Introduction to Layered Drinks
Starbucks has introduced a whole new dimension to its menu: layered drinks. Starting July 8, the coffee giant will add its new Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverages to menus nationwide. The word “strato” is the Italian word for layer, and these drinks layer different Frappuccino and cold foam flavors and colors.
The Concept and Creation
Strato Frappuccinos were one of the first beverages to be tested through Starting 5, the Green Siren’s recently introduced program in which five coffeehouses test new menu items before rolling them out nationally. A banana-flavored protein cold foam is currently undergoing this process. Starbucks employee Susan Engdahl helped create the drink and says it’s the “perfect time” for it, as it’s the 30th anniversary of the blended beverage.
Available Flavors
Here’s what comes in each drink:
- Saltes Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino is a blend of chocolate and caramel, made with mocha sauce, Frappuccino roast coffee, milk and ice, and is topped with a layer of salted caramel-flavored cream cold foam and a zigzag of caramel drizzle.
- Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino is a blend of reformulated unsweetened matcha, classic syrup, milk and ice, layered with strawberry-flavored cream cold foam.
- Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino combines Frappuccino roast coffee, milk and ice, is layered with brown sugar-flavored cream cold foam and topped with cinnamon.
Additional Features
The coffee chain also noted that starting July 8, its Starbucks Artist Collaboration Series returns to its cafés, featuring designs by Nigerian American artist and print and textile designer Shadé Akanbi. Her works can be seen on cold cups and a ceramic tumbler.
Taste and Texture
All three drinks are great, but one flavor stood out from the rest. Their texture is rather intriguing to the tongue: Cold foam layers inside the drink offered a cool and smooth reprieve from the sweltering day. It feels like a grown-up version of a Frappuccino, one with a diploma from Texture University.
- The Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino tasted kind of like Cinnabon’s coffee drink, which has a very nostalgic flavor.
- The Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino started off with a strong matcha flavor, and then the strawberry foam comes in, tasting like a melted, less-sugary Strawberry Shortcake Bar.
- The Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino is, by far, the favorite of the three, with its mocha flavor perfectly complemented by the salted caramel-flavored cream, and its velvety texture is super appealing.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverages, Starbucks continues to innovate and expand its menu, offering customers new and exciting taste experiences. The combination of unique flavors and textures, along with the artistic collaboration, makes for a compelling reason to visit Starbucks and try these new drinks.
FAQs
Q: When are the Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverages available?
A: The Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverages are available starting July 8 at Starbucks locations nationwide.
Q: What flavors are available for the Strato Frappuccino?
A: The available flavors are Salted Caramel Mocha, Strawberry Matcha, and Brown Sugar.
Q: What is the Starting 5 program?
A: The Starting 5 program is a testing program by Starbucks where five coffeehouses test new menu items before they are rolled out nationally.
Q: Who is the artist featured in the Starbucks Artist Collaboration Series?
A: The artist featured is Nigerian American artist and print and textile designer Shadé Akanbi.
Q: How many stores does Starbucks have worldwide?
A: Starbucks has more than 40,000 stores worldwide.
