• by Todd Wasserman , Staff Writer, November 8, 2022

Starbucks is embracing the holidays this year, as well as celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the chain’s red holiday cups. Meanwhile, Dunkin’ is introducing new drinks for the holidays.

Starbucks this month brought back Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Chestnut Prailine Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew and, for its second holiday season, the nondairy Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte.

The chain is also introducing the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, which joins the returning Reindeer Cake Pop, Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, Cranberry Bliss Bar and the Snowman Cookie.

The Peppermint Mocha is turning 20 this year and features espresso combined with steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup, topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls.

Starbucks also introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte in late August, which led to the highest sales week in history for the chain, according to a report in Axios. Starbucks is also expected to give away free reusable cups sometime in November for what’s known as Red Cup Day. Last year, the date was Nov. 18. This year’s date hasn’t yet been announced.

Dunkin’, meanwhile, introduced its holiday menu this week, which includes The Cookie Butter Cold Brew, a Pancake Wake-Up Wrap and Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte.

Dunkin' is also bringing back its Cranberry Orange Muffin.

According to data intelligence platform Placer.ai, both chains saw foot traffic spike "in correlation with the fall-themed menu releases," and this year was the biggest jump in three years.  Starbucks foot traffic was up 27.5% for the seven days following its launch, compared to an average week, and compared to a rise of 14% in 2019. Dunkin' also saw a jump, up 9.5% in 2022, compared to 6.7% in 2019.