We Tried Starbucks’ Summer Menu First—Here’s Our Honest Review

Yes, we're talking about *that* drink.

Starbucks never ceases to amaze me with its new ideas for coffee and other beverages. Sure, sometimes the new menu items are a swing and a miss (cough, cough, the Spicy Refreshers), but most of the time, they become fast fan favorites.

Just look at how upset customers get when they think their beloved order has been discontinued. I’m not one to talk—I basically wrote a eulogy when I learned the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha wouldn’t be returning to the holiday menu last year.

That’s why when Starbucks has its big seasonal launches, I’m always anxious to learn which items will be the “it” order of the season. But this summer, I think it’s going to be hard to choose just one “it” thing because the seasonal menu has six all-new items and one returning fan fave that you’ll be running to the drive-thru for.

Starbucks Launches New Summer Menu

For the first time ever, Starbucks will serve raspberry-flavored pearls that are (literally) bursting with flavor. The new pearls are inspired by boba found in many East Asian beverages—however, Starbucks’ raspberry pearls aren’t technically boba because they’re not made with tapioca.

The raspberry-flavored pearls are featured in Starbucks’ new line of Summer-Berry Refreshers, which are available in three varieties: Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers Beverage, Summer-Berry Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers Beverage, and Summer Skies Drink.

Additionally, Starbucks is bringing back its White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew for the second year and introducing a new iced coffee blend to the permanent menu.

Lastly, the bakery is getting two fruity new seasonal items: the Orange Cream Cake Pop and Pineapple Cloud Cake.

The summer menu is available at Starbucks locations nationwide now, but I was among the first people to try Starbucks’ new offerings. Here is my honest review.

Starbucks' 2024 Summer Menu Review

Let me preface this review by letting you know that I don’t tend to order Refreshers at Starbucks. If I’m going to the coffee chain, I’m getting an iced coffee with vanilla syrup and oat milk and a Bacon, Gouda & Egg Sandwich, and that’s it. However, after trying the new Summer-Berry Refreshers, I can 100% see why customers love this line of drinks—and I might even hit the drive-thru for another one any time I’m craving a sweet, cold drink on a hot summer day.

Out of the Summer-Berry Refresher, which is a blend of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors over ice with the raspberry-flavored pearls, and the Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher, which is the same just with the addition of lemonade, I’m choosing the Lemonade Refresher. While both were delicious and fruity, the Lemonade Refresher had that extra punch of flavor and a bit of tartness.

Some Redditors have compared these refreshers to the blue raspberry-flavored Jolly Rancher—and I definitely agree. The berry flavors really scream summer and the popping pearls add another level of flavor (and fun).

Along with the new drinks, Starbucks now has larger boba straws so you can easily enjoy the raspberry pearls. I will say, the pearls are a bit hard to catch with the straw because of all the ice, but once you get one, the flavor is really tasty and intense.

The last of the Refreshers is the Summer Skies Drink, which is the Summer-Berry Refresher with coconut milk. It’s this menu’s version of the viral Pink Drink or Paradise Drink.

Starbucks’ Summer Skies Drink is in its own category amongst these three refreshers. It almost has a different, milder flavor thanks to the creamy coconut milk. While it wasn’t my favorite of the three, those who enjoy the creamier texture and flavor of the Pink Drink will likely gravitate toward this one.

Next, I tried the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew, which is a cold brew coffee made with macadamia nut syrup and topped with white chocolate macadamia cream cold foam and toasted cookie crumbles. As I said, I’m a huge coffee fan, but this was not what I was expecting at all.

With white chocolate and macadamia in the name, I thought this coffee would be overly sweet. While I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t super sweet, I actually didn’t think it tasted like much at all. The cold foam left something to be desired, so I think I’d skip this one.

Unfortunately, I did not get to try the new iced coffee blend, which is made with Latin American beans with malted chocolate and brown sugar notes. However, Starbucks says this coffee blend is served unsweetened without its “classic” syrup—which is exactly how I order my regular iced coffee, so I’m amped to try this one out when it hits stores.

Last but certainly not least were the bakery items. The Orange Cream Cake Pop is made with orange cream cake, buttercream, and white chocolate icing, and the Pineapple Cloud Cake is an airy cake made with layers of pineapple cream, pineapple spread, fruit pieces, and a sweet drizzle.

Honestly, between the citrus flavor and white chocolate icing, what’s not to love about this adorable cake pop? Maybe it’s because I can’t tell you the last time I had a cake pop from Starbucks, but I devoured the Orange Cream Cake Pop so quickly. It has a mild, fresh orange flavor, so no need to worry about it tasting like cleaning supplies. And, unlike last summer's bee/cat cake pop controversy, there's no denying that this one is shaped like an orange.

The Pineapple Cloud Cake, on the other hand, wasn’t my favorite. Despite all the pineapple-flavored ingredients, I wanted more pineapple flavor. Sadly, it just didn’t satisfy my tropical cake craving like I would have liked.

The popping pearls have been highly anticipated on social media—especially since Starbucks’ CEO confirmed their existence during an earnings call. I’m happy to confirm that they’re actually great. Your summer Starbucks runs just got that much sweeter.

Read the original article on All Recipes.