Tag: Starbucks

REVIEW: Starbucks Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

Heather 2 Comments

New Year, New Starbucks drink. That’s the saying, right? Back in 2021, Starbucks introduced a Pistachio Latte. Two years later, the pistachio flavor is now being adapted into a cold brew with the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew. This one has the signature Starbucks cold brew coffee with pistachio cold foam and a salted brown butter topping.

A quick reference to my 2021 Pistachio Latte review reminded me that I LOVED it. But this one? It wasn’t amazing, but it wasn’t bad either. A “meh” kind of beverage, if you will.

The cold brew itself is just that: cold brew. With 145 milligrams of caffeine in a tall, you’re definitely getting a good caffeine hit for the day. (A venti boasts 275 milligrams of caffeine.) The pistachio cold foam is where the drink fell flat for me. At first sip, I liked that it was mellow and subtlety sweet. But the flavor of the pistachio syrup in the cold foam did not shine through. It was missing the nutty taste I hoped for and was masked by the coffee-ness of the cold brew. I was also surprised to see the drink had 25 grams of sugar, as it definitely didn’t taste that sweet. If something has 25 grams of sugar, I want it to tame my sweet tooth!

Also lacking, just like my one negative of the latte, was the salted brown butter topping. This had the potential to be such a scene stealer, but I barely had any on my drink and none of the flavor came through. Of course, this might depend on if the barista making your drink is heavy-handed with the topping or not. A quick recon in the Starbucks app shows that you can ask for extra topping. Let me know in the comments if you try that – it might convince me to give it a go and see if the flavor adjusts!

That all being said, the drink was still decent and totally palatable. It just didn’t knock my socks off. I did start to like it more as I kept drinking and the cold foam began to settle into the cold brew. It’s not something I’d go back to in a heartbeat, but I may have to try the Pistachio Latte iced for a comparison.

Purchased Price: $4.75
Size: Tall
Purchased at: Starbucks
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 210 calories, 12 grams of total fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 85 milligrams of sodium, 25 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 25 grams of total sugars, 2 grams of protein, and 145 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Limited Edition Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Canned Nitro Cold Brew

Sean 6 Comments

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Canned Nitro Cold Brew Can

What is it?

Starbucks’ new Pumpkin Cream Canned Nitro Cold Brew is a new way to get your pumpkin spice fix! This limited edition can of seasonally spiced caffeine combines nitrogen-infused cold brew with milk and natural flavors.

How is it?

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Canned Nitro Cold Brew Pour

The can states to “gently shake once, pop open and pour hard into a cold glass for maximum enjoyment,” and I did just that; PLUS, I used a spooky bat cup to really bring the autumn energy.

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Canned Nitro Cold Brew Holding

Trying to imitate Starbucks’ excellent Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is tough, and my initial reaction is that visually I didn’t get nearly as much creamy head as I would like. There’s a small, lighter colored creamy layer sitting atop the cold brew, and on my first sip, I’m getting big time Yoo-hoo vibes. You know that “chocolate flavored beverage” that popped up right before the Great Depression? That’s the kind of texture we’re working with here, a watery viscosity. It’s kind of milky but not notably creamy, and as someone who usually takes his coffee black, it’s unimpressive but totally fine by me.

The flavor is interesting. The most prominent spice that pops out is nutmeg, followed by what I think is cloves. There isn’t much of a cinnamon presence, which is odd because a lot of times companies will get lazy and use only cinnamon in lieu of a true spice blend. I kind of miss the cinnamon, but also respect the intensity from the lesser-loved spices. The coffee flavor is smooth, present, and pleasant, rounded out with just a touch of sweetness that keeps this beverage coffee-focused, unlike its latte and Frappuccino counterparts.

Anything else you need to know?

Nearly a decade ago, I swore off non-alcohol liquid calories, and 97% of the time I drink my coffee without cream or sugar. One exception to this rule, which used to be the Pumpkin Spice Latte, is now the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. I have a soft spot for the sauce created by Starbucks in 2003 and love how the cold brew version is a modernized take that lets the coffee shine.

Conclusion:

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Canned Nitro Cold Brew Bat Glass

This canned Pumpkin Cream Canned Nitro Cold Brew won’t fool anyone into thinking it came from the hands of an actual barista, but it certainly does a nice job of scratching that autumn itch if you’re unable to make it to a cafe. I was mega excited when this can was announced, and while it’s not going to pull me away frequently from my cup of hot black, it’s a beverage that interests me. There is no mistaking that this is a pumpkin spice-flavored drink, and while I wish it was just a touch creamier, that’s pretty easy to fix with an extra dash of milk at home.

Purchased Price: $3.00
Size: 9.6 ounces
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 80 calories, 1 gram of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 35 milligrams of sodium, 14 grams of carbohydrates,1 gram of fiber, 9 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato

Heather 6 Comments

Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato Cup

Update 8/25/23: We also tried the Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso! Click here to read our review.

What is it?

Last year, Starbucks introduced a new fall drink for all the non-Pumpkin Spice lovers out there, the Apple Crisp Macchiato. (I still question those who don’t like the PSL, but we’ll save that debate for another time.) It got a slight tweak in 2022 as Starbucks continues its focus on offering more non-dairy options. The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, available hot or iced, combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso, oatmilk, Apple Brown Sugar Syrup, and a Spiced Apple Drizzle to top it all off.

How is it?

A little background: Last year, when I tried the Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato, I was not a fan. The flavor distribution just wasn’t there for me, and the Apple Brown Sugar Syrup was way too sweet. I’m happy to report my findings this year – the oatmilk makes a world of difference!

