Starbucks Red Cup Drinks List

The Magic Behind the Starbucks Red Cup

Every year, as the weather turns frosty and Christmas music fills the air, there’s one sure sign that the holidays have officially arrived — Starbucks red cups. These festive cups are more than just containers for coffee; they’re a cultural symbol of holiday cheer, nostalgia, and warmth.

When Starbucks switches from its classic green cups to the signature red design, fans everywhere know it’s time for holiday drinks, cozy sweaters, and maybe a snowflake or two. The red cup is a tradition that has come to represent joy, togetherness, and those small moments of comfort that make winter feel magical.

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What Is the Starbucks Red Cup?

The Starbucks red cup first appeared in 1997, and since then, it’s become a seasonal icon. Each year, Starbucks releases a new design — always centered around themes of joy, warmth, and celebration.

But the red cup isn’t just about looks; it marks the return of the holiday menu, featuring limited-edition drinks that fans wait all year for. These drinks are crafted with festive flavors like peppermint, caramel, chestnut, and sugar cookie — all designed to capture the taste of the holidays in every sip.

In 2025, the red cup lineup is more exciting than ever, featuring both classic favorites and new seasonal creations.

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The Complete Starbucks Red Cup Drinks List (2025 Edition)

Here’s the full breakdown of the drinks you’ll find in Starbucks’ iconic red cups this holiday season.

Each drink has its own signature flavor, so whether you love something rich and chocolatey, sweet and nutty, or creamy and spiced, there’s a red cup for every coffee lover.

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1. Peppermint Mocha

Flavor Profile:
Rich chocolate meets cool peppermint in this timeless holiday favorite. Made with espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint syrup, it’s topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls for a true festive indulgence.

Tastes Like:
A peppermint chocolate candy in a mug — cozy, nostalgic, and wonderfully sweet.

Pro Tip:
Ask for almond milk and half the syrup pumps for a lighter version that still delivers the holiday flavor punch.

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2. Caramel Brûlée Latte

Flavor Profile:
This creamy, caramel-infused latte tastes like a holiday dessert in a cup. It features espresso, steamed milk, and rich caramel brûlée sauce, finished with whipped cream and caramelized sugar toppings.

Tastes Like:
Smooth caramel pudding with a hint of toasted sugar — cozy, buttery, and irresistible.

Best Paired With:
A warm slice of coffee cake or gingerbread cookie for an afternoon treat.

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3. Chestnut Praline Latte

Flavor Profile:
A nutty, toasty masterpiece that perfectly captures the feeling of sitting by a winter fireplace. The drink blends espresso, milk, and chestnut praline syrup, then tops it with whipped cream and praline crumble.

Tastes Like:
Candied nuts and caramelized sugar with a warm, roasted finish.

Customization Idea:
Try it with oat milk for a creamy, nut-forward flavor that pairs beautifully with the praline notes.

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4. Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte

Flavor Profile:
A festive newcomer turned instant classic! This dairy-free latte is made with blonde espresso, almond milk, and sugar cookie syrup, then topped with red and green sprinkles for that magical holiday touch.

Tastes Like:
Buttery sugar cookies with hints of vanilla and almond — light, cozy, and comforting.

Fun Fact:
It’s one of Starbucks’ few holiday drinks that’s 100% dairy-free by default!

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5. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

Flavor Profile:
Sweet and velvety with a caramelized white chocolate twist. Espresso, steamed milk, and toasted white chocolate mocha sauce combine for a rich, winter-perfect drink topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles.

Tastes Like:
A creamy white chocolate truffle toasted by the fireplace.

Try This:
Ask for half mocha sauce and no whipped cream for a lighter, less sugary version.

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6. Gingerbread Latte

Flavor Profile:
A nostalgic classic made with espresso, steamed milk, and gingerbread syrup, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. The taste is a blend of spicy, sweet, and cozy — just like your favorite gingerbread cookies.

Tastes Like:
A warm gingerbread cookie dipped in coffee.

Pair With:
A snow day and a Christmas movie marathon!

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7. Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

Flavor Profile:
A decadent mix of white chocolate mocha sauce, peppermint syrup, and espresso topped with whipped cream and crushed candy cane bits. It’s holiday sweetness in every sip.

Tastes Like:
A white chocolate peppermint bark turned into a drink.

Tip:
Try it iced for a refreshing twist that’s still indulgent.

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8. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino (Holiday Edition)

Flavor Profile:
While not technically a latte, this cold blended option earns a spot on the red cup list for its festive caramel drizzle, crunchy sugar topping, and creamy layers of whipped perfection.

Tastes Like:
Frozen caramel heaven — sweet, smooth, and perfect for warmer winter days.

Customization Idea:
Add one pump of peppermint syrup for a candy-caramel crossover you’ll love.

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9. Chestnut Praline Cold Brew

Flavor Profile:
A refreshing take on the holiday classic, this cold brew version blends chestnut praline syrup with cold foam for a nutty, energizing treat that’s not too sweet.

Tastes Like:
Cold, bold coffee meets warm, nutty sweetness.

