Summer is just around the corner, and the arrival of warm weather has us craving some iced beverages even more.
As if Starbucks has heard our cravings for refreshing, delicious drinks, the coffee chain will be launching a new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso this summer, a representative told Food & Wine. The Seattle-based brand previewed its upcoming menu this week, with several popular drinks returning for the new season, in addition to two new summer menu items.
The Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shake Espresso will be available in Starbucks stores nationwide this May. The drink is inspired by the Mexican horchata, a creamy, rich, spiced drink typically made with rice and cinnamon. Also returning is the Summer Berry Refresher, a berry-based refresher with a flavored pop at the bottom of each drink, and the new Strawberry Shortcake Popsicle.
This is Starbucks’ first menu item since launching its spring collection, and while the brand can’t share any more confirmed details about this menu item’s launch at this time, that hasn’t stopped rumors from swirling online.
Trusted food blogger Markie Devo, who often shares insider tips and leaked menu release information, took to Instagram yesterday to reveal his speculation. In the comments section, people said they were marking the return date of the “Summer Berry Refresher” on their calendars and preparing to line up to be the first to try the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
Devo credited his insider information to an unnamed Starbucks employee and said the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso will reportedly have a blonde espresso base with the new horchata syrup and Starbucks’ oat milk.
According to the content creator, we can also see a coconut-based “Summer Berry Refresher” called “Coconut Milk Sky”. In addition, this special summer cake pop will perfectly combine whipped cream and strawberry shortcake, and be covered in a sweet chocolate frosting depicting strawberries.
Devo speculates that the new menu will launch on May 20, but Starbucks has not yet confirmed that date.
As Devo said, there may not be a second summer menu – if his prediction is correct, this means this summer’s seasonal menu will be even more compact than last year’s. This is not surprising, as Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has already announced plans to simplify the coffee chain’s menu.
Although it is part of Starbucks’ efforts to improve experience and service, people on the Internet are mourning the potential disappearance of the S’mores Frappuccino, so we’re crossing our fingers that it makes an unexpected return.
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