Starbucks has long been known for their wide variety of seasonal and limited-time drinks. One such popular seasonal drink is the Cinnamon Dolce Latte. This sweet and spicy coffee drink has been a fan favorite for years, but there has been some speculation recently over whether Starbucks has discontinued it. As avid Starbucks customers await its return, let’s take a look at what we know so far about the fate of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte.
What is the Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
The Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a holiday specialty drink from Starbucks. It features espresso combined with steamed milk and the cinnamon dolce syrup. This syrup has notes of cinnamon and vanilla to give the latte a sweet, spicy flavor. The drink is then topped with sweetened whipped cream and a cinnamon dolce sprinkles blend.
The Cinnamon Dolce Latte was first introduced by Starbucks in 2002 as part of their holiday drink lineup. Its rich, indulgent flavors made it an instant seasonal hit. While Starbucks rotates through different holiday drinks each year, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte quickly became a returning favorite due to popular demand. Customers eagerly await its return every fall.
When is the Cinnamon Dolce Latte usually available?
As a seasonal specialty drink, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte has historically had a limited availability window. Here is when Starbucks has previously offered the drink:
- November – January: This window from November to January represents the core holiday season when Starbucks carries the Cinnamon Dolce Latte. It usually returns to menus in early/mid-November and stays through the end of January.
- Occasional extended run into spring: Some years, Starbucks has kept the drink around into February or early March before discontinuing it for the season.
- Early fall teaser run: There have been some instances where stores have offered the Cinnamon Dolce Latte for a short time in September/October before the core holiday launch.
Based on this pattern, customers expect to see the Cinnamon Dolce Latte available at Starbucks annually from around mid-November through the end of January at a minimum.
Evidence of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte’s possible discontinuation
In the 2022 holiday season, Starbucks did not bring back the Cinnamon Dolce Latte as many expected. As of January 2023, the drink has still not reappeared on menus:
- No 2022 holiday launch: Starbucks launched their 2022 holiday menu in early November with drinks like the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha, and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, but the Cinnamon Dolce Latte was notably absent.
- No January 2023 return: Typically the Cinnamon Dolce Latte runs through January, but it has not re-launched in Starbucks stores so far in 2023.
- No official word on discontinuation: Starbucks has not made any public statement confirming that the Cinnamon Dolce Latte has been discontinued permanently.
The uncharacteristic absence of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte during the 2022 holiday season and into January 2023 has led some to speculate that Starbucks may have quietly discontinued the drink. However, without official word, customers are still left wondering and hoping for its return.
Why Starbucks could discontinue the Cinnamon Dolce Latte
While not confirmed, there are some possible reasons why Starbucks may have chosen to retire the decade-plus long menu staple:
- Menu simplification: With a growing menu of seasonal favorites and new creative drinks, Starbucks may have decided to streamline offerings and discontinue lagging products like the Cinnamon Dolce Latte.
- Production costs: With inflation impacting coffee beans and other ingredients, discontinuing a specialty syrup-heavy drink like Cinnamon Dolce could cut production costs.
- Lack of interest: Sales data may have indicated waning interest and orders for the Cinnamon Dolce Latte over recent holiday seasons.
- New menu strategy: Starbucks hinted at plans to overhaul its holiday menu for 2022. Discontinuing Cinnamon Dolce could be part of a larger refresh strategy.
By eliminating a low-performing or expensive seasonal drink like Cinnamon Dolce, Starbucks can focus on new product innovation and only keep its highest value holiday offerings.
Evidence the Cinnamon Dolce Latte may return
While Starbucks has yet to confirm the status of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, there are also reasons to believe the beloved seasonal drink may make a return in the future:
- No official discontinuation notice: Starbucks typically announces when a menu item is being retired permanently. The lack of formal notice leaves the door open.
- Social media demand: Some fans have taken to social media asking about the drink’s absence and requesting its return, demonstrating continued demand.
- Core holiday drink: Before its absence in 2022, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte had been a Starbucks holiday menu staple since 2002.
