Maddie Lander | Writer
November 7, 2025
The holiday season has officially arrived at Starbucks. Yesterday, November 6, Starbucks launched its new holiday menu, bringing back classics and some new additions. For many people, the return of Starbucks’ red cups is a true sign that the holidays are here.
This year’s lineup includes a mix of old favorites and new choices. Returning to the menu are classic drinks like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brûlée Latte, and the Sugar Cookie Latte. These drinks have been included in the holiday menu for many years and will be for many more to come. Fans look forward to these sweet and comforting flavors every holiday season. The peppermint mocha, for example, mixes chocolate and peppermint to taste like a candy cane in a cup. The Caramel Brûlée Latte offers a rich, buttery flavor with caramel pieces on top, while the Sugar Cookie Latte combines sweet cookie flavors with red and green sprinkles for the perfect festive winter beverage. A frequent Starbucks customer, Amelia Winkler looks forward to ordering her favorite holiday drink, “the Sugar Cookie Latte with sugar cookie cold foam and extra sprinkles.”
Along with the classics, Starbucks is offering new drinks that are already gaining attention. The Sugar Cookie Breve, similar to the Sugar Cookie latte, is a sweet latte made with half-and-half, offering a rich drink that tastes like a liquefied sugar cookie. It’s served over ice, making it perfect for anyone who wants a refreshing twist on a holiday drink. Another new addition is the Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai, which mixes the spices of chai with the iconic taste of gingerbread. This beverage is offered iced, hot, or as a Frappuccino, making it the most versatile of the group, especially because it is dairy-free. These drinks give customers more variety, especially for those who prefer iced beverages even in winter.
Starbucks also introduced new cup designs this year. The cups feature bright red and green designs, some with bows and others with squares. Sophomore at SCHS and avid Starbucks customer, Emily Ding noted that she “love[s] the red and green bows on the cups instead of the white sparkles they had last year.” They also introduced a new glass teddy bear cup, with a green beanie, called the Bearista Cold Cup, which has people lining up out the door early in the morning to acquire one. They’re festive, fun, and the perfect holiday gift.
To make the season even sweeter, Starbucks brought back their holiday baked goods, including the Cranberry Bliss Bar, Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, the Snowman Cookie, and the Polar Bear Cake Pop. The Cranberry Bliss Bar and Sugar Plum Danish both offer a sweet and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with any of the new drinks or old drinks. The Snowman Cookie and Polar Bear Cake Pop are both a fan favorite amongst young children.
Whether you’re stopping by before school or meeting friends after class, Starbucks’ holiday drinks offer a cozy way to celebrate the season. With their nostalgic flavors and festive cups, they’re the perfect treat to warm up your day.
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