Starbucks Red Cup Day 2025 India: Date, Offers & Tips

For many Starbucks devotees in India, seeing the famous red cup indicates more than just a coffee run; it means the start of the holiday season. The brand’s yearly “Red Cup Day” event has become an occasion for fans to revel in a moment of fun, sharing, and seasonal spirit.

Here’s everything you need to know to be a part of the 2025 event (and yes, Indian locations usually participate, so you’ll have some time).

When is Red Cup Day?

For 2025, Starbucks’ official Red Cup Day is Thursday, November 13. On that specific day only, it matters both to arrive early and to order the correct drink as the limited-edition reusable cups are given away while supplies last.

What You Get – & What to do

Simply order any handcrafted holiday beverage (hot, iced blended) from the limited special holiday menu, and you will receive a free reusable red cup!

You can do this through the Starbucks app, at the drive-thru, or in-store.

Note: The drink won’t be served in the red cup to start. You will still get your beverage in a regular cup and receive the reusable red one separately in several markets.

Tip for India: Go early in the day. In past years, the cups have run out quickly.

What’s on the Holiday Menu?

Starbucks is bringing back fun favourites and introducing new holiday items for 2025:

Peppermint Mocha
Caramel Brulée Latte
Chestnut Praline Latte

… and new items such as festive cookies and seasonal cold brews.

In India, you may see localised versions of these, and perhaps, special desserts or regional flavour — tip: check your local store or the app.

How it Works in India

Even though Red Cup Day started in countries outside of India, Starbucks’ Indian stores have the same seasonal theme going on. The Indian specific details are not as well-advertised as those locations, but you can look to the launch date and special menu for guidance.

You want to be there when they open — Indian stores may be receiving fewer cups than in the U.S.

Make sure your drink is eligible (either the holiday menu item, not solely the regular brew).

Use the Starbucks India app to pay for your drink and see if the promotion will allow for preordering to maximise the experience.

If you are a collector, be sure to ask if you can get a reusable cup and about the design, as it may be different from the one you see in the U.S.

Why Is There Such a Frenzy?

There are a couple of reasons why Red Cup Day has such buzz:

First, the red cup is seen as the first visual sign that the holiday season has started.
Starbucks uses it as a way to connect emotionally with customers by combining a drink and a reusable token of celebration.

In short, ordering your favourite holiday drink + getting the free cup = a small treat that feels like participation in the season.

Ideas to Get the Most Out of It

Check your store’s promo: Not all Indian stores may advertise “Red Cup Day” the same as U.S. stores. If you’re unsure, call ahead.
Get the right drink: The promotional offer is to order a qualifying holiday menu item — you do not want to just buy your regular cup of coffee.
Ask if they have cups left: Budgets are forcing many stores to limit the number of cups, so there will be a limited number of these cups to order, “while supplies last.”
Mobile Order if you can: A good way to get through lines and make sure your order counts.
Use your reusable cup later: Even if your drink is served in a regular cup, at least you will have the red one to use on future visits.

In conclusion

If you are a Starbucks fan in India, mark November 13, 2025 on your calendar. It is a fun opportunity to have a holiday drink and to pick up a free reusable cup that adds to the holiday cheer. Whether for the drink, the cup, or the experience, it is a fun little ritual to inject a little happiness into a daily routine.