Holiday drinks are on tap at Starbucks, Dunkin' and more
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Starbucks' Red Cup Day is Thursday, Nov. 14 and the coffee giant is handing out free reusable cups with holiday drink purchases. Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks
Holiday drink season has arrived with cafes and restaurants across the country now serving peppermint, gingerbread and cookie-flavored beverages in "red cups."
Why it matters: Businesses are capitalizing on holiday cheer to create a buzz and drive sales.
Starbucks holiday drink menu, Red Cup Day 2024
The big picture: Thursday, Nov. 14 was Starbucks Red Cup Day and expected to be one of the biggest sales day of the year for the Seattle-based company.
- The free holiday cup giveaway was available on orders placed in cafes, mobile orders and pick-up orders and delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats and via the Starbucks app, the company said in its announcement.
- Starbucks holiday drink menu is available for a limited time.
Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip milkshake, Play app
The Peppermint Chip Milkshake returns to Chick-fil-A locations nationwide for the starting Monday, Nov. 18, the chicken chain said in a news release Thursday.
- The limited-time, seasonal shake returns along with the Peppermint Iced Coffee and Frosted Peppermint Chip Coffee.
- Chick-fil-A said it will release the new Play entertainment app Nov. 18 with the brand's new original series, "Legends of Evergreen Hills."
McDonald's McCafé Doodles holiday cups, NFTs
McDonald's and Doodles are introducing new limited-edition McCafé holiday cups Nov. 18 at participating restaurants nationwide, according to a news release.
- Through the McDonald's app, customers who purchase McCafé beverages will unlock an "exclusive digital 'pack ripping' experience," the release said.
- Physical collectible items will be coming after the Nov. 18 cup launch, including enamel pins Nov. 26 and collab merchandise Dec. 5.
Dunkin' holiday drinks 2024
Dunkin' released its holiday drink menu Nov. 1, the same day as in 2023.
- The menu features a new Holiday Cookie Signature Latte and its first Almond Croissant, the company said.
Wendy's Salted Caramel Frosty
Wendy's newest seasonal Frosty flavor — the Salted Caramel Frosty — arrived on Tuesday and is available for a limited time.
- For the last two winters, Wendy's had a Peppermint Frosty and the fast-food chain recently had a special SpongeBob limited menu with a "Pineapple Under the Sea" Frosty.
Dutch Bros' holiday drinks 2024
Dutch Bros, which has more than 950 locations, brought back its holiday menu and has a trio of holiday drinks.
- The Hazelnut Truffle Mocha, Candy Cane Mocha and Winter Shimmer Rebel are available while supplies last.
Peet's Coffee holiday menu includes mocktails
Peet's Coffee launched a new "Bar Menu" at its coffeebars nationwide Nov. 6.
- It includes non-alcoholic mocktails along with traditional holiday drinks like the Holiday Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha, and Sparkling Peppermint Vanilla Cold Brew.
Caribou Coffee holiday menu adds cranberry drinks
Caribou Coffee's holiday menu launched Nov. 2 and includes the Ho Ho Mint Mocha, Spicy Mocha and new cranberry drinks.
- Caribou has a new Cranberry Energy with Coconutmilk Cold Foam and Cranberry Dark Chocolate Espresso Shaker.
Peppermint treats return to Carvel, Cinnabon
Peppermint is back at Cinnabon and Carvel for a limited time at participating locations while supplies last.
- Cinnabon has the "Peppermint Topped Bon," a classic roll topped with crushed peppermint, and the Peppermint Chillatta.
- Carvel has Peppermint Hot Chocolate Soft Serve, Peppermint Hot Chocolate Scooped, along with shakes, sundae dashers, a Peppermint Hot Chocolate Flying Saucer and ice cream pop.
More from Axios:
- Amazon launches discount store to take on Temu, Shein and TikTok Shop
- Viral TikTok trends are changing what America eats
- Amazon announces Black Friday, Cyber Monday 2024 sales
Editor's note: This story was updated with new headlines and details.
