Starbucks' holiday cups have become so known for their Rudolph's-nose-red color that java fanatics often refer to their first sighting in stores as the beginning of "red cup season." But, as the company celebrates the 20th anniversary of its seasonal paper cups, it's changing up its look entirely. The cup itself is barely red, for starters.
This year, the brand is leaning in to the way people customize their cups — much like they customize their drinks, with the ever-growing "secret menu" — releasing a design that looks like someone took a Sharpie to the everyday paper mug. Sketches highlight classic motifs of the season, like trimming a Christmas tree, a stack of wrapped presents, two doves midair, hands holding a marshmallow-topped mug of cocoa. Hearts, hands, and snowflakes speckle the perimeter, ringing around the siren logo. Portions are colored red, encouraging people to treat the cup like another trend — adult coloring books — and scribble within the lines. Or beyond them.
Starbucks also announced that its U.S. and Canada stores would roll out their seasonal drinks too, featuring three returning favorites: the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Chestnut Praline Latte. In case you need a refresher, here's what's in each:
- Peppermint Mocha — A latte infused with mocha sauce and peppermint syrup, then topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
- Caramel Brulée — This latte's made with caramel brulée sauce, then covered with whipped cream and a crunchy caramel brulée topping, creating a drink that tastes like you're sipping coffee while eating Werther's candy.
- Chestnut Praline — Imagine a pecan pie-inspired latte, and this is basically it. The drink's infused with chestnut praline and vanilla syrups, then topped with whipped cream and crumbled chestnut praline bits.
As part of a promotion for the cups, Starbucks sent a package of Sharpie markers and a paper holiday cup customized for Delish, featuring a Death Star waffle maker, Jaws eating pizza, a Wienermobile drone, donut baby shoes, and even a nod to Halo Top's dystopian ice cream-slinging robot. Essentially, the essence of our very beings, on a paper cup for all eternity. Or as long as that salted caramel mocha lasts.
The design's like the DIY inverse of last year's cup, which was red with 13 unique designs sketched by customers. Previous years' cups have been mostly red too, making this year's mostly white cup a stark contrast from the past.
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