Where your Target run meets your favorite cup—Starbucks and Target team up together for an exclusive holiday treat!

If you thought holiday cheer had already reached peak creativity, think again—because Starbucks and Target are teaming up for something totally unexpected.

It’s festive, it’s exclusive, and it’s already turning heads. But here’s the twist: you won’t find it at your usual Starbucks stop.

To get your hands on this seasonal surprise, you’ll need to make a Target run.

Whether you’re grabbing last-minute gifts or just browsing the aisles for cozy inspiration, there’s now one more reason to swing by. Ready to unwrap the details of this holiday first?

A holiday treat with a Target twist​

Swirls of peppermint whipped cream, mocha, and merry sprinkles—your new seasonal obsession has arrived. Image Source: Facebook/The Mommy Deal Collab.

When two powerhouse retailers with a 25-year partnership unveil something new, it’s more than just seasonal flair—it’s a landmark moment.

Since 1999, Starbucks and Target have shared space through a licensing agreement that placed coffee shops inside Target stores across the country.

Now, for the first time, they’ve teamed up to release a holiday offering together. This debut marks a fresh evolution in their long-standing relationship, drawing interest from loyal customers and curious holiday shoppers alike.

The result of this milestone partnership? A Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate drink!

Starting November 18, Starbucks fans can indulge in the Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate, but only if they’re shopping at Target. If you’re a Target Circle 360 member, you may have already gotten a sneak sip on November 17.

For everyone else, it’s time to add “Starbucks run” to your Target shopping list (right next to “wrapping paper” and “batteries”).

So, what’s in this chilly cup of holiday magic?

Imagine a crème Frappuccino base blended with rich mocha sauce, creamy milk, and ice, poured over a cloud of peppermint-flavored whipped cream and topped with festive red and green sprinkles.

But wait—there’s more!

The whole thing is crowned with another swirl of peppermint whipped cream and a final dusting of those merry sprinkles. It’s a winter wonderland in a cup, and it’s sure to make your next Target trip a little more jolly.

Why only at Target?​

You might be wondering: Why is Starbucks keeping this treat exclusive to Target?

The answer is simple—Starbucks and Target have been cozy partners for years, and these in-store cafés are a favorite pit stop for shoppers.

By offering a drink you can’t get anywhere else, Starbucks is giving us one more reason to linger in the aisles (as if we needed one). It’s a win-win situation: Target gets more foot traffic, and Starbucks gets to spread a little extra holiday cheer.

This isn’t the first time Starbucks has rolled out a store-exclusive drink, but the Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate is certainly one of the most festive.

It’s a clever way to make the holiday season feel even more special, and to reward those of us who brave the holiday crowds for that perfect gift (or, let’s be honest, a little treat for ourselves).

Red Cup Day: A holiday tradition with a twist​

Speaking of holiday traditions, Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day has become a cultural phenomenon.

On November 13, the company handed out its iconic reusable red cups with every holiday drink purchase—a move that always draws crowds and sparks social media attention.

This year, CEO Brian Niccol called it the “strongest Reusable Red Cup Day in company history”, with record-breaking sales and plenty of happy customers showing off their new cups.

But not everything was merry and bright.

The day also saw a “Red Cup Rebellion”, as some Starbucks baristas, organized by Starbucks Workers United, staged strikes at select locations to draw attention to labor issues.

While the company says less than 1% of stores were affected, the event highlighted ongoing conversations about working conditions and unionization at one of America’s most beloved brands.

The bottom line on this holiday exclusive​

After 25 years of partnership, this first collaborative holiday drink represents something bigger than just another seasonal menu item. It's a strategic move by two major American retailers to create something that can only be experienced in their shared spaces.

Whether the Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate lives up to the fanfare seems to depend on your tolerance for sweet treats and your appreciation for festive presentation. The mixed professional reviews suggest it's more about the experience and exclusivity than groundbreaking flavor innovation.

For Target regulars who enjoy seasonal treats, it's worth trying at least once—especially if you're already planning a holiday shopping trip. For others, it might be more novelty than necessity.

And for those of us in The GrayVine community, these traditions take on even more meaning.

Maybe you remember the days when “coffee to go” meant a Styrofoam cup at the local diner, or when the fanciest thing on the menu was a cinnamon roll. Now, we have a world of flavors at our fingertips—and a chance to make new memories with every cup.

Key Takeaways

• Starbucks has launched a new Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate just for the festive season, but it’s only available at Starbucks cafés inside Target stores.
• Target Circle 360 members were able to get early access to the drink, with the official public release starting on November 18.
• The indulgent drink features a creme Frappuccino base, mocha sauce, peppermint-flavoured whipped cream, and festive red and green sprinkles.
• Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day saw record sales, even as a small number of stores were affected by union-led strikes, with the vast majority of locations open as usual.

What's your take on exclusive retail collaborations? Have you tried any Target-only items that surprised you, or do you prefer to stick with the classics when it comes to your coffee choices?

Let’s swap stories, share tips, and celebrate the season—one cup at a time. And if you spot any other exclusive or unusual holiday drinks out there, let us know! After all, the best part of the holidays is sharing a little joy (and maybe a little whipped cream) with friends.

Happy sipping, and happy holidays from all of us at The GrayVine!