It’s Starbucks Red Cup Day and fans from all over the world are flocking to their local stores to get their hands on the coveted reusable cup. It’s a high-volume day, so not every fan experience will be without problems.

To make your Red Cup Day a success, here’s what you need to know about eligibility, size, quantity and how to keep the day cheerful, even if things vary by location. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you get the most out of this holiday tradition.

Starbucks Red Cup Day has arrived

On November 13, Starbucks posted on their Instagram account the day that both PSL members and regular customers were waiting for:

“A gift from us to you. 💚🎁 Receive your limited edition reusable red cup on November 14 with the purchase of any size handcrafted holiday beverage.

Quantities are limited, while supplies last. At participating stores in the US and Canada.”

Fans like Carla3703 have prepared themselves for the joy this tradition brings by sharing, “I can’t wait! I order my all-time favorite ice cream caramel brulée and my new favorite, the cran-merry orange refresher! This is the fourth year I’ve gotten my red cup, and I’m so excited 💚.”

Understanding Eligibility: Which Beverages Are Eligible?

Company policy: Starbucks policy states that handmade holiday drinks qualify for the Red Cup promotion, including festive favorites like Peppermint Mocha, Hot Chocoate and Caramel Brulée Latte.

Customer experiences: However, some fans have discovered that even seasonal drinks like hot chocolate are not approved in certain stores. For example, Rocior331 shared: “I bought four hot chocolates and they said it didn’t count so they wouldn’t give me my cups. Was I supposed to get four cups, one for each hot chocolate?

What to ask: To ensure you receive a qualifying drink, please contact your barista when ordering. A quick, friendly question – “Does this drink count towards Red Cup Day?” – can leave you feeling ready to grab your cup and enjoy the day.

Does size matter?

Another tip to keep in mind is suitability for the drink size.

Company policy: According to Starbucks, any size holiday drink is eligible for a Red Cup, so you should be able to order a tall, grande or venti and still qualify.

Customer experiences: Despite this, some customers have noticed variations. For example, Janine reported: “I was told at my local store that only certain sizes of drinks were eligible for a free cup, but your website lists every size!”

What to ask: If you order a smaller size, please confirm with your barista that it qualifies for the promotion. Ask: ‘Is this size eligible for the Red Cup?’ to make sure you’re both on the same page before paying.

Quantity issues

Finally, if you buy multiple drinks, how does that affect the number of cups you can get?

Company policy: Starbucks will provide one Red Cup for each eligible drink. So if you order multiple qualifying holiday drinks, you will be entitled to a cup for each.

Customer experiences: Fans have occasionally reported being limited to just one cup per order, regardless of the number of eligible drinks they purchased. While not universal, it may vary based on location and availability.

What to ask: If you are ordering multiple drinks, especially a larger order, please politely confirm the quantity of cups with your barista. A question like, “Do I get a red cup for each of my holiday drinks?” can clarify expectations in advance.

The Red Cup lives on

Even with a few quirks, Red Cup Day remains a holiday that brings together Starbucks fans across the country. For many, the Cup is more than just a seasonal design; it’s a way to start the season and share in the Christmas spirit.

Whether it’s your first year or a beloved annual tradition, Red Cup Day is a chance to soak up the holiday spirit one sip at a time. So whether you post your #RedCupDay2024 photo, share it with friends or simply enjoy a moment for yourself, Red Cup Day has become a symbol of togetherness and a modern way to start the holidays.