As the holiday season approaches, Starbucks is gearing up to spread cheer with the launch of its 2024 holiday menu, featuring a blend of new and beloved seasonal beverages. Starting Thursday, patrons across the United States will notice their hot drinks served in one of four specially designed festive cups, each adorned with hues of Starbucks green and cranberry red, complemented by soft pastel accents.
Kristy Cameron, Starbucks’ creative director, emphasized the significance of the color scheme, noting that the jade green “references our brand colors in a way that brings a spark of joy to our holiday cups this season.” The cups have become a cherished tradition for the coffee giant, generating excitement among loyal customers and contributing positively to the company’s revenue—a boost that is particularly welcomed this year.
A Quartet of Festive Cup Designs
Each of the four cup designs carries its own unique name and theme:
- Joyful Connection: This design features circular shapes that intertwine to form a pattern inspired by the art of coffee roasting. The motif draws inspiration from the roasters found in Starbucks’ upscale Reserve Roastery locations, symbolizing the connection between the coffee-making process and the warmth it brings to people.
- Lyrical Landscape: With alternating bands of lines reminiscent of gift wrapping, this cup evokes the excitement of unwrapping presents and the anticipation that comes with the holiday season.
- Siren Chorus: Loosely based on the silhouette of the iconic Starbucks Siren logo, this design pays homage to the brand’s heritage while adding a festive twist that aligns with the holiday spirit.
- Warm Wishes: Featuring interconnected circles that resemble glowing holiday lights, this cup design captures moments of enjoying coffee together, highlighting the communal aspect of the season.
Adding a personal touch, all the cups include small badges on the back where baristas can write messages, enhancing the connection between customers and the Starbucks community.
New Seasonal Beverages
When Starbucks holiday drinks, treats will be available to order?
The unveiling of the festive cups coincides with the introduction of Starbucks’ official 2024 holiday menu, which promises an array of inventive drinks and treats available nationwide starting November 7 for a limited time.
Introducing the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher
Breaking new ground, Starbucks is debuting its first-ever holiday Refreshers. Leading the lineup is the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, a vibrant beverage that transforms bright red cranberries—a long-standing symbol of the season—into a star menu item. The drink combines sweet orange notes with warm spices, complementing the crisp taste of cranberry. Billy Altieri, Starbucks’ lead beverage developer, described the inspiration behind the beverage: “These drinks were very much inspired by the idea of a festive punch as a sensory experience—the appearance, the aroma, the taste.”
Customers have the option to customize their experience by ordering the Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher or by adding coconut milk to create the Cran-Merry Drink, offering a creamy twist to the fruity concoction.
Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew and Holiday Cold Foams
Another newcomer to the holiday menu is the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew. This sweet and savory delight features Starbucks Cold Brew sweetened with a hint of vanilla, topped with salted pecan cream cold foam, and garnished with crunchy pecan-flavored sugar. The combination offers a harmonious blend of flavors that cater to both sweet and nutty preferences.
Complementing these beverages are new holiday cold foams, which can be added to drinks for an extra charge and customized to be non-dairy. The new flavors include Gingerbread Cream and Salted Pecan Cream, adding a festive flair to any drink. Returning favorites like Peppermint Chocolate Cream, Sugar Cookie Cream, Chestnut Praline Cream, and Caramel Brulée Cream Cold Foam are also available, with the last being the only option not offered in a dairy-free format.
Beloved Classics Make a Comeback
Starbucks is not forgetting its fan-favorite handcrafted espresso beverages. Making a return to the menu are:
- Peppermint Mocha: A delightful blend of espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint-flavored syrup, topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls.
- Caramel Brulée Latte: Espresso and steamed milk combined with rich caramel brulée sauce, topped with whipped cream and caramel brulée topping.
- Chestnut Praline Latte: A cozy mix of espresso, steamed milk, and flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices, topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs.
- Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte: A non-dairy option that combines blonde espresso, almond milk, and sugar cookie syrup, served over ice and topped with festive sprinkles.
For tea enthusiasts, the Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai offers a spicy and sweet blend that’s perfect for the season.
New Holiday Pastries and Treats
The holiday menu extends beyond beverages, introducing new pastries that cater to both sweet and savory cravings.
- Turkey Sage Danish: A flaky pastry filled with turkey sausage and creamy béchamel sauce, offering a satisfying option for those seeking a hearty snack.
- Dark Toffee Bundt Cakes: Personal-sized cakes that feature rich, dark toffee flavors, perfect for a sweet indulgence.
- Penguin Shortbread Cookies: Simple yet charming iced cookies shaped like penguins, adding a playful touch to the pastry case.
- Snowman Cake Pops: Made with vanilla cake and buttercream, these treats are dipped in white chocolaty icing and decorated to resemble cheerful snowmen.
Returning favorites like the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish and Cranberry Bliss Bars are also back, much to the delight of long-time fans.
Exclusive Offerings at Starbucks Reserve Locations
For those looking to elevate their Starbucks experience, U.S. Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and stores in Seattle, Chicago, and New York City are offering three exclusive beverages that spotlight an iconic holiday flavor—eggnog.
- Iced Caramel Brulée Eggnog Latte: A luxurious blend of espresso, eggnog, and caramel brulée sauce, served over ice and topped with spiced whipped cream.
- Eggnog Espresso Martini: A festive cocktail that marries the rich flavors of eggnog with the boldness of espresso, perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Fog Nog Tea Latte: A comforting tea latte that combines the creaminess of eggnog with the soothing qualities of tea, creating a unique and warming beverage.
Since first introducing seasonal cups in 1997, Starbucks has made the unveiling of its holiday designs a much-anticipated event.
The company stirred controversy in 2015 when it opted for a minimalist two-toned red cup, removing traditional symbols like reindeer and ornaments. In response to customer feedback, subsequent designs reincorporated festive elements, ensuring that the cups not only carry beverages but also the spirit of the holidays.
This year’s focus on green and thoughtful designs reflects Starbucks’ commitment to both its brand identity and the joy of the season. The cups serve as a canvas that connects customers to the company’s heritage and the communal experience of sharing coffee.
For those who wish to bring the Starbucks holiday experience home, the company is offering three seasonal whole-bean coffee blends throughout November and December:
- Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend: A medium-roast coffee that pairs well with the flavors of a Thanksgiving feast.
- Starbucks Christmas Blend: Celebrating its 40th year, this blend features aged Sumatran beans, providing a spicy and rich flavor profile.
- Starbucks Holiday Blend: A balanced and sweet blend that combines herbal and maple notes, suitable for any holiday occasion.
The launch of the holiday menu is more than just an introduction of new products; it’s a strategic move that has historically boosted Starbucks’ revenue. The festive offerings attract customers seeking seasonal flavors and experiences, which can lead to increased foot traffic and sales.
This is particularly significant as the company navigates the competitive landscape and aims to meet its financial goals.
Moreover, the holiday menu allows Starbucks to showcase its innovation in beverage development, catering to evolving customer tastes while maintaining the essence of what makes the brand special.
Starbucks’ 2024 holiday menu is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. By introducing new drinks like the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher and the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew, alongside returning classics, the company offers something for everyone. The thoughtful design of the festive cups enhances the customer experience, turning a simple beverage into a moment of joy and connection.
As the holidays approach, these offerings provide an opportunity to savor the flavors of the season and create memorable moments with every sip.
