Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024: New Flavors, Festive Treats, and Signature Cheer
Starbucks unwraps its 2024 holiday menu, blending beloved classics, bright new drinks, and festive treats—see what’s brewing this season.
Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024: What’s New, What’s Back, and What to Try
As the holiday season approaches, Starbucks enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the coffee giant’s signature festive menu. The 2024 Starbucks Holiday Menu, launching November 7, delivers a mix of nostalgic favorites, innovative new sips, and delicious limited-edition treats, all wrapped in eye-catching seasonal cup designs. This comprehensive guide covers every new and returning item, details about what’s missing, and tips for making the most of this year’s joyful offerings.
Highlights of the 2024 Holiday Menu
- Cran-Merry Orange Refresher: Starbucks’ first-ever holiday-season Refresher drink.
- Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew: A nutty, sweet new cold coffee option.
- Returning Classics: Fan-favorites like Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, and Iced Sugar Cookie Oat Latte.
- Festive Food Lineup: Seasonal snacks including the new Turkey Sage Danish, Penguin Cookie, Dark Toffee Bundt, and returning treats like the Cranberry Bliss Bar.
- Limited Edition Cups: Joyful cup designs adding extra cheer to every order.
What’s New on the Starbucks Holiday Menu for 2024
Starbucks is known for balancing tradition with creativity. This year, two new beverages headline the holiday offerings, and festive new snacks make their debut:
Cran-Merry Orange Refresher
This drink marks a first for Starbucks’ holiday lineup: a Refresher made just for winter. Crafted “like a festive punch,” it combines sweet orange, tart cranberry, and warm spices with a cranberry base. The result is a layered sensory experience—fruity, spiced, and topped with real chopped cranberries. Customize it as:
- Cran-Merry Orange Refresher: Mixed with water for a bright, light flavor.
- Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher: Adds a lemony tang for extra zing.
- The Cran-Merry Drink: Blended with creamy coconut milk for a smooth, dairy-free twist.
Beverage developer Billy Altieri describes it as evoking a festive punch—inviting with its colors, aromas, and taste. Starbucks fans looking for something new should start here.
Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
This new cold coffee offering was designed for those seeking a blend of indulgence and refreshment. The drink features cold brew coffee sweetened with vanilla, topped with salted pecan cold foam, and finished with a crunchy pecan praline topping. It’s nutty, sweet, and offers a satisfying contrast of textures—perfect for cold brew lovers who want a winter twist.
Returning Holiday Beverage Favorites
Many classic Starbucks holiday drinks are back for another season, each with its devoted fan base. Here’s what you’ll find on the 2024 menu:
- Peppermint Mocha: Espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha sauce, and peppermint syrup topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. Available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino (and in a non-coffee hot chocolate version).
- Caramel Brulée Latte: Rich, buttery caramel brulée sauce blended into espresso and steamed milk, crowned with whipped cream and a caramel brulée topping.
- Chestnut Praline Latte: Toasty chestnut flavor and praline syrup combine for a cozy, wintery latte, topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs.
- Iced Sugar Cookie Oat Latte: Dairy-free and cheerful, this option uses Starbucks Blonde espresso, sugar cookie-flavored syrup, and oat milk, then gets topped with festive red and green sprinkles.
- Peppermint White Chocolate: The classic white chocolate mocha with a peppermint twist, available hot, iced, or blended—and as a hot chocolate.
What’s Missing from the 2024 Menu?
While the menu brings back most fan favorites, several much-loved drinks are missing in 2024:
- Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
- Eggnog Latte
- Gingerbread Latte
Starbucks has yet to confirm whether these items will return in future seasons, leaving some fans disappointed but others eager to try the new creations.
Festive Holiday Treats: What’s New and What’s Back
No Starbucks holiday menu would be complete without an assortment of winter-inspired snacks and sweets. The 2024 menu features both new bakery treats and classic returns:
- Turkey Sage Danish (New): Flaky pastry filled with turkey and sage—savory and festive.
