Celebrating 20 years of a holiday favourite&nbsp; Learn the story behind the classic Starbucks holiday beverage

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When does it officially feel like the holidays? For some it could be hearing the first notes of holiday music or seeing that first flurry of snow. But for many, the arrival of the holidays is marked by that first taste of Starbucks Peppermint Mocha and its rich, full-bodied espresso mingled with the flavour of chocolate, peppermint and whipped cream.&nbsp;

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha may be one of the most beloved of holiday beverages, but it wasn’t actually the first. Christmas Blend coffee made its debut in 1984, hand-scooped and packaged in brown kraft paper coffee bags to be brewed at home. Then came the first handcrafted holiday beverage in 1986, created behind the espresso bar at Il Giornale (which merged with Starbucks in 1987) by Dave Olsen, who steamed up a pitcher of eggnog and milk to make the first Eggnog Latte.&nbsp;

Ten years later, the first red Starbucks cup made its appearance and, as the company expanded into Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Starbucks created its first beverage research and development team.&nbsp;

“Customers’ understanding of espresso and lattes was really in its infancy,” said Peter Dukes, who joined Starbucks as a product manager for espresso beverages in 2001. “I think [a holiday beverage] was a good introduction for a lot of people back then to lattes and espresso.”&nbsp;

After successfully launching Gingerbread Latte in 2000, the R&amp;D team was tasked with exploring ideas for the next holiday beverage. Dukes remembers being invited to the R&amp;D team’s Liquid Lab to be part of a team of about 10 partners who tasted new beverage concepts. The group was truly cross-functional – including partners from operations, finance, supply chain. 

The team tried a few different flavours that would resonate with customers during the holiday, including an idea for a white chocolate cranberry beverage. But they quickly landed on a peppermint-flavoured twist on the classic Caffè Mocha inspired by the flavours of traditional holiday candies. From there, the team refined the recipe, finding the perfect combination of rich Starbucks espresso with bittersweet mocha sauce, peppermint syrup, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of red sugar sprinkles.&nbsp;

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The beverage was introduced to Starbucks customers for the 2002 holiday season, and quickly became the most popular holiday beverage in Starbucks history. It’s still the most loved holiday beverage on the menu today and available hot, iced and blended. Its recipe has changed only a little; it’s now made with 2 percent milk as the standard and with dark chocolate curls instead of red sprinkles. 

“To know you’re part of something that turned out to be pretty special even 17 years later is unique. It takes me back to those times in the Liquid Lab with an extremely diverse group of partners sitting around a table tasting different variations of the peppermint mocha,” Dukes said. “None of us were professionally trained, but we ended up with a beverage that continues to resonate with our customers today and we had a lot of fun making it.”&nbsp;

Celebrating 20 years of a holiday favourite. Learn the story behind the classic Starbucks holiday beverage.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: A Love Story - Starbucks Canada

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Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: A Love Story

Nothing says the most magical time of the year like <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/red-cup-season-is-here-2022-starbucks-holiday-red-cup-designs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Starbucks red cup</a>. This year is extra special as Starbucks celebrates <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/celebrating-25-years-of-starbucks-mostly-red-holiday-cups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">25 years of the iconic holiday cup</a> and the return of a full menu of seasonal handcrafted beverages and festive food.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starting Thursday, November 3, holiday beverages officially return to the Starbucks menu, including the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brûlé Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Irish Cream Cold Brew and, returning for its second holiday season, the nondairy Sugar Cookie Oat Latte. Also returning for another season are tasty treats including the Cranberry Bliss Bar, Gingerbread Loaf, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop, and Frosted Snowman Cookie.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/854/single" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delightful treat</a> with peppermint chocolate cake, white chocolaty coating and festive bits of crunchy candy cane pieces.&nbsp;

The scent of the season! <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/507/single" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gently spiced gingerbread cake</a> topped with icing and a hint of orange.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cranberry Bliss Bar&nbsp;

A blondie cake with tart dried cranberries, garnished with a layer of cream-cheese icing, orange zest and a sprinkle of dried cranberries make up the beloved <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/506/single?parent=%2Ffood%2Fbakery%2Fdessert-bars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cranberry Bliss Bar.</a> Also available for purchase by the tray.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Frosted Snowman Cookie&nbsp;

The fan-favourite <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2122532/single/nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frosted Snowman Cookie</a> starts with a buttery shortbread snowman dressed up in white chocolatey icing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Enjoy the taste of the season at home

<a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/293/whole-bean?parent=%2Fat-home-coffee%2Fwhole-bean%2Fmedium-roast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks® Christmas Blend</a> made its debut in 1984 when there only five Seattle stores in Seattle that sold fresh-roasted coffee beans, loose-leaf teas and spices. It has become a customer favorite and a holiday tradition over the last 38 years. This year’s Starbucks Christmas Blend features a dark roast blend of Aged Sumatra, Guatemala, Colombia and Papua New Guinea with notes of baking spices and a chocolate finish. Available as whole bean, ground and decaf.&nbsp;

Also available this season is <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/295/whole-bean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks® Holiday Blend</a>. Crafted with all celebrations in mind, this festive coffee offers a balanced, sweet and toasty blend of bright Latin American beans and rich Sumatran coffee. The blend is specially roasted to highlight the complexity of flavors, creating a full-bodied, vibrant cup every time. Layered notes of sweet maple and herbs balance the rich flavors of this coffee.&nbsp;

All holiday menu items are available at stores in Canada for a limited time, while supplies last. For more information about Starbucks holiday menu this season, visit <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/featured/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks.ca/menu/featured</a>.&nbsp;

Starting Thursday, November 3, holiday beverages officially return to the Starbucks menu!