- Rotating holiday menu: Starbucks often rotates certain drinks in and out year-to-year. The Cinnamon Dolce Latte may reemerge in future seasons.
- Cinnamon Dolce syrup still available: While supplies last, Starbucks locations still list Cinnamon Dolce syrup as an option to customize drinks.
Given its long-standing popularity, many customers likely hope the Cinnamon Dolce Latte’s disappearance during the 2022 holiday season ultimately proves temporary rather than a permanent discontinue.
The bottom line
Starbucks has given no official indication regarding the status of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte one way or the other. The drink’s unusual absence from the 2022 holiday menu sparked concerns of a possible discontinuation. However, as a beloved seasonal offering for over a decade, fans remain optimistic for its eventual return pending any confirmation from Starbucks.
For now, those hoping to enjoy the Cinnamon Dolce Latte this season have had to find alternative options or explore custom ordering. But there’s still a chance this spicy-sweet coffee drink may reemerge in future holiday seasons at Starbucks. Many will certainly be eagerly awaiting news from Starbucks on whether the Cinnamon Dolce Latte has been discontinued for good or if it’s only a temporary hiatus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do customers love the Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
The Cinnamon Dolce Latte has been a popular seasonal favorite due to its perfect blend of holiday flavors. Customers love the combination of cinnamon and vanilla in the syrup, which gives the espresso drink a sweetness reminiscent of baked goods like cinnamon rolls while still retaining coffee flavor. The whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkle topping provides the perfect finishing touch of festive flair.
When did the Cinnamon Dolce Latte first appear on the Starbucks menu?
The Cinnamon Dolce Latte was added by Starbucks as a holiday seasonal drink in 2002. It became an instant customer favorite and a returning menu item for the holidays in the nearly two decades since its debut.
What ingredients are in a Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
A Cinnamon Dolce Latte is made with:
- Espresso
- Steamed milk
- Cinnamon Dolce flavored syrup containing cinnamon and vanilla flavors
- Whipped cream topping
- Cinnamon sugar sprinkles
Could I order a Cinnamon Dolce Latte customized if it’s discontinued?
Yes, as long as locations still have cinnamon dolce syrup in stock, you can customize a latte by asking for cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, and a topping of cinnamon sugar.
However, availability of the syrup may be limited if the drink mix has been discontinued. Once Starbucks runs out of existing cinnamon dolce syrup supplies, the customization option could go away.
Are there any similar holiday coffee drinks at Starbucks to the Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
If the Cinnamon Dolce Latte is off the menu this season, here are some potential alternatives to consider at Starbucks this holiday season:
- Chestnut Praline Latte: Features nutty praline syrup with espresso and steamed milk.
- Caramel Brulée Latte: A creamy, caramelly latte topped with caramel brulee-inspired bruleed sugar bits.
- Toasted White Chocolate Mocha: White chocolate mocha sauce steamed with espresso and milk.
- Peppermint Mocha: Chocolatey espresso drink with peppermint and mocha flavors.
- Gingersnap Latte: Latte with gingerbread cookie flavors.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Starbucks’ famous fall espresso drink spiced with pumpkin flavors.
Will Starbucks ever bring back the Cinnamon Dolce Latte in the future?
Only time will tell! Starbucks has not officially announced the Cinnamon Dolce Latte as a permanent discontinue. Many fans remain hopeful that we’ll see its return to the Starbucks holiday menu in upcoming seasons pending any confirmation of its status from Starbucks.
Conclusion
The apparent disappearance of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks menus during the 2022 holiday season took many loyal fans by surprise. In the absence of any formal confirmation around the drink’s status, speculation has arose that Starbucks may have quietly discontinued the long-time seasonal favorite due to menu simplification, cost cuts, or waning popularity.
However, as a staple Starbucks holiday offering for over a decade, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte also has a devoted customer following who hope this proves to be just a temporary hiatus. While time will tell whether it ultimately returns in future holiday seasons, consumers still have plenty of other festive Starbucks drink options to enjoy in the meantime this holiday season.
