A Festive Twist: Exploring Starbucks’ Cranberry Turkey Sandwich

The holidays are an exciting time, filled with cozy flavors that evoke the spirit of the season. This year at Starbucks, that festive feeling comes bite-sized in the new Cranberry Turkey Sandwich. Part of their 2024 holiday menu launching November 7th, this lunchtime treat packs cranberry chutney flavors between slices of tender roasted turkey breast. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to spice up the everyday coffee run.

As a long-time Starbucks fan, I was eager to try this sandwich with a seasonal twist. I ordered it on my lunch break, settling into a corner table with a Peppermint Mocha to fully immerse myself in the holiday atmosphere. The first bite did not disappoint – tart cranberries, savory turkey, and melting brie came together in festive fusion. Keep reading for my full review of everything this sandwich has to offer for the holidays and year-round!

Deconstructing the Components

Before diving in, let’s look at what makes the Cranberry Turkey Sandwich such a stand-out:

Turkey – The star of the show is slices of tender roasted turkey breast, providing protein.

Cranberry Chutney – A homemade sauce with cranberries oranges, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Brie Cheese – Soft, creamy brie complements the other flavors.

Arugula – The peppery greens contrast the sweet chutney.

Rustic Sourdough – Toasted bread holds the layers together

This ingredient list packs sweet, savory, tart, nutty, crunchy textures and flavors into one hand-held package.

The All-Important First Bite

I approached my first bite carefully, making sure to get every component:

The sourdough bread outer layer gives a satisfying crunch before revealing the inside. Turkey and brie melt together for a creamy, protein-packed foundation. Arugula adds fresh contrasting notes. Then the star cranberry chutney, with its zesty pop of festive holiday spice, pulls everything together.

The Verdict? Festive & Balanced

In the end, I was impressed with how cohesive and balanced the Cranberry Turkey Sandwich tastes. The key things that stand out:

• Moist turkey – tender meat soaks up sauce nicely

• Tart, sweet chutney – cranberries shine with orange zest and warm spice

• Creamy brie – perfect softness and tang without overpowering

• Crunchy greens – arugula’s bite balances the richness

Everything complements each other really nicely. The sauce in particular brings such a delicious festive flair.

Customizing Your Cranberry Turkey Sandwich

While I loved the sandwich as-is, Starbucks offers modify options to personalize:

• Bread choices – go for multigrain or bacon cheddar scone

• Make it a boxed lunch – comes with chips, chocolate, side salad

• Heat it up – have them toast your sandwich

• Skip the chutney – ask for just turkey and brie

• Add bacon – for some crunch and smokiness

• Saucy extras – request cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for dipping

With these easy customizations, you can tailor the sandwich to your tastebuds. Vegetarian? Swap the turkey for roasted veggies. Cut the carbs with lettuce wrap. The possibilities are nearly endless!

Enjoying Year-Round, Not Just Holidays

While it debuted for the holidays, this sandwich has year-round appeal. Its flavors pair nicely with other menu items:

• Winter – Cozy up to it with a Chestnut Praline Latte

• Spring – Balance the richness with a Cool Lime Refresher

• Summer – Contrast tangy lemonade with its sweet chutney

• Fall – Nurse the last days of summer with an iced Salted Caramel Mocha

See? You can enjoy this sandwich anytime, not just the festive season.

Is the Cranberry Turkey Sandwich Worth It?

Considering taste, price and portion size, here’s my final verdict:

Taste – A near-perfect blend of flavors, textures

Price – At $7.49, reasonable for the ingredients

Portion – A filling size as a standalone lunch

Do I recommend? – Yes, absolutely!

I’d gladly order the Cranberry Turkey Sandwich again. The tangy chutney elevated standard sandwich ingredients into a seasonal treat.

The Best Time to Try It

If your curiosity is piqued, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the Starbucks app to confirm Cranberry Turkey Sandwich availability at a location near you

• Go mid-morning or mid-afternoon to avoid heaviest crowds

• Order it with a holiday beverage to complete the seasonal experience

• Request any customizations up front to ensure they get your sandwich right

• Savor your first few bites before digging in hungrily!