Starbucks Christmas Drinks: What’s New and What’s Coming Back (or Not) in 2025
With the holiday season around the corner, so is the excitement around the Starbucks Christmas drinks menu. Fans want to know which beloved flavors have returned, which ones didn’t make the cut this year and what new creations Starbucks has added to the lineup. And of course, there’s the iconic red cup design. As Eater notes, the red cup launch has become a cultural ritual that signals the unofficial start of the holidays for a lot of people.
This year’s holiday menu is already live. Starbucks confirmed its lineup in its official announcement, and just like the popular Starbucks Valentine's drink, it includes a mix of new options and returning favorites.
Longtime staples like the Peppermint Mocha, a holiday favorite for more than 20 years, are back, along with new flavors Starbucks introduced for this year’s menu. Whether you’re loyal to the classics or excited to try something new, here’s what to know about Starbucks Christmas drinks this year.
Jump to Section
- What We're Expecting in the Starbucks Christmas Drinks Menu
- Best Starbucks Christmas Drinks of All Time
- More Delicious Starbucks Seasonal Drinks
- Starbucks Fall Drinks
- Starbucks Summer Drinks
- Starbucks Winter Drinks
- Starbucks Spring Drinks
What We're Expecting in the Starbucks Christmas Drinks Menu
Starbucks Christmas Drinks Release Date
Starbucks usually releases its holiday menu in early November, making it a reliable November holiday moment people look forward to each year. While the exact date shifts slightly, the overall pattern stays the same. What changes is the lineup itself: which classics come back, which new flavors join the menu and which favorites quietly disappear. This year's holiday announcement confirms that Starbucks is sticking with its familiar mix of nostalgia and new additions.
The brand is leaning into warm, seasonal flavors with a few updates to its iced drinks. Fans of the traditional holiday menu will find plenty to love, but there are also fresh options that feel right at home in the current cold-foam era.
What’s Coming Back
There’s always a lot of buzz around the Starbucks Christmas drink menu. Fans want to know which favorites are coming back, which drinks have been cut and what’s new this year. The good news is you don’t have to wait, because Starbucks has already confirmed this year's holiday lineup.
Peppermint Mocha
Still the holiday icon. Starbucks says this drink has been part of the seasonal menu for more than 20 years, and it remains one of the first items people ask about every season.
Caramel Brulée Latte
Another seasonal staple returning this year. It hits that warm caramel note people associate with cold weather and holiday treats. It tastes like Thanksgiving dessert in a cup.
Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
This drink hasn’t been around as long as the classics, but it’s already carved out loyal fans. If a sugar cookie in iced latte form is your thing, you’ll be happy to know it’s back for another season.
Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
After becoming one of the most talked-about drinks last year, the Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai is returning this year with its warm, spicy, holiday energy.
What’s New This Year: Holiday Cold Foam Lineup
Eggnog lovers get something fresh this year. Instead of a full Eggnog Latte (which is still gone), Starbucks introduces an Eggnog Cream Cold Foam that can top cold brews, iced lattes or holiday refreshers. It’s the closest the chain has come to reviving the original flavor in years.
Because of all the excitement around the holiday menu, Starbucks gift cards would make great Secret Santa gifts, especially if you need gifts for coffee lovers.
What’s Not Coming Back
Gingerbread Latte
The Gingerbread Latte still isn’t making a comeback this year. Fans ask about it every year, but Starbucks has shifted toward chai-based gingerbread flavors instead.
Full Eggnog Latte
Still not returning. The new Eggnog Cream Cold Foam appears to be Starbucks’ compromise — giving people the flavor without bringing back the original drink.
Best Starbucks Christmas Drinks of All Time
Hot Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
We mentioned it above because it is returning this year, but it deserves a place on any all-time list. When Starbucks introduced this latte, it instantly filled a gap for people who wanted a festive drink that wasn’t heavy or peppermint-forward. It tastes just like the cookies you used to leave for Santa and is a sweet treat for the festive season, especially in its iced version.
Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
This one became a breakout hit when it launched, thanks to that gingerbread-meets-chai spice mix that feels exactly like December. The Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte was a new addition to the Christmas drinks but quickly became one of the best. This Christmas drink has the warm and comforting flavor of chai mixed with gingerbread for the holiday season. You can also enjoy this Starbucks Christmas drink in a hot version.
It’s not part of the official holiday lineup this year, but fans still talk about it constantly and many try to recreate their own version at home. Its absence actually seems to fuel its “best drink ever” status.
Caramel Brulée Latte
We already covered that it’s back this year, but it earns all-time status because of its unmistakable caramelized sugar flavor. It has that holiday-treat energy without being over the top, and it’s one of the Starbucks seasonal drinks people wait for every year. The blend of caramel and warming spices creates an unforgettable Starbucks Christmas drink you can enjoy throughout the season.
Enjoy sipping on this as you bring Christmas wreath ideas to life during a holiday craft night.
Hot Chestnut Praline Latte
The Hot Chestnut Praline Latte quickly became one of the best Starbucks seasonal drinks of all time. The drink tastes like the roasted nuts many often enjoy during the holiday season and the blend of spices tastes exactly like Christmas.
And since it’s not too sweet, it can become a regular drink to enjoy during the holiday season. Starbucks Christmas drinks. Plus, if you’re looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas, have your elf devour one of these drinks.
Gingerbread Latte
A true throwback. The Gingerbread Latte hasn’t been on the U.S. holiday menu for years, and it’s still not returning this year, but its reputation lives on. It was one of Starbucks’ earliest holiday standouts, and the annual “is it coming back?” conversation shows how much people loved it. Even though it’s gone, it remains one of the most iconic holiday drinks Starbucks has ever released.
More Delicious Starbucks Seasonal Drinks
Sugar Cookie Frappuccino
If you want something sweet and nostalgic, the Sugar Cookie Frappuccino is the closest thing Starbucks makes to a holiday milkshake. This one is related to the returning Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte mentioned earlier, but the sugar cookie flavor has also found its way into a Frappuccino. Similar to the other sugar cookie-flavored Starbucks Christmas drinks, it has a sweet and nostalgic flavor that captures a classic Christmas cookie. It shows up around the holidays and feels like a once-in-a-while treat worth leaning into.
Peppermint Mocha
You’ve already seen this one appear in the “returning drinks” list, but it also deserves a spot here. It’s absolutely delicious and offers a sleigh-load of nostalgia too. Peppermint is a classic flavor during the holiday season, so anyone who’s looking for a festive drink has to put this one on their list every year. If you want the most classic Christmas flavor Starbucks has ever created, this is it.
And if you’re looking for DIY Christmas ornaments, why not make a version of your favorite holiday drinks?
Starbucks Fall Drinks
Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is an icon of the fall Starbucks menu. Many people anticipate the return of this drink every year. The balance of flavor between pumpkin spice and coffee just hits the spot and screams fall.
It’s a little sweet with warming spices that feel like a cozy fall day. This is a long-running returning drink, but fans don’t get tired of it from year to year. Plus, it comes in a cold version for those who like iced lattes.
Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
This decadent Starbucks fall drink is nutty and spicy. The Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte is a great alternative if you’re not a fan of pumpkin or apple for fall.
With hints of cinnamon and caramel, it’s a sweet drink that isn’t overwhelmed with sugar. And the inclusion of oat milk makes this drink creamy and delicious.
Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Those who love a strong apple flavor will love Starbucks’ Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. What could have been overpowered by sweetness is actually well balanced with the strong espresso, creamy oat milk and crisp apple syrup.
Give this drink a good swirl to mix it around and create a smooth texture and flavor. Plus, you get a shot of espresso, so it’s good for a boost of energy.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
If you’re looking for a stronger drink that still has all the fall flavors, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is the drink for you. Cold brew tends to be stronger than regular coffee and this one has a rich flavor. And topped with a pumpkin cream foam, the flavors of fall are certainly infused in this drink. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a cold drink for warmer fall days.
