The red cups are back. Starbucks' holiday menu landed in U.S. coffeehouses on November 5, 2026, and this year there's more on it than the usual Peppermint Mocha. There's a new tiramisu drink, a pomegranate refresher with actual pearls in it and a grilled cheese that sounds like a Sunday dinner. We went through Starbucks' official menu announcement and sorted it the way you'd actually order: what to try first, what's a sure thing and what can wait.
A note on cost: Starbucks doesn't publish one national price list for drinks, and prices vary by store. We've left drink prices out. Check your app before you commit.
Worth it: the new Tiramisu Velvet Latte
This is the headline drink, and it's the one we'd try first. Starbucks says it's made with Signature Espresso, milk and vanilla syrup, then topped with a new Velvet Mascarpone Cold Foam and a dusting of cocoa. You can get it hot or iced. If you like your coffee to taste a little like dessert without going full candy, this is your drink.
There's also a Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew for cold brew loyalists. One thing to know if you're dairy-free: Starbucks says the Velvet Mascarpone foam can't be made non-dairy.
Worth it if you skip coffee: the Apple Pomegranate Refresher
The new Apple Pomegranate Refresher comes with pomegranate-flavored pearls. You can also order it as a Snowy Apple Drink made with coconutmilk, or as a lemonade. It's the afternoon pick-me-up for anyone who's had enough caffeine by noon.
The sure things: the returning favorites
If you know what you like, it's all back:
- Peppermint Mocha
- Caramel Brulée Latte
- Sugar Cookie Latte
- Gingerbread Chai and the Iced Gingerbread Cream Chai
There are two new iced spins on old favorites too: the Iced Caramel Brulée Cream Chai and the Iced Sugar Cookie Cream Matcha. The matcha is the one we're most curious about. Sugar cookie and matcha shouldn't work together, and that's exactly why we want to try it.
The quiet upgrade: holiday cold foams (with protein)
Starbucks has five holiday cold foams this year: Velvet Mascarpone, Gingerbread, Peppermint Chocolate, Sugar Cookie and Caramel Brulée. You can add any of them to a plain cold brew to make it feel festive without ordering a whole new drink. Starbucks says each foam can also be made with protein, which adds about 15 grams to a grande. That makes your 7 a.m. coffee count for a little more. As with the mascarpone foam, Starbucks says the Caramel Brulée foam can't be made non-dairy.
Worth it for lunch: the Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese
The surprise of the menu is the new Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese. It's the kind of thing you grab on a cold errand day and eat in the car. The Turkey & Stuffing Sandwich is back too, refreshed on a cranberry baguette.
Bakery case: pick one
New this year are the Bearista Cake Pop, a Snowman Cookie and a Sugar Plum Cheese Danish. The Cranberry Bliss Bar is back, and Starbucks also sells it as a whole tray. That's a smart move for anyone who has to bring something to the office party and has zero time to bake.
Can wait: the merch
Starbucks' holiday merchandise lineup also arrived November 5. It's cute, but it's the easiest part of the menu to talk yourself out of. If you want one piece, the Holiday Village ceramic mug ($24.95) and the Ceramic Striped Espresso Cup ($12.95) are the most giftable. Those are Starbucks' listed in-coffeehouse prices.
Mark your calendar: Red Cup Day is November 17, 2026
On Red Cup Day, November 17, 2026, participating stores will give a collectible reusable red cup with any handcrafted holiday drink, while supplies last. Starbucks is also offering its first-ever holiday pup cup at select stores, and the original Bearista Glass Cold Cup returns to select coffeehouses on December 1.
Want the taste at home?
The Thanksgiving, Christmas and Holiday blends are back as whole bean coffee. Starbucks says Christmas Blend dates back to 1984. A bag makes an easy hostess gift.
Shop the post
- Starbucks 2026 holiday menu, full official list
- Starbucks 2026 holiday merchandise, with in-store prices
- Holiday Village ceramic mug, $24.95 (in coffeehouses)
- Ceramic Striped Espresso Cup, $12.95 (in coffeehouses)
Merchandise prices are Starbucks' listed prices as of November 5, 2026. Drink prices vary by location.
