Which Starbucks Coffee Blend Wins the Holidays? Team Holiday Blend vs. Team Season’s Cheer

A new seasonal blend has entered the scene for the holidays: Seasons Cheer. Read The Afternoon Pour Co's Review of each to make sure your holiday mug is filled with the right magical blend!

LET'S POUR IT OUT

The Afternoon Pour Co.

The house is still quiet — for about five more minutes. The dishwasher hums, someone’s shoe is probably lost again, and you’re clutching your mug like it’s a lifeline. Decorations are still tucked in boxes because the thought of untangling twinkle lights feels… overwhelming. But in that tiny pocket before the chaos, your coffee gets to feel a little magical.

A mug full of holiday brew is the perfect way to sneak in some seasonal cheer — no ladder required, no wrapping paper mess, and no judgment if your tree isn’t up yet. Or if you're just in a home where decorating isn't allowed until after Thanksgiving here’s a secret: you can still fill your mug with holiday spirit... and no one has to know!

This year, Starbucks is making that mini escape extra enticing. Along with the classic Holiday Blend, they’ve released a brand-new contender: Season’s Cheer Blend. Which one deserves a spot in your morning ritual (or your afternoon pour)? Let’s find out as we put Team Holiday Blend and Team Season’s Cheer head-to-head — and round up a few more festive coffees that’ll make your mug merry all season long.

The Head-to-Head Breakdown: Find Your Holiday Mood

If your mornings are already running on fumes (and your coffee has probably been reheated twice), here’s what each blend brings to the table:

Taste Test & Verdict: Which Mug Wins Your Morning?

When I brewed both side-by-side, here’s how they made me feel:

Holiday Blend
Feels like wrapping up in a blanket you’ve had since college — soft, familiar, and always waiting for you. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, with a gentle herbaceous undertone. Perfect for quiet mornings, a few stolen sips while the kids aren’t asking for snacks, or gifting to a friend who needs a tiny escape too.

Season’s Cheer Blend
Has a little more flair. The cocoa and dried fruit notes lean richer — almost like dessert in a mug. It’s indulgent, slightly unexpected, and perfect for gifting or pairing with Christmas cookies while you sneak a five-minute coffee break that feels indulgent and fully yours.

Verdict:
  • ☕️ Want the cozy, nostalgic morning vibes? Go Team Holiday Blend.

  • ☕️ Craving something new, richer, and indulgent? Go Team Season’s Cheer.

Either way, your house will smell like holiday happiness — and you get a mini vacation in a mug before the madness begins.

Final Pour: Your Holiday Escape

Whether you’re firmly #TeamHolidayBlend or proudly waving the #TeamSeasonsCheer flag, one thing’s for sure — this season deserves great coffee. So brew a cup, cue the holiday playlist, and remember: if your tree isn’t up yet, your coffee can still be festive.

If you’ve earned one quiet cup to yourself today (and let’s be honest, you have), you can grab Holiday Blend here or Season’s Cheer here. Sometimes the smallest moments — a warm mug, a few deep breaths, a favorite playlist — are the best gifts you can give yourself.

Other Noteable Holiday Blends:

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