Starbucks’ newest menu addition doesn’t come with crazy unicorn colors, dyed whipped cream, or sprinkles on top — but fans of a simpler caffeine fix may very well like it that way.
On Tuesday, the company launched its first new espresso in 43 years, a permanent addition to the menu that may change the way many customers drink their coffee every morning.
The new ‘Blonde Espresso’ has a milder, smoother taste than its bold Signature Espresso counterpart, meaning it needs less cream and sugar — but it doesn’t sacrifice caffeine.
New drink! Starbucks launched a new Blonde Espresso in the US today
Something lighter: It can be ordered in any drink that uses espresso and has a milder, smoother taste
Starbucks has served all of its espresso-based drinks with the same beans for over four decades, but today the chain announced a new option.
Unlike the Unicorn or