Starbucks' 2016 Wish-Themed Coffee Collection Launches

If you’ve ever wished your morning coffee could carry more meaning—something to toast the new year with, or share a moment over with loved ones—you’re not alone. Starbucks understood that urge back in 2016 and responded not just with drinks, but with a full lineup designed around making wishes, celebrating connection, and kicking off the year with a caffeine-fueled smile.

In 2016, Starbucks launched three exclusive New Year-themed drinks: Wish Cookie Latte, Fortune Chestnut Macchiato, and Peach Blossom Black Tea Latte, plus a curated selection of coffee pairings and festive gifts. These limited-edition beverages and accessories were crafted to echo traditional Chinese New Year sentiments with a modern coffee twist.

New Year, New Coffee Rituals

Starbucks created three entirely new (or returning) beverages for the 2016 New Year season, each designed to represent a heartfelt wish. These weren’t just seasonal flavors—they were drinks meant to be shared, sipped slowly, and savored as you set intentions for the months ahead.

Wish Cookie Latte

This was a brand-new drink for 2016, combining the bold, caramel-like richness of Starbucks’ signature espresso with steamed milk for a smooth, velvety base. Topped with a delicate layer of fluffy whipped cream and sprinkled with crunchy cookie crumbles, the Wish Cookie Latte delivered a sweet surprise in every sip. Think notes of espresso sweetness, creamy milk, and the occasional burst of cookie-like flavor—meant to echo the excitement of a fresh new year.

Fortune Chestnut Macchiato

A returning favorite, the Fortune Chestnut Macchiato blended the warm, earthy taste of chestnuts with the bold profile of espresso and milk. Its return was framed as a comforting nod to holiday traditions, bringing “good fortune” and a taste of caramelized chestnut warmth into the cup.

Peach Blossom Black Tea Latte

Also back by popular demand, this drink merged the floral, fruity notes of black tea with Starbucks’ espresso and milk base. Marketed as a symbol of prosperity and renewal—like blooming peach flowers in spring—it offered a sweeter, more aromatic alternative to classic espresso drinks.

Coffee & Sweets Pairings

To complement the three festive drinks, Starbucks also highlighted an array of sweet treats designed to enhance the celebratory mood:

• Wish Dot Cheese Cake – a rich, creamy dessert symbolizing sweetness and good luck.
• Fortune Chestnut Tart – offering a sweet and crispy contrast with chestnut flavors.
• Earl Grey Cheese Cake – blending the complexity of Earl Grey tea with cheesecake richness.
• Classic Black Forest Cake – a dense, decadent option for those seeking a traditional flavor.

Holiday Gifts & Collectibles

Beyond drinks and desserts, Starbucks rolled out a suite of New Year- and Valentine’s-themed merchandise to elevate the gifting experience:

• Monkey Year Zodiac Cups and Star Cards – small tokens featuring the 2016 Chinese zodiac animal.
• Metal Crystal Starbucks Card – a premium card featuring Swarovski® elements, sold via the new Starbucks China Tmall flagship store.
• Anna Sui x Starbucks Collaborative S’well Bottles – including a limited-edition Valentine’s pink variant.
• Valentine’s Gift Sets – with Swarovski® embellishments and Moleskine notebooks designed for writing down wishes.

The metallic crystal star card and co-branded bottles were especially notable as collectible items for fans of design and branded accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the three special drinks Starbucks released for 2016 New Year?

Starbucks launched Wish Cookie Latte, Fortune Chestnut Macchiato, and Peach Blossom Black Tea Latte as their 2016 New Year drinks, each representing a different kind of wish or seasonal sentiment.

Was the Wish Cookie Latte a new drink?

Yes, the Wish Cookie Latte was introduced for the first time in 2016. It featured espresso, steamed milk, whipped cream, and cookie crumbs for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Which drinks were returning favorites in 2016?

The Fortune Chestnut Macchiato and Peach Blossom Black Tea Latte were both returning drinks for 2016, marketed for their warm, festive flavors and symbolic meanings.

What special merchandise accompanied the 2016 holiday drinks?

Starbucks offered monkey-themed cups and cards, a premium metal crystal card with Swarovski elements, Anna Sui-designed S’well bottles, and Valentine’s sets including gift boxes and Moleskine notebooks.

Were there any recommended food pairings for the drinks?

Yes, Starbucks suggested pairing the drinks with desserts like Wish Dot Cheese Cake, Fortune Chestnut Tart, Earl Grey Cheese Cake, and Classic Black Forest Cake.

Where could customers find the limited-edition metal crystal card?

The metal crystal Starbucks card was available exclusively through the Starbucks China Tmall flagship store, and featured genuine Swarovski elements.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Holiday Lattes

For a cozy New Year coffee ritual inspired by Starbucks’ 2016 drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a balanced espresso with hints of caramel and dark chocolate—perfect under steamed milk. The Autumn Chestnut Blend brings nutty, toasty notes akin to chestnut macchiato flavors, while their Strawberry Candy Espresso adds a fruity brightness, similar to floral tea lattes. All three roasts are ideal for crafting festive lattes or macchiatos at home. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.