The sun is setting at a later time, the weather is jumping from cold to warm, and Dairy Queen announced its free cone day. This can mean one thing — spring is finally here. Just like the changing seasons, Starbucks is changing its menu for spring. This change isn’t major like Panera's new menu, just two new drinks featuring some floral notes. On March 5, I was able to pick up these two new drinks from my local Starbucks in Jackson Heights, N.Y. to try. Here’s what’s new at Starbucks this season — plus, new items at its Reserve locations and merchandise.
What are Starbucks' new spring drinks?
For the first time, Starbucks introduces the flavor of lavender to its drinks. Starting March 7, the new Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte and Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha drinks will be available to order.
The Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte is a combination of Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso, oatmilk, ice, and lavender. I will admit that I️ am very particular about my iced coffees and opt for the most sugar-filled flavors to mask the taste of coffee (apologizing now to the baristas across all coffee shops who make my complex coffee orders).
Despite the strong taste and smell of coffee, there was a very subtle taste of lavender that worked very well with the espresso. Lavender has a slight sweetness to it, but also tastes very floral. The flavoring is a stark contrast to hibiscus, which is more on the bitter side and gives off a similar flavor profile to cranberries.
Of the two drinks, the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha was my favorite. It features a creamy matcha served with oatmilk over ice, topped with a sweet lavender cream cold foam — which is made with lavender powder mixed with cream.
Upon first look, the drink itself is very pretty with a gorgeous green color and a purple cream on top. This was also my first time trying matcha and it has a very earthy taste. As I continued sipping the drink, it became smoother almost tasting creamy. The lavender is also stronger in this drink than the latte.
What else is new at Starbucks?
For a limited time only, the Starbucks Reserve locations in Chicago, New York, and Seattle are offering new spring menu items.
Some new drinks include Caramel Mocha Drizzle Affogato and Whiskey Barrel-Aged Malt. Loyal customers can also sample three different affogatos with the Roastery Affogato Flight or Empire Affogato Flight at the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building location.
The specific reserve locations are also offering three new avocado toast varieties — Avocado Toast with Pancetta and Egg, Avocado Toast with Pickled Red Onions, and Avocado Toast with Cherry Tomatoes.
Also new this season is Starbucks’ spring drinkware collection, which will be coming to participating U.S. stores for a limited time starting on March 7. The collection includes a 24-ounce multi-colored Pastel Tie-Dye Cold Cup ($29.95), 14-ounce Pastel Pink Curved Mug ($16.95), 20-ounce Spring Showers Glass Water Bottle ($24.95), and 24-ounce Seafoam Green Shell Cold Cup ($19.95).