20Latte" target="_blank">Caramel Brulée Latte</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/873068661/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank">Chestnut Praline Latte</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/415/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank">Eggnog Latte</a>, along with new holiday cups, food items and gifts.

The story behind this year’s cups&nbsp;&nbsp;

This year’s theme, Carry the Merry, is an invitation to enjoy the little moments of brightness around you. 

“Our thought behind the cups this year was about people carrying them out in the world as messengers of joy,” said Jeff Wilkson,&nbsp;creative director for Starbucks. “In a way that message deepened as we got further and further into&nbsp;this&nbsp;year. We want to be that beacon for people,&nbsp;a brief moment that they can&nbsp;look forward to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

To bring that sentiment to life on the cups, the team started with iconic brand elements and mixed in holiday themes and colors.

“Early in our exploration, one of our designers had started making these little ribbons that almost looked like washi tape (a decorative, adhesive tape),” Wilkson said. “We had this one session where we were so inspired by these different patterns that we cut them out with scissors and started wrapping them in different ways on cups.” 

They continued to play with brand elements and toy with scale as the designs took shape. For the color palette, the designers brought in shades of brand greens and a shade of red that’s a little brighter than <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/starbucks-red-cups-2015/" target="_blank">the shade Starbucks may be famous for</a> to give it an extra pop.

The team landed on the following four different designs, the same number as the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2017/20-years-of-starbucks-holiday-cups/" target="_blank">first holiday cup collection in 1997</a>. They’ve also come to life in a series of holiday ads, each with a feeling all its own. (“Everyone has their favorite,” he says.)

A&nbsp;collectible&nbsp;red&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;cup&nbsp;&nbsp;

To mark the arrival of the season, Starbucks is gifting customers a free collectible red holiday cup on Nov. 6 to those who order a handcrafted holiday beverage at participating Starbucks stores in the United States. The cup offer is available for orders picked up in stores (including café, drive-thru and curbside) and through <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://delivery.starbucks.com/" target="_blank">Starbucks Delivers</a>, while supplies last, quantities are limited.

Holiday food &amp;&nbsp;gifts&nbsp;

Festive food items are also arriving, including the new Cranberry Orange Scone, Cranberry Bliss Bar ®, Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, Snowman Cookie, and Snowman Cake Pop. Starbucks® Christmas Blend whole bean coffee is also making its annual return to along with Starbucks® Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, Starbucks® Holiday Blend and Starbucks Reserve® Christmas 2020 (in select stores). Or fill your stockings with a colorful collection of gifts, including cold cups, tumblers and Starbucks Cards, with more merchandise added throughout the season. You can also find many of your favorite Starbucks seasonal flavors <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-holiday-favorites-now-available-at-grocery-stores-nationwide/" target="_blank">where groceries are sold</a>, like <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fathome.starbucks.com%2Fproduct%2Fholiday-blend%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAlli.Colzani%40edelman.com%7Cd44acb2eb5c0476bed4e08d866352b72%7Cb824bfb3918e43c2bb1cdcc1ba40a82b%7C0%7C0%7C637371725834411797&amp;sdata=TtfabvY9uYiBA8Khe23X%2BdaHGbA5MkerxoCXg5c6rSM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Holiday Blend</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fathome.starbucks.com%2Fproduct%2Fpeppermint-mocha-flavored-coffee%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAlli.Colzani%40edelman.com%7Cd44acb2eb5c0476bed4e08d866352b72%7Cb824bfb3918e43c2bb1cdcc1ba40a82b%7C0%7C0%7C637371725834411797&amp;sdata=jUCfJZJbcYfg5mvp9zMrsDdx38xNuGfJiRYV8FMaEGk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Peppermint Mocha</a> in Roast &amp; Ground, K-Cup® pods* and as ready-to-drink beverages.

While the holidays may feel a bit different this year, there are moments of joy to be discovered with a holiday cup from Starbucks in your hand. Throughout COVID the company has taken a number of actions to protect the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">health and well-being of our customers and partners</a>, and strives to meet or exceed the standards outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a safe experience, including continued emphasis on cleaning and sanitizing protocols in stores. Starbucks requires customers to wear facial coverings while visiting all café locations in accordance with the expert guidance of the CDC and local public health authorities. The <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/mobile-apps" target="_blank">Starbucks app</a> makes it easy to find a Starbucks location, check store hours, order ahead and use contactless payment. (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/a-how-to-guide-for-digital-ordering-at-starbucks/" target="_blank">Here’s a guide to show you how.)</a>

* Keurig, K-Cup, and the K logo are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., used with permission.&nbsp;

A flurry of favorite seasonal drinks, new holiday cups, food items and more are available at stores in the United States and Canada.

