Headlining Starbucks’ fall lineup is the new Aerocano, their original take on the classic Americano. After getting early access to the drink, I eagerly wondered what awaited me within the aureate clouds of foam crowning the coffee.
What is the Aerocano?
This drink originated in South Korean and other international Starbucks and has been brought to the west after gaining popularity. Clearly, the inspiration here is a loftier one, literally — the aerated theme, the sophisticated, minimalist marketing surrounding this product.
The Aerocano is crafted by taking Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso and rapidly steaming and aerating it with ice to create a velvety foam and a dramatic cascading visual effect which elevates both the flavor and aesthetic of the drink. Notably, there is no milk or milk substitute within, making it a clean and inclusive drink. Served cold over ice, it comes in two varieties: Classic and Caramel.
When handed the cup, the visual impact is immediate. I’m enthralled by the dense, foamy head that promises a distinct texture, while the body displays a striking gradient. The cascading effect is stunning: the drink transitions smoothly from a creamy tan top to a warm caramel middle, settling into a deep, dark brown base.
What does the Aerocano taste like?
The drinking experience is very enjoyable, delivering on flavor beyond what is promised by the visual. Sitting comfortably between a Nitro Cold Brew and a standard iced Americano, it balances rich espresso flavor with a light, micro-foamed mouthfeel. The Classic version leads with a clean, bold coffee bite, though the aeration naturally softens the edges with a subtle perception of sweetness. The Caramel version adds a smoother, richer layer where butterscotch notes linger pleasantly without feeling cloying.
I enjoyed the caramel one more, although both are strong additions to the Starbucks roster. Before drinking, I was hit with the intoxicating emanation of that deeply-brewed coffee scent. On the tongue, hits of caramel interwoven with the simple richness of espresso were addicting, and the fact that each sip invoked a balance of both coffee and that splendorous foam made for an experience that did not dull over time unlike other coffees.
What makes the Aerocano stand out is its unapologetic focus on the espresso. In a menu often dominated by hyper-sweet, desert-like concoctions, this release feels surprisingly refined — more akin to something served at a minimalist craft coffee bar than a standard drive-thru lane. The tundral ice further deepens these flavors, intensifying them to highlight that this drink is so strong because of its laser-focus on the idea that less is more. Yet, the pricing is only $0.50 more than a regular Americano while coming with so much more variance in flavor to last you all day, rather than peaking and flattening out within the hour.
This product will be released on September 29, with pricing unknown but expected to be between $4.25 and $5.25 for a Grande, giving another advantage to the Aerocano for a fine balance between sophistication, satisfaction, and pricing. It’s certainly a product worth trying this fall and for some, will be a new staple on the menu.