- Dark Toffee Bundt (New): A mini bundt cake with deep toffee flavor.
- Penguin Cookie (New): Iced shortbread shaped like an adorable penguin.
- Snowman Cake Pop: Cute snowman cake pops, always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Cranberry Bliss Bar (Returning): Soft blondie base with cranberries, cream cheese icing, and an orange zest drizzle.
- Sugar Plum Cheese Danish (Returning): A flaky pastry with creamy cheese and a sweet sugar plum filling.
2024 Holiday Cup Designs: Merrier Than Ever
Starbucks’ holiday cup release is an event in itself. The 2024 collection, led by creative director Kristy Cameron, was inspired by themes of togetherness and sharing joy. The cups feature bold, bright colors, playful designs, and messaging that celebrates community, connection, and a little everyday magic. Each design adds a festive finishing touch to every order.
Tips for Ordering and Customizing Your Holiday Drink
With so many options, Starbucks encourages customers to personalize their drinks. Here’s how to make the most of the holiday menu:
- Ask for alternative milks: Almond, coconut, oat, and soy milk are available for most drinks.
- Try different toppings: Swapping whipped cream for cold foam or requesting extra sprinkles/toppings is encouraged.
- Mix and match flavors: Try adding a pump of peppermint to a Caramel Brulée Latte or mixing mocha into a Chestnut Praline Latte for a new twist.
- Adjust sweetness: All syrups can be customized, so ask for fewer or extra pumps depending on your taste.
How Starbucks Compares: Holiday Menu Competition
| Aspect | Starbucks | Dunkin’ | Peet’s Coffee | The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Menu Release | November 7, 2024 | Late October/Early November | Early November | Early November |
| Signature Drink | Peppermint Mocha | Holiday Cookie Signature Latte | Peppermint Mocha | Ice Blended Peppermint Mocha |
| New Offerings | Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew | Cookie Butter Cold Brew | Holiday Spice Latte | Peppermint Stick Ice Blended |
| Unique Features | Cold foam customization, festive cup designs | Seasonal flavors, holiday-themed cups | High-quality, small-batch coffee | Wide variety of holiday flavors |
Key Dates: When to Order the 2024 Starbucks Holiday Menu
- Menu Launch: November 7, 2024
- Red Cup Day: Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day is typically held mid-November, when customers receive a limited edition reusable red cup with qualifying purchase.
- Availability: Most holiday items remain available until early January, while supplies last. Limited-edition treats and cups often sell out quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the standout new drinks on the Starbucks 2024 holiday menu?
A: The biggest new arrivals are the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher—Starbucks’ first holiday-themed Refresher—and the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew, a cold coffee treat topped with nutty foam and pecan crunch.
Q: Are any fan favorite drinks not available this year?
A: Yes. The Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Eggnog Latte, and Gingerbread Latte have not returned for 2024.
Q: Can Starbucks holiday drinks be customized?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute non-dairy milks, change toppings, adjust sweetness, and mix flavors to create your perfect festive drink.
Q: Are there new holiday treats or bakery items this year?
A: Yes—the Turkey Sage Danish, Dark Toffee Bundt, and charming Penguin Cookie join returning favorites like the Cranberry Bliss Bar and Snowman Cake Pop.
Q: What makes the 2024 holiday cups special?
A: The 2024 cups feature bright, festive designs focused on joy, togetherness, and community, crafted by Starbucks’ creative team and rolled out across all stores.
A Toast to Holiday Traditions and New Tastes
Starbucks’ 2024 holiday menu exemplifies the brand’s ongoing effort to balance tradition and fresh excitement. Whether you’re sipping a nostalgic Peppermint Mocha, trying the bold new Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, or grabbing a handful of festive treats, there’s something for every palate. With new cups, returning classics, and innovative flavors, the Starbucks holiday season is once again an essential part of winter celebrations.
