We may be stubbornly sweating through our flannel as we sip our PSLs, but Starbucks is ready to string up the twinkle lights and stock the peppermint syrup. Starbucks releasing their holiday menu usually signals the official start of “cozy season,” and they’ve gone ahead and announced exactly what’s going to be on that menu this year. The holiday menu doesn’t launch until November 6th, so Mariah Carey still has plenty of time to finish defrosting.
The classics you’ve come to know and love will all be making a return. Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brûlée Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, and Iced Gingerbread Chai are all going to be back on the menu when the holiday specials drop. Not to be too basic, but for me? That first sip of a Peppermint Mocha makes me believe in Santa. These are the drinks that show up every year like that one friend who’s going to make sure everyone takes a picture in matching pajamas. Notice that I missed one or two faves? That’s because Starbucks is waiting until a little closer to the actual holiday countdown to release the Chestnut Praline and Eggnog Lattes, but they’ll be coming back this year.
Now that we’ve discussed the sips, let’s talk snacks. Holiday bakery icons you’ve known and loved for years will be making an appearance in the pastry case. The Snowman Cookie, Cranberry Bliss Bar, and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish will all be back for you to snack on while you count down the days until you board your flight to grandma’s. No one orders a Peppermint Mocha without getting a Snowman Cookie. It simply isn’t done. …OK, maybe that’s just a me thing, but you all should try it. Joining the pastry lineup, we also have a few newcomers this year. The featured cake pop? It’s a polar bear. And someone at Starbucks HQ must love us, because Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread — just like your Aunt Nancy used to make — will also be available. Your inner child (and your dentist) will be utterly delighted.
In case the tasty treats aren’t enough to tempt you into the store, Starbucks has also given us a sneak peek at the merch that’s dropping this holiday season, and not only are they bringing back Red Cup Day (more on that in a minute), but Hello Kitty herself will be gracing Starbucks stores, because Sanrio and Starbucks decided it was high time for a collab. It’s like my 2003 Trapper Keeper grew up and learned to drink coffee, y’all.
Now, Red Cup Day: Starbucks will once again be offering free reusable cups with your drink, but only while supplies last. It’s basically the grown-up version of waiting for Santa… OK, not quite. But we need serotonin wherever we can find it, right? So enjoy your PSL while you can, because the actual most wonderful time of the coffee year will be back on November 6th.
