Starbucks disappoints again this holiday season

Even though it's not even Thanksgiving yet, stores, restaurants and some households are already preparing for Christmas. Major retailers are already launching holiday departments, trips are being booked and Starbucks is playing the Grinch by ignoring its classic Eggnog Latte. The seasonal drink, which contained espresso, steamed eggnog and ground nutmeg, tasted almost like Christmas in a coffee cup. Starbucks first introduced the holiday drink in 1984 along with Christmas Blend coffee. It was their first foray into celebratory beverage marketing and was a success. In 2023, fans drank over 1 BILLION eggnog (none from Starbucks) in North America alone. It appears the largest coffee retailer is waging a “war on eggnog” and working to ruin the holiday spirit.

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Starbucks temporarily removed the Eggnog Latte from its menu in 2014 in an effort to streamline the menu, but reintroduced it after being inundated with customer complaints. Then, during the late stages of the pandemic in November 2021, Starbucks made matters worse by eliminating the menu favorite.

Eggnog has its origins in the British Middle Ages. The original drink included wine and beer, establishing the tradition of an alcoholic beverage. In the 17th century it was fashionable among the aristocracy to drink it with sherry. In Colonial America, eggnog was made with rum and George Washington served eggnog, which helped it become part of the holiday culture. Different parts of the country add their regional spirits, including bourbon.

Interestingly, the new “holiday” menu includes four hot drinks and four cold drinks, highlighting the trend towards chilled soft drinks. Returned beverages include:

Caramel Brûlée Latte A blend of espresso, steamed milk and caramel brûlée sauce, topped with whipped cream and caramel brûlée topping.

Chestnut praline latte Espresso and steamed milk combined with chestnut praline flavors, finished with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs.

Peppermint Mocha A classic combination of espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint syrup, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte Blonde espresso blended with sugar cookie flavor and almond milk, topped with festive sprinkles.

Iced Gingerbread Oat Milk Chai A refreshing iced chai latte with gingerbread flavors.

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Cran-Merry Orange Refresher A non-coffee drink with a combination of sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spices.

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew – A new cold brew option likely inspired by fall’s Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte.

Elphaba's cold brew Sweetened with peppermint syrup and garnished with dairy-free matcha cold foam.

It's a sad day when a major company turns away from a popular retail beverage to wage its “war on eggnog.”