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Starbucks releases 2020 holiday cups

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

In the middle of these challenging times, Starbucks fans have one thing to look forward to — seeing the four new holiday cups the company has released.

Starbucks typically offers multiple designs starting around the beginning of November — and 2020’s came out Nov. 6.

This year, the designs are a bit eclectic but appear to have at one theme in play: The use of the company’s brand logos and logotypes along with holiday cheer.

“Our thought behind the cups this year was about people carrying them out in the world as messengers of joy,” Jeff Wilkson, Starbucks creative director, said in a statement. “In a way that message deepened as we got further and further into this year. We want to be that beacon for people, a brief moment that they can look forward to.”

One design appears to be mimicking “ugly sweaters” with multiple green, red and white bands with faux stitch work elements along with the logotype.

Another design features a dark green background with red and green accents and angled green “ribbons” with the word “Carry the Merry.” The “mermaid” logo design also appears on this design.

Next up is a similar look with three colored segments at varying angles and larger iterations of the logotype and circular emblem.

The final design is the only one that doesn’t have a horizontal theme to it — instead it features a red background with multiple green starts, bursts and diamonds along with the mermaid.

Also available again this year is a red plastic reusable cup that is available, while supplies last, with the order of any handcrafted drink. That includes hot, iced or blended versions of Caramel Brulee Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Eggnog Latte, Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Cream Nitro Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, Salted Caramel Mocha and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha.

One rather odd dichotomy this year is that it’s not immediately clear when customers will actually be able to “reuse” that plastic cup.

Like many food and beverage chains, Starbucks has halted letting customers use any refillable cups or tumblers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In most cases it is still offering customers the 10 cent discount if they bring in a cup — but it just can’t be used.

Because of that, Starbucks is also not bringing back a previous winter perk — discounted refills on holiday beverages.

In 2019, for example, the company gave customers two months to get 50 cents off refills in the plastic cup of holiday beverages in size grande or larger.