Breaking: Starbucks just flipped the switch on Starbucks for Life, and this year it is a full sprint. The 2025 edition, called Merrython, is live through January 4 and it blends a quick mobile game, real rewards, and the most talked about cup of winter. I played the first runs, watched the prize screens roll, and confirmed the details inside the app. Here is the playbook, straight from the field.
What just launched
Merrython is a 90 second virtual run through Seattle, Milan, Tokyo, and New York. You swipe to collect red cups and menu items, stack points, then reveal prizes. There are nearly 10 million instant wins in the mix, from Bonus Stars to free food and drinks. Big sweepstakes prizes include Starbucks for Life, which is a daily free item for 30 years, plus Starbucks for a Year and gift cards.
The trigger today is the Bearista Cold Cup. Starbucks added 17,000 cups into the game, one per person, and it is the only way to get this restock. That single detail moved the action from stores to phones. Expect heavy app traffic, fast fingers, and fresh bragging rights in line.
[IMAGE_1]
How the Merrython game works
You need a Starbucks Rewards account to play. Every member gets one free Prize Play each week. You can earn up to two extra plays per day through purchases or by finishing weekly challenges. Each run lasts 90 seconds. The city themes are not just for show, they change the feel and speed of obstacles.
Seattle nods to drip culture and bagel commutes. Milan leans espresso sleek. Tokyo is bright and precise. New York is fast and stacked with pickups. Collect streaks, avoid spills, and end your run with a prize reveal. Instant wins land in your account. Sweepstakes entries stack quietly in the background.
Set a weekly reminder for your free play, then layer in two extra plays on days you already plan to buy. Small orders count, and challenges can replace spend.
Quick steps to maximize plays
- Join Rewards, then open the game hub in the app.
- Use your free weekly play as soon as it drops.
- Earn two extra plays per day with purchases or challenges.
- Keep notifications on, the app flags new challenges.
- Redeem wins right away so nothing gets lost.
Smart strategies to play and win
I clocked better scores by swiping with a steady rhythm, not frantic taps. Focus on clean lines and streaks. High value items appear on predictable lanes, so pick a side and commit. Play on strong Wi‑Fi, lag wastes seconds. If the app feels crowded, back out and try again. You do not want your free weekly play to freeze.
Treat top tier prizes like lightning. They happen, but not often. The real math favors small instant wins and steady sweepstakes entries. That is still real value, especially if you are a daily coffee drinker. For the Bearista, remember the cap is one cup per person. If you win, the redemption steps appear right in your account. No codes to trade, no screenshots to chase.
Do not buy or sell “winning codes.” Prizes are linked to your Rewards account. If someone offers a shortcut, it is a red flag.
[IMAGE_2]
Why the Bearista cup is the spark
The Bearista Cold Cup is a 20 ounce glass tumbler shaped like a bundled bear in a beanie. It sold out weeks ago and became a collector magnet. By moving 17,000 units into Merrython, Starbucks turned a merch frenzy into a game event. In stores today, you can hear it in the order flow. Guests are timing pickups to stack plays. Baristas are fielding cup questions between peppermint mochas. The cup is cute, yes. It also signals how coffee culture now blends drinks, design, and digital hunts. It is the winter equivalent of a limited sneaker drop, only you can fill it with cold foam.
Recipes to sip while you play
Holiday coffee is a mood, and the best runs pair with something cozy. Try these quick riffs at home.
- Five minute gingerbread syrup: simmer equal parts sugar and water with sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of clove. Strain, stir into hot coffee.
- Peppermint mocha hack: melt a square of dark chocolate in a mug, add coffee, a drop of peppermint extract, then milk.
- Sugar cookie cold foam: shake cold milk with a splash of vanilla syrup and a pinch of nutmeg. Spoon over iced coffee.
- Milan shakerato: shake espresso, a teaspoon of simple syrup, and orange zest with ice. Strain into a small glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to buy something to play?
A: No. You get one free Prize Play each week as a Rewards member, with more plays available through purchases or challenges.
Q: How long does each game last?
A: Each run is 90 seconds. You collect items, then reveal a prize or sweepstakes entry.
Q: Can I win more than one Bearista cup?
A: No. The limit is one Bearista Cold Cup per person.
Q: What does Starbucks for Life actually cover?
A: It is a daily free food or drink item for 30 years, subject to the program’s rules.
Q: Are the top prizes realistic?
A: They are rare. Play for instant wins and entries, and consider big prizes a bonus.
The bottom line
Merrython is live, it is fast, and it wraps the season’s coffee ritual in a simple game loop. Play your free weekly run, stack smart extra plays, and keep expectations balanced. If a Bearista drops, celebrate. If not, enjoy the small wins and the sip in your hand. I will keep tracking the game’s twists through January 4.