The Holidays are Back at Starbucks with Seasonal Sips and Festive Food! - Starbucks Canada

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The Holidays are Back at Starbucks with Seasonal Sips and Festive Food!

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The <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/the-holiday-season-at-starbucks-starts-tomorrow/" target="_blank">holidays have arrived</a> at Starbucks and this year, we’re bringing back all the familiar and special flavours customers love in our signature holiday cups to help spark joy in even the smallest of moments.

Starbucks® Holiday Beverages

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Back for its 18th year, this holiday classic is made with our signature espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha sauce and peppermint-flavoured syrup. It's all topped off with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. 

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Caramel Brûlé Latte

The Caramel Brûlé Latte combines espresso, steamed milk and rich Caramel Brûlé Sauce, and is topped with whipped cream and Caramel Brûlé Topping.

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Chestnut Praline Latte&nbsp;

The Chestnut Praline Latte combines espresso, steamed milk and flavours of caramelized chestnuts and spices before being topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. 

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The Eggnog Latte is a perennial holiday favourite made with rich, steamed eggnog and our signature espresso. Then we top it off with a dusting of ground nutmeg for the perfect finish.

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This Canadian exclusive is based on the classic Americano Misto! It’s espresso flavoured with Irish Cream syrup, combined with hot water, steamed milk and a light layer of foam, and finished with a strike of cocoa powder topping.

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Made with Starbucks® Cold Brew or Nitro Cold Brew with Irish Cream syrup, this beverage is topped with a frothy cap of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam like a layer of fresh snow and a dusting of cocoa powder.

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Sweet and spicy Gingerbread syrup is combined with espresso and steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and ground nutmeg.&nbsp;

Holiday Treats and Sweets

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There might be a little magic in this buttery shortbread snowman cookie dressed up in white chocolatey icing. 

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Cranberry Bliss® Bar

A blondie cake base, topped with sweet cream cheese icing and tart, dried cranberries and orange flavoured drizzle. Also available for purchase by the tray!

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Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop

Peppermint chocolate cake mixed with buttercream and candy cane pieces, dipped in white chocolatey coating and sprinkled with candy cane bits.

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The sweet and spicy flavour of ginger, topped with orange zest infused vanilla icing.

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Looking to enjoy your favourite seasonal beverages from the comforts of home? Find Christmas Blend whole bean coffee when you pick up your holiday beverage at Starbucks. Plus, if you’re ready to check holiday shopping off your list, look for new <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-previews-must-have-gifts-for-2020-holiday-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">limited-edition seasonal merchandise</a>, including cozy mugs, tumblers, cold cups and more, available now at Starbucks stores.

The holidays have arrived at Starbucks and this year, we’re bringing back all the familiar and special flavours customers love in our signature holiday cups to help spark joy in even the smallest of moments.

Comfort and Joy: Starbucks Canada Brings Back Holiday Favourites

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Sometimes a Peppermint Mocha is more than just a beverage. It’s a moment of joy, a familiar ritual that connects holidays past and present. Starting tomorrow (Nov. 6), customers in Canada can enjoy the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/comfort-and-joy-starbucks-canada-brings-back-holiday-favourites/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/comfort-and-joy-starbucks-canada-brings-back-holiday-favourites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comforts of the season</a>&nbsp;at Starbucks stores with a flurry of returning seasonal favourites, including <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/496/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas" target="_blank">Peppermint Mocha</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/415/hot" target="_blank">Eggnog Latte,</a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes#:~:text=Espresso%2C%20steamed%20milk%20and%20rich,Hot%20Coffees%20%2F%20Caramel%20Brulee%20Latte" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes#:~:text=Espresso%2C%20steamed%20milk%20and%20rich,Hot%20Coffees%20%2F%20Caramel%20Brulee%20Latte" target="_blank">Caramel Brûlé Latte,</a> <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/417/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/417/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gingerbread Latte</a> and <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/873068661/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/873068661/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chestnut Praline Latte</a>, along with <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2123140/iced" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2123140/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Irish Cream Cold Brew</a>, Canadian exclusive <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2123138/hot" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2123138/hot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Irish Cream Americano</a> and new holiday cups, food items and gifts.

