Starbucks Holiday Menu 2026 Is Here, but One Fan Favorite Is Missing
The Starbucks holiday menu is officially back, and seasonal favorites have been back in stores nationwide since Thursday, Nov. 5. This year's lineup brings a tiramisu-inspired twist and a new fruity refresher, but one longtime favorite didn't make the cut, and fans have noticed. Here's a look at what's on the menu this season, what's new and what fans are missing.
The Returning Holiday Classics
Many of the drinks fans wait for all year are back on the menu. The Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte and Gingerbread Chai have all returned, according to Yahoo Lifestyle.
Holiday bakery staples are also back in the pastry case, including the Cranberry Bliss Bar, the Snowman Cookie and the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish.
What's New This Year
The biggest new addition is the Tiramisu Velvet Latte, which is available hot or iced, along with a Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew. Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, both drinks are "topped with a velvet mascarpone cold foam and a cocoa and coffee dusting."
For those who prefer something fruity, there's the new Apple Pomegranate Refresher, made with apple flavors and popping pomegranate-flavored pearls. A creamier version, the Snowy Apple Refresher, is made with coconut milk.
The menu also includes an Iced Caramel Brulée Cream Chai and an Iced Sugar Cookie Cream Matcha, according to another Yahoo Lifestyle report.
On the food side, Starbucks added a new Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese on sourdough and brought back a revamped Turkey & Stuffing Sandwich on a cranberry-baked baguette. There's also a festive new Bearista Cake Pop, Fox 13 Seattle reported.
The Missing Fan Favorite
Not everyone is celebrating. The Chestnut Praline Latte is missing from this year's lineup, and disappointed fans flooded Starbucks' Instagram comments after the menu was announced in October, according to a USA Today Network report.
Starbucks responded that "some classics make way for new favorites" and suggested fans try the new Tiramisu Velvet Latte instead.
Early reviews of the new drinks have been mixed. One Reddit user who tried the new menu rated the Apple Pomegranate Refresher 4.5 out of 5 and gave the tiramisu drink a 3 out of 5.
Red Cup Day and Bearista Cups
Mark your calendar for Red Cup Day on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Customers who buy a handcrafted holiday drink at participating stores that day will get a free limited-edition reusable red cup while supplies last, Scripps News reported. Starbucks has not yet revealed the cup's design. This year, Red Cup Day falls just over a week before Thanksgiving.
This year's to-go cup lineup includes four hot-cup patterns, a cold cup and a limited-edition holiday pup cup. Starbucks first introduced holiday cups in 1997, and the designs now take nearly two years of work and appear in more than 40,000 stores worldwide.
Collectors will want to act fast. Starting Nov. 10, Starbucks is selling mystery Bearista Glass Cold Cup boxes, with each box hiding a surprise Bearista design. The original 20-ounce Bearista Glass Cold Cup, shaped like a bear wearing a green knit beanie, returns to select stores on Dec. 1 for $29.95. Both are available in limited quantities.
Starbucks collectibles have become a hot commodity, with this fall's Snoopy cup selling for $200 on resale sites.
Before You Go
Before heading out, it may be worth checking that your usual store is still open. Starbucks has closed some locations this year, and Yahoo Lifestyle recommends using the company's store locator to find a coffeehouse near you.
If you plan to stay and enjoy your drink in the store, keep in mind that Starbucks now requires a purchase to sit down at thousands of locations.
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