It’s finally that time of the year again- when red cups and holiday sprinkles show up at coffee shops everywhere. This year, Starbucks and Dunkin have both launched their new Holiday Menus, and with the drinks have come lots of opinions. Some people might say it’s just coffee and donuts, but I think the holiday menu is a big deal. It’s not just about the drinks and treats, it’s about the whole vibe and excitement that comes with the season.
As someone who loves both Starbucks and Dunkin, I was really excited to see what they had to offer this year. The new drinks, the festive cups, and all the sweet treats make going to get coffee feel special and festive. But are these menus actually worth the hype? Or are we just falling for the marketing again?
The new Dunkin’ Holiday Menu is full of festive cheer, introducing exciting flavors that capture the spirit of the season. Among the highlights, the Cookie Butter Cloud Latte stands out with its rich espresso blended perfectly with brown sugar, all topped with a cookie butter cold foam and crumbles. After trying it, the sweet, spiced flavors felt like a true holiday treat. The Berry Sangria Refresher was equally impressive; its refreshing mix of berry flavors, paired with a choice of green tea, black tea, lemonade, or sparkling water, offered a vibrant and uplifting twist that’s perfect for the holidays. Both drinks are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy Dunkin’s festive menu this year.
For the current holiday season, Starbucks has introduced several new items and brought back returning classics. The new offerings for the 2025 season include: Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A Frappuccino-based drink available exclusively at Starbucks locations inside Target stores. Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread: A new festive bakery item. Polar Bear Cake Pop: A vanilla cake pop with a red hat design. Holiday Cold Foams: Customers can now add holiday-flavored cold foams (Peppermint Chocolate, Caramel Brulee, Sugar Cookie, and Gingerbread Cream) to any drink. At Starbucks Reserve locations, additional exclusive new items were introduced, including the Caramel Miso Hot Cocoa and a Hot Cocoa Duo Flight. Returning Classic Holiday Drinks: The core menu features the return of several fan favorites, all available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino blended beverage: Peppermint Mocha Caramel Brulée Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte (made with almond milk), and Iced Gingerbread Chai (made with oat milk). After trying the new Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate, it was minty and chocolatey, kind of like a dessert in a cup. If you like peppermint and chocolate together, you should definitely try it while it’s around.
Overall, both chains succeed in creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere, making their holiday menus more than just about drinks. They’re about capturing the joy and excitement of the season.