While the holidays may feel a bit different this year, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season with Starbucks. The company is <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-safety-precautions-in-light-of-covid-19/" target="_blank">focused on the health and well-being of its customers and partners</a> (employees), and strives to meet or exceed the standards outlined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, including continued emphasis on cleaning and sanitizing protocols in stores and enhanced store signage to support social distancing.&nbsp;

The story behind this year’s cups

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This year’s theme, Carry the Merry, is an invitation to enjoy the little moments of brightness around you.

“When we started designing the cups over a year ago, we didn’t know anything about what 2020 would bring. Our mindset was about people carrying them out in the world as messengers of joy,” said Jeff Wilkson, Creative director for Starbucks. “In a way that message deepened as we got further and further into the year. We want to be that beacon for people, a brief moment that they can look forward to.”

To bring that sentiment to life on the cups, the team started with brand elements like the Siren and the wordmark and mixed in holiday themes and colours, drawing inspiration from the <a href="https://creative.starbucks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks creative expression</a><a href="https://creative.starbucks.com/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://creative.starbucks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> guide</a>.

“Early in our exploration, one of our designers had started making these little ribbons that almost looked like washi tape (a decorative, adhesive tape),” Wilkson said. “We had this one session where we were just so inspired by these different patterns that we cut them out with scissors and started wrapping them in different ways on cups.”

They continued to play with brand elements and toy with scale as the designs took shape. For the colour palette, the designers brought in shades of brand greens and a shade of red that’s a little brighter than <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/starbucks-red-cups-2015/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the shade Starbucks may be famous for</a> to give it an extra pop.

The team landed on the following four different cup designs, the same number as the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2017/20-years-of-starbucks-holiday-cups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first holiday cup collection in 1997</a>. They come to life in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpzKnihENj4&amp;feature=youtu.be" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpzKnihENj4&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">series of</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLJQZOyy_WA&amp;feature=youtu.be" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLJQZOyy_WA&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holiday ads</a>, each with a feeling all its own. (“Everyone has their favourite,” he says.)

Sparkle: This red cup has vintage vibes, with cutout shapes in green like glittering holiday ornaments. The motif is repeated in a snowy white on Starbucks® cold beverage cups.

Dot: Stripes swirl around a field of Starbucks <a href="https://creative.starbucks.com/color/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">house green</a> punctuated by playful polka dots.

Brand Wrap: This modern, scaled-up version of the ribbon design features bold bands of holiday colour and the Starbucks wordmark, designer street style.

Ribbon: This design brings forward all the joyful elements of the holiday season in ribbons of brand greens and a jolly red like a cozy holiday sweater. Look closely and you’ll see the Siren’s crown, tail, and scales.

Holiday food &amp; gifts

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/comfort-and-joy-starbucks-canada-brings-back-holiday-favourites/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/comfort-and-joy-starbucks-canada-brings-back-holiday-favourites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festive holiday food items</a>&nbsp;are also returning this holiday including the Cranberry Bliss® Bar and Snowman Cookie. Starbucks® Christmas Blend&nbsp;whole bean coffee is also making its annual return along with Starbucks® Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, Starbucks® Holiday Blend and Starbucks Reserve™® Christmas 2020 (in select stores). Or fill your stockings with a colourful <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-previews-must-have-gifts-for-2020-holiday-season/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-previews-must-have-gifts-for-2020-holiday-season/" target="_blank">collection of gifts</a>, including cold cups, tumblers and Starbucks Cards, with more merchandise added throughout the season.

Safely enjoying the holidays

The <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/rewards/mobile-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks® App</a> is the best way for customers to find a Starbucks location, check store hours, order ahead and use contactless payment. At select locations where social distancing can be accommodated, customers can place an order in the café and take it to-go, or they can use the order ahead and pay feature in the Starbucks App and pick it up at the counter. There will be a limited number of customers inside at one time, floor markers and signage will promote social distancing, and plexi-shields will be at the POS and handoff areas as an added barrier of protection. And, in select locations, the seating area will not be open.&nbsp;

Customers can also order at the drive thru, use curbside pickup through the Starbucks App (at participating stores) or enjoy their favourites without leaving home through <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ubereats.com/ca/brand/starbucks/?utm_source=starbucks_can&amp;utm_medium=brandpage&amp;utm_content=PAowned" target="_blank">Starbucks® Delivers</a> powered by Uber Eats (check the Uber Eats app for availability and restrictions). For a more in-depth guide on how to safely enjoy Starbucks® holiday menu, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/celebrating-the-holidays-at-starbucks-canada/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/celebrating-the-holidays-at-starbucks-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here</a>.&nbsp;

The holidays arrive at Starbucks stores in Canada tomorrow with a flurry of seasonal favourites, including Peppermint Mocha, Eggnog Latte, Caramel Brûlé Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Gingerbread Latte, Irish Cream Cold Brew and Canadian exclusive Irish Cream Americano, alongside new holiday cups, food items, and gifts.

The Holiday Season at Starbucks Starts on Nov. 6

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