Starbucks Coffee Company celebrates the launch of the holiday season in the chain with the arrival of Starbucks^® handcrafted holiday beverages in the iconic red cups. Starbucks invites customers to bring a friend to participating company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada on November 18-21 to receive a free beverage when purchasing a holiday beverage of equal or lesser value, which includes the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

Also debuting yesterday were the new Starbucks VIA^® Ready Brew Christmas Blend and Starbucks^® Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, as well as the celebrity-designed limited-edition (STARBUCKS)^RED Ceramic To-Go Cup and Card by Jonathan Adler. Customers can join Starbucks in giving back this holiday season as the company will contribute to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa with every purchase of (STARBUCKS)^RED offerings. For last-minute gifts, Starbucks has a variety of exceptional holiday merchandise, including beautiful coffee and tea gift sets, and the new Tazo^® Joy™ tea in full-leaf form.

Yesterday, November 16, Starbucks invited those in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York to celebrate the season today by visiting unique holiday pop-up experiences, where attendees could create and share a free personalized postcard—with a special “buy one, get one” offer for a Starbucks^® handcrafted beverage—to send greetings to friends and family. For more information on ways to share the season, visit www.Starbucks.com/Share.

“The holidays are all about enjoying celebrated traditions with the ones we love, and Starbucks joins in the spirit of the season as a welcoming place to share these moments,” said Annie Young-Scrivner, global chief marketing officer, Starbucks Coffee Company. “Whether you visit your local Starbucks to share a favorite holiday beverage with a friend, or are looking for the perfect gift, our stores provide a gathering place to connect with your community and share holiday moments with those you love over a cup of coffee.”