When Is Starbucks Happy Hour In 2022?
Starbucks first launched Happy Hour in 2010 as a way to boost afternoon business between morning and evening rushes. The promotion has grown immensely popular among Rewards members, driving up membership and engagement. In 2021, over 24 million customers participated in Happy Hour.
Happy Hour offers an irresistible deal – buy one grande or larger handcrafted drink, get one free. But Starbucks strategically limits Happy Hour to drive demand. Here‘s an in-depth look at when Starbucks Happy Hour happens and how to make the most of this beloved promotion.
How Often Does Starbucks Happy Hour Occur?
Starbucks Happy Hour occurs every few weeks, usually on Thursdays from 2 pm to 7 pm. In 2022 so far, Happy Hours have run about once a month.
Here are the Happy Hour dates that have been announced for 2022:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| January 20 | 2PM – 7PM |
| February 24 | 2PM – 7PM |
| March 31 | 2PM – 7PM |
| April 28 | 2PM – 7PM |
| May 26 | 2PM – 7PM |
| June 30 | 2PM – 7PM |
Based on 2022 schedules so far, the next Happy Hours will likely be:
- July 28
- August 25
- September 29
- October 27
- November 24
- December 29
Starbucks intentionally spaces out Happy Hours to create excitement and urgency around the promotion. By offering it every few weeks in the afternoons, they attract customers during slower hours.
How Do I Find Out About Upcoming Happy Hours?
The Starbucks mobile app provides the fastest alerts about upcoming Happy Hour dates. Happy Hours are usually announced 1-2 weeks in advance.
As a Starbucks Rewards member, you‘ll receive notifications via:
- Push notifications in the Starbucks app
- Email updates
- Text message alerts (if you enable texts)
The Starbucks website also lists official Happy Hour dates. But for real-time alerts, the Starbucks app is the best source.
What Drinks Are Included In The Happy Hour BOGO?
During Happy Hour, Starbucks Rewards members can buy any grande or larger handcrafted beverage and get a second drink of equal or lesser value for free.
This includes both hot and cold coffee drinks, teas, Frappuccinos, refreshers, and seasonal beverages – with some exceptions:
✅ All espresso drinks
✅ Iced coffees and cold brews
✅ Teavana brewed teas
✅ Refreshers
✅ Frappuccinos
✅ Seasonal/holiday drinks
❌ Brewed coffee
❌ Hot tea
❌ Bottled beverages
❌ Alcohol
❌ Starbucks Reserve drinks
So if it‘s a handcrafted Starbucks drink and not on the exclusion list, you can count on getting a BOGO deal during Happy Hour!
How Many Free Drinks Can I Get During Happy Hour?
Each Rewards member can redeem one Happy Hour coupon per transaction. However, there‘s no limit to the number of drinks you can get with that single coupon.
For example, you could:
- Buy 1 venti Frappuccino, get 1 grande Frappuccino free
- Buy 1 venti latte, get 1 venti Cold Brew and 1 grande Cappuccino free
As long as your total includes one grande or larger drink, you can get as many freebies as you want!
Do All Starbucks Locations Participate in Happy Hour?
Unfortunately, not all Starbucks stores take part in Happy Hour. Most standalone and drive-thru locations participate, but licensed Starbucks inside grocery stores, airports, hotels, universities, etc usually don‘t offer Happy Hour.
Before heading to a store, check the Starbucks app or website to confirm your location participates. This will prevent any disappointment!
How Does Starbucks Benefit From Afternoon Happy Hours?
Starbucks strategically schedules Happy Hour from 2 pm to 7 pm to attract customers during slower afternoon hours between morning and evening rushes.
Happy Hour gives coffee drinkers an incentive to visit Starbucks in the afternoon. The promotion helps maintain sales volume throughout the day.
Limiting Happy Hour to select Thursday afternoons also builds anticipation and urgency. Customers get excited about the next Happy Hour and prioritize visiting Starbucks on those days.
Overall, Happy Hour aligns perfectly with Starbucks‘ loyalty and mobile app strategy. The promotion rewards Rewards members, drives membership sign-ups, and increases Starbucks app usage and afternoon visits.
Conclusion
Starbucks Happy Hour provides an awesome opportunity to score BOGO handcrafted drinks. Be sure to check the Starbucks app often so you never miss a date. Afternoons just got happier!
