Starbucks is getting a jump on summer by introducing three exciting new drinks, complete with raspberry-flavored pearls that pack a flavorful punch.
The coffee giant is also making a splash in the famous bubble tea market, offering its unique version of the classic tapioca pearls.
Starbucks Introduces Summer-Inspired Drinks
Simon Vuong, a beverage developer at Starbucks, tapped into the essence of summer to inspire new additions to the coffee chain's summer menu.
According to information from Starbucks' website, Vuong and his team were motivated by classic summer experiences, such as poolside relaxation and barbecues with friends. This led to the creation of Starbucks' first-ever blue beverage, designed to evoke the essence of clear summer skies.
Vuong explained, "The drink's blue color perfectly captures the essence of summer, bringing to mind long days and bright, clear skies everyone can enjoy." This innovative drink's flavor profile includes a mix of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, which inspired its name.
The team introduced raspberry-flavored pearls to enhance the drink with a vibrant burst of taste and color. Drawing on global beverage trends, particularly the popularity of boba or pearls in East Asian drinks, they added a playful and bold element.
Starbucks' Asian Pacific locations have embraced similar trends, previously featuring items like the Dark Caramel Coffee Sphere Frappuccino and Peach Plum Pearls Oolong.
Vuong highlighted the development process: "We experimented with fruit pieces but soon decided to elevate the experience with fruit-flavored pearls. The pearls add a fun element, releasing a delightful burst of flavor when they pop in your mouth."
The new Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers, featuring cool berry undertones and raspberry-flavored pearls, are part of the chain's limited-time summer menu, available in U.S. stores starting May 7.
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Fans, Employees Buzz About Starbucks Summer Menu
According to The U.S. Sun, Starbucks has launched its summer menu, and both employees and fans are excited about X, formerly known as Twitter.
One Starbucks employee expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Summer launch today! New cups, food, new elevated iced coffee, AND for a limited time...Summer-berry refreshers with raspberry pearls-the coolest-looking drinks in my 11 years with Starbucks."
A customer shared their tasting experience of the Summer-Berry Refresher, describing it as resembling "blue raspberry Kool-Aid with a hint of sourness."
Starbucks enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew is returning. This beloved drink features smooth cold brew coffee infused with sweet macadamia syrup, topped off with white chocolate macadamia cream cold foam, and garnished with toasted cookie crumbles.
The summer menu also introduces two new bakery items for those with a penchant for sweets.
The Orange Cream Cake Pop, an enticing treat made from orange cream cake and buttercream, is coated in white chocolate icing and adorned with an orange slice design. The Pineapple Cloud Cake offers a lighter option with airy layers of cake filled with pineapple cream and spread, topped with whole fruit pieces and a sweet drizzle.
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