As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, Starbucks is making a splash with its latest seasonal offerings. The coffee giant has unveiled an all-new line of Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers beverages, set to delight taste buds nationwide. These thirst-quenching sips feature a unique twist – popping raspberry-flavored pearls that add a burst of fruity goodness with every sip.
The trio of new Refreshers includes the classic Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers Beverage, a blend of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors shaken with ice and poured over the signature popping pearls. For those craving a touch of tartness, the Summer-Berry Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers Beverage combines the same fruity Refreshers with a refreshing splash of lemonade. And for a creamy, indulgent option, the Summer Skies Drink features the Summer-Berry Refreshers blended with creamy coconut milk.
“We drew inspiration from drinks around the world, especially East Asian beverages with boba or pearls that have been popular for decades,” shared a Starbucks beverage developer. “The new raspberry-flavored pearls were born out of that, adding a fun and flavorful twist to our summer lineup.”
Returning Fan Favorites and New Permanent Additions
Alongside the vibrant new Refreshers, Starbucks is also bringing back a beloved seasonal favorite – the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew. This decadent cold brew is infused with sweet macadamia syrup and topped with a creamy white chocolate macadamia cold foam and toasted cookie crumbles, delivering a taste of summer indulgence.
But the summer menu updates don’t stop there. Starbucks is also introducing a new permanent Iced Coffee Blend, crafted with Latin American beans that boast notes of malted chocolate and brown sugar. This unsweetened iced coffee offering provides a smooth, versatile base for customers to customize with their preferred sweeteners and milk.
Fruity Treats in the Bakery Case
The Starbucks summer lineup extends beyond beverages, with two new limited-time bakery items that bring a burst of tropical flavor. The Orange Cream Cake Pop combines orange cream cake with buttercream and a white chocolate icing, finished with an orange slice design. For a more airy, pineapple-forward delight, the Pineapple Cloud Cake features layers of pineapple cream, pineapple spread, and whole fruit pieces, all wrapped in a sweet drizzle topping.
“Fruity flavors are taking over the bakery case this summer,” noted a Starbucks spokesperson. “These new offerings are sure to satisfy cravings for bright, refreshing tastes that capture the essence of the season.”
Exclusive Starbucks Reserve Experiences
While the new summer menu items will be available at Starbucks locations nationwide, the brand’s premium Starbucks Reserve stores are offering an even more elevated seasonal experience. Patrons visiting the Reserve locations in Chicago, New York, and Seattle can indulge in specialty offerings like the Pineapple Rum Float, which blends Starbucks Reserve coffee with Ten to One Dark Rum for a tropical twist on an adult float.
The Starbucks Reserve stores are also debuting a collection of summer-inspired drinkware and merchandise, including a co-branded Miir Tumbler Traveller, a Nettie Pickle Ball Set, and a Miir Pourigami Pourover. These vibrant, limited-edition items are perfect for embracing the carefree spirit of the season.
Rewarding Customers with Exciting In-App Offers
To sweeten the summer experience, Starbucks is rolling out a series of exclusive rewards and discounts through its mobile app. Dubbed “Summer App-y Days,” the promotion offers 50% off any handcrafted beverage every Friday from 12-6 pm local time throughout the month of May. Additionally, Starbucks Rewards members can look forward to personalized offers such as Triple Star Days and buy-one-get-one beverage deals delivered to the app every Monday.
“The best deals of the summer are in the Starbucks app,” the company declared. “We want to give our loyal customers even more reasons to enjoy their favorite Starbucks treats this season.”
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion Through Artistic Collaborations
Starbucks is also using the summer season to showcase its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The brand has partnered with Chinese-American artist Monyee Chau to create a new collection of summer drinkware that celebrates moments of togetherness, community-building, and everyday joy. This collection, available at participating U.S. stores, honors Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Looking ahead, Starbucks will unveil another limited-edition merchandise line in late May, this time featuring the work of queer British artist Sofie Birkin. Sofie’s vibrant, playful designs will pay tribute to Pride Month, further amplifying Starbucks’ support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Embracing the Sights and Sounds of Summer
Beyond the delectable new menu items and rewarding in-app experiences, Starbucks is also curating a summer atmosphere that captures the essence of the season. The brand’s new summer drinkware collection features a range of tumblers, cold cups, and keychains in tropical colors and shimmery pastels, allowing customers to sip their favorite beverages in style.
For an even more immersive seasonal experience, Starbucks Reserve locations are introducing a lineup of summer-inspired merchandise, including a co-branded Stanley x Starbucks Quencher, a Nettie Pickle Ball Set, and a Miir Pourigami Pourover. These limited-edition items are perfect for embracing the carefree spirit of summer, whether enjoying a refreshing coffee on the go or engaging in outdoor activities with friends and family.
Elevating the Summer Menu at Starbucks Reserve
While the new summer offerings will delight customers at Starbucks stores nationwide, the brand’s premium Starbucks Reserve locations are taking the seasonal experience to new heights. In addition to the vibrant drinkware and merchandise collections, these elevated stores are debuting a selection of exclusive summer-themed beverages and bites.
Headlining the Starbucks Reserve summer menu is the Pineapple Rum Float, a decadent creation that combines Starbucks Reserve coffee with Ten to One Dark Rum for a tropical twist on a classic float. Patrons can also indulge in the Strawberry Lemon Tart, a delightful pastry filled with a sweet strawberry compote and a tangy lemon custard, as well as the Zucchini and Burrata Pizza, a savory flatbread topped with fresh zucchini, creamy burrata, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
“The menu at our Starbucks Reserve locations is getting a vibrant summer refresh, offering our most discerning customers an elevated seasonal experience,” shared a company spokesperson. “From innovative coffee cocktails to artisanal baked goods, we’re elevating the summer sipping and dining experience at our premium stores.”
Expanding Retail Offerings for At-Home Enjoyment
Starbucks is also ensuring that customers can savor the flavors of summer beyond the coffeehouse. The brand has expanded its retail lineup to include a variety of ready-to-drink and take-home options, giving fans the opportunity to indulge in their favorite Starbucks treats from the comfort of their own homes.
Among the new grocery store offerings are the 11-ounce cans of Starbucks Cold Brew, providing a refreshing, on-the-go option for busy summer days. Customers can also find Starbucks Iced Coffee Blends and Starbucks Vanilla Latte Creamers, allowing them to recreate the Starbucks experience at home. And for those craving the brand’s beloved bottled beverages, the Starbucks Pink Drink and Starbucks Paradise Drink are now available for purchase in grocery aisles.
“Whether visiting our stores or enjoying Starbucks at home, we want our customers to have access to their favorite summer sips and treats all season long,” emphasized the company spokesperson.
Embracing the Spirit of the Season Through Meaningful Partnerships
As Starbucks celebrates the arrival of summer, the brand is also leveraging its platform to make a positive impact. In support of its ongoing community promise, Starbucks has announced a new giveback program that will donate 100% of sales from its Odyssey Blend® coffee to World Central Kitchen’s humanitarian relief efforts around the world.
“Odyssey Blend® was created to symbolize the future of Starbucks and its focus on people, planet, and craft through the lens of coffee,” explained a Starbucks representative. “By donating the proceeds from this special blend, we’re able to support meaningful initiatives that align with our values and make a difference in the lives of those in need.”
This charitable initiative, running from April 29 to June 24, 2024, is just one of the ways Starbucks is embracing the spirit of the season and using its reach to uplift communities both near and far.
Conclusion: A Summer of Refreshment and Celebration at Starbucks
As the weather warms and the days grow longer, Starbucks is poised to make a splash with its innovative new Summer-Berry Refreshers lineup and a host of other seasonal delights. From the vibrant popping pearls that add a burst of fruity flavor to the return of customer favorites and the introduction of permanent menu additions, there’s something for every taste bud to enjoy.
But Starbucks’ summer offerings extend far beyond the beverages and bites. The brand is also curating a immersive seasonal experience, with exclusive drinkware and merchandise collections, elevated experiences at Starbucks Reserve locations, and a suite of rewarding in-app promotions for loyal customers. And by leveraging its platform to celebrate diversity and support meaningful charitable initiatives, Starbucks is demonstrating its commitment to fostering a summer of refreshment, joy, and community.
So whether you’re seeking a thirst-quenching sip, a delectable treat, or a way to embrace the spirit of the season, Starbucks has you covered. Get ready to embark on a flavorful, fun-filled summer adventure with the brand that’s making waves in the world of coffee and beyond.
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