How To Score A Free Starbucks Red Reusable Holiday Cup
In early November, Starbucks unveiled its holiday cup design, a vibrant mix of red, green, and magenta featuring its signature logo. It also launched its new holiday menu under the theme "Share the Joy." The iconic coffee brand has now announced that its annual Red Cup Day, a sixth-year tradition, will take place on Thursday, November 16. This event offers guests the chance to snag a free reusable holiday cup.
You can get this free 16-ounce cup by ordering any of Starbucks' fall (yes, the PSL is included) or winter drinks, whether you stop into the store or order online via the Starbucks app, Uber Eats, or DoorDash. The menu, featuring 16 eligible drinks, ranges from classics like the Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulée Latte to new releases such as the Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai or Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte. While ordering from the food menu won't earn you any freebies, there's a selection of holiday sweets — including Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops and Sugar Plum Cheese Danishes — that pair perfectly with a festive latte.
For Starbucks Rewards members, this reusable cup brings additional year-round cheer, offering 25 Bonus Stars each time it's brought in for future beverage purchases. Even for non-members, using the cup earns a 10-cent discount on drinks.
Some workers aren't sharing in Starbucks' joy on Red Cup Day
While Starbucks enthusiasts may be celebrating the return of Red Cup Day, some of the coffee company's workers are far from excited about the promotion. On November 16, workers are planning a strike on Red Cup Day, an action that Starbucks Workers United has named the Red Cup Rebellion.
This marks the second consecutive year that SWU has organized a walkout on Red Cup Day. The strike is a response to what the union members describe as unfair labor practices, especially the failure to increase staffing during the busy promotion, leading to worker shortages. Starbucks Workers United also highlights issues like sexual and racial harassment, low wages, and unaffordable healthcare as prevalent problems for Starbucks workers nationwide.
Starbucks Workers United has organized multiple actions, one of the most recent being a "sip-in" protest in September, aimed at educating both employees and community members. Meanwhile, ongoing negotiations between Starbucks Workers United and Starbucks continue to face delays. In mid-October, tensions escalated as both parties filed lawsuits against each other regarding the use of the Starbucks logo.