They say that love makes the world go ’round — but a little caffeine doesn’t hurt, either. That’s why Starbucks is aiming to win us over this Valentine’s Day with a lineup of new and returning drinks to brighten cold February days, and we’re serving up the latest details.
As a brand representative revealed to Food & Wine, Starbucks is launching a new Blackberry Sage Refresher at coffeehouses across the country today. This limited-run drink is joined by its lemonade-based counterpart and an entirely new take on the chain’s viral “pink drink.” The new Midnight Drink starts with a Blackberry Sage refresher base and adds a splash of creamy coconut milk for a seasonal take on the fan-favorite beverage.
“Imagine you’re walking through a garden: You’re smelling fresh herbs and then berries,” lead beverage developer Billy Altieri stated in a company press release. “That’s really what you’re getting with this beverage — a balance of subtle notes of sage and sweet blackberry flavors.”
That’s not all: The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino and Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew will also make their return to Starbucks menus today, as the brand confirms.
The former adds “swirls of happiness and rich java chips” to the classic Crème Frappuccino base, while Starbucks describes the cold brew as “topped with silky chocolate cream cold foam and chocolate cookie crumble topping.” We’ve been here before: The decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino and Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew first joined the Starb-verse last February.
We’ll let you into a little insider secret, though: As Starbucks baristas on Reddit reveal, you’re luckily able to order this seasonal Frappuccino year-round — with just a little creativity and a handful of customization requests, of course. Whenever you’re stuck craving this sweet treat in, say, June, Reddit users advise ordering a regular Strawberry Crème Frappuccino with an added blend of java chips. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (and don’t mind bothering the barista), a thick drizzle of mocha sauce completes this dessert-like blended drink.
The easy press of a Starbucks mobile ordering button helps, too — especially when you’re rushing to complete last-minute Valentine’s Day errands.
Not into this sugary-sweet Valentine’s menu? You won’t have to wait long for a fresh batch of permanent Starbucks goodies. In fact, the chain is poised to drop another lineup of beverages and snacks arriving in March. From a brand-new Iced Cherry Chai to the savory Jalapeño Chicken Pocket, there are plenty of upcoming opportunities to sip, savor, and snack to your heart’s content. In the meantime, might we suggest perusing seasonally appropriate Valentine’s doughnuts from Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme to satiate those sugar cravings?
Between Starbucks’ latest drinks and the return of Dunkin’s fan-favorite Brownie Batter doughnut, we’d say that it sounds like there’s a coffee date in order. Or perhaps a date-night reservation at one of the country’s most romantic spots? The way to our heart is through our stomachs, after all, so it’s tough to go wrong either way.
Starbucks’ New Valentine’s Day Drinks
- Blackberry Sage Refresher
- Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher
- Midnight Drink
- Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino