Starbucks' Holiday Menu Is Here, and Peppermint Mocha Is Back for Its 21st Year

One thing is certain: No matter how unseasonably warm November turns out to be, Starbucks will ring in the holiday season with new sips. The coffee chain plans to drop its winter menu at cafes across the United States tomorrow — and, unfortunately, one holiday favorite didn’t make the cut.

Starting Nov. 2, customers can discover an array of sweet new beverages and returning items at one of Starbucks’ more than 15,000 U.S. locations. The brand-new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai is the holiday menu’s spotlight and includes a warm blend of ginger, cinnamon, and black tea reminiscent of another seasonal item launched earlier this year. (Eagle-eyed coffee drinkers might have already spotted this offering on menus leaked online last month.)

“​​It’s a love letter to gingerbread and ginger,” senior beverage developer Matt Thornton says in a press release shared with Food & Wine. “The gingerbread flavor amplifies the spice of the chai.”

The beloved Peppermint Mocha is set to appear on holiday menus for the 21st consecutive year. It arrives alongside the Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, and Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. And for those lucky enough to live near an Oleato-slinging location, rest assured that you'll get your holiday fix (with a side of extra-virgin olive oil) too. 

Absent from 2023 holiday offerings is the long-running Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, which first debuted in 2017. The espresso-based beverage combined steamed milk with a sprinkle of candied cranberry sugar. 

The brand confirms that five bakery items will also be offered this season: Cranberry Bliss Bar, Gingerbread Loaf, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop, Snowman Cookie, and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish. The winter menu also accompanies the launch of Starbucks' festive grocery lineup, which offers at-home bottled coffees and creamers in flavors like Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread, and Cinnamon Dulce. 

While Starbucks' fanbase has already shared its excitement in the dedicated Leaf Rakers Society Facebook group, it's unclear exactly how the seasonal menu will land with the general public. But, we'll all find out tomorrow.