Starbucks enthusiasts around the world have jumped at the chance to try all that the company’s secret menu has to offer. Whether it’s a frappuccino with an extra shot of espresso or combining two sandwiches into one, some customers appreciate how limitless the options are.
To continue to inspire this type of innovation, this week Starbucks held their first-ever Global Barista Championship in Las Vegas. The competition slimmed down from over 84,000 baristas to four finalists who took part in challenges that included blind coffee tasting, coffee storytelling, latte art, and creating a signature drink.
As a surprise reward, before the final four contestants were revealed, the leaders of the event announced that the last four competitors would receive a $10,000 grant to a nonprofit organization in each of the contestant’s regions. The winner of the Global Barista Championship was to receive an all-expenses covered trip to the six Starbucks Reserve Roasteries around the world and an opportunity to co-create a signature drink to be served in Starbucks Coffeehouses in the future.
After three days of competition, Nobuki Shimode representing Japan was crowned Global Barista Champion and says the next step for him in his coffee journey is, “Barista Champion of the Galaxy.”
Along with Nobuki, the final four contestants were Chico Gu representing Shanghai Reserve Roastery, Sumayyah Eid representing Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and Takahiro representing Tokyo Reserve Roastery. Following the event, we caught up with a few of the contestants to find out what their favorite menu item to make was and here’s what they shared.
Charlie – Asia Pacific – Matcha with a Shot of Espresso
Starbucks is known for its creativity and endless faucet of drinks their customers would be interested in trying no matter the region (I mean, look at the Oleto). As a must-try tip for matcha latte admirers, Charlie said, “If you put espresso in there, it will taste like seaweed.” For ordering in-store, customers can ask for the alteration. If you are ordering through the Starbucks app, press customize and under ‘Espresso & Shot Options,’ you can add shots to your matcha latte.
Takahiro – Tokyo – Tokyo Roastery Harmony Latte
Takahiro’s favorite drink is his signature Tokyo Roastery Harmony Latte which he made in the final round. The latte is a combination of Tokyo Roastery Microblend, cocktail, and other elements that are supposed to represent a sense of harmony or unity. A great drink experience often starts with a great relationship with the barista, and Takahiro believes that the secret to being a barista is having conversations about menu items with customers. In his interactions as a barista, Takahiro said, “I try to connect with them to find out what each customer wants to experience or want to know.” Though Tokyo Roastery Microblend is not available at all Starbucks stores, customers can order a Takahiro inspired drink by getting a drink with a base of espresso, steamed milk and a flavoring of your choice.
Sumayyah – EMEA – Blended Mango Dragonfruit Refresher with Cream
If you’re a fan of fruity and refreshing drinks, then you might love Sumayyah’s spin on Starbucks’ Mango Dragonfruit Refresher. Instead of being over ice, she likes it blended with liquid cream into a slushy. To order it at your local Starbucks, Sumayyah said, “It would probably be a Mango Dragonfruit Frappuccino with liquid cream and extra dragon scoops.” Since the Starbucks app only has the capability of allowing customers to get the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher blended, it is best to go in-person to order the refresher blended with a cream of your choice and extra dragon scoops.
Nobuki – Japan – Espresso & Sugar
Nobuki might have just encouraged caffeine lovers with a sweet tooth, but his secret is that the right amount of espresso and sugar can taste like chocolate. “It’s simple,” he said, “but it’s the most delicious thing.” As a barista and first-ever crowned Global Barista Champ, Nobuki feels that asking baristas what their favorite recommendation or customization is will help customers figure out their own. To try this hack out at a Starbucks, customers can order an espresso shot in the app and customize it by adding sugar packets. If you’re looking to test this combo out on other Starbucks drinks to make your own creation, Charlie’s matcha latte could be a great starting point. This mix-in can also work on any of the store’s brewed and cold brew coffees.