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Starbucks Hanukkah Blend, The Sasquatch of Coffees
By
John Del Signore
Published Dec 16, 2008
Modified Dec 16, 2008
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By
John Del Signore
Published Dec 16, 2008
Modified Dec 16, 2008
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[UPDATE BELOW] A reader sent us this photo, taken by a friend, of a special edition Starbucks menorah cup, which supposedly contained the chain's "Hanukkah Blend." This individual claims he bought it at an unspecified location on the Upper West Side, where the barista told him "we're serving it at Starbucks in Jewish neighborhoods for the next two weeks."
We've spent over an hour calling around to Starbucks across the city and even corporate headquarters, and though we're told there is a "Holiday Blend," nobody knows squat about any Jewish-themed coffee or beverage receptacle. (Other than this mug.) Guess what? The more the menorah cup eludes us, the more we're starting, inexplicably, to care.
At the Starbucks on 76th and Broadway, a manager tells us that while they have no Hanukkah themed paper cups, they will sell you the "Christmas Blend" (her words!) in a blue and gold Hanukkah themed bag. Not good enough! We're beginning to think the Hanukkah Blend could be the new Shamrock Shake. Also, if this is supposed to be a Hanukkah menorah, shouldn't it have a couple more candles?
UPDATE: Well, we were hoping for a Hanukkah miracle, but it looks like the skeptics have won the day. A press liaison for Starbucks writes: "We are dedicated to serving every customer regardless of how they choose to mark the holiday season. For our customers celebrating Hanukkah, we offer a selection of Hanukkah themed merchandise including mugs and tumblers. We do not offer Hanukkah blend coffee, nor do we carry blue to-go cups in our stores."
Tagged
christmas
coffee
hanukkah blend
holiday
jewish
nyc
starbucks
Upper West Side
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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