I once again got the drink iced. The oatmilk is a lovely swap for regular milk, as it cuts the sweetness of the syrup. Although the syrup does pool at the bottom of the drink (you’ll see the layers of syrup, oatmilk, and then espresso on top, as macchiatos are made), it seemed to have a much more even flavor distribution thanks to more Spiced Apple Drizzle on top than I received in last year’s version. My sips were smooth and balanced, and there was just enough hint of spice to make me feel like it was already sweatshirt season despite it being 85 degrees when I ordered!

Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato Top

The espresso flavor wasn’t too prominent, which could be a good thing if you want caffeine but find the taste of coffee overpowering. One other thing: There’s 10 grams less sugar with the oatmilk version. A tall felt satisfying to me, although next time, I may add another shot of espresso to it. Keep reading for more on the espresso!

Anything else you need to know?

The espresso used here is the Starbucks Blonde Espresso, which has a little more caffeine than the regular. You can, of course, swap it out for the signature or decaf versions.

Conclusion:

An improvement for me using the oatmilk! Not sure this will have a regular spot on my drink rotation, but I can see myself ordering when I want something cozy and mellow.

Purchased Price: $5.25
Size: Tall
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 230 calories, 6 grams of total fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 170 milligrams of sodium, 44 grams of total carbohydrates, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 26 grams of total sugars, 2 grams of protein and 85 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Starbucks Pineapple Passionfruit and Paradise Drink Refreshers

Heather 1 Comment

Starbucks PIneapple Passionfruit Refreshers Cup

What are they?

Starbucks is sliding into summer with two new fruity beverages: Pineapple Passionfruit and Paradise Drink Refreshers. The Pineapple Passionfruit combines – you guessed it – pineapple and passionfruit flavors plus dried pineapples on top for a sunny yellow drink.

The difference between the two is the Paradise Drink has the base of the Pineapple Passionfruit but adds coconut milk. Starbucks has recently been adding these coconut milk versions to the menu, like the Dragon Drink and Pink Drink.

How are they?

Starbucks PIneapple Passionfruit Refreshers Top

Let’s start with the Pineapple Passionfruit. This one was rather underwhelming. It was not as sweet as I expected it to be, and the aftertaste was very tart. It left me even more thirsty! But, the flavor combination itself was very nice. A plus to this was the dried pineapple chunks – the quantity of these was much larger than the dried fruit in the other Refreshers!

Starbucks Paradise Drink Refreshers Cup

After trying the Pineapple Passionfruit, I was curious how the Paradise Drink would compare. Dear readers, this was like a day and night difference for me. I really, really liked the Paradise Drink. The addition of coconut milk makes it creamy, and the milk cuts the tartness of the pineapple. This tastes like it should be on the cocktail menu at a tropical resort… pass the rum to add, anyone? This super refreshing drink had me wishing I got a larger size.

Starbucks Paradise Drink Refreshers Top

A friendly reminder to those not as familiar with the Refreshers – these beverages don’t pack a huge caffeine punch. I enjoy these as a small afternoon pick-me-up after I’ve already had my morning java jolt.

Anything else you need to know?

If you’re looking to jazz this up even more, the Starbucks app shows a third beverage in this family, the Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers beverage. I’d love to know if you’ve tried this one – leave a comment if so!

Conclusion:

If you’re a pineapple fan or maybe just pretending you’re on vacation, check these out.

Purchased Price: $3.75 (Pineapple Passionfruit), $4.65 (Paradise Drink)
Size: Tall
Rating: 5 out of 10 (Pineapple Passionfruit), 8 out of 10 (Paradise Drink)
Nutrition Facts: Pineapple Passionfruit – 80 calories, 0 grams of total fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 10 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 15 grams of total sugars, 0 grams of protein, and 35 milligrams of caffeine. Paradise Drink – 110 calories, 2 grams of total fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 50 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 18 grams of total sugars, 0 grams of protein, and 35 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew

Heather 6 Comments

Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Side

What is the Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew?

The newest drink to grace Starbucks’ cold brew lineup pairs regular cold brew coffee with vanilla syrup, and on top is a chocolate cream cold foam.

How is it?

Please don’t hate me for using the abbreviation of a high schooler, but OMG. The new chocolate cold foam is AMAZING. Before trying the drink all together, I uncapped mine to get a taste of the cold foam. This is unlike any other cold foam experience I’ve had at Starbucks. It had a light, whipped consistency like a chocolate mousse and could have easily been eaten alone with a spoon. (Hey Starbucks, can you order a whole cup of only chocolate cold foam? Asking for a friend.) When I gave it a whiff, I picked up malty notes that reminded me of a Whoppers candy, which in my opinion, is an extremely underrated chocolate.

Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Top

Due to the thickness of the foam, it didn’t sink into the cold brew, which I personally consider a plus. Note that the cold brew itself is nothing out of the ordinary – it’s sweetened simply with some vanilla syrup.

This drink was pretty decadent, and I felt as though I was drinking a dessert rather than my usual morning java. As much as I loved drinking it, I see myself ordering this as a special treat so it remains a novelty I look forward to and enjoy.

Anything else you need to know?

The chocolate cold foam did mask some of the coffee flavor, so if you’re not looking for something super strong but still want the caffeine punch, I highly recommend this.

Conclusion:

If you like cold brew and you like chocolate, this is a no-brainer. It’s a great addition as we usher in summer and one I hope remains on the menu for a while.

Purchased Price: $4.75
Size: Tall
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 190 calories, 12 grams of total fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 20 grams of total sugars, 2 grams of protein, and 145 milligrams of caffeine.