Starbucks City Mugs are collectible souvenir coffee mugs available from Starbucks coffee stores worldwide. Starbucks has had its fair share of merch misses, but if there's one thing the brand does exceptionally well, it's turning everyday drinkware into highly coveted collector's items.
Although there is no official classification, the following different styles or editions have been or are being produced:
- 2002 Skyline Mini Series: Demitasse/espresso size.
- 2002 Skyline Series Giant Mugs: Released in a very limited edition to only the highest volume stores and display city skylines similar to the 20 oz counterparts.
- 2002 USA Scenic Series: Often considered a limited edition, 4-mug extension of the Skyline Series. Displays the American Flag, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty and Iwo Jima Memorial.
- 2008 Icon Series: These mugs are replacing the original City Mugs all over the World.
- 2008 Icon Mini Series: Same as the Icon Series, but smaller (3 oz).
- 2013 You Are Here Series: The newest series of mugs. In Canada and in the USA these mugs are replacing the 2008 Icon Series.
- 2024 Discovery Series: The Discovery Series has been available in the USA since April 2024, and may soon be available in other countries as well, as this series is the official successor to the popular Been There series.
International Exclusives and Special Editions
Much like its ever-evolving lineup of fan-favorite drinks, these international pieces often fly under the radar - unless you're traveling abroad or know exactly where to look. Starbucks' international merchandise goes far beyond the basics, often depicting regional architecture, local culture, holidays, and art. These aren't your typical souvenir mugs.
Some stores boast their own line of seasonal drinkware and popular collabs, some of the brand's most stunning and culturally inspired merchandise is only available overseas.
Regional Highlights
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano: Located at Piazza Cordusio 1, this Roastery offers limited-edition mugs, tumblers, bottles, and accessories inspired by Milanese architecture, fashion, and coffee traditions. Among the highlights are the 3-ounce Cask Collection demi mugs, which represent each of the six Starbucks Reserve Roasteries worldwide: Tokyo, Seattle, Shanghai, Milan, New York, and Chicago. These demi-cups are inspired by the iconic casks used at each Roastery, with shapes and textures reflecting the unique characteristics of their locations.
- Starbucks UAE Ramadan Cup: Each year during Ramadan, Starbucks UAE releases a limited-edition cup designed with crescent moons, stars, and cultural motifs to mark the holy month. The 2025 Ramadan cup, created in collaboration with Crepuscule Brand Design and designer Maëlis Bedu, features elegant crescent moon and star patterns blended with contemporary artistic elements to reflect both tradition and modern design. This exclusive collectible is available only in Starbucks UAE stores during Ramadan (typically March to April), making it especially coveted by collectors and fans of regional Starbucks merchandise. Its release coincides with seasonal menu items like Kunafa Bites and other Iftar treats, further tying it to the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
Collaborations and Special Collections
- Starbucks x BLACKPINK: The Starbucks x BLACKPINK collection launched on July 25, 2023, and it was a major draw for fans of the K-pop supergroup. It was made available in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. To build excitement, Starbucks offered early access to its rewards members.
- Starbucks x LINE FRIENDS: This collaboration between Starbucks and LINE FRIENDS marks their third joint merchandise release, following the initial Holiday collection launched in December 2021. Building on that success, the second collaboration arrived in April 2022 to celebrate Earth Month, showcasing sustainable drinkware and accessories centered around the character BROWN, meant to inspire environmental awareness.
- Starbucks Mushy Snake Collection: If you're someone who loves to celebrate Lunar New Year with meaningful and stylish collectibles, the Starbucks Mushy Snake Collection for 2025 was a perfect way to welcome the Year of the Snake. It has stainless steel tumblers, plastic cold cups, and ceramic mugs in soft pastel tones of pink, orange, and yellow. This hand-crafted New Year collection was a beautiful tribute to the Year of the Snake.