Best For:
Those who love the holidays but don’t want hot drinks.

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10. Iced Sugar Cookie Latte

Flavor Profile:
The iced version of the Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte, made with the same syrup but poured over ice for a lighter, more refreshing sip.

Tastes Like:
Frosted sugar cookies in cold, creamy coffee form.

Perfect For:
Afternoon pick-me-ups or anyone who prefers iced coffee year-round.

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The History of Starbucks Red Cup Drinks

The Starbucks red cup has evolved from a simple design in the 1990s into an annual celebration of creativity. Every year, Starbucks unveils new patterns — snowflakes, stars, ribbons, and even hand-drawn festive illustrations.

But alongside the evolving cup design, Starbucks has built a tradition of releasing limited-edition drinks. Many of these flavors, like Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brûlée Latte, have been around for over a decade — proving that fans can’t get enough of these comforting blends.

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How to Customize Your Red Cup Drink

Starbucks gives you endless options to make your drink perfectly yours.

Here’s how to tailor your red cup favorite to fit your taste and dietary needs:

Choose Your Milk

• Almond Milk: Light, nutty, and dairy-free

• Oat Milk: Creamy and smooth — a perfect balance for lattes

• Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical sweetness

• Soy Milk: High in protein and neutral in taste

Adjust Sweetness

Ask for fewer syrup pumps to reduce sugar without losing flavor. You can also try sugar-free vanilla syrup as a lighter option.

Skip the Whipped Cream

Whipped cream can add 80–100 calories. Replace it with cold foam or a dusting of cinnamon instead.

Try It Iced or Blended

Iced or blended versions tend to be less rich and lighter in calories.

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Limited-Edition Red Cup Surprises

Every season, Starbucks surprises fans with exclusive red cup releases and secret menu drinks inspired by holiday flavors.

Some fan-favorite red cup hacks include:

• Candy Cane Cold Brew: Cold brew + 2 pumps peppermint syrup + sweet cream cold foam

• Snickerdoodle Latte: Sugar Cookie Latte + 1 pump cinnamon dolce syrup

• Christmas Cookie Frappuccino: Vanilla Bean Frappe + 2 pumps sugar cookie syrup + caramel drizzle

Each of these drinks fits the festive red cup vibe, even if they’re not officially on the menu.

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Red Cup Day: The Ultimate Holiday Launch

Starbucks Red Cup Day is one of the most anticipated coffee events of the year. Usually held in early November, it marks the official start of the holiday season for Starbucks fans.

On Red Cup Day, customers who order a holiday drink receive a free reusable red cup — a collectible that changes design every year. Many fans line up early just to grab one, turning it into a global coffee celebration.

It’s not just about caffeine; it’s about community, tradition, and the joy of small rituals that make the holidays feel special.

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Healthier Red Cup Options

If you want to enjoy your festive favorite without going overboard, try these low-calorie red cup versions:

• Light Peppermint Mocha: Almond milk, no whipped cream, 2 pumps peppermint syrup (~190 calories)

• Oat Milk Chestnut Latte: Oat milk, light praline topping (~220 calories)

• Sugar Cookie Latte: Dairy-free and already low in sugar (~180 calories)

• Caramel Brûlée Cold Brew: 1 pump caramel syrup, no topping (~120 calories)

These tweaks let you sip the season guilt-free.

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Starbucks Red Cup Drinks You Can Make at Home

Want the magic without the drive-thru line? Here are easy copycat recipes for your favorite red cup drinks:

Homemade Peppermint Mocha

• 1 shot espresso

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• ½ tsp peppermint extract

• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)

• Sweetener to taste

Warm milk, stir in cocoa and peppermint, pour over espresso, and top with whipped cream.

DIY Sugar Cookie Latte

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 shot blonde espresso

Heat and froth milk, add vanilla and brown sugar, pour over espresso, and top with festive sprinkles!

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FAQs: Starbucks Red Cup Drinks

1. When do Starbucks red cups return?
Usually in early November, marking the start of the Starbucks holiday season.

2. Are all Starbucks holiday drinks served in red cups?
Most hot and iced seasonal drinks are served in red cups during the holiday period, though some cold drinks come in clear cups.

3. Can I customize red cup drinks to be dairy-free?
Yes! Starbucks offers almond, oat, soy, and coconut milk options.

4. Which red cup drink is the healthiest?
The Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte is naturally lower in calories and dairy-free.

5. Are red cup designs the same worldwide?
No — each country often has its own design and sometimes even exclusive flavors.

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Wrapping Up the Red Cup Magic

The Starbucks red cup drinks list is more than just a menu — it’s a yearly tradition that brings people together with every sip. From peppermint swirls to caramel drizzles, these festive drinks embody the spirit of the season.

Whether you grab your red cup to kick off a busy morning or savor it by the Christmas tree, each cup holds more than coffee — it holds a memory, a smile, and a moment of joy.

So this year, unwrap the magic, pick your favorite from the Starbucks red cup list, and toast to a season filled with flavor, warmth, and cheer.