Hot Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
Nothing screams fall like apples and spices and this drink has both. As the name suggests, the Hot Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato has the perfect crisp apple flavor with a hint of sweetness that captures the quintessential flavors of fall. It’s kind of like a caramel apple in the form of a cozy coffee. Surprisingly, the apple and coffee flavors go well together.
Starbucks Summer Drinks
Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher
A flavored lemonade is exactly what you want to sip on during the summer months. The Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher has Starbucks’ signature lemonade mixed with the raspberry, blueberry and blackberry “Refresher Blend” with raspberry-flavored pearls. This Starbucks summer drink is thirst-quenching with sweet summer berry flavoring.
Summer Skies Refresher
When it’s hot and sunny during the summer, a Starbucks Refresher just hits the spot. The Summer Skies Refresher from the summer menu is a creamy and sweet refreshing drink. It has a blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavoring mixed with coconut milk, creating a tropical flavor that’s emblematic of summer. It also includes raspberry-flavored pearls, which add a fun texture and treat to the drink.
White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew
This smooth Starbucks summer drink is perfect if you want to enjoy coffee on a hot summer day. The White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew is a sweet but not too sweet cold coffee drink, thanks to the light but flavorful macadamia syrup. Stir in the foamy cream to balance the flavor throughout the drink. Plus, the bits of crunchy cookie on top are a nice additional treat.
Starbucks Winter Drinks
Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte
The Oleato line at Starbucks debuted last year and was noted for its unique taste. The Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte has a sweet and creamy taste with hints of gingerbread.
This Starbucks winter drink is the perfect one to try if you’re looking for a sweet and festive beverage to sip on. And it’s a fun drink to recreate if you’re hosting Christmas and looking for something to serve guests.
Sugar Cookie Cold Brew
This one ties back to the sugar cookie flavor mentioned earlier, but here it shows up as a cold foam on top of cold brew. It gives you the holiday sweetness without taking away the strong coffee flavor underneath.
This Starbucks Christmas drink captures the classic flavor of a Christmas sugar cookie. If you’re wondering what to get for Christmas gifts for teens, Starbucks gift cards are often well-received.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Coffee isn’t the only hot drink you can get during the winter. In fact, the Peppermint Hot Chocolate is one of the best Starbucks Christmas drinks. It’s a classic drink that tends to come back each year, so it’s truly a staple of the Starbucks winter drinks menu.
A blend of rich hot chocolate with crisp peppermint feels like winter. You can also buy this mix in many grocery stores, so you can enjoy this drink at home. And if you’re looking for Christmas drawing ideas or activities with kids, draw your favorite hot chocolate flavor while sipping on one.
Starbucks Spring Drinks
Lavender Crème Frappuccino
The Starbucks spring drinks debuted lavender flavoring in its lineup and surprised a lot of people in a good way. The flavor is light, floral and balanced with vanilla, and the pastel purple color feels very spring-forward. The lavender flavor is balanced with vanilla flavoring for a creamy cold drink.
Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte
The strength of the espresso paired with the lightness of lavender is a surprisingly winning combination. In the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte, the latte adds a subtle flavor with a hint of sweetness. You can get this drink in either a cold iced latte or a hot latte version.
Iced Lavender Oatmilk Matcha
Those who love matcha green tea powder will want to grab this Starbucks spring drink. The Iced Lavender Oatmilk Matcha is creamy and sweet in a cake-like flavor. The lavender flavoring is lighter in this drink, so it’s ideal for those who want just a hint of the floral flavoring.
The holiday season always brings a little extra excitement, and Starbucks Christmas drinks are a big part of that for a lot of people. Whether you're waiting to welcome back your yearly favorites or curious about what’s new on the menu, this year's lineup has plenty to look forward to. However you celebrate, these Starbucks Christmas drinks make it easy to enjoy a little festive moment all season long.
For even more things to try during the festive season, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