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo Sakura Collection: Released in-store on February 15 and online from February 12, Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo's 2025 Sakura Cherry Blossom Collection celebrates Japan's iconic sakura season - when cherry trees bloom in a stunning display of pink along the Meguro River near the Roastery, and countrywide. Accessories and apparel feature a salmon-pink apron embroidered with cherry blossoms and copper accents, a canvas tote bag with pink piping and embroidered blossoms, delicate traditional furoshiki wrapping cloths, and hexagonal cowhide keychains with sakura charms.
- Porter x Starbucks Collection: The Porter x Starbucks Collection stands out even in Japan's world of limited-edition drops. Starbucks' official statement notes the first items launched online on January 16, 2025, followed by a full release at Starbucks Reserve Tokyo and select stores from February 5. The main lineup includes four bags: the 2Way Tool Bag and Helmet Bag (available in black and Latte Beige, inspired by Starbucks' Double Tall Latte), plus a Tote Bag and a Shoulder Bag in classic black. Hidden bottle pockets are built into many of the designs, perfect for securely carrying one of the nine matching stainless steel bottles. Some bottles feature playful designs like "Mr. Porter" in a barista apron, while others carry PORTER's box logo.
- Joe Kind Snoopy collection: Japan introduced exclusive Snoopy-themed drinks and merchandise as early as March 18. The collection rolled out between March 25 and 27 across China, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In China, Starbucks released ceramic mugs and tote bags featuring Snoopy's "Joe Kind" persona. Japan released animated Starbucks eGift cards and special packaging. France hosted a "Snoopy in Style" pop-up, complete with a limited-edition mug. Latin America and the Caribbean joined in with collectible gift cards. Middle Eastern markets received exclusive drinkware and tote bags.
Spotlight on the "You Are Here" Series: South Africa and Beyond
For collectors chasing global exclusives, the Starbucks "You Are Here - South Africa" mug is a standout piece. This 14-ounce ceramic mug features bold, stylized illustrations of South Africa's breathtaking wildlife and landmarks.
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The series includes city-specific designs such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban. The Johannesburg mug highlights the city's urban skyline, bustling streets, and the Nelson Mandela statue, and is the only South African mug without the sun motif. Pretoria's mug celebrates its nickname, the "Jacaranda City," with purple jacaranda flowers, the Union Buildings, and local wildlife.
Other Notable "You Are Here" Mugs:
- Russia: This 2019 collection features a 14-ounce ceramic mug and a matching 2-ounce espresso cup. The standard mug showcases vibrant illustrations of Russian landmarks and cultural icons, including the colorful domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, and traditional folk motifs, all rendered in the signature "You Are Here" style. The collection was available exclusively in brand stores across Russia, making it a coveted item for collectors. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Starbucks announced its decision to exit the Russian market and resell its stores in May 2022. All its 130 stores were shut down, brand use was discontinued, and shipments of all merchandise, including mugs, stopped entirely. This exit instantly turned the Russia "You Are Here" mugs into rare collectibles.
- Munich Oktoberfest Mug: The Starbucks Munich Oktoberfest Mug is a seasonal, limited-edition gem released exclusively in Starbucks stores around Munich during the world-famous Oktoberfest, typically available only in September and October. Common motifs include traditional beer steins, golden pretzels, and the iconic blue-and-white checkered patterns that represent the Bavarian flag. Made from durable ceramic, the mug is usually produced in the standard 14-ounce size, similar to the "You Are Here" series, and is crafted by Starbucks' in-house artists.
Mugs Featuring Archaeological Sites
Author Mark Wilson’s collection of Starbucks mugs featuring archaeological sites. It’s wonderful that this Seattle-based coffee vendor has put the archaeological wonders of the eastern Mediterranean on its mugs.
Participants on my tours buy a variety of souvenirs-olive-wood crèches in Bethlehem, ceramics in Corinth, carpets in Ephesus and parchment in Pergamum. On a recent trip to Crete I visited ancient Kydonia. Walking around the historic port of modern Chania, I saw the familiar Starbucks symbol. After drinking a cup of Ethiopian blend, I spotted a lacuna in my collection-Crete. The mug depicted the Minoan palace at Knossos. On this trip I also picked up the Rhodes mug showing the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia at Lindos.
