Starbucks adds new drinks despite plans to trim menu
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Starbucks releases limited-time drinks Feb. 4. Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks is set to release limited-time drinks Tuesday, a week after announcing plans to cut "roughly 30%" of the menu.
Why it matters: The Seattle-based company is trying to reverse a decline in foot traffic and its seasonal menu launches usually drive sales.
- Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said despite cutting the menu by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, the company will still add new menu items.
- "We'll work to lead this market with breakthrough beverage and food innovation," Niccol said during the company's earnings call. "We'll do this by being responsive to customer trends and their changing preferences."
Starbucks Valentine's Day drinks return Tuesday
Zoom in: The seasonal drinks debuted late January 2024 and return to participating U.S. Starbucks on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
- The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino blends strawberry puree, Frappuccino chips, milk and ice. It also is "finished with whipped cream and mocha drizzle."
- The Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew has Starbucks Cold Brew that is sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with chocolate hazelnut cream cold foam and chocolate cookie crumbles.
Starbucks Blackberry Sage Refreshers release
State of play: Starbucks releases a trio of Blackberry Sage Refresher drinks Tuesday: Blackberry Sage Refresher, Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher and Midnight Drink.
- The drinks are the first Refreshers "to pair a berry flavor with an herb, a trend that's popular in cocktails and mocktails."
- The drinks have "notes of sage shaken with ice, green coffee extract and an inclusion of dried blackberries."
- The Midnight Drink is mixed with coconut milk.
What they're saying: "During the winter months, we found that customers want something refreshing, yet balanced," said Billy Altieri, Starbucks lead beverage developer, in a statement.
- "Herbs are popular in mixology, they add a hint of warmth to perfectly balance the sweet, juicy flavors of the blackberry fruit,"Altieri said.
Kelly's taste test: Axios had an early taste of the three new refreshers and they were similar to the Cran-Merry Orange Refreshers released in November as part of the holiday menu.
- I liked all three drinks but my favorite was the Midnight Drink because of the coconut milk.
- These drinks aren't tart like the holiday refreshers and the blackberries aren't as crunchy as the cranberries were.
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