It's officially time to hang light, decorate the tree and enjoy an eggnog latte: Starbucks red cups and holiday drinks are back.
On Thursday, the national coffee chain will change gears from all things pumpkin spice to focus on the peppermint mochas, eggnog lattes and the decorative red cups they come in.
Four different designs will be available this year, with red, white and green patterns that look like holiday wrapping paper. The official names of the four cups are Polka Dots, Merry Dance, Merry Stripes and Candy Cane Stripes.
This year, the cups design was designed to "evoke mini moments of joy," according to a release from Starbucks.
The Countdowntoredcups.com website has estimated the release date throughout the year and correctly estimated that the cups would return on Thursday.
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Get a Free Reusable Red Cup November 7
While each paper cup has its own festive design, for those who drink a lot of coffee, a reusable cup can save the day.
To encourage reuse, Starbucks is giving away free reusable red cups Thursday until supplies run out.
The reusable limited edition red cup features letters that spell Merry Coffee on the signature red background.
To obtain the free cup, customers must purchase one of Starbucks' signature holiday beverages.
The free reusable cup is the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season.
Customers who bring their cup and order a holiday drink after daily get 50 cents off the check through January 7th.
Starbucks Seasonal Goods
This year's holiday flavors are Peppermint Mocha, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Eggnog Latte. The flavors are available hot, iced or as a mixed Frappuccino. Only hot drinks come in red cups.
Seasonal food and baked goods also return, including Holiday Turkey & Stuffing Panini, Cranberry Bliss Bar, Sugar Plum Danish, Snowman Cookie, Gingerbread, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop and Snowman Cake Pop.
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More Seasonal Drinks
Holiday drinks and treats returned to rival Dunkin & # 39; Wednesday.
Dunkins holiday drink feature Peppermint Mocha flavored coffee, good Mocha Mint Signature Latte, toasted gingerbread signature Latte, frosted white chocolate signature Latte and the new Holiday Eggnog Signature Latte.
Dunkin & # 39; also announced the new Holiday Brownie Crumble Donut, which is a vanilla frosted donut dipped in brownies crumble and dripped with dark green glaze.
There is also an afternoon appointment available at participating locations until December 31. Starting at. 14 to 18 you get a medium sized Latte, Cappuccino or Americano for $ 2.
McDonald's also introduced its first new seasonal drink in more than five years with McCafé Cinnamon Cookie Latte on Wednesday . The fast food giant is also bringing back its McCafé Donut Sticks with a new chocolate dip sauce.
Both items will be available for a limited period throughout the holiday season, along with new winter themed winter themes, McDonald's will be shared with USA TODAY.
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Contributions: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY
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