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Starbucks expands refill policy in locations nationwide

Coffeehouse amenities are back

By Emily Caldwell Jan 27, 2025 8:35 AM

Starbucks Condiments — Starbucks / Starbucks

Beginning today, January 27, Starbucks visitors can now enjoy new and returning coffeehouse amenities at most locations nationwide. This announcement comes after many recent changes by Starbucks, such as the end of the open-door policy. The first of the new practices include asking customers if they’d like to enjoy food or drinks, either “to go” or “for here,” meaning enjoyed in the store. Those taking food and drinks to-go will be served in standard Starbucks to-go cups; however, in-store customers will now be served their beverages in ceramic mugs, glasses, or a personal cup, if provided. This change provides a more authentic coffeehouse experience for guests dining in-store.

Another change as part of the new Starbucks policies includes the return of free refills for those who wish to enjoy their drink in-store. Free refills are eligible for hot brewed or iced coffee purchases and hot or iced tea purchases. The free refill policy is only valid for the same visit in the same cafê. Additionally, free refills are only valid for drinks served in ceramic mugs, glass, or clean personal cups. This choice by Starbucks supports a more sustainable practice of reducing waste.

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The last of the new changes to Starbucks’ policies includes the return of the condiment bar, which allows visitors to add creamer and milk to their drinks. The condiment bar allows guests more control over the exact amount of cream or milk used in their drink, allowing for customization that yields the perfect cup of coffee.

Emily is a Features Writer at The Manual, where she specializes in food, beverage, and travel content. She focuses on weaving… Read Full Bio

Maryland-based Puerto Rico Distillery opens its historic home with a special rum release

Puerto Rico Distillery

Don’t be confused by its name. Puerto Rico Distillery isn’t on the island of the same name. It’s actually a family-owned craft distillery located in Maryland. Founded by father-and-daughter team Angel and Crystal Rivera, it was created to pay tribute to the distilling history of Puerto Rico. Recently, the distillery moved into a historic building in Brunswick, Maryland, and is celebrating by launching a special rum release.

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Bib & Tucker is launching its first ever bottled-in-bond whiskey

Bib & Tucker

Bib & Tucker has gained quite a following in the last decade because of its award-winning portfolio of whiskeys. Beginning this fall, Tennessee-based distillery will launch its first-ever bottled-in-bond whiskey. Not only does the new whiskey fit the criteria for a bottled-in-bond expression, but it’s matured twice as long as it needs to be.

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Tequila Corralejo Introduces Smaller Bottle For the First Time in More Than 250 Years

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If you’ve walked into a Mexican bar or restaurant, chances are you’ve noticed the big blue bottle of tequila. Corralejo is famous for its tall, slim bottles that come in 750 milliliters and 1.75 liters. The 750-milliliter bottle is the standard size you’ve probably become familiar with. Corralejo also has clear bottles for its Blanco, red bottles for its Añejo, and a tall, round, bright blue bottle for its Triple Distilled Tequilas, among other shapes and types.

It’s been this way for decades and decades. But for the first time, Corralejo is meeting the demand for smaller, easily digestible, and giftable bottles. Arriving ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day in September, Corralejo is introducing the 375ml Reposado bottle, which aims to create “a timely entry point into Tequila Corralejo’s more than 250 years of tequila-making heritage, while offering a right-sized option for intimate gatherings, gifting, and cocktail occasions.”