The holiday season at Starbucks starts on Nov. 6

The holiday season has arrived at Starbucks

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It’s holiday time at Starbucks, and your favorite holiday beverages are back starting Nov. 6. Starbucks is kicking off the season by giving customers a red collectible holiday cup when they order a handcrafted holiday beverage of any size at participating stores in the United States. The offer starts when participating stores open on Nov. 6 while supplies last, quantities are limited. This year’s cup will warm your heart as well as your hands, with a festive design that evokes a cozy holiday sweater.&nbsp;

How to get your cup&nbsp;

The free collectible cup offer is available for orders picked up in participating U.S. stores (including café, drive-thru and curbside) and through <a href="https://delivery.starbucks.com/">Starbucks Delivers with Uber Eats</a>. The <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/mobile-apps">Starbucks app</a> makes it easy to find a Starbucks location, check store hours, order ahead and use contactless payment. (<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/a-how-to-guide-for-digital-ordering-at-starbucks/">Here’s a guide to show you how</a>.) When making a plan for your visit know that Starbucks has taken a number of actions to protect the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/">health and well-being of our customers and partners</a>, and strives to meet or exceed the standards outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a safe experience, including continued emphasis on cleaning and sanitizing protocols in stores.

Customers can place an order in the café or can use the order ahead feature&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/mobile-apps" target="_blank">Starbucks app</a>&nbsp;and pick it up at the counter.&nbsp;Store capacity is limited at each location,&nbsp;with&nbsp;floor markers and signage&nbsp;to&nbsp;promote social distancing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://delivery.starbucks.com/" target="_blank">Starbucks Delivers</a>&nbsp;can bring many of your&nbsp;favorite Starbucks food and beverages to&nbsp;your&nbsp;door through Uber Eats,&nbsp;available in most major U.S. cities and all 50 states.&nbsp;For instructions on how to order and store availability visit&nbsp;<a href="https://delivery.starbucks.com/">delivery.starbucks.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Customers can place an order&nbsp;at the drive-thru speaker or can use the&nbsp;order ahead feature&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/mobile-apps" target="_blank">Starbucks app</a>&nbsp;and pick it up at the&nbsp;window.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Select locations now offer curbside pickup as an option&nbsp;using the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/mobile-apps" target="_blank">Starbucks app</a>.&nbsp;Simply park in&nbsp;a designated curbside spot outside your store after&nbsp;completing your order. The app&nbsp;will&nbsp;give you the option to have a barista bring your order&nbsp;to your vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Offer is good for any handcrafted holiday or fall beverage (hot, iced or blended) including: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes%22%20l%20%22:~:text=Espresso%2C%20steamed%20milk%20and%20rich,Hot%20Coffees%20%2F%20Caramel%20Brulee%20Latte" target="_blank">Caramel Brulée Latte</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/873068661/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank">Chestnut Praline Latte</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/415/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank">Eggnog Latte</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/471/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-drinks%2Fhot-chocolates" target="_blank">Hot Chocolate</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/521/hot" target="_blank">Peppermint Hot Chocolate</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/496/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas" target="_blank">Peppermint Mocha</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123113/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Fcold-brews" target="_blank">Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123141/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Fnitro-cold-brews" target="_blank">Pumpkin Cream Nitro Cold Brew</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/418/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spice Latte</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122795/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Fcold-brews" target="_blank">Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/762/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-drinks%2Fhot-chocolates" target="_blank">Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/761/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas" target="_blank">Salted Caramel Mocha</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122482/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas" target="_blank">Toasted White Chocolate Mocha</a>. Note that <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/293/whole-bean?parent=%2Fat-home-coffee%2Fwhole-bean%2Fmedium-roast">Starbucks Christmas Blend</a> brewed coffee and Christmas Starbucks Reserve™ are not included in this offer.

