Relief – München

While I actually missed adding some other Relief releases when they first appeared in stores and had to catch up later, Relief München seems to be a fresh release. Thanks to a blog reader who gave me a heads-up about it.

It seems the only coloured element in the design is the pair of beer glasses. Beer has been an important part of Munich’s history for centuries, with brewing in the city dating back to the Middle Ages. In 1487, Munich introduced its own beer purity law, which later became part of the famous Bavarian Reinheitsgebot.… Read more

You Are Here – Teplice

I was contacted by some amazing readers of my blog who alerted me to the release of not one, not two, but as many as three new mugs from Czechia. I would like to thank all of them for helping me keep the site up to date. Special thanks go to the reader who provided these photos of the You Are Here Teplice mug, which is where we will start our journey.

Teplice’s history is closely connected with its thermal springs, which were already known in the Middle Ages.… Read more

Been There – Shanghai Limited Edition

The Starbucks Been There Shanghai Limited Edition is one of the most unusual regional releases in the entire Been There collection. It appears to have been created for the opening of the Bearista Town pop-up store and museum in Shanghai, making it much more than a standard city mug. The most striking feature is its elegant chocolate-brown and gold color palette, which gives the mug a premium look unlike any regular Been There release. It even comes packaged in a matching chocolate-brown gift box, the first time Starbucks has used this color for Been There mug packaging, making the presentation just as collectible as the mug itself.… Read more

Discovery Series – Los Cabos

The Starbucks Discovery Series Los Cabos highlights one of Mexico’s premier resort destinations, located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. The municipality of Los Cabos is made up primarily of the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, connected by a scenic coastal corridor lined with beaches, luxury resorts, and golf courses. While Cabo San Lucas is known for its vibrant marina and nightlife, San José del Cabo has preserved much of its colonial charm with historic streets and traditional architecture.… Read more

You Are Here – Katowice (prototype)

Yet another very interesting and unique find from the private collection that is being offered for sale. It seems that You Are Here Katowice was originally planned for release much earlier than we previously believed. The prototype’s design is significantly different from the version that was ultimately approved in 2024. As you can see in the comparison photos below, the final mug features a more vibrant color palette, while the marching band’s hat from the prototype was replaced with the full marching band.… Read more

Discovery Series – Guadalajara

The Starbucks Discovery Series Guadalajara pays tribute to the cultural capital of western Mexico. Founded in 1542, Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is widely regarded as the birthplace of several traditions that have become symbols of Mexican identity, including mariachi music and tequila. The city’s historic architecture, vibrant festivals, and celebrated cuisine have earned it a place among Mexico’s most fascinating destinations. The mug combines many of these defining elements into a colorful design.

– Jarabe Tapatío, better known as the Mexican Hat Dance, takes center stage on the left side of the mug.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Memphis

The Starbucks Discovery Series Ornament Memphis is a mini-mug for the city that was founded in 1819 along the Mississippi River bluffs. It quickly became a vital port city for the cotton trade and river commerce. The city’s strategic location made it a major transportation hub, connecting the Deep South to markets nationwide via steamboat and later railroad. Memphis endured devastating yellow fever epidemics in the 1870s that nearly destroyed the city, followed by rebuilding and growth into the 20th century.… Read more

Discovery Series – Rio de Janeiro

The Starbucks Discovery Series Rio de Janeiro captures the energy, history, and unmistakable scenery of one of Brazil’s most famous cities. Founded in 1565 by the Portuguese, Rio de Janeiro served as the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries and remains one of the country’s cultural icons. From its world-famous beaches and colonial architecture to its vibrant festivals and tropical landscapes, Rio offers an experience unlike anywhere else. The mug brings together many of the landmarks and traditions that define the “Cidade Maravilhosa” — the Marvellous City.… Read more

Icon – Jeddah (prototype)

When I first learned that a private collection containing several Starbucks prototype mugs was being offered for sale, I expected to find color variations or minor manufacturing differences. What I didn’t expect were design changes that reveal part of the creative process behind the final mug.

This Icon Jeddah prototype is one of those fascinating examples.

At first glance, it looks almost identical to the production mug. The city name, colors, and the historic Nasseef House featured on the front are all there.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Yosemite

I have been chasing this hard-to-find ornament for a while now. Fingers crossed it joins my collection soon.

The Discovery Series Ornament Yosemite brings together several of the park’s most recognizable natural attractions despite its compact size. While the full-sized mug has room for a broader collection of landmarks, the ornament focuses on Yosemite’s rugged wilderness, outdoor recreation, and native wildlife. It captures the spirit of one of America’s oldest and most beloved national parks.

– Yosemite Falls dominates the right side of the ornament.… Read more

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