Starbucks has no shops in either Italy or Israel, so they are unrepresented in my collection. The city mug belonging to my hometown Antalya, ancient Attalia (Acts 14:25), depicts the temple of Apollo in Side. Only six columns still stand at the temple, which is now under restoration. A second Antalya mug depicts the theater at Aspendus (see below), the best-preserved Roman theater in Turkey. With a capacity of 7,000 persons, it still holds operatic performances. The back of the mug shows the falls of the Katarrhactes mentioned by the geographer Strabo, which today cascade over 100 feet into the Mediterranean Sea.
The Ankara mug shows its ancient citadel with walls dating from the Hellenistic to Ottoman periods. Ancient Ancyra, Turkey’s capital today, was formerly a Galatian center before becoming the capital of the Roman province of Galatia in 25 B.C.E. The colorful mug from Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) displays the Castle of the Knights of St. John on the back. Built with stones from the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the castle now houses the noted Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Last but not least, the Turkey country mug shows the monumental heads of King Antiochus and some of the Commagenian gods standing on Mount Nemrut. This tumulus, 161 feet tall and 499 feet in diameter, was constructed in the first century B.C.E.
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The Cyprus city mug shows the Greco-Roman theater at Kourion. Situated with its breath-taking view of the Mediterranean, it could seat some 3,500 spectators. The excavations there are now being led by my friend Tom Davis. A second Cyprus cup shows a rock-cut chamber from the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Jordan mug shows the Artemis temple at Gerasa (Jerash) completed during the reign of Antonius Pius. Eleven columns of the hextastyle portico still stand. On Thessaloniki’s city mug is its iconic structure-the White Tower. Although dating from the Ottoman period, it still reminds me of Paul’s multiple visits to the city (Acts 17:1; 20:2-3). Missing from my Greece collection, however, is the country mug depicting the tholos at Delphi and the Athens city mug showing the Parthenon. I haven’t visited Egypt or Lebanon yet so more of the Biblical world still awaits me. Since the Starbucks mugs from these countries also feature archaeological sites, I look forward to adding them to my collection.
Rarity and Value
No serious Starbucks collection is complete without the rare Blue Horse Set. The standard 12-14-ounce ceramic mug and the tumbler both feature the blue horse artwork with subtle Starbucks branding. The creamer is a unique addition, shaped for easy pouring and decorated to match the set's artistic theme. Only released in South Korea, it's one of those sets that's hard to stumble upon, especially in full. You might find the mug or tumbler on eBay now and then, but a complete, untouched set? That's gold. Full sets have been known to fetch about $500, with the creamer and gift card being the rarest pieces. Whether you're drawn to its design or its rarity, the Blue Horse Set is a treasure for any Starbucks fan.
If you're a collector of Starbucks World City mugs, the 2022 Zacatecas Mexico mug is a notable addition. Released starting July 15, 2022, in select Starbucks stores across Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and from August 15 in Thailand, this edition features lifestyle essentials inspired by Asia's iconic landmarks and traditions. The collection includes a ceramic mug, tote bag, plastic cold cup, and tumbler, all designed with colorful, unique artwork.
For collectors and fans of Starbucks city mugs, the Dubai Skyline Mug is a must-have addition. It was released in 2016 to commemorate the United Arab Emirates' Union Day, celebrated annually on December 2. This day marks the unification of the seven emirates into one nation in 1971, a significant national holiday in the UAE. This mug is a perfect keepsake for anyone wanting to commemorate their connection to the UAE or add a vibrant piece of Starbucks history to their collection.
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In 2024, Starbucks marked its 20th anniversary in France with a special limited-edition merchandise drop, launched as part of the summer "We are l'amour" campaign. Also included in the launch was a plush Bearista Bear dressed in a beret and carrying a baguette, adding a playful, French twist. Partners in participating stores also wore commemorative aprons and pins inspired by the city's multilingual spirit charm. The limited-time collection was complemented by special anniversary menu items, including the Starbucks Reserve Paris Blend coffee roasted in Milan, and festive treats like golden and heart-shaped donuts.
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