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Starbucks Puts Viral Bearista Cup Into App Game With 17,000 Prizes Through Jan. 4

The company shifted distribution to a mobile giveaway after November’s in-store sellouts drew complaints.

Overview

  • The Bearista Cold Cup is now an instant-win prize in Starbucks for Life Merrython, running from Dec. 8 at 4 a.m. PT through Jan. 4, 2026.
  • Starbucks says 17,000 cups will be awarded during the promotion, with roughly 600 available per day and a limit of one cup per winner.
  • Access requires a Starbucks Rewards account, with one Prize Play and one sweepstakes entry each week plus up to two additional Prize Plays per day, including a no‑purchase option.
  • This is not a store restock, and the cup is not being sold in cafés; players participate via the Starbucks app or website.
  • Launch-day coverage noted app and website glitches for some users, while secondary-market listings and cheaper dupes continue to proliferate.