Starbucks is giving a free limited-edition red holiday cup to customers who order a handcrafted holiday beverage at participating U.S. stores on Nov. 6, while supplies last.

Our gift to you: Starbucks offers free collectible holiday cups on Nov. 6

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Welcome to your home for the holidays with the latest news and stories of the season from Starbucks Stories.

Introducing Irish Cream Cold Brew

Meet the new Starbucks holiday beverage, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/introducing-irish-cream-cold-brew/">Starbucks®&nbsp;Irish Cream Cold Brew</a>. It’s made with Starbucks Cold Brew coffee and Irish cream syrup over ice, topped with a frothy cap of vanilla sweet cream cold foam like a layer of fresh snow and a dusting of cocoa powder, available at participating Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada while supplies last.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: A love story

Which came first, the Peppermint Mocha or the Egg(nog)? Learn <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/starbucks-peppermint-mocha-a-love-story/">the story behind the classic holiday beverage</a>, which has helped mark the arrival of the season at Starbucks since 2002.

A cup design that’s just your type

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Each year, the arrival of the Starbucks red cup signals the return of the holidays. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/make-merry-at-starbucks-this-holiday/">This year’s design</a> uses typography as the main illustrative element for three of the designs, with whole letters playfully rotated for a musical, song-like quality, while polka dots playfully cover the fourth. Each cup design has a unifying green stripe on the back, finishing the cup like a ribbon.

Starbucks holiday beverages are back

Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada will be decked for the holidays starting Nov. 7 to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/starbucks-rings-in-the-holidays-with-fan-favorites/">mark the return of the seasonal flavors</a> of Peppermint Mocha, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, and Eggnog Latte, all available hot, iced and Frappuccino blended beverages.

Bring back your reusable cup all season long

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Customers who received <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/reusable-red-cup/">this year’s reusable red cup</a> can bring it back to a participating Starbucks store in the U.S. or Canada after 2 p.m. starting Nov. 7 to receive 50 cents off their handcrafted grande (16-ounce) holiday beverage through Jan. 6, 2020.

Perfect pairings for the holidays

Christmas Blend, first scooped in 1984, is a holiday tradition known for its full-bodied flavor that complements nearly everything on your holiday table. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/2019-starbucks-holiday-coffee-and-pairings-guide/">Here’s your 2019 guide</a> to Starbucks holiday coffee and food pairings.

Festive food &amp; gifts

It’s not just the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/starbucks-rings-in-the-holidays-with-fan-favorites/">holiday beverages</a> that are back! Festive food and bakery items are making their debut for the season as well, including the Holiday Turkey &amp; Stuffing Panini, Cranberry Bliss Bar, Sugar Plum Danish, Snowman Cookie, Gingerbread Loaf, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop and Snowman Cake Pop. Or shop from a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/starbucks-shares-a-sneak-peek-of-covetable-gifts-for-2019-holiday-season/">cheerful collection of gifts</a>, including cold cups, tumblers and Starbucks Cards, with more merchandise added throughout the season.

Looking for some ways to lighten up your favorite Starbucks beverage? <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/barista-tips-how-to-lighten-up-your-holiday-beverage/">Here are some barista tips</a> to customize your Starbucks holiday beverages.

This year, Starbucks customers can unlock even more cheer with their Starbucks holiday cups. <a href="https://tech.fb.com/starbucks-holiday-ar-arrives-on-instagram/">On Instagram</a>, when customers snap a Starbucks cup photo, the design will reveal special augmented reality effects that bring the holiday spirit to life. <a href="https://blog.alaskaair.com/guest-experience/starbucks-red-cup">Traveling with Alaska Airlines</a>? Guests who arrive at their airport gate with a Starbucks holiday cup will receive priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights Nov. 7-10. Guests on select West Coast flights may even board a holiday-themed aircraft, and some lucky passengers might find a surprise from Starbucks on their seats.

2019 Starbucks holiday highlights - Starbucks Stories

This is your home for the holidays at Starbucks, with the latest news and stories of the season from Starbucks Stories.

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2019 Starbucks holiday highlights

With a swirl of candy cane ribbon, a pop of green, and a merry greeting – the holidays have begun at Starbucks. Starting tomorrow (Nov. 7) Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada will be decked out for the holidays with a fun and festive design worthy of that <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/starbucks-peppermint-mocha-a-love-story/">first sip of Peppermint Mocha</a> (not to mention Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Eggnog Latte).

