Starbucks Holiday Drinks Return for 2024: Red Cups, New Refreshers, and a Festive Menu Lineup
The holiday season is in full swing at Starbucks, with the official release of its much-anticipated holiday menu on November 7, 2024. Known for its seasonal blends of coffee, holiday drinks, and signature red cups, Starbucks continues to create a cheerful experience that coffee lovers look forward to each year. From returning favorites like the Peppermint Mocha to exciting new additions such as Cran-Merry Orange Refreshers, the 2024 holiday lineup delivers an array of flavors perfect for any festive mood.
Several Starbucks holiday drinks are back by popular demand. Among the most beloved is the Peppermint Mocha, a signature drink now enjoyed for over 20 years. The Peppermint Mocha features a blend of espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint syrup, all topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. In a Grande size (16 oz), this indulgent holiday treat comes in at 440 calories.
Also making a return is the Caramel Brulée Latte—a creamy blend of espresso, steamed milk, and caramel brulée sauce, finished with whipped cream and caramel brulée topping. A Grande has around 410 calories, providing a warm and sweet flavor for cozy winter days.
Fans of earthy, spiced flavors will appreciate the Chestnut Praline Latte, a combination of caramelized chestnut syrup, espresso, and steamed milk topped with spiced praline crumbs. It has a calorie count of 330 in the Grande size, fitting comfortably into the seasonal lineup.
For a lighter holiday treat, Starbucks offers the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, which brings a festive flavor without the dairy. This almondmilk-based latte has only 180 calories, making it a lower-calorie option topped with festive red and green sprinkles.
For the first time, Starbucks is introducing holiday-themed Refreshers, providing non-coffee options for a refreshing twist on holiday drinks. The Cran-Merry Orange Refresher combines cranberry, orange, and warm spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, delivering 100 calories per Grande. Starbucks also introduced the Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher, which adds a splash of lemonade for a slightly more tangy twist, containing 140 calories. Lastly, the Cran-Merry Drink, made with creamy coconut milk, also clocks in at 140 calories and serves as a dairy-free alternative.
Starbucks’ holiday drink offerings wouldn’t be complete without the traditional Red Cup Day. Every year, Red Cup Day rewards customers with a free, reusable red cup for each purchase of a seasonal drink. This year, Red Cup Day is rumored to fall on Thursday, November 14. Starbucks fans anticipate the release each year, as the red cups have become a symbol of the season.
Along with their seasonal beverages, Starbucks has debuted four festive holiday cup designs for 2024, including themes like “Joyful Connection” and “Siren Chorus.” There’s also a limited-edition cold cup in a holiday charm design. In addition to the festive cups, Starbucks has launched a full range of holiday-themed drinkware, from shimmering tumblers to vibrant red cold cups.
Starbucks has expanded its holiday food menu this year with exciting new items. The Turkey Sage Danish and Dark Toffee Bundt Cake join the lineup, as well as the Penguin Cookie for a playful holiday twist. Returning treats include the Snowman Cake Pop, Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, and Cranberry Bliss Bar—favorites that capture the flavors of the season.
In another major change, Starbucks will no longer charge extra for non-dairy milks in its U.S. and Canadian locations. This policy update means customers can now choose between oat, almond, soy, and coconut milk at no additional cost, marking a win for those who opt for plant-based beverages.
Nutritional Considerations for Starbucks Holiday Drinks
With so many indulgent flavors, Starbucks offers options for everyone’s taste and dietary preferences. Drinks like the Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, which has 480 calories, represent a festive treat for special occasions. Meanwhile, lighter choices such as the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte (150 calories) and the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher (100 calories) offer lower-calorie options. For those keeping an eye on their calorie intake, Starbucks provides both rich and refreshing choices this season.