Move over holiday season, because the Starbucks winter menu is officially here. Beginning Friday, January 3, Starbucks is kicking off the new year by adding a new espresso beverage to its menu, the Cortado. The new espresso beverage and its flavored counterpart, the new Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado, will both be a permanent menu fixture, and I could not be more grateful. As for food, Starbucks is adding a certified vegan Spicy Falafel Pocket to their permanent menu, and starting January 3, customers will also have the ability to customize the level of sweetness in Starbucks matcha beverages. I got to try all four new additions, and let me just say, these new Starbucks winter menu items can’t come fast enough.
What are the new espresso beverages on the Starbucks winter menu?
Starbucks is celebrating coffee artistry and espresso craft with the introduction of the Cortado to its lineup of espresso beverages, and it might be my favorite version of Starbucks espresso yet. Originating from Spain, a traditional Cortado is small in size and strong in flavor, as the milk cuts through the bold flavor of the espresso to create a beverage that is smooth and balanced. The new Starbucks Cortado is crafted with three ristretto shots (aka an espresso technique that creates sweeter and richer shots) of the Starbucks Blonde Espresso. The handcrafted espresso comes together when “cut” with steamed whole milk, or substituted milk of choice, creating a perfectly balanced sip with a creamy texture.
When I tried the new Starbucks cortado, I tried it alongside a classic doppio and latte to experience the full spectrum of espresso beverages that Starbucks offers. The cortado genuinely falls perfectly in the middle of the two drinks, combining the robust flavor of a doppio (aka a double shot of espresso) and the creaminess of a latte for a delightful drink that is perfect for coffee lovers and latte lovers alike.
After trying the Cortado, I didn’t think it could get much better than that…until I tried the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado. For those seeking a little extra sweetness, the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado is a new permanent menu item that offers customers a non-dairy option, with warm, comforting notes of brown sugar syrup and steamed oatmilk.
I am absolutely not a flavored coffee girlie, but I have been dreaming about this bev since I tried it. It’s creamy, sweet but not too sweet, and perfectly spiced, and its delicious and velvety smooth flavor might just be the perfect coffee for cold winter days. Like the regular Cortado, the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado is only available hot and served in a short size.
Is Starbucks matcha unsweetened?
In response to a popular customer request for the ability to adjust the level of sweetness in Starbucks matcha beverages, Starbucks has updated its matcha powder to now be unsweetened. Instead, the drink will be sweetened with classic syrup, which gives customers the ability to customize the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of classic syrup in the beverage when ordering in the store or on the Starbucks app.
I am absolutely not a matcha girlie, until now. The new formula for Starbucks matcha powder is smooth rather than grainy, and has an earthy tea flavor without tasting “grassy” thanks to the customizable sweetness level. Like the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado, I have been also dreaming about the new Starbucks matcha (with a single pump of classic, of course).
What new food is on the Starbucks winter menu?
A new, certified vegan addition to Starbucks food menu, the Spicy Falafel Pocket combines smashed falafel, creamy hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions, and a spicy herb sauce, all wrapped inside a toasted lavash flatbread.
I absolutely adored this flatbread, and will be ordering it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner now that it’s a permanent menu fixture. Don’t be fooled by the “spicy” descriptor; this falafel pocket boasts warm and inviting spices rather than overly hot and unpleasant. All of the flavors and textures — from the smooth hummus to the slightly charred peppers and pillowy lavash — combine in a delectable bite that makes for a protein-packed vegan wrap.
What are the seasonal items coming back to Starbucks?
Beyond these permanent menu additions, seasonal favorites such as the Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, Vanilla Bean Custard Danish, and Valentine Cake Pop are also returning for a limited time this winter.
When is the Starbucks Pistachio Latte returning?
The beloved seasonal Pistachio Latte, which also returns January 3, features Starbucks Signature Espresso and steamed milk infused with the cozy flavors of sweet pistachio and a brown-buttery topping for a creamy and nutty complement to the rich Starbucks espresso flavor. The seasonal latte will be available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
If you’re a fan of cold brew, the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew has a super-smooth flavor with the same nutty flavor as the latte. The cold brew is sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with smooth pistachio cream cold foam and salted brown buttery sprinkles for a creamy smooth brew. Unlike the Cortado options and matcha, the pistachio beverages are only available for a limited time this winter, while supplies last.
What seasonal food is on the Starbucks winter menu?
The Vanilla Bean Custard Danish is returning in January for a limited time, while supplies last. This fan-favorite winter treat features layers of sugared Danish dough baked until golden and filled with rich and velvety vanilla bean custard for a breakfast pairing with coffee or a sweet snack.
Starbucks is also celebrating the season of love with the Valentine Cake Pop, available for a limited time, while supplies last. This v-day treat features vanilla cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in red chocolate icing and decorated with a heart design.