Starbucks ‘Bearista Cold Cup’ returns as Merrython prize
Starbucks’ “Bearista Cold Cup,” which sparked nationwide scuffles a month ago, is back — this time as one of the prizes at the Starbucks for Life Merrython that launched Monday.
The instant promotion gives Starbucks Rewards members a chance to win one of 17,000 Bearistas up for grabs, among other prizes. The bonus will be limited to one per person.
The Seattle-based coffee chain announced the cup’s imminent return in an Instagram post Sunday evening, but did not specify how or when exactly. In the seconds-long video, a hand wrapped in a black leather glove whisks away four regular Starbucks Christmas cups lined up in what looks like a city park to reveal the coveted bear-shaped cup with the cryptic caption: “Your luck is in the Starbucks app. Tomorrow, 12/8.”
Offering them as prizes instead of selling them in stores could avoid the caffeine-fueled chaos that was unleashed last month when the cup sold out within hours of its introduction. “We understand that many customers were excited about the Bearista Cut and we apologize for any disappointment this may have caused,” the chain said in a statement at the time.
For fans who want the cut without the drama, long lines or contest consternation can get a knockoff from Walmart, which offers a much cheaper dupe of the coveted cut for as little as $14 instead of the $29.95 the original Bearista charged.
