Thirty years ago, before the first Starbucks latte was served, Starbucks created a special new blend of coffee as a gift for its customers.

Anthony Carroll, a 19-year partner (employee) on the coffee team at Starbucks, shares the story of behind the first batch of Christmas Blend.

“Back in 1984, Starbucks was a small chain of five Seattle retail stores that sold fresh-roasted coffee beans, loose-leaf teas and spices,” Carroll said. “Coffee was scooped by hand and packaged in paper bags, with a seven-day shelf life.”

Christmas Blend showcased Starbucks artistry in roasting with an expert blend of lively Latin American beans and mellow Indonesia coffees. The finishing touch was the addition of rare, spicy Sumatra beans, painstakingly aged for three to five years. The interplay of flavors makes it a full-bodied, spicy and rich cup of coffee.

“When Starbucks first introduced Christmas Blend, the company hoped it would develop a small, loyal following. But customers quickly snapped up the coffee just as soon as it arrived, buying it to give as a gift for friends and family or as a special addition to a holiday meal. In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, the stores were selling Christmas Blend just as quickly as it could be scooped and packaged.”

This holiday, the tradition continues with a variety of Christmas Blend coffees in half-pound bags for holiday gift-giving.

“Christmas Blend is a rich coffee that goes hand-in-hand with many holiday foods, including savory meals and rich desserts,” Carroll said. “It truly complements the flavors of the season.”

About Starbucks® Christmas Blend

In addition to the original Starbucks® Christmas Blend created thirty years ago, customers can enjoy Starbucks® Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, Starbucks® Christmas Blonde Roast, Starbucks® Decaf Christmas Blend and Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew Christmas Blend. It is also available as whole-bean and ground coffee, K-Cup® Packs, and Verismo® Pods.

Keurig, the Cup and Star design, Keurig Brewed, K-Cup, and the Keurig brewer trade dress are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., used with permission.