spooky season is getting a major caffeine jolt. Starbucks is officially bringing a little black magic to its menu

 

new,The spooky season is getting a major caffeine jolt. Starbucks is officially bringing a little black magic to its menu this fall. On Monday, the coffee giant announced that a brand-n limited-time **Black Cat Frappuccino** is landing in select U.S. coffeehouses starting **October 22** .

If you're a fan of rich chocolate and adorable aesthetics, this one is definitely for you. The Black Cat Frappuccino is a **chocolate cake-flavored Crème Frappuccino** (meaning it's blended without coffee, though you can always add a shot if you want a buzz). It's topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a solid chocolate piece shaped like **cat ears** to complete the look .

### A Black Night Cookie to Match

Because one treat is never enough, Starbucks is also rolling out the **Venti Black Night Cookie**. This is a large, shareable cookie made with **black cocoa** for a deep, earthy flavor, dotted with **caramel fudge pieces** and chunks of **caramelized white chocolate** to balance out the dark chocolate . It sounds like the perfect companion for a spooky movie night or a festive coffee break.

### Halloween Merchandise Drops Early

The treats don't arrive until late October, but you don't have to wait to get into the spirit. Starbucks is releasing its Halloween merchandise collection starting **September 15** (today), so you can snag some cat-themed goodies before the drinks even hit the menu .

Here's a peek at what's hitting shelves:

- **Black Cat Mug**: A pumpkin-shaped mug with a little black cat peeking out from inside. Priced at **$19.95** .

- **Cauldron Mug**: A mug shaped like a witch's cauldron with branch decorations .

- **Black Cat Stainless Steel Cold Cup**: A matte black tumbler with cat artwork that **glows in the dark**. Priced at **$29.95** .

- **Black Cat Bearista Plush Bag Charm**: A bear dressed as a black cat that clips onto your bag or keys. Priced at **$14.95** .

### Why It's a Big Deal (and a Little FOMO)

Starbucks is known for its seasonal hype, and this is a classic play. By announcing the drink a full month before it's available, the brand is building anticipation and tapping into that "fear of missing out" for limited-edition items . The cat theme also taps into a massive, passionate community of cat lovers who are often eager to snap up themed merchandise .

Interestingly, while this is the first time the U.S. is getting a "Black Cat" Frappuccino, Starbucks Japan released a version with the same name back in 2025 that was an **acai berry** blend with cat-ear chocolates . So, if you're traveling, you might find different feline flavors around the globe.

### The Bottom Line

Mark your calendars for **October 22** if you want to taste the chocolate-cake goodness of the Black Cat Frappuccino and the Black Night Cookie. And if you want to get your hands on the glow-in-the-dark cups and pumpkin mugs, you can start looking for those in stores starting today . Halloween is officially brewing at Starbucks.