Starbucks is Bringing Back the Viral Bearista Cup in Pink: How to Grab Yours on July 13
Starbucks is dropping a Pink Drink-inspired Bearista Glass on July 13. Want early access? Reserve members get first dibs online starting July 9.
Starbucks Set to Revive Viral Bearista Cup With Pink Drink-Inspired Summer Launch
SEATTLE — If you missed out on the chaos of last year’s holiday merchandise rush, prepare yourself. Starbucks announced on Monday that it is bringing back its high-demand Bearista Glass Cold Cup, this time swapping the winter aesthetic for a bright, "Pink Drink" theme.
The new Pink Bearista Glass Cold Cup hits select U.S. coffeehouses on July 13. Given the brand’s history with these specific items, store managers are already bracing for long lines.
How to Secure the Drop
The company is trying to stagger the release to prevent the kind of mayhem that defined the original launch.
Starbucks Rewards Reserve members get the first crack at the inventory. Starting July 9, these members can purchase the cup via the "Starbucks Shop"—the company's relatively new direct-to-consumer online portal.
For the general public, the cups land in stores on July 13. Here’s the thing: they are being sold on a "while supplies last" basis. To keep things from spiraling, Starbucks has instituted a strict two-item purchase limit per customer, whether you are buying online or standing at the register.
Design Details and Pricing
The cup itself is essentially a glass bottle shaped like a bear, but it’s been decked out for summer. It comes with a themed hat and a strawberry-shaped straw topper. It’s meant to look like their famous Pink Drink—that coconut milk and strawberry acai concoction that basically prints money for the company.
What’s interesting is that Starbucks hasn't actually confirmed the price tag yet. The original version launched in November 2025 at $29.95. Personally? I’d bet money they keep it at that price point to avoid even more customer grumbling, but we’ll see.
A History of Hype (and Headaches)
Look, this isn't just a cup. It’s a collector's item that has consistently proven it can trigger irrational behavior.
When the original honey-bear version with the green beanie dropped during the 2025 holiday season, it was absolute bedlam. The cups were listed on resale sites like eBay for as much as $300 within hours. I remember hearing about a physical fight breaking out at a location in Texas over these things—all for a piece of glass that costs less than thirty bucks.
The truth is, these collectibles have become a core part of the Starbucks business model. They aren’t just selling coffee; they’re selling social currency.
- Key Dates:
- July 9: Early access for Starbucks Rewards Reserve members (online).
- July 13: General release in select coffeehouses.
- Purchase Limit: Two units per customer.
- Features: Strawberry straw topper, custom hat, Pink Drink color palette.
The Bottom Line
Whether you actually like the way it looks or you’re just looking to flip it on a secondary market, the Pink Bearista is going to be everywhere on your social media feeds by mid-July. If you want one, set your alarms for the 9th. Otherwise, don't be surprised if the shelves are empty before you finish your morning commute on the 13th.
It’s just another sign that in the world of fast-casual retail, limited edition scarcity is still the most effective marketing strategy in the book.
Source: Hospitalitycareerprofile.com
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