Starbucks criticised for 'politicising' coffee with green cup

The release sparked uproar among US coffee fans, who took it to social media to complain

Green cups were not a hit with customers

Coffee drinkers have slammed Starbucks for 'politicising coffee' with the chain's new 'community cups'.

The coffee giant began serving its popular holiday beverages such as the Chestnut Praline Latte, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Peppermint Mocha in its US stores on Tuesday.

However, instead of serving the drinks in its traditional red holiday cup, Starbucks opted for green takeaway cups featuring a “mosaic of more than a hundred people drawn in one continuous stroke.”

The release sparked uproar among US coffee fans, who took it to social media to complain.

One user tweeted: "My coffee should not (and does not) come with political brainwashing."

While another customer said he was "disgusted" with the company’s "forced agenda."

Created by artist Shogo Ota, the artwork on the green cups is meant to symbolise shared human connection.

Starbucks explained the green cup has not actually been launched for Christmas but will be available for a limited time at Starbucks stores in the United States.

Howard Schultz, chairman and chief executive of Starbucks, said: "The green cup and the design represent the connections Starbucks has as a community with its partners (employees) and customers."

"During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other."

In September, Schultz has declared his support for Hillary Clinton, saying he remains optimistic about America despite effort by some politicians and the media to paint the nation with “cloudiness and despair."

Starbucks is expected to launch its official festive red cups on November 10.