Introduction to Red Cup Day
Starbucks Red Cup Day, one of the busiest days at Starbucks coffee shops across the country, is back to celebrate the holidays for 2025 — but a planned strike by more than 1,000 workers could put a damper on the giveaway. Thursday, Nov. 13, customers who order any holiday or fall drink at participating Starbucks stores will receive a free, 2025 limited-edition reusable red cup while supplies last, the company wrote in a release.
The Red Cup Giveaway
The coffee giant said this year, it plans to give away "more cups than ever before." "Red Cup Day is a beloved tradition for Starbucks customers," the release said. "This year, we’re giving away more cups than ever before. We’ll also have more baristas in our cafés to welcome customers and ensure a great experience for everyone. This is all part of providing the very best Green Apron Service and celebrating the holidays with our customers." This year’s red cup illustration features a snowy holiday scene, "inspired by the little moment of magic you feel when you step into a Starbucks from the cold outside,” according to Starbucks designer Yvonne Chan.
The Planned Strike
But a wrinkle could lead to even longer lines outside stores, as the day also marks the start of a 65-store strike by 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers to protest a lack of progress in labor negotiations with the company. Starbucks Workers United, the union organizing Starbucks baristas, said stores in 45 cities would be impacted by the open-ended strike, including at least three in the Chicago area. According to a release, one of the rallies will take place at 4 p.m. at the Starbucks store at 1901 Dempster St. in Evanston.
Reasons for the Strike
“We’re striking for a fair union contract, resolution of unfair labor practices, and a better future at Starbucks," barista Dachi Spoltore wrote in a release from the union. "For every one barista on strike, dozens more allies and customers have pledged to honor the picket line and not buy Starbucks while we’re on strike.” Starbucks emphasized that the vast majority of its U.S. stores would be open and operating as usual Thursday. The coffee giant has 10,000 company-owned stores in the U.S., as well as 7,000 licensed locations in places like grocery stores and airports.
How to Get Your Free Red Cup
As Red Cup Day gets underway, here’s how it works, and how to get your free cup.
What Drinks Are Included?
Starbucks says customers that order any hot, iced or blended holiday or fall beverage will receive the free grande (16-ounce) Starbucks reusable red cup at participating stores, while supplies last. Here’s the full list of beverages included in the deal: Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte, Sugar Cookie Breve, Gingerbread Chai, Gingerbread Latte, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, White Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, Pecan Oatmilk Cortado, Holiday and Fall Cold Foams and Protein Cold Foams.
How to Get the Free Red Cup
The red cup giveaway is available however customers order, including inside cafes and drive-thrus, through the Starbucks app and through Starbucks delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub or Uber Eats.
How to Get a Discount After Red Cup Day
Any customers who bring in their reusable red cup — or any reusable red cup — will receive a 10-cent discount on their beverage, Starbucks said.
Where Are Starbucks Workers Striking?
According to the union, here’s the full list of Starbucks store locations that will see strikes on Thursday. In Illinois, the list includes stores in Geneva, Evanston and Des Plaines. Anaheim, CA; Long Beach, CA; San Diego, CA; Santa Clarita, CA; Santa Cruz, CA; Scotts Valley, CA; Seal Beach, CA; Soquel, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; Lafayette, CO; Alpharetta, GA; Roswell, GA; Des Plaines, IL; Evanston, IL; Geneva, IL; Chanhassen, MN; Minneapolis, MN; Saint Louis, MO; Brooklyn, NY; New York, NY; Columbus, OH; Lewis Center, OH; Reynoldsburg, OH; Upper Arlington, OH; Worthington, OH; Beaverton, OR; Damascus, OR; Eugene, OR; Gresham, OR; Portland, OR; Dickson City, PA; Lancaster, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Austin TX; Dallas, TX; Denton, TX; Farmers Branch, TX; Mechanicsville, VA; Richmond, VA; Redmond, WA; and Seattle, WA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Red Cup Day is a significant event for Starbucks and its customers. However, the planned strike by unionized workers may impact the celebrations. Customers can still get their free red cups and enjoy their favorite holiday drinks, but they should be aware of the potential disruptions.
FAQs
- Q: What is Red Cup Day?
A: Red Cup Day is a promotional event by Starbucks where customers can get a free reusable red cup with the purchase of a holiday or fall drink. - Q: Which drinks are included in the Red Cup Day promotion?
A: The promotion includes hot, iced, or blended holiday or fall beverages, such as Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Pumpkin Spice Latte. - Q: How can I get my free red cup?
A: You can get your free red cup by ordering a qualifying drink at a participating Starbucks store, through the app, or via delivery. - Q: Are all Starbucks stores participating in the Red Cup Day promotion?
A: Most Starbucks stores are participating, but some locations may be impacted by the worker strike. - Q: What is the strike about?
A: The strike is a labor dispute between Starbucks and its unionized workers, who are seeking better working conditions, fair contracts, and resolution of unfair labor practices.
