Starbucks’ viral bear-shaped glass cold cup is coming back, but collectors have two different dates to mark. The chain plans to release mystery-box Bearista cups on November 10, then bring back the original glass bear with its green hat on December 1. The original is slated for select U.S. coffeehouses, and both drops will have limited supplies.
These collectibles are separate from Starbucks’ annual reusable red-cup giveaway. Customers who already own drinkware can learn how to bring their own cup to Starbucks, but the upcoming Bearista releases are merchandise, not free cups included with a coffee purchase.
A surprise-box Bearista arrives November 10
Starbucks says the Glass Bearista Cold Cup – Surprise Box Edition will be available at U.S. coffeehouses beginning November 10, while supplies last. Instead of choosing a character from a display, shoppers will open a mystery box to discover which glass Bearista design is inside.
The company’s October 26 announcement did not reveal the complete character lineup or a selling price. It also did not specify exactly how many mystery cups each location will receive. That makes local stock worth checking before heading out specifically for one.
The mystery collection is a new release, not simply the same green-hat cup in different packaging. Starbucks describes it as a new generation of glass Bearista characters, with further details expected closer to launch.
The original glass bear returns December 1
Fans who want the familiar clear glass bear wearing a green Starbucks beanie have a later date to remember: December 1. Starbucks says the original Bearista Glass Cold Cup will return to select coffeehouses that day, subject to availability.
The design became a viral holiday collectible when it debuted in 2025. Its return is separate from the November 10 mystery-box launch, so customers should not assume that seeing one version in a store means the other version is there, too.
Starbucks has not announced a nationwide 2026 price for the returning original in its latest release. The company also hasn’t promised that every store will stock it. Fans should look for location-specific information as December approaches.
Holiday drinks and food arrive first
Before either glass cup appears, Starbucks is scheduled to launch its holiday menu on November 5. New choices include the Tiramisu Velvet Latte, served hot or iced, and Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew. Both feature mascarpone cold foam and a cocoa-and-coffee dusting.
The new Apple Pomegranate Refresher has popping pomegranate-flavored pearls, while its Snowy Apple variation uses coconut milk. Returning drinks include Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte and Gingerbread Chai.
Seasonal food includes a new Bearista Cake Pop, Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese and a Turkey & Stuffing Sandwich with an updated recipe. Starbucks is also planning new holiday merchandise collections, including Bearista-themed accessories, beginning November 5.
Red Cup Day is a third, different promotion
Starbucks has scheduled Red Cup Day for November 17. At participating stores, customers who purchase a handcrafted holiday beverage are slated to receive a reusable holiday cup while supplies last. That giveaway is not the same as either of the glass Bearista releases.
There are four dates to keep straight: November 5 for holiday drinks, November 10 for mystery Bearista cups, November 17 for Red Cup Day and December 1 for the original glass bear. Starbucks lays out those separate launches in its 2026 holiday announcement.
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