Which of Your Favorite Starbucks Holiday Beverages Are Back?

Photo by: Joshua Trujillo ©Starbucks

Joshua Trujillo, Starbucks

Every year, Starbucks simultaneously rolls out its signature holiday beverages and introduces a brand-new seasonal cup that they are served in. And this year, for (maybe?) the first time ever, that festive cup is not red but green.

Green is, of course, Starbucks’ signature color, and based on that and the description of the new cup in the recent company press release, it’s evident this new design is pretty personal. The cup shows a single line connecting an array of different people — everyone from coffee farmers to baristas to families — and was designed by Seattle-based artist Shogo Ota. It is also, says Howard Schultz, the company’s chairman and CEO, a design that represents “the connections Starbucks has as a community with its partners (employees) and customers. During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other.”

How sweet and moving is that? Seems like Starbucks is already in the holiday spirit, and we couldn’t be happier about it.

If you’re ready to feel all those warm fuzzies too, there’s really no better way than to go out and get yourself the first festive Sbux bev of the season.

Starbucks’ holiday beverages officially returned November 1 (yes, the day after Halloween), and fans of newer seasonal drink offerings like the Chestnut Praline Latte and Caramel Brulee Latte will be excited to know that both bevs are back this year. Other holiday options available for the 2016 season include classics like the Eggnog Latte, Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Mocha (and the lighter Skinny Peppermint Mocha, with only 100 calories in a tall size).

And if peppermint isn’t your favorite holiday flavor, but you’re still looking for a lighter way to get your Starbucks fix this season, don’t fret. Your beloved baristas have a few tips for making any seasonal beverage skinnier, no matter what flavor combo you prefer. Go for lighter versions of other classic holiday drinks, like a Skinny Gingerbread Latte sans whip or an Iced Chestnut Praline Latte with almond milk and no whip (both of which clock in at under 150 calories for a Tall size), or try one of these other tricks straight from your most-trusted coffee pros:

Hold the whip: Whatever beverage you’re enjoying, you can knock off a significant amount of calories by simply skipping the whipped cream topping.

Ask for nonfat milk: Save fat and calories by choosing the lightest milk option available. If you’re someone who consumes dairy, that means nonfat (i.e., skim) milk. If you don’t do dairy, choose any one of Starbucks’ nondairy milk options (including almond milk).

Request fewer pumps: Of syrup, that is. Cutting the amount of syrup in your favorite beverage seriously reduces its sugar content (sugar = major calories). You can make this request for any drink on the Starbucks menu, so no matter what your go-to drink or seasonal treat is, it’s really pretty easy to make it lighter and healthier.

Cheers to the start of a delicious (and healthier) holiday season!

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