As summer heats up, Starbucks is keeping us refreshed with inventive, vibrant beverages. Whether you’re craving fruity excitement or creamy indulgence, these five new summer Starbucks drinks deliver. Here’s a full breakdown of each, including calorie counts, flavor profiles, and what makes them the perfect companions to sunny days ahead.
1. Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Calories: ~180 kcal (Grande, 16 oz)
Let’s kick things off with a game-changer: the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. Starbucks takes its bold espresso shots, gives them a creamy accent with oat milk, and blends in the nostalgic flavor of horchata, a cinnamon-rice milk drink beloved in Latin cultures. This drink is poured over ice and shaken vigorously, enhancing froth and texture.
Flavor Profile & Experience
Expect a smooth balance between robust espresso and creamy sweetness. The cinnamon notes from the horchata mingle with the earthy undertones of oat milk, creating a harmonious blend.
Why It Stands Out
-
Dairy-free option that doesn’t compromise on richness
-
Ideal for those craving a coffee-forward beverage with a seasonal twist
-
The shake elevates mouthfeel and adds visual appeal
Perfect Pairings
Go for something equally comforting like a warmed-from-the-summer bakery item—say, a double chocolate loaf cake or a cinnamon swirl coffee cake. The cinnamon in the horchata complements these treats beautifully.
2. Summer-Berry Refreshers Are Back
Calories: ~90 kcal (Grande, 16 oz)
It wouldn’t be summer at Starbucks without a berry-themed refresher, and Starbucks is reviving its popular Summer-Berry Refresher line. This year’s version features a vibrant blend of wild blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries—tossed in a refreshing strawberry-berry juice base with green coffee extract, all served over ice.
Flavor Profile & Experience
Light on sweetness, big on fruitiness, this drink delivers a crisp, cool taste. The green coffee extract offers a mild caffeine kick without the espresso intensity.
Why It’s a Summer Staple
-
Very low-calorie, guilt-free refreshment
-
Visually eye-catching, especially with floating berries
-
Perfect for hydration and energy on hot days
Perfect Pairings
Pair it with savory fare like a grilled chicken sandwich or a spinach feta wrap. The fruity brightness cuts through the richness beautifully.
3. Firework Frappuccinos
Calories: ~400 kcal (Grande, 16 oz)
The Firework Frappuccino is Starbucks’ whimsical take on patriotic fun. Piled high with a blend of red and blue fruit flavors, this Frappuccino bursts with a sweet swirl of strawberry and blue raspberry. It’s topped with whipped cream, edible glitter, and even a pop-rock candy garnish—designed to literally “pop” on your tongue.
Flavor Profile & Experience
Sweet, tangy, and playful, this Frappuccino is a sensory show. The candy Pop Rocks add a fizzy texture, contrasting with the creamy base.
Why It’s a Showstopper
-
Fun, Instagram-worthy presentation
-
Appeals to younger drinkers or the young at heart
-
Merges fruit, candy, and dairy into one playful concoction
Perfect Pairings
Best teamed with bakery treats like birthday cake-popcorn or a slice of Funfetti cake—the celebration continues with every bite.
4. Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino
Calories: ~380 kcal (Grande, 16 oz)
If you’re after something decadent yet elegant, meet the Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino. This layered Frappuccino features a base flavored with brown sugar syrup and luscious oat milk, contrasted by a frothy, cloud-textured vanilla crème Strato layer—a mousse-like topping inspired by the viral Strato series.
Flavor Profile & Experience
The drink starts deep and caramelized from the brown sugar, then peaks with the light, airy texture of the Strato topping. Each sip alternates between comfort and lift.
Why It’s Worth Trying
-
Combines cozy sweetness with dreamy fluffiness
-
A semi-indulgent treat that doesn’t overwhelm
-
Oat milk makes it a bit lighter and more modern
Perfect Pairings
Think along the lines of a toasted cheddar jalapeño loaf or a buttery croissant to complement the deep caramel flavors.
5. Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino
Calories: ~350 kcal (Grande, 16 oz)
Closing our countdown is the lush, modern Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino. This variant mixes creamy matcha with strawberry syrup, layered with bright red strawberry puree, then topped with the signature vanilla Strato foam.
Flavor Profile & Experience
Vibrant green matcha and sweet-tart strawberry combine for a balanced sipper. The Strato foam adds a pillowy finish and creamy top note.
Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
-
Balance of earthy + fruity + creamy—three taste sensations in one
-
Instagram-worthy pastel styling
-
Slight caffeine boost via matcha without espresso intensity
Perfect Pairings
Pair with lighter fare like lemon poppyseed loaf or a spinach feta wrap to highlight the subtle green tea notes.
In-Depth Flavor Comparisons
Contrast in Sweetness
-
Firework Frappuccino tops the charts in sweetness, candy garnish, and spectacle
-
Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino and Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso lean richer and smoother
-
Summer-Berry Refresher and Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino are lighter—not too sugary, fruit-forward
Caffeine Content
-
Highest: Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (two espresso shakes)
-
Mid-level: Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino (matcha powder)
-
Lowest: Summer-Berry Refresher and Firework Frappuccino (green coffee extract or zero espresso)
-
Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino is medium—no espresso, but caffeine from milk (negligible)
Texture & Experience
-
Strato drinks (Brown Sugar, Strawberry Matcha) offer layered creaminess and light foam
-
Frappuccinos (Firework, Brown Sugar) provide icy, blended texture
-
Refresher is crisp, cold, and quenching
Health and Dietary Highlights
-
Calories range from ~90 (lowest) to ~400 (richest), so there’s an option for every kind of treat-seeker
-
Dairy alternatives: all featured drinks use milk (except Refreshers), making them suitable for some lactose-free diets
-
Vegetarian and largely vegan-friendly, especially the non-espresso options; be mindful of foam/whipped cream toppings
Also Read: How to Customize Your Starbucks Order to Match Your Taste & Style
How to Customize Your Summer Sips
-
Adjust Sweetness
Ask for fewer pumps of syrup (e.g., one less pump in the Brown Sugar Strato) for a less sugary treat. -
Swap Milks
Choose almond or coconut milk instead of oat for fewer calories or different flavor notes. -
Add Protein
Request a scoop of protein powder in your Frappuccino for a morning energy boost. -
Hold the Cream
Skip whipped cream or Strato foam to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
DIY Hack: Make the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at Home
If you want to skip the drive-thru line, here’s a simple at-home recipe:
-
Brew two shots of espresso; cool slightly.
-
In a shaker, combine espresso, 2 tablespoons of oat milk, 1 tablespoon of horchata syrup (cinnamon-sugar-based), and plenty of ice.
-
Shake vigorously until frothy, then pour over ice. Enjoy your café-quality drink at home!
Instagram-Worthy Presentation Tips
All five drinks are designed to pop in photos, but stand out even more with these tips:
-
Use clear cups and highlight layers (like Strato foam or fruit swirl)
-
Add garnishes: a fresh mint leaf on the Horchata, berry float atop your refresher, and edible glitter on the Firework Frappuccino
-
Position them against bright summer backdrops—poolside, by the beach, or in front of sunlit greenery
Final Thoughts
These 5 new summer Starbucks drinks that just launched offer a balance of indulgence and refreshment for every mood:
-
Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso—creamy cinnamon-coffee fusion
-
Summer-Berry Refreshers Are Back—Light, fruity, and energizing
-
Firework Frappuccinos—candy-coated, high-spirited fun
-
Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino—rich caramel meets airy Strato cream
-
Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino—vibrant and balanced fusion
Whether you’re after a caffeine kick, a fruity treat, or a sugary delight, Starbucks has curated a summer lineup with rich layers, different textures, and bold flavors. These beverages don’t just quench thirst—they tell a summer story in every sip.
