Starbucks is one of the most popular coffee shops in the world, but they are not just known for the quality of the coffee, which many experts and afficionados will debate intensely about, they are also known for their theme drinks, epically centered around the fall and winter months. Almost everyone has a Starbucks favorite, and despite the names that they give to their drinks, which, again, many have disparaged as ridiculous, one taste and it is easy to see why many have fallen prey to their seasonal offerings. But Starbucks is much more than coffee and they have proven so over the last few years and although they may not have been a first choice for the summer, that is about to change.
Having an iced latte or tea has always been a great option for the hot summer months, but Starbucks is upping heir game with a new summer menu that promises to make this July one for the history books, with surprising and tasty additions that will entice anyone that drinks coffee, but what may be better, anyone that does not and just wants a refreshing drink.
Most of the announcements came in May at the recent Starbucks Leadership Experience 2025 event in Las Vegas, when the company announced four new beverage flavors for the summer season. One of them was a fan favorite from the past, which they are bringing back to the delight of many, and that is the return of the raspberry flavor, but there were three other flavors announced and those are new and have never been tested on customers before.
The new Starbucks summer flavors
Since Starbucks knew that they had their Leadership Experience conference and that there would be an enormous amount of their franchise present to make the announcements to, they brought their A game, calling it a “Back to Starbucks” strategy which they intend to use to reconnect with customers after a few years of constant change.
While there have been a few changes that have not been as appreciated as the company hoped for, like changing the vibe of some of their locations to a more modern and less “coffee shop” style or swapping the sharpie to write the names for a printed sticker, there are other changes that have succeeded and are here if not to stay permanently, at least to re attract customers temporarily.
The popular raspberry will not be coming back forever though, once a part of the permanent menu, for now it has been announced as a July exclusive syrup, so those who missed it get on your marks and get ready for the “Go” for when it hits the menu once again.
At the event, several key updates were revealed regarding ongoing menu trials, including the introduction of a banana-flavored cold foam currently being tested in select stores.
Among the seasonal highlights is a trio of Summer Berry Refreshers, featuring raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors with raspberry pearls. These can be ordered with water, lemonade, or coconut milk for different variations.
Another addition is the Horchata Oat Iced Espresso Shake, which combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso with horchata syrup to deliver hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and rice. It’s served over ice and finished with oat milk.
While most of these drinks will be temporary and will go away once the season ends once again, if they are popular they may be brought back next summer, so if you are a fan do not forget to tell Starbucks that you enjoyed it and consider swapping out some of your summer coffees for these additions to the menu.