“Starbucks’ summer menu is here with boba-inspired drinks, returning favorites, and tasty new treats. Here’s a first-hand review of what to expect from these seasonal offerings”
Starbucks has just launched its highly anticipated summer menu, and the buzz is all about the new “pearls”—a nod to the popular boba drinks. These pearls are featured in three refreshing drinks that combine vibrant berry flavors with a choice of water, lemonade, or coconut milk. Alongside these drinks, the menu also brings back a fan-favorite cold brew and introduces two tempting new food items. Here’s what you need to know before you head to your nearest Starbucks.
A Trio of Berry-Flavored Refreshers
The spotlight of the new menu is on three berry-flavored drinks: the Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers Beverage, Summer-Berry Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers Beverage, and the Summer Skies Drink. Each of these drinks is enhanced with raspberry-flavored pearls, which Starbucks is marketing as a “texture innovation.” Essentially, these pearls are similar to boba, offering a chewy texture that’s meant to elevate your sipping experience.
The decision to rename boba as “pearls” has sparked some controversy. Critics argue that this rebranding distances the drinks from their cultural roots in East Asian boba tea. However, Starbucks has acknowledged that their new pearls are inspired by global beverages, particularly those from East Asia where boba has long been popular.
In terms of taste, the pearls might remind you of a Blue Raspberry-flavored candy—sweet, tangy, and likely to appeal to those with a sweet tooth. If you prefer your drinks on the sweeter side, these Refreshers might be your new go-to.
The Return of a Cold Brew Favorite
For fans of Starbucks’ cold brew offerings, the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew is back. This drink features a cold brew base sweetened with macadamia syrup, topped with white chocolate macadamia cream cold foam, and finished with a sprinkle of toasted cookie crumbles. It’s a rich, indulgent option that’s perfect for those who enjoy a creamy, dessert-like coffee experience.
Also new this summer is the Iced Coffee Blend, made from Latin American beans with hints of brown sugar and malted chocolate. Unlike the original Starbucks Iced Coffee, this blend is served unsweetened, allowing you to customize it to your liking with milk or sweeteners.
Delicious New Treats
While the drinks might not have hit the mark for everyone, the new food items certainly do. The Orange Cream Cake Pop is a sweet, citrusy treat that’s sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. The Pineapple Cloud Cake, with its light and fluffy texture, is another delightful addition to the menu.
Special Offers and Collectibles
Starbucks is also rolling out a new summer drinkware collection, including an exclusive Stanley x Starbucks Quencher. And for those looking for deals, every Friday from May 15 to 31, customers can enjoy 50% off one handcrafted beverage between 12 and 6 p.m. Plus, personalized offers will be available in the Starbucks app every Monday from May 13 to 27.
New Starbucks Rewards members who join in May will receive 50% off their drink during their first week, making this summer the perfect time to indulge in these new offerings.
Whether you’re curious about the boba-inspired drinks or looking to try a new dessert, Starbucks’ summer menu has something for everyone.
