Been There – Ecuador

Been There Ecuador is a mug released for the opening of the first Starbucks store in Ecuador, which opened at Scala Mall in Quito in August 2024. The historic launch marked Starbucks’ 1,700th store in Latin America and the Caribbean and represented the coffee giant’s entry into its 25th market in the region. The company partnered with Delonorte S.A. for the opening, with plans for four more stores across Ecuador’s capital city by the end of 2025.

Ecuador’s history spans from ancient indigenous civilizations to modern independence, with the Inca Empire expanding into the region before Spanish colonization began in 1534.… Read more

Relief – Philippines Bronze

A reader contacted me to share that, surprisingly, Starbucks has released an updated version of a mug from a long-discontinued series. After doing a bit of research, I realized that not only am I missing this mug here, but there is also another version I overlooked – see this post.

As you can see, the design matches the two other versions (Red and Gold), except for the colours. The easiest way to tell the Bronze and Gold apart is the colour of the shells on the back of the mug: green shells for the 2025 (Bronze) mug and red shells for the 2020 (Gold) mug.… Read more

Relief – Philippines Gold

Looks like I missed adding this one to the site. Relief – Philippines Gold is a copy of the Philippines Red mug, but has a different colour scheme.

Here are the symbols and points of interest of Philippines that made it to the design of this mug:

Tubbataha Reef is one of the world’s most spectacular marine sanctuaries. Located in the Sulu Sea, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse marine life, including over 600 species of fish and 360 species of coral.… Read more

Been There – Cambodia

Been There – Cambodia is a mug for a country with a rich history that stretches back over a millennium, with the mighty Khmer Empire reaching its zenith between the 9th and 15th centuries. The kingdom’s golden age saw the construction of magnificent temple complexes and the development of sophisticated irrigation systems that supported thriving cities. Ancient Khmer rulers established a powerful civilization that controlled much of Southeast Asia, leaving behind architectural marvels that still inspire awe today. The empire’s influence extended far beyond its borders, spreading Khmer culture, art, and Hindu-Buddhist traditions throughout the region.… Read more

Been There – Honduras

Been There – Honduras is a mug for a country located in the heart of Central America, that has a rich history shaped by ancient civilizations, colonial influence, and cultural diversity. The land was once home to the great Maya civilization, whose impressive ruins still stand today as a testament to their achievements. In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived, bringing new traditions, architecture, and governance to the region. Over the centuries, Honduras evolved into a nation known for its cultural fusion and breathtaking natural landscapes.… Read more

Been There – Laos

Interestingly, the Been There – Laos country mug was released after the Vientiane city mug. Starbucks often takes this approach, so I was not too surprised.

Laos, a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Once part of the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, known as the “Land of a Million Elephants,” it flourished as a major regional power from the 14th to the 18th century. Its strategic location along the Mekong River made it an important trade hub and cultural crossroads.… Read more

Discovery Series – Korea

We now have our first look at real-life photos of the Starbucks Discovery Series – Korea mug. At first glance, the box design appears nearly identical to those from the U.S. and Canada. However, there are a few subtle differences: the absence of French text indicating the country of origin, and the prominently displayed volume – 2 fl. oz / 59 mL for the ornament and 16 fl. oz / 414 mL for the mug (see the photo of the covers at the end of the article).… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Korea

As promised yesterday, I’m eager to review the design of the Discovery Series Ornament – Korea with you. Much like the other mini mugs in this new collection, it features a notably more minimalist design approach. I do, however, wish the circular element had been rendered in a color other than green – something in line with the variation Starbucks applied to its Disney ornaments.

Here are the symbols from the design of the Discovery Series Ornament Korea that I was able to spot.… Read more

Been There – Bolivia

Been There – Bolivia was released quite a while ago, and I am finally able to add this to my collection. I would like to remind you that this is not the first mug from this country. Interestingly enough, a city mug for Santa Cruz de la Sierra was released two years prior for the largest city in Bolivia.

Bolivia has a rich and complex history that stretches back thousands of years, beginning with ancient civilizations such as the Tiwanaku, who built a powerful culture near Lake Titicaca long before the rise of the Inca Empire.… Read more

You Are Here – Iceland

Starbucks has opened its first store in Iceland, located inside the Alda Hotel on Reykjavík’s main shopping street, Laugavegur. This marks the brand’s official entry into the Icelandic market, bringing its signature coffee experience to both locals and tourists. There is also the exclusive mug released alongside the store launch, You Are Here — Iceland. I can’t wait to add this beauty to my collection!

The unique design of the new mug captures the spirit of Iceland:

Iceland is famously home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world.… Read more

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