Quick Answer
The Starbucks holiday menu launches on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Starbucks announced it on November 4.
New this year are the Tiramisu Velvet Latte, Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew and Apple Pomegranate Refreshers. Classics like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte and Sugar Cookie Latte are back.
Red Cup Day, when you get a free reusable cup with a holiday drink, is Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
Starbucks Holiday Menu Release Date
The holiday menu, cups and merchandise arrive in U.S. stores on November 5, 2026. That is the Thursday right after Halloween week, which matches when Starbucks has launched its holiday lineup in recent years.
Some items can sell out at busy stores, especially merchandise. If you want a specific tumbler or the new pup cup, go early.
New Starbucks Holiday Drinks for 2026
Tiramisu Velvet Latte
The headline drink. Starbucks Signature Espresso with milk and vanilla syrup, topped with a Velvet Mascarpone Cold Foam and a dusting of cocoa. It comes hot or iced and is inspired by the Italian dessert.
Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew
Starbucks Cold Brew with vanilla syrup, the same mascarpone cold foam and cocoa on top. A good pick if you want the dessert flavor with a stronger coffee taste.
Apple Pomegranate Refreshers
A bright, fruity non coffee option for people who do not want a heavy holiday latte. Starbucks calls them "bright and refreshing."
Returning Holiday Drinks
- Peppermint Mocha: espresso, mocha sauce and peppermint, with whipped cream and chocolate curls.
- Caramel Brulee Latte: espresso with caramel brulee sauce and a crunchy topping.
- Sugar Cookie Latte: a blonde espresso drink with sugar cookie flavor and festive sprinkles.
- Gingerbread Chai: spiced chai with gingerbread notes.
Most holiday drinks can be ordered hot, iced or blended, and you can swap in nondairy milk.
Starbucks Holiday Food and Treats
The bakery case gets its seasonal favorites back too:
- Cranberry Bliss Bar: blondie with cranberries, cream cheese icing and orange zest.
- Snowman Cookie: a decorated shortbread style cookie.
- Sugar Plum Cheese Danish: a flaky pastry with cream cheese and sugar plum filling.
Starbucks Holiday Cups 2026
This year's to-go cups use ribbon and bow motifs in Starbucks green and red, plus retro shades of mint, antique gold, cranberry and creamy white. The hot cups feature holiday trees and bows, and the cold cup has evergreen and red bows.
For the first time, Starbucks is also offering a limited edition holiday pup cup at select stores while supplies last. Good Morning America reports the design was inspired by a real beagle named Junie.
When Is Red Cup Day 2026?
Red Cup Day is Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Starbucks confirmed the date to USA TODAY on October 26.
Here is how it works: buy a handcrafted holiday drink and you get a free collectible reusable red cup, while supplies last. Your drink is usually served in a regular cup, and you take the reusable one home.
Starbucks has not revealed this year's cup design yet. Last year, the free cup was available in store, at the drive through, in the app and through delivery partners, and customers who brought a cup back later got a 10 cent discount. Starbucks has not confirmed whether those same perks return in 2026.
Tips for Red Cup Day
- Go early. Popular stores often run out of cups before lunch.
- Order ahead in the app if your store allows it, so you skip the line.
- Pick an eligible drink. Brewed coffee and plain tea usually do not count. Choose a handcrafted holiday beverage.
- Check that the store participates. Licensed locations inside grocery stores or airports may not join in.
How to Order Holiday Drinks for Less Sugar
Holiday lattes can be very sweet. A few easy changes help:
- Ask for fewer pumps of syrup. A grande usually has four.
- Skip the whipped cream.
- Choose a tall instead of a grande.
- Try the cold brew version, which often has less milk and syrup than a latte.
Which Holiday Drink Should You Try First?
If you like dessert drinks, start with the Tiramisu Velvet Latte, since it is new and may not return next year. If you prefer coffee forward, the Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew keeps the flavor but tastes less sweet. Peppermint Mocha is the safe pick for anyone who wants the classic holiday taste.
Want something light? The Apple Pomegranate Refresher has no espresso and suits an afternoon pick me up.
Holiday Merchandise and Gift Ideas
Starbucks also releases holiday tumblers, mugs and gift cards with the menu. These tend to sell out first, especially the collectible cold cups. A Starbucks gift card loaded with a few drinks makes an easy stocking stuffer, and you can send one from the app.
Holiday whole bean coffees such as Christmas Blend usually return at the same time if you want to brew at home.
Starbucks Rewards During the Holidays
Starbucks Rewards members often get bonus star challenges and app only offers through November and December. Check the Offers tab in the app before ordering, since a double stars day can make a holiday latte cheaper in practice.
Starbucks Holiday Menu vs Dunkin Holiday Menu
Dunkin launched its own holiday lineup a day earlier, on November 4, with a "Donutcracker" cup design and returning Cookie Butter and Toasted White Chocolate drinks. Starbucks leans on espresso and dessert inspired lattes, while Dunkin leans on sweeter flavored coffees at lower prices. Both are worth a try if you want variety this season.
FAQ
When does the Starbucks holiday menu come out in 2026?
Thursday, November 5, 2026.
What is new on the Starbucks holiday menu?
The Tiramisu Velvet Latte, Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew and Apple Pomegranate Refreshers.
Is the Peppermint Mocha back?
Yes, along with the Caramel Brulee Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte and Gingerbread Chai.
When is Red Cup Day 2026?
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, while supplies last.
How long does the holiday menu last?
Usually until around early January, when Starbucks switches to its winter menu. Some items leave sooner if stores run out.
The Bottom Line
The Starbucks holiday menu is back on November 5, 2026, led by new Tiramisu Velvet drinks and Apple Pomegranate Refreshers alongside the Peppermint Mocha and other favorites.
Mark Tuesday, November 17 for Red Cup Day and get there early for the free cup.
