It’s holiday cup season! See Starbucks new festive designs
See how the green (and red!) aprons worn by Starbucks baristas were the inspiration behind this year’s holiday cup designs.
By Heidi Pieper/Photos by Joshua Trujillo
It happens every year – overnight Starbucks coffeehouses around the world transform as baristas swap the menu boards for red ones and fill their baskets with bags of Christmas Blend. And since 1997, Starbucks iconic white cups are replaced with cups with brightly colored designs, each one a symbol of holiday joy.
Starbucks creative director Kristy Cameron leads the team that brings Starbucks holiday cups to life, which will make their debut alongside Starbucks holiday food and beverages on Nov. 6. “There’s something unmistakably magical about that moment the cups arrive – it’s as if the season officially begins,” said Cameron.
This year’s designs feature a cheerful color palette with warm coffeehouse textures and flowing ribbons – inviting all to linger in a space that feels authentically Starbucks. On the back of each cup is a little tag perfect for writing a message
“The return to the coffeehouse and getting back to our roots really inspired us,” Cameron said.
The aprons worn by Starbucks baristas inspired the playful ribbon design on the cups. That motif continues throughout the cafes, with boughs of evergreen garland and velvet ribbons. “We’ve dipped the stores in rich textures and a deep coffee cherry red, and Starbucks green” she said. “We hope our coffeehouses feel warm and festive, a place where you want to come and sit with us a little while and enjoy the holidays together.”
“When I see the cups have turned red, and our coffeehouses have turned red, there’s a burst of energy and excitement for the season and gearing up for festivities you have ahead,” said Bridget Searcy, the associate creative director for Starbucks holiday.
Let’s take a look at this year’s holiday designs.
Merry Apron Strings – Green
Merry Apron Strings – Red
Green apron strings tied in a festive bow seem to dance around the Starbucks Siren on the green Merry Apron Strings design. “Our green apron partners are the ambassadors of Starbucks — greeting our customers and bringing the joy,” Cameron said.
The red Merry Apron Strings cup celebrates the seasonal shift each year from green aprons to holiday red. “The inspiration for this design is the moment when partners (baristas) switch from their green aprons to their red aprons, signaling the season,” Cameron said.
Coffeehouse Plaid – Red
Coffeehouse Plaid – Green
Plaid is a holiday pattern that dates back centuries and evokes feelings of tradition, warmth and celebration. “Coffeehouse Plaid is a classic motif that complements the ribbons. It feels like little wrapped gifts for our customers,” she said.
A green and red plaid wraps the cups in a cozy design like your favorite pair of holiday pajamas. “Green is so iconic to Starbucks, so you see a lot of our brand green coming back into the cups this year in a really beautiful way,” she said.
Cold Cups – Merry Apron Strings Green
Cold Cups – Merry Apron Strings Red
This year’s cold cups are wrapped in ribbons of red and green — perfect for an Iced Sugar Cookie Latte or Cold Brew topped with holiday cold foam.
