Starbucks holiday menu is here – US fans are missing out on 2 new drinks

On By Littum

Starbucks prepares for the holiday spirit.

The coffee chain officially dropped its holiday menu on Thursday, Nov. 7 — but customers in the U.S. are thirsting for two drink options only available overseas.

The 2024 holiday menu sees the return of many fan favorites, including the iconic Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte. For tea fans, the Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai is also back.

Starbucks’ holiday menu returned to stores on November 7. Starbucks

Seasonal holiday cold foam flavors have also returned, with Peppermint Chocolate, Sugar Cookie, Chestnut Praline and Caramel Brulee options back on the menu in addition to the brand new Gingerbread Cold Foam.

For the first time, Starbucks has introduced its first ever holiday refresh, viz Cran-Merry Orange Refresher. The newest addition to the holiday menu can also be ordered as a Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher or Cran-Merry Drink with coconut milk.

Starbucks has introduced its first ever holiday refresher, the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher. Starbucks

And just like it did here in America, Starbucks has released holiday menus across the globe – including in Australia where the menu offers two additional drinks that didn’t make it to American menus: Salted Pretzel Cocoa Frappuccino and Salted Pretzel Cocoa Latte (available iced or hot).

Salted Pretzel Cocoa Latte contains red cookies, pretzel pieces and cocoa drizzle on top of the classic latte with added salted pretzel syrup, according to Starbucks AU menu.

The Salted pretzel cocoa frappuccino is a blend of ice cream, coffee, salty pretzel syrup and your choice of milk, topped with cocoa drizzle, whipped cream and “crispy festive flavors.”

The Salted Pretzel Cocoa Frappuccino is a blend of ice cream, coffee, salty pretzel syrup and your choice of milk, topped with cocoa drizzle, whipped cream and “crisp festive flavors.” Starbucks
Salted Pretzel Cocoa Latte contains red cookies, pretzel pieces and cocoa drizzle on top of the classic latte with added salty pretzel syrup. Starbucks

According to Paradethe sweet and salty holiday drinks are also offered in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Food blogger Snackolator shared the sweet and salty news with their followers, and American fans in the comments were disappointed to realize it was only an international menu item.

“I was so excited to see it wasn’t in the US,” wrote one with a crying emoji.

“Yeah! It should be here! I was like wait, I didn’t see that taste before! That would be so good!” someone added.

“I was so excited and then instantly sad,” said another.

In addition to beverages, US Starbucks customers can look forward to new seasonal cakes including Turkey Sage Danish, Dark Toffee Bundt, Snowman Cake Pop and Penguin Cookie, as well as returning favorites like Sugar Plum Cheese Danish and Cranberry Bliss Bar.

Fans can also look forward to getting their holiday drink in one of the chain’s brand new “bright and beautiful” 2024 Christmas paper cups.

Starbucks customers can also look forward to new seasonal cakes. Starbucks

Designs for four hot cups and one cold cup will be available for in-store beverage orders, and Starbucks creative director Kristy Cameron said they were inspired by “real moments of joy and coffee.”

Starbucks also unveiled their holiday merchandise, including seasonal beverages and gifts, which are also available at Starbucks stores. In addition, the chain’s holiday coffee and creamer have returned to grocery shelves.