Unwrapping the new holiday design

Jen Quotson, vice president of Starbucks Creative, said this year’s holiday design was created to evoke mini moments of joy for customers and partners. It’s fun, festive and uniquely Starbucks. 

“We came up with this idea of wrapping the stores in holiday joy and wrapping the cups like a gift to our partners and customers,” Quotson said. “We wanted coming to Starbucks to be like uncovering a present.”

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The Starbucks designers looked at everything from iconic Christmas movies to music, along with more than <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/20-years-of-starbucks-holiday-cups">two decades of Starbucks holiday cups</a>. They also turned to their new <a href="https://creative.starbucks.com/">creative expression</a>, a reimagining of the Starbucks brand. After creating over 50 designs to consider, they landed on a series of four designs in shades of red, white and Starbucks signature<a> </a>green.

Typography is used as the main illustrative element for three of the designs, with whole letters playfully rotated for a musical, song-like quality, while polka dots playfully cover the fourth. Each cup design has a unifying green stripe on the back, finishing the cup like a ribbon. 

“We played with this idea of typography being art and the green dot of the Starbucks logo,” Quotson said. “We just thought that was a very sweet expression of the brand, but still felt very holiday.” 

The designers&nbsp;also found other ways to bring the cups to life in the eyes of customers. For the first time, they also designed a series of holiday ads. This year’s ads build off the playful cup designs and include a green dot sledding down a mountain of whipped cream or red ribbon twirling playfully around a Starbucks cup. The designs carry over to a partnership with Instagram where customers can use a &nbsp;new interactive feature to animate elements of the cup to share through their accounts. 

Limited-edition reusable red cup

But the best cup is a reusable one, and Starbucks is giving away a free limited-edition reusable red cup to customers who order a holiday beverage at participating Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada on Nov. 7, while supplies last. Even better, customers who bring back their 2019 reusable red cup to a participating Starbucks store in the United States or Canada after 2 p.m. Nov. 7 through Jan. 6 will get 50 cents off their handcrafted grande (16-ounce) holiday beverage. 

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Make merry at Starbucks this holiday season - Starbucks Stories

Make merry at Starbucks this holiday season

With a swirl of candy cane ribbon, a pop of green, and a festive greeting – it’s the holidays again at Starbucks with the return of its beloved seasonal food, cups and beverages.

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Customers who received this year’s reusable red cup can bring it back to a participating Starbucks store after 2 p.m. starting Nov. 7 to receive a discount off their handcrafted grande holiday beverage, for a limited time.

Each year, the arrival of the Starbucks red cup signals the return of the holidays. To celebrate the start of the season, Starbucks is giving customers who order a holiday beverage at participating Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada on Nov. 7 a free limited-edition reusable red cup, while supplies last. The 2019 reusable red cup design is a riff on this year’s holiday theme, with the words “Merry Coffee” dancing on an iconic holiday red background. 

The gift that keeps on giving

Customers who bring their 2019 reusable red cup to a participating Starbucks store in the U.S. or Canada after 2 p.m. starting Nov. 7 will get 50 cents off their handcrafted grande (16-ounce) holiday beverage through Jan. 6.

Sip and savor all season long

Qualifying holiday beverages include any size hot, iced or blended of the following: Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Eggnog Latte, Gingerbread Latte (available in Canada only), Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, Salted Caramel Mocha and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha (available in the United States only). 

BYOC: Bring Your Own Cup

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Add another reusable holiday cup to your collection with the Merry Coffee tumbler, available for $2 at participating Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada, while supplies last. As with any personal cup, customers will receive 10 cents off their drink order this holiday season and year-round. 

All the details: customers may receive one complimentary red reusable cup for each holiday handcrafted beverage purchased at participating stores, while supplies last. The offer applies for in-store purchases, including Mobile Order &amp; Pay, and Drive Thru.

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Bring back your reusable red cup this holiday - Starbucks Stories

Bring back your reusable red cup this holiday

Starbucks is giving customers who order a holiday beverage at participating Starbucks stores a free limited-edition reusable red cup, while supplies last.

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