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What Starbucks holiday beverage should you order for free red cup day 2022?

By Cristine Struble

Coffee Quality Technician Kekoa Farleigh roasting coffee beans in the back room of the cupping room at the Starbucks Support Center in Seattle, WA.
Coffee Quality Technician Kekoa Farleigh roasting coffee beans in the back room of the cupping room at the Starbucks Support Center in Seattle, WA. /
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Now that Starbucks announced that free red cup day 2022 is November 17, the question on the table is which Starbucks holiday beverage should be ordered. From an old favorite to a new sweet offering, there are plenty of choices.

This year’s red cup celebrates 25 years of the Starbucks holiday tradition. While the message offers gratitude to its loyal customers, there is more in the cup than just a word of kindness. It uses recycled material, which is a nice nod to being more environmentally conscious.

Although the free red cup day promotion has become a holiday tradition, there are a few rules associated with the deal. First, it is available while supplies last. Over the years, there seems to be more red cups available. Second, a holiday beverage must be ordered. Lastly, the 16 oz reusable cup comes with a $0.10 discount and 25 bonus stars on future orders.

And, given the popularity of the free red cup day promotion, be thoughtful with baristas and other guests. Maybe spreading a little holiday cheer can be more productive than being a Grinch in line for that holiday beverage.

Starbucks Red Cups turn 25
Starbucks Red Cups over 25 years, photo provided by Starbucks /

Which Starbucks holiday beverages qualify for free red cup day promotion?

According to Starbucks, the following beverages qualify for the free red cup day promotion: Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Hot Chocolate, Irish Cream Cold Brew, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha, Peppermint White Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, Toasted White Hot Chocolate, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, White Hot Chocolate. To be clear, the Starbucks Christmas Blend brewed coffee and Christmas Starbucks Reserve are not included in this holiday beverage promotion.

Looking at the holiday beverages, they show the evolution of the holiday beverages. Now, several plant-based milk options are part of the choices. 25 years ago, those options were not in the cup. The change shows that many people are thirty for more plant-based beverages.

Also, the holiday beverages tend to have sweet notes. From chocolate to cookies to caramel, the holiday season is about a little more indulgence. Even if that sip might feel a little naughty, it shouldn’t put anyone on Santa’s bad list (unless people skip the holiday cheer in line).

Even if people never bring the cup back to Starbucks during the holiday season, it feels like a nice gift when ordering that holiday beverage. Whether reused at home or just part of a collection, sometimes a little extra on a Thursday can be the smile that people need.

Are you going to join the Starbucks free red cup day promotion? What do you do with these reusable cups?

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