Starbucks is welcoming the new year with a new espresso beverage. On Friday, the Cortado—a small-sized coffee classic that originated in Spain—joins the permanent menu for the first time.
The traditional Cortado derives from the Spanish word “cortar,” which means “to cut,” as the strong espresso is cut with steamed milk to balance the flavor and create a creamy texture. Starbucks’ version replicates the original; it’s made with three concentrated or “ristretto” shots of the brand’s slightly sweet Blonde Espresso and is cut with steamed milk. The drink is served in a “short” 8-ounce cup and is only available hot.
The Cortado is a new addition to Starbucks’ selection of espressos, which includes Doppio Espresso, Caffé Americano, Espresso Macchiato, Espresso Con Panna, Flat White, Cappuccino and Caffé Latte. “Espresso is the heart and soul of Starbucks,” said Ricky Gonzalez, who works on the beverage development team, in a statement. “Our goal was to create a new way for customers to experience espresso from us.”
Espresso is having a pop culture moment, and Starbucks is not the only coffee chain to capitalize on it. Dunkin’ rolled out Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso on New Year’s Eve, jumping on the popularity of singer Sabrina Carpenter’s mega-hit “Espresso” that went viral over the summer.
Superstar Carpenter is also promoting the beverage for Dunkin’ in a video ad campaign. The limited-time menu item combines iced espresso, oat milk and brown sugar notes, all hand-shaken together to create a frothy cold beverage with a caffeine kick.
Brown sugar also seems to be having a moment. Starbucks also introduced the ingredient in a hot Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado for customers looking for a sweeter, nondairy twist on the classic. Both Cortados are now part of the permanent menu at the Seattle-based chain’s U.S. locations.
On-trend pistachio flavors the Pistachio Latte, available hot, iced and in a Frappuccino. | Photo courtesy of Starbucks.
Starbucks is revisiting another on-trend ingredient this month as well: Pistachio. Coming back to the menu for a limited run are the Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Cream Cold Brew. The latte, a blend of espresso, steamed milk and pistachio flavors, is served hot, iced or as a Frappuccino, capped with a buttery topping. The cold brew is sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with pistachio cream cold foam and salted buttery sprinkles.
Hot honey, a flavor that continues to peak on menus, returns to flavor beverages at Starbucks Reserve locations. Roastery and reserve store customers in New York, Chicago and Seattle can embrace the sweet-heat trend in the new Hot Honey Cortado, Hot Honey Dirty Chai and Hot Honey Ginger Spritz, along with the returning Hot Honey Espresso Martini.
Starting Friday, matcha fans can customize the sweetness level of their drinks—a menu change made by Starbucks in response to demand. The chain updated its matcha powder so it can now be sweetened with classic syrup in amounts to match a customer’s taste preference.
The Spicy Falafel Pocket launches on Starbucks permanent menu Friday. | Photo courtesy of Starbucks.
While Starbucks’ beverages are seeing most of the innovation, there’s been some activity on the food side, too. The vegan Spicy Falafel Pocket makes its debut on the permanent menu, featuring smashed falafel, hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions and a spicy herb sauce, wrapped inside toasted lavash. For those seeking a sweet treat, the returning Vanilla Bean Custard Danish fills the bill, while supplies last.
Although the holiday-themed drinkware is history until next season, Starbucks launched a new collection of colorful merchandise to beat the winter blahs. Tumblers, cold cups, mugs and water bottles are available in a range of sizes, designed with abstract patterns in shades of light pink, cool blue and bright green.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.