Starbucks Brings Back Happy Hour for Affordable Afternoon Caffeine Fixes

Arielle Tschinkel
Mar 27, 2018

If you’ve ever found yourself slogging through that mid-afternoon slump without a jolt of caffeine, Starbucks has heard your calls, as it has announced the return of Starbucks Happy Hour this Thursday, March 28. The coffee chain is offering 50 percent off drinks after 3pm in stores, but it’s expanding the offerings from Frappuccinos to “select” beverages including espresso, iced teas, and more. There’s only one little catch; you need to receive an invitation to participate first.

According to a press release, if you’re already a Rewards member, you’re good to go starting Thursday afternoon. Non-Rewards members can visit starbucks.com/happyhour to RSVP and get a Happy Hour invitation. Matt Ryan, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Starbucks, said in a statement, “With nearly 100 million customers in our stores every week, we’re looking for more opportunities to engage directly and personally, providing them with special benefits and offers that are meaningful. This shift in Happy Hour is just one example of how we can further establish, strengthen and develop digital relationships with our customers.”

In case you’re wondering about the fine print, this half-off discount applies to any one handcrafted espresso beverage. This includes any size, whether hot or iced.

Are you excited for the return of Starbucks’ Happy Hour? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo.

(Photos via Starbucks)

17 Vegan Starbucks Drinks & Foods Plant-Based Eaters Need To Know About

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Starbucks orders!

food newsmenufast foodstarbuckscoffeevegan foodfood

Send This “Swoon-Worthy” Valentine’s Day Gift Guide To Your S.O. Before Feb. 14

Valentine’s Day is essentially the holiday geared towards little treats – and what better way to ensure you get exactly what you want than giving your S.O. a not-so-subtle hint (AKA this curated Valentine’s Day gift guide). Our list of perfect V-Day gifts is packed full of the little treats you’ve got your eye on, plus some real swoon-worthy picks – from luxury skincare to decadent chocolates – that’ll truly make your day.

Scroll on for the best Valentine’s Day gifts you’ve been dreaming of!

Mutha

Mutha Body Butter

This luxe body butter is as rich as can be, and will instantly take first place over your current body lotion collection since it's clinically proven to improve skin tone, discoloration, stretch marks, and skin firmness. You'll especially love the 48-hour hydration factor.

Amazon

Steve Madden Goldie

This "glamorous and captivating" scent will make you feel so sexy on V-Day and beyond. In addition to floral and fruity notes, it has a gourmand effect that truly makes it stand out. Plus, the heart-shaped bottle is a perfect fit for the holiday.

Coach

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26

You deserve to feel spoiled, and this shoulder bag will definitely fulfill that dream. Its durable construction and timeless color will be in your fashion rotation for years to come!

Nordstrom

Slip Lovely Lashes Pure Silk Contour Sleep Mask

This contoured sleep mask made of sleek silk allows you to get your best beauty sleep, all without disturbing your lashes. It's especially helpful if you have lash extensions!

Sephora

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

You already know the hype of this rich lip butter. Ask for your fave flavor for V-Day!

Compartés

Compartés I Love You Gift Box

Because a Valentine's Day without chocolate is like peanut butter without jelly.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots

These are about to become *the* cozy boots that define each and every one of your winter outfits. We can't recommend 'em enough if you're all about that cozy life.

Birthdate

Birthdate Pendant

You can customize this pendant based on your exact birth date, so each one is unique from the other. This is perfect for all the astrology lovers out there, plus there's options for silver and gold for every kind of personal style!

Flamingo Estate

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle

This bougie candle smells like pure heaven, so lighting it up every day will be a total treat. It's a tasteful departure from your typical Valentine's Day aromas, like vanilla and rose.

Dieux

Dieux Angel Face Duo

Your skin's gonna adore each of these products from Dieux – so grab the two at once! First up, the Baptism cleanser provides a gentle clean without stripping your skin's natural moisture. Next, the Instant Angel moisturizer swarms your skin in rich hydration, locking in beneficial moisture to keep you lookin' real glowy.

Adidas

Adidas Gazelle Bold Sneakers

This year's hottest sneaker style, all in a V-Day-ready colorway?! Yes, please.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass

This heart-dotted glass will make drinking your morning coffees, matchas, and juices that much more joyful.

Smoosh

Smoosh Body Scrubber

This silicone body scrubber features a fun and unique design so that the coordinating bar soap is embedded within the piece. It still gives a great lather and will last you years without producing as much waste as a traditional loofah. We love this playful pink color to inspire a satisfying shower, every time.

Lush

Lush 'A Lush Kind Of Love' Gift Box

There's nothing like a Lush box when it comes to gifts. This V-Day-themed one includes 2 bath bombs, one Lush Bubbleroon, a body conditioner, a body wash, a body scrub, and a soap bar to fix up your next self-care night.

Maude

Maude Burn No. 3 Soy-Based Massage Candle

This is one of the best Valentine's Day gifts you can use in conjunction with your partner. The candle melts down to a soft, soy-based massage oil that only gets warm, not hot, so you can easily pour it out ahead of an at-home couple's massage (yes, please!) or simply for sexy time.

Glossier

Glossier You Eau de Parfum

This cult-fave perfume from Glossier sticks to your skin and magically adapts to smell like you. You'll be smellin' like a whole treat come V-Day.

Sephora

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Serum

This luxury serum encourages nothing but a full-on glow by brightening the look of dark spots and evening skin tone.

New Balance

New Balance 530 Sneakers

Hot girl walks and errand outfits await you with these stunning sneaks from New Balance. They're equal parts comfy and cute, so you won't have to worry about sacrificing style for practicality when you wear 'em!

Typology

Typology T41 Replenishing Lip Balm

Upgrade your Chapsticks and Carmexes with this luxe lip balm that provides unmatched hydration using ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It comes in a practical clear shade, plus three more blush-y colors if you wish to have a stronger wash of color on your lips and cheeks.

Owala

Owala FreeSip

Hydration is key for health and happiness – make sipping more fun with this beloved bottle from Owala!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift ideas all year long!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

valentine's daygift ideasgift guideeditecomgifts

The Best Starbucks Food To Order, According To Employees & Customers

When it comes to Starbucks, it’s not always just about the coffee – they have a ton of food options that’ll have you hooked from the first bite. While some Starbucks food items are definitely worth skipping (looking at you, Kale & Mushroom Egg Bites), there are plenty of downright delicious picks.

Starbucks employees and die-hard fans just weighed in on their go-to food orders on Reddit, and their answers may surprise you!

Get ready to explore the best Starbucks food, straight from the experts who know it best.

Starbucks

1. Turkey, Provolone & Pesto on Ciabatta

This lunch sandwich came up several times amongst Starbucks employees and fans. It features sliced turkey breast, melted provolone cheese, dry-roasted red peppers, and basil pesto in between slices of ciabatta. One sandwich has 32 grams of protein, too!

Starbucks

2. Ham & Swiss Croissant

Next up, the classic Ham & Swiss Croissant! I always ate this for breakfast when I worked at Starbucks, and can confirm it's very worth ordering.

One Reddit user admitted that they "eat wayyyyyy more" of these than they "care to admit." They said that "They’re just so damn good” – very true!

Starbucks

3. Egg White Bagels (Custom)

One Starbucks employee said that they use their mark-outs (1 free food item + 1 free bev every shift!) to make their very own concoction: egg white egg bites on an everything bagelwith avocado spread. Sounds delish.

Starbucks

4. Potato, Cheddar & Chive Bakes

These baked bites were mentioned a whopping 10 times on the Reddit thread.

“Grew up hating eggs, never never [ate] them," one person wrote. "But I will tear up those chive bites with some sriracha, salt, and pepper."

"Hear me on this one," another user commented. "Always double toast your egg bites and toast your panini sandwiches from the case open faced. Always.” Now I've gotta try it!

Tip: to get any heated food item at Starbucks double-toasted, simply say 'extra crispy' or 'double-toasted' when you go to order.

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This Starbucks food menu newcomer seems to be pretty popular already. It came out in January 2025 with their winter menu launch, which also includes the never-seen-at-Starbucks drink, the Cortado.

“The falafel wrap just came out, but I'm in love,” one user said.

“Me too!" another person agreed. "Never been huge into falafel – it always tasted dry to me. This one is just right. Also the new dipping sauce is a welcome add on.”

"The fact that it's vegan too makes it perfect,” one more Redditor gushed.

The Spicy Falafel Pocket includes smashed falafel, creamy hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions, and a spicy herb sauce packed into a lavash flatbread.

Starbucks

6. Iced Lemon Loaf

“That damn lemon loaf,” one user quickly commented. And they're so right for that.

The Iced Lemon Loaf would be on weekly rotation when I worked as a Starbucks barista. It's entirely too sugary, but perhaps that's what had me hooked. And that thick layer of icing, too!

Starbucks

7. Cinnamon Coffee Cake

“I love their blueberry scones and their coffee cakes," one Redditor wrote. "They pair nicely with a large iced blonde americano 😋.” Sounds yum!

In fact, Starbucks has a ton of great bakery items, but this coffee cake typically comes out on top for being super moist, plus its crumbly topping is downright addicting.

Starbucks

8. Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap

The SFW is a total classic when it comes to the best Starbucks food items. It's 100% vegetarian and is made with fluffy cage-free egg whites, spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomato cream cheese. It makes a nourishing savory bite for breakfast or lunch.

Starbucks

9. Egg, Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich

I fear this breakfast sandwich is my new addiction whenever I go to Starbucks. The egg is always fluffy and flavorful, the cheese always melty, and I think the pesto adds a nice tang to it all. Plus, it has 21 grams of protein, so I don't have to worry about feeling hungry after I chow down on it.

“I'm a fan,” one Redditor said.

“Garbage for my cholesterol but 🤌🏻,” another person noted.

"I've been putting chili oil on it as well and its soooo good,” one more user said. Spicy!

Starbucks

10. Cheese Danish

The Starbucks Cheese Danish is very good, but one employee's minor edit to it sounds ahh-mazing: they add a sprinkling of the Cinnamon Dolce topping (AKA cinnamon and sugar) on top to up the sweetness!

I wouldn't necessarily recommend ordering your danish like this at the counter to avoid eye rolls from your baristas, but take it home and add your own cinnamon sugar, and boom – you've got yourself a truly elevated Starbucks snack!

Subscribe to our newsletter to read more Starbucks hot takes + get the latest news in fast food!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

food newsstarbucksstarbucks foodfast foodfood

The '1923' Season 1 Ending, Deaths, & Betrayals, Explained

1923 season 2 premieres on February 23, 2025 — just over two years since the first season ended. Which means, if you're like me, you need a refresher on where your favorite characters stand before pressing play on the new episodes. Who were the Duttons in 1923? What happened to Spencer and Alex on 1923? If you've got questions about the season 1 finale, then you came to the right place!

Here's everything you forgot about the 1923 season 1 ending, before 1923 season 2 premieres February 23.

The '1923' Ending, Explained

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

The 1923 season 1 finale, "Nothing Left To Lose," finds the Duttons, and their friends, scattered across the world — and season 2 will be all about their fight to get back to one another.

After killing Sister Mary, Teonna (Aminah Nieves) is on the run from Father Renaud and Marshall Kent when she's finally reunited with her father Runs His Horse and Pete Plenty Clouds. Literally all I wanted this whole season was for Teonna to reunite with her family and I'm so glad the show gave her something good in the end. It also looks like there could be romance blossoming between her and Pete, but first things first: I need the beginning of season 2 to introduce Teonna to the Duttons (and the cast wants it too!).

The Duttons have a lot to lose in the new season of '1923'

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Back in town, Jacob (Harrison Ford) finds himself face-to-face with Banner again, who's been released from prison (and who you'll remember was originally arrested for attempted murder. Not cool Banner!!!) But this group has more than Banner to deal with.

Jacob's foreman Zane is attacked by the police while his wife Alice is arrested for their interracial marriage. Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph), pregnant with her and Jack's (Darren Mann) first child, suffers a miscarriage. And when Whitfield shows up to the ranch, he announces that he's paid the property tax the Duttons owed, meaning if they don't pay him the full amount by the end of the year, the land is his. Even though Yellowstone proves the ranch belongs to the Dutton family in the present day, I can't help but feel a little nervous as 1923 keeps playing out.

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Meanwhile, Spencer and Alex (Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer), on their way back to Montana via ship, are interrupted by Alex's ex-fiancé Arthur. Well, until he challenges Spencer to a duel, attacks Spencer after he loses, and ends up getting thrown overboard. Spencer and Alex are immediately separated (Spencer's to be dropped off at the next port, while Alex is locked in her room, set to return to London). But at the last moment, she finally runs to the deck waving a letter from Cara, and promises Spencer she'll meet him in Bozeman, Montana. And I'll definitely see them there.

What did you think about the 1923 season 1 ending when you first saw it? Let us know on Facebook and check out the 25 New TV Shows You NEED To Watch In 2025 (including 1923 season 2, of course).

pop cultureentertainmenttv

12 "Old-School" TV Shows You Can Actually Stream Right Now

Who can forget days spent lounging on our grandparents' sofas while they watched one of their preferred 'old-school' TV shows? If they weren't tuned into The Price Is Right or Wheel of Fortune, they were probably watching I Love Lucy or Gilligan's Island. We may have complained at first...until we realized how kooky and fun these series were. Where else were we going to get slapstick comedy in black and white?

Since we hardly see rerun episodes of these timeless classics anymore, we're celebrating them by remembering why we loved them so much — and letting you know where you can stream them right now!

Here are all the old school TV shows we miss seeing on our screens!

Apple TV+

1. I Love Lucy

Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Paramount+
We thought we'd gladly be housewives if it meant we got to be gorgeous and witty like Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball). Together with her on-screen husband Ricky Ricardo (eventual off-screen ex-husband Desi Arnez), she showed that housewives could find things to do besides maintaining a home.
She and her neighbor/best friend Ethel Mertz would often find themselves in hilarious situations that were reprimanded by their Ricky as well as Ethel's husband, Fred Mertz (William Frawley). Remember the episode Lucy and Ethel tried working at a chocolate factory? We vowed never to think we had what it takes to be on anyone's assembly line after watching it.

Amazon Prime Video

2. The Brady Bunch

Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+

The Brady Bunch took having a stepfamily and turned it on its head with the blended Brady family. Because of their love for each other, Mike and Carol happily took on each other's children as their own: Greg, Marcia, Jan, Peter, Bobby, and Cindy. There was also the housekeeper Alice and the the lovable dog, Tiger!

Each episode seemed to revolve around getting used to living together, sibling rivalry, and more adventures that often ended in valuable lessons. Despite their differences, the Bradys showed that families don't have to be perfect to have a lot of love.

Amazon Prime Video

3. The Andy Griffith Show

Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+
Andy Griffith was America's favorite sheriff and father because he seemed to know just what to say or do in different situations. Goofily assisted by deputy Barney Fife, he worked to balance solving petty crimes with raising his young son, Opie. Also, we can't forget the warmth and wit Aunt Bee brought to the show!

Apple TV+

4. Gilligan's Island

Stream: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
Before Lost, many of us remember watching Gilligan's Island with our grandparents. Our favorite part of theme song is, "The ship set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle with Gilligan, the Skipper too, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor and Mary Ann. Here on Gilligan's Isle!"
There were so many different personalities that we could always count on something silly to happen.

Roku

5. I Dream of Jeannie

Stream: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
This is a hot take, but I Dream of Jeannie was a little cringe even back then. But, we still loved watching Jeannie make an incredible mark in Captain Tony Nelson's life. We're not saying we agreed with her sneaking into his bag or breaking off his initial engagement, but she sure knew how to cause a scene.
Maybe this is why we love watching reality TV drama 👀.

Amazon Prime Video

6. Leave It to Beaver

Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Leave It to Beaver felt appropriate for us to watch because it was all about young Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver's mischievous adventurous with his friends and the silly sibling rivalry that took place with his older brother Wallace aka Wally. It spoke to the accuracy of growing up as a kid who has an active imagination and too much time on their hands, no different than when some of us were kids.

Peacock

7. The Dick Van Dyke Show

Stream: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
The Dick Van Dyke Show gave us an imagined look at the production of a TV show where Rob Petrie was the star. Somehow he'd try to split time between his career and personal life, often with funny results. Set in New York, it gave us a taste of having a budding creative career and family, not unlike what some of us having today.

Amazon Prime Video

8. Bewitched

Stream: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
Aside from Lucy and Ricky, our favorite TV couple used to be Samantha and Darrin from Bewitched. Despite their love for each other, it's obvious they have hiccups to navigate in their marriage. Darrin wants Samantha fit into suburbia while her family could care less about her changing who she is. With a twitch of her nose, Samantha could deploy a spell in no time...even if Darrin didn't always approve.

Peacock

9. The Munsters

Stream: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock
The Munsters is another classic TV show that seemed to poke fun at living life in the suburbs. Unlike The Addams Family, the Munsters did their best to assimilate into their neighborhood as much as possible. Despite the glaring fact their family's comprised of vampires, Frankenstein, and an unseen pet, it was a touching show that placed a huge value on a family's love for each other.

Apple TV+

9. The A-Team

Stream: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
Did we really watch old school TV show reruns if they didn't include one episode of The A-Team? It's the prime reason we randomly say, "I pity the fool," in the voice of Mr. T. Aside from that, Faceman, Hannibal, and Murdock helped round out the team with their various expertise from being in the Special Forces. We saw them go on various 'missions' that usually involved fight scenes, explosives, and risky getaways.
It was a departure from some of the other shows we watched, but there was something exciting about seeing them find outlandish ways to escape narrow moments.

Hulu

11. M*A*S*H

Stream: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu

Some of us have family members who served in the different branches of the military so watching M*A*S*H helped us make sense of some things that may have happened BTS. Specifically focusing on the 'hospital' portion of the war, M*A*S*H. Though there were some funny moments, but the show also did a great job of showing how scary the war could be.

It was expertly produced in our opinion and continues to be one of the shows we miss watching.

Peacock

12. The Beverly Hillbillies

Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock
Last, but not least, The Beverly Hillbillies routinely takes up space in our brains. There was something funny yet endearing about seeing Jed, Elly May, Jethro, and Granny pack up their lives in the country to move to the glamorous California. The Clampetts may not have been posh like their neighbors, but they made sure there was never a dull moment when they were on TV.

Follow us on Facebook for more TV news!

tv seriesentertainmenttvtv shows