Starbucks’ Holiday Menu Has a New Drink, We Tried It First

With the holiday season approaching, Starbucks has unveiled its much-anticipated 2024 holiday menu, featuring familiar favorites and an exciting first: a holiday-themed Refresher! This festive lineup is bound to make the holiday season even more cheerful.

In addition to Starbucks’ iconic Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulée Latte, fans can look forward to a unique Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, delightful cold foams, and delicious new holiday treats.

Here’s everything you need to know about Starbucks’ holiday menu—and a firsthand review of the latest offerings!

Starbucks 2024 Holiday Drinks Fan-Favorites and a New Refresher

The holidays at Starbucks would be the same with classic festive drinks and the brand’s annual holiday cup designs.

This year’s menu brings back much-loved favorites, including the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte, and the Gingerbread Chai.

However, Starbucks’ first-ever holiday Refresher, the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, is the real standout. This refreshing drink combines tangy cranberry and orange with hints of warm spices, offering a fresh take on festive flavors.

Starbucks fans can enjoy the Cran-Merry Orange in three versions: the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher made with water, the Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade with added lemonade for a zingy twist, or the creamy Cran-Merry Drink with coconut milk.

New Seasonal Cold Foams: Gingerbread and More

In addition to the Cran-Merry Refresher, Starbucks is introducing several delicious cold foams to add a festive touch to any beverage. The Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam is a new addition, while the Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam, Sugar Cookie Cream Cold Foam, Chestnut Praline Cream Cold Foam, and Caramel Brulée Cream Cold Foam are all returning to the menu.

For an added layer of flavor, the Salted Pecan Cold Foam—first launched with the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte earlier this fall—will stay available through the holidays.

Festive Treats: From Turkey Sage Danish to the Iconic Snowman Cake Pop

No Starbucks holiday menu is complete without festive treats to pair with your seasonal drinks. This year, Starbucks is introducing a few new food items:

  • Turkey Sage Danish: A buttery, flaky pastry with savory turkey sausage and creamy bechamel sauce.
  • Dark Toffee Bundt Cake: A rich, spiced toffee cake in a personal size.
  • Penguin Cookie and Snowman Cake Pop: Starbucks’ classic holiday treats with fun, festive designs.

Returning favorites include the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish and the Cranberry Bliss Bar.

These holiday menu items, the traditional Christmas Blend coffee and a limited-time Thanksgiving Blend coffee will be available at all Starbucks locations starting November 7.

My Honest Review of the 2024 Starbucks Holiday Menu

I had the chance to try these new items before they launched, and here’s what I thought of Starbucks’ latest festive offerings!

Cran-Merry Orange Refresher Trio: A Holiday First for Starbucks

As someone who usually orders coffee-based drinks, I don’t typically go for Starbucks Refreshers. However, the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher was a pleasant surprise. Each version offers something unique:

  • Cran-Merry Orange Refresher: Balanced with tart cranberry, zesty orange, and warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this drink has a wonderfully festive flavor profile. The spices aren’t overpowering and add a cozy touch.
  • Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade: If you’re looking for a tangier version, try this one. The added lemonade brings out the tart notes, making it a refreshing, citrusy choice.
  • Cran-Merry Drink with Coconut Milk: My favorite of the trio! The coconut milk makes this version creamy and smooth, creating a delightful balance between tartness and richness.

Overall, I was impressed by how each Cran-Merry option provided a distinct taste experience, making them a fun addition to Starbucks’ holiday drink lineup.

Seasonal Treats: Turkey Sage Danish and Dark Toffee Bundt Cake

The new food items this year offer both savory and sweet options, each with holiday flair:

  • Turkey Sage Danish: This was my top pick among the food items. The Danish is buttery and flaky, with a savory filling of seasoned turkey sausage and a creamy bechamel sauce. It’s ideal for a quick breakfast on the go and tastes even better warmed up.
  • Dark Toffee Bundt Cake: Rich and moist, this Bundt cake has deep toffee flavors reminiscent of classic sticky toffee pudding. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it perfect for pairing with a warm drink.
  • Snowman Cake Pop: This vanilla and buttercream cake pop dipped in white chocolate is adorable and tasty, making it a great treat for kids or anyone with a sweet tooth.

Each item is thoughtfully crafted to capture the warmth and comfort of the season. While the Snowman Cake Pop is always fun, I would choose the Dark Toffee Bundt Cake if I crave something sweet.

Conclusion

Starbucks has done an excellent job with this year’s holiday lineup, offering a mix of new and familiar favorites that capture the season’s spirit. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a Refresher fan, there’s something for everyone.

I plan to add the Turkish Sage Danish to my breakfast routine and enjoy the Cran-Merry Drink whenever I want something festive and refreshing.

FAQs

What is Starbucks’ new holiday drink for 2024?

Starbucks has introduced the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, its first-ever holiday-themed Refresher. It’s available in three variations: Cran-Merry Orange Refresher with water, Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade, and the creamy Cran-Merry Drink with coconut milk.

What cold foam flavors are available on Starbucks’ holiday menu?

This year, Starbucks offers the new Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam, along with returning favorites like Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam, Sugar Cookie Cream Cold Foam, Chestnut Praline Cream Cold Foam, and Caramel Brulée Cream Cold Foam. The Salted Pecan Cold Foam is also available through the holidays.

What new food items are on Starbucks’ 2024 holiday menu?

New food items include the Turkey Sage Danish, Dark Toffee Bundt Cake, Penguin Cookie, and Snowman Cake Pop. Popular items like the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish and Cranberry Bliss Bar are also returning.

When will the Starbucks holiday menu be available?

The holiday menu and the Christmas Blend coffee will be available at Starbucks locations nationwide starting November 7, 2024. The Thanksgiving Blend coffee will also be available for a limited time around Thanksgiving.

Which Cran-Merry Orange Refresher should I try?

If you prefer a balance of sweet and tart, try the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher. For a tangier taste, go for the Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade. If you want a creamy option, the Cran-Merry Drink with coconut milk adds a smooth texture that balances the flavors nicely.

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