Even though pumpkin spice everything is something people wish to never go away, the winter seasonal drinks are a smooth transition to the holiday season. The winter seasonal Starbucks drinks bring holiday cheer. Millions of people got excited when Starbucks sent a notification saying “Your new holiday favorites are back!” The seasonal menu was released on November 4, 2021, and people can now start ordering off of the winter menu.

They have created a new drink called the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte which is a non-dairy coffee, and is a very sweet treat to start the holiday season. This drink consists of sugar cookie flavored syrup, almond milk, and Starbucks Blonde espresso with holiday (red and green) sprinkles on top. The festive flavors include the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, and the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha. They also added a Reindeer Cake Pop and a Cranberry Bliss bar to their menu, along with the classic Snowman Cookie to the holiday treats. The hot chocolates with festive flavors like the Toasted White Hot Chocolate, Peppermint White Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, White Hot Chocolate, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, and the classic regular Hot Chocolate are all being brought back for the holiday season. They are selling a new (Iced) Apple Crisp Macchiato which tastes like an apple pie. This new fall drink is being extended into the winter because of the popularity of it. 

November 18, 2021 was the “Red Cup Day” at Starbucks. With every purchase of a holiday drink, a free reusable red holiday cup was given out. It matched the opening screen of the Starbucks app, and was given out as long as the supply lasted. “Red Cup Day ” was supposed to be on November 4, 2021, when the drinks originally came out, but the cups were on backorder. To get a free cup all a customer had to do was ask! Starbucks also sent an email to customers who have the app, so they were reminded of “Red Cup Day” and would get theirs.

Starbucks also came out with their holiday instant coffee which is the Christmas Blend. They also sell a (whole bean) Christmas Blend Dark Roast, Christmas Blend Ground Coffee Dark Roast, Decaf Christmas Blend Dark Roast, and a Holiday Blend Medium Blend. They also have a Thanksgiving Blend Dark Roast.

On the flip side, Dunkin’s seasonal drinks are out now too (and are still selling their pumpkin-flavored drinks)!  Dunkin’ came out with new holiday drinks including a Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte, a Peppermint Mocha with Sweet Cold Foam (online only), and a Toasted White Chocolate Iced Signature Latte which is a latte with white chocolate flavoring with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, and some caramel drizzle. They also brought back their holiday blend coffee which the Dunkin’ app is offering 2x points when the Holiday Blend Coffee is ordered ahead (until January 2nd). Dunkin’ also sells festive hot chocolates like the Mint Hot Chocolate and White Mocha Hot Chocolate for a seasonal twist. The Dunkin’ app is also offering $3 medium (hot or iced) espresso drinks from December 1st to January 4th to help everyone celebrate the holiday season! 

Adding to the merriment, Baskin-Robbins came out with their classic peppermint ice cream which is packed with peppermint pieces in a pink peppermint ice cream to remind consumers of a candy cane. Dunkin’s signature donuts came out like the Gingerbread Cookie donut, Frosted Sugar Cookie donut, and Snowflake Sprinkle donut. As an extra sweet treat, Dunkin’ is now selling a Plush Iced Coffee Keychain (which can also be used as an ornament). 

Both Dunkin’ and Starbucks seasonal drinks are the perfect way to compliment the holiday season and spread cheer with a fun decorated cup with every drink. Which do you prefer… Dunkin’ or Starbucks? 

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