As winter settles in, Starbucks is introducing a variety of seasonal drinks to brighten up the colder months. Starting tomorrow, the coffee giant will officially add the espresso-forward Cortado to its menu, providing a bold yet smooth option for those seeking a comforting winter beverage.
The Cortado is made with three shots of ristretto, a concentrated version of Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso, paired with frothy steamed milk. According to Starbucks beverage developer Ricky Gonzalez, the Cortado has a “soft, smooth flavor profile that remains bold but approachable.” The ristretto shots provide a sweeter, richer flavor due to a process that uses the same amount of coffee grounds as a regular espresso shot but with less water and a quicker extraction time.
Gonzalez adds that the Cortado is versatile, blending well with both whole and oat milk to deliver a balanced taste. While traditionally served as a four-ounce drink, Starbucks will offer it hot in an eight-ounce short-sized cup. A new Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado will also be available, featuring the brand’s Brown Sugar syrup and oat milk. Starbucks has chosen not to offer iced versions to preserve the drink’s intended flavor profile.
The Cortado was introduced after strong customer demand in regions like South Florida and Chicago. After testing the drink in select locations last year, the response from both customers and baristas was overwhelmingly positive, according to Gonzalez.
In addition to the Cortado, Starbucks is also making changes to its Matcha Latte. Baristas will now use a specialized blender to create a smoother, more consistent drink, addressing previous complaints about clumps of green tea powder. Matcha powder will now be unsweetened, allowing customers to customize the sweetness level of their drink, with the classic syrup as the default sweetener.
For those with a sweet tooth, Starbucks is bringing back the popular Pistachio Latte (available hot or iced), which adds a nutty, sweet flavor to the classic latte. Additionally, the Spicy Falafel Pocket will join the permanent menu as a savory all-day snack. The pocket is paired with a chipotle almond dipping sauce for a limited time.
Starbucks is also introducing the Vanilla Bean Custard Danish to the winter menu, and the Valentine’s Day Cake Pop will make its debut later in the season. These new offerings are sure to bring some cheer to the chilly days of January, keeping spirits high during the post-holiday slump.
These menu additions follow rumors leaked by food blogger @Markie_Devo, who previewed the lineup on Instagram last year. While many of his predictions have proven accurate, there are still some upcoming items that remain under wraps.
Whether you’re craving a comforting latte or a savory snack, Starbucks’ winter menu has something to brighten up even the grayest days of winter.
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