Pumpkin Spice, Shmumpkin Spice. Starbucks’ holiday season drinks, treats and signature red cups have returned, along with a brand new menu item making its holiday spirit-infused debut. Joining the mega coffee chain’s traditional holiday lineup is its new “Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte,” inspired by “spritz” cookies and made with sugar cookie syrup, Starbucks Blonde Espresso, almond milk, and topped with green and red cookie sprinkles. The latte is also available hot with steamed almond milk and foam.
“Almond is used quite a bit in baking,” Erin Marinan, a member of Starbucks’ Research and Development team, who led development with colleague Sara Bennett on the drink, said in a release. The almond flavor pairs with nutty notes in Starbucks Blonde Espresso and the notes of vanilla and butter to induce spritz cookie essences brought through by the syrup and sprinkles. “It reminds me of making cookies with my mom and sisters growing up. It gives me all the nostalgic feels of the holiday,” Marinan continued.
But wait, there’s MORE…. As in years past, Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte, Caramel Brulee Latte and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha will be back on the holiday menu along with Irish Cream Cold Brew, which is arriving earlier than ever before, according to Starbucks. The bakery section will also be populated by holiday treats such as the new Reindeer Cake Pop, Snowman Cookie, Sugar Plum Danish and Cranberry Bliss Bar. Also on Starbucks shelves will be the brand’s Christmas blend whole bean coffee and in select locations the Starbucks Reserve Christmas 2021 coffee.
And last but not least, Starbucks is bringing back their signature red cups in 4 all new designs to make your caffeinated spirits bright. This year’s theme features festive colors of red, green and white with playful touches of lilac. And every cup has a gift tag on the back, perfect for sharing a cheerful greeting with a friend or loved one. “Starbucks red cups are a portal to holiday joy,” said Suzie Reecer, Starbucks associate creative director. “Any time you’re holding the cup, we hope that it’s just filling you with the excitement of the season and reconnecting with friends and family.”
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