Starbucks summer drinks are officially here for 2025, and this year’s lineup is creating major buzz with bold new flavors and creative twists on old favorites. Launched today, May 20, the menu is already trending across social media platforms and drawing long lines at Starbucks stores nationwide.
Let’s dive into the exciting world of Starbucks summer drinks and see what’s fresh, what’s returning, and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss this season.
What’s New: Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Takes the Spotlight
Kicking off the 2025 summer lineup is the brand-new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. Starbucks has fused Latin-inspired flavors with their signature Blonde Espresso to deliver a drink that’s both refreshing and comforting. Think rich espresso shaken with horchata syrup, creamy oatmilk, a hint of cinnamon, and a smooth touch of vanilla. It’s bold yet light, and it’s already receiving glowing reviews from early taste testers.
This new beverage also checks the boxes for dairy-free and plant-based customers, making it an inclusive addition to the Starbucks summer drinks menu. The cinnamon-forward taste is balanced, not overpowering, giving it a subtly spiced profile perfect for sunny afternoons.
Refreshing Favorites Return: Summer-Berry Refreshers Are Back
Another major win for fans of Starbucks summer drinks is the highly anticipated return of the Summer-Berry Refreshers. Bursting with raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry, this colorful trio is blended with ice and enhanced by juicy raspberry pearls that pop with every sip.
Customers can choose between:
- Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher – a tart and tangy option that’s both hydrating and energizing.
- Summer Skies Drink – made with coconut milk, this version gives off tropical vacation vibes in every sip.
These drinks are not just delicious—they’re also Instagram-worthy. Expect to see them dominating your feed all season long.
Starbucks Reserve Exclusive: Ube-Inspired Creations Hit Select Stores
For those who prefer something elevated and exclusive, Starbucks Reserve locations are now offering summer items with a gourmet twist. Among them is the Ube Espresso Martini, blending Starbucks Reserve espresso with ube coconut cold foam, cream, and a velvety white mocha base. It’s a luxe evening sip perfect for warm nights.
Also featured are floral-infused drinks and savory bites like the Crispy Hashbrown Egg Cup, giving fans more reasons to explore Reserve locations this summer.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Introducing the Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop
No Starbucks seasonal launch is complete without a new treat to pair with your drink. This summer, meet the Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop. It’s exactly what it sounds like—moist strawberry cream cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in pink chocolaty icing, and decorated with a mini strawberry design. It’s cute, sweet, and fits perfectly alongside your iced drink of choice.
Starbucks Simplifies: Trimming the Menu, Boosting Speed
In a surprising move this year, Starbucks is cutting down its overall menu by nearly 30% before fall. While that might sound drastic, the intention is to reduce in-store wait times and streamline service, especially during peak hours.
The summer drink rollout is part of this new strategy. Instead of overloading the menu with limited-time offers, Starbucks is focusing on drinks that stand out, perform well, and match evolving customer preferences—like plant-based and globally inspired flavors.
Customer Buzz and Early Reviews
The new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is being hailed as “the perfect summer coffee,” while the Summer-Berry Refreshers are drawing in fans who missed them last year. On social media, the drinks have become the center of attention, especially for those who love trying every seasonal release.
Some early reactions:
- “The horchata espresso is EVERYTHING. Creamy, spicy, sweet—just the right balance.”
- “I’m already obsessed with the berry refresher. It tastes like summer in a cup.”
- “Ube espresso martini? Shut up and take my money.”
Clearly, Starbucks knows how to make a splash with seasonal rollouts.
Quick Look: What’s New and What’s Back
| Item Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso | New Drink | Blonde espresso, oatmilk, horchata syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla. |
| Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher | Returning Drink | Mixed berries, lemonade, and raspberry popping pearls. |
| Summer Skies Drink | Returning Drink | Coconut milk and berry blend with juicy pearls. |
| Ube Espresso Martini | Reserve Exclusive | Espresso, ube coconut cold foam, and vodka (for 21+). |
| Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop | New Dessert | Strawberry cake with pink icing, shaped and styled with a strawberry design. |
Why These Starbucks Summer Drinks Are a Must-Try
What sets this summer’s lineup apart is the careful blend of innovation and familiarity. Starbucks didn’t just introduce something new; it revived past favorites and gave customers fresh experiences without overwhelming the menu.
Whether you’re looking for a cool pick-me-up, a plant-based alternative, or a vibrant refresher, the 2025 collection of Starbucks summer drinks offers something for everyone.
What’s Next for Starbucks Fans?
As the heat rises, expect Starbucks to continue highlighting these summer drinks through in-store promotions, digital app offers, and limited-time merch drops. If you’re a Starbucks Rewards member, keep an eye out for bonus star challenges tied to summer drink purchases.
The Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso may also roll out in different variations by mid-June, depending on regional feedback. Meanwhile, Starbucks Reserve locations are likely to experiment further with ube and floral flavor profiles throughout the season.
Craving something cool and bold? Don’t wait—stop by your local Starbucks and try their newest summer drinks today.