This may be a controversial opinion, but I could take or leave most of the Starbucks fall drinks. The classic Pumpkin Spice Latte is always a pass for me (there are better fall flavors out there, IMO). I might grab a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew once a season just for old times' sake, but I don't get too excited as the fall menu comes and goes. Once Starbucks debuts its holiday menu, however, that's when you'll find me standing in line for my very own festive holiday cup. Part of my excitement stems from the fact that the holiday season is by far my favorite time of year (blame it on my December birthday), but it's also the nostalgia of it all. I always relish the annual tradition of grabbing Starbucks holiday drinks with my mom and sister before heading out for a day of Christmas shopping.
And now, the wait is nearly over because Starbucks just announced a release date for this year's holiday drinks. Here's when you can expect Starbucks holiday drinks to hit stores, plus what's on the menu for 2025:
The Starbucks holiday drinks will officially hit stores on Thursday, November 6. But there's a catch: Not all of the holiday drinks will be available right away. According to an Instagram post from the official Starbucks account, a few fan-favorite drinks won't be released until "later in the season." However, a date for the second phase of the holiday menu launch has yet to be announced.
The Starbucks holiday menu for 2025 includes returning classics like the Peppermint Mocha, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, Iced Gingerbread Chai, and Caramel Brûlée Latte (my personal favorite). Later in the season, Starbucks is also bringing back the Chestnut Praline Latte and the Egg Nog Latte, which will return after a several-year hiatus.
One thing that's not returning this year? Any of the Cran-Merry drinks. This non-coffee beverage -- which combined cranberry and orange flavors with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom -- hit the menu as a new addition last year. Fans were quick to share their frustration in the comments section of Starbucks' post, with several users echoing calls to "bring back the cranmerry refresher." Unless Starbucks pulls another 180 à la Apple Crisp, however, it seems Cran-Merry fans will be disappointed this year.
On the food side of the menu, you'll of course find classic treats like the Cranberry Bliss Bar and the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish. New to the bakery case this year is a Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread. And if you're feeling extra festive, you can order an adorable Snowman Cookie or a new Polar Bear Cake Pop to go along with your Peppermint Mocha.
It feels like fall has only just begun, but I personally will be counting down the days until Starbucks' holiday drinks are back on the menu.