You’ll Have to Visit Japan to Try This New Starbucks Holiday Flavor

There’s a lot to love about the holidays: time with family, days off from work and special holiday beverages from Starbucks, just to name a few.

This year, the coffee chain added a new festive creation to its holiday menu lineup: the Christmas Strawberry Cake Milk. And it’s precisely what it sounds like: a milk-based beverage with strawberry sauce mixed in and baked biscuit pieces (that’s the cake part) all topped with whipped cream and more strawberry drizzle.

According to Starbucks, the hot milk drink can also be served as a blended frappuccino.

Because the drink is inspired by traditional Japanese strawberry Christmas cakes, however, you're not going to find this sweet concoction at a Starbucks location near you. Instead, you'll have to fly to Japan to try it.

In addition to the Christmas Strawberry Cake Milk, the Starbucks holiday beverage menu includes a number of other international specials, such as the new Snowy Cheese Flavored latte (a "baked cheese flavored sauce" blended with espresso and topped with whipped cream and blueberry-flavored sprinkles), which is served only in China. Starbucks in China will also be turning out exclusive Christmas Dessert lattes, made with steamed milk, espresso, and a "Christmas pudding-flavored sauce," and a whipped cream, caramel drizzle and "mixed fruit sprinkle" topping.

Travelers can also find Toffee Nut Crunch lattes, Cranberry White Chocolate mochas, Duo Coca mochas, Speculoos lattes, Dark Cherry mochas, Hazelnut mochas, Christmas Brulee lattes and other festive drinks at Starbucks around the world during the holiday season.

Never fear: If you’re based in the United States or Canada, there are plenty of seasonal flavors you can try without booking an international long-haul flight. In addition to unveiling its 2018 holiday cup designs — including the controversial reusable red cup — Starbucks has also revived some favorite menu items from holidays past.

You can sip Peppermint Mocha lattes, Gingerbread lattes, Toasted White Chocolate mochas, Caramel Brulée lattes, Chestnut Praline lattes and creamy nutmeg-dusted Eggnog lattes all season long. Just be sure to opt-in for the Starbucks 15% cashback American Express offer, so you can get at least $5 back on your fancy, festive beverages.

And farewell, Pumpkin Spice latte — see you next fall.