I don’t know if you’ve seen this yet, but Starbucks quietly released a whole new line of drinks and snacks for summer – and it’s the first time they’ve ever offered BOBA drinks! I was shocked to see this pop up on the menu. It seemed very different from what they’ve offered in the past, but then I realized that this is their summer release of their refresher flavor as well, and that made more sense.
I’m not a huge boba drinker, but my kids really wanted to try them, so we ordered all three flavors and the snacks that we could get our hands on (one cake continues to be sold out every time we go), and Starbucks has created a few boba converts in my house.
But, I will say that after they loved the drinks, I took them to a boba tea shop to see all the options, and they weren’t as big of fans of those drinks. So, once again Starbucks has taken a popular drink and put their twist on it, creating something totally unique and delicious, and dare I say, even better than the original (I’m looking at you caramel macchiato!).
So, if you’ve been curious about the new line, check out what we thought below:
New Starbucks Summer Drinks & Snacks:
1. Summer Skies Starbucks Refresher Drink:
This was the first one we tried and all of my kids loved it. It’s a lovely blue refresher flavor made with a blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry, shaken with ice and creamy coconutmilk and poured over raspberry-flavored pearls. I have a brother who works at a Starbucks in a different state and I am currently trying to find out if these are custom made pearls or if Starbucks is using a particular brand for these. I’ll update soon.
2. Summer Berry Lemonade Refresher:
My lemonade lover was quick to order this one on our next trip and he’s now a fan of this one instead of the coconut milk. No surprise there, because he loves lemonade, but you can taste the flavor. So, if you’re not as big of a fan of lemonade as he is, you may prefer the coconut milk or water based options. This one has the same refresher flavor along with the bursting raspberry pearls.
3. Summer Berry Starbucks Refresher:
This is the same berry refresher made with water and the raspberry pearls. If you don’t want the sweetness or tartness of the lemonade addition and you don’t like the subtle taste of coconut milk, then get this one, which is made with water, for a delicious summer refresher that is bursting with fun (see what I did there?)
4. White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew:
Personally, I was thrilled to see this one back on the menu. I really like this flavor of macadamia sweet cream and I love their cold brew, so it is a win for me. I tried this back when they first released it and loved it. If you like their vanilla sweet cream and white chocolate, you’ll probably love this one. Dutch Bros uses macadamia flavored syrups in quite a few of their most popular drinks and I don’t think people even realize it’s in there, but it’s a really delicious flavor when paired with coffee.
5. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino:
Not sure this was ever off the menu, but in case you forgot about it, Starbucks is resharing this as part of their summer offerings. Maybe they didn’t have the toffee crunch topping and now they do? Either way, if you are a fan of the caramel frappuccino, then you’ll really love this version of it.
6. Orange Cream Cake Pop:
These are so delightfully summery, I can’t even stand it. We all shared one to try it out and it was a unanimous yes for all of us. It’s so creamy and delicious, like a cake version of those orange dream popsicles that we all grew up on. The next time we went, no surprise, bu they all insisted on their own. I hope they keep these around for awhile.
7. Pineapple Cloud Cake:
The only item on this list I haven’t tried, but not for lack of effort. It’s always sold out when I go in the afternoon! I make a mean pineapple upside down cake that will convert even the staunchest of “no fruit on cake” people. I’m sure this is delicious, just by looking at the flavor combination here. This is an airy cake layered with lightweight pineapple cream and pineapple spread with whole fruit pieces. Yum. Sign me up.
UPDATE: I finally got one! It’s moist, lightly sweetened, and absolutely DELICIOUS. HOLY MOLY SO GOOD.
*****
This is a fun summer in coffee land. Starbucks really brought the color, freshness, and fun of summer in their new line of offerings. We’ve loved everything we’ve tried so far. And, I hear a really colorful and fun line of tumblers is coming soon as well. Look out for those!
Get roasted,
A
