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# Festive Cold Cups
Starbucks UK Brings Back Peppermint Drinks And Red Cups For The Holidays

By Ellen Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-31 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/festive-cold-cups
References: [retailtimes](https://retailtimes.co.uk/starbucks-uk-unwraps-the-joy-of-holiday-with-new-range-of-peppermint-beverages-and-first-ever-holiday-cold-cups)

![Festive Cold Cups](https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/649/festive-cold-cups.jpeg)

The festive season is starting to show up in Starbucks orders, with peppermint flavours and the return of its iconic Red Cups. This year’s UK holiday menu features four peppermint drinks, including the classic [Peppermint Mocha](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gingerbread-latte-and-peppermint-mocha), alongside Peppermint Hot Chocolate, a [Peppermint Frappuccino blended beverage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peppermint-cold-brew-frozen-coffee) and Peppermint White Chocolate Matcha. There’s also a new Holiday Cold Cup for anyone who prefers their seasonal drink over ice.

Starbucks Rewards members can get an early taste from 29 October, ordering in-store or through the app. The full holiday menu arrives at UK locations nationwide on 5 November, with Red Cups returning and delivery available through Starbucks Delivers in participating areas.

Prices start at £5.40, with the new line-up offering something for both hot-drink fans and those who prefer an iced option. Whether it’s a peppermint favourite or a festive cup to carry around, Starbucks is giving customers another reason to make their usual coffee stop feel a little more seasonal.

Image Credit: Starbucks UK

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 10.0/10
- Popularity: 100% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 100%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial
- Top markets: Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Seasonal Cold Beverages:** Holiday flavors moving into iced formats reveal room for year-round cold menu innovation tied to seasonal rituals and younger consumer preferences.
- **Collectible Drinkware:** Limited-edition cups function as portable brand symbols, creating opportunities for lifestyle-driven merchandise ecosystems around everyday beverage purchases.
- **App-first Holiday Launches:** Early access for loyalty members through mobile ordering highlights how digital exclusivity can reshape seasonal demand and customer retention.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Coffee Shops:** Festive menu rotations and branded cups show how cafés can blend product nostalgia with new formats to increase repeat seasonal visits.
- **Food Delivery:** Holiday beverages available through delivery channels expand impulse occasions beyond stores, strengthening demand for limited-time products in at-home consumption moments.
- **Consumer Loyalty:** Rewards-based previews demonstrate the growing value of membership platforms as channels for personalized launches, exclusivity, and purchase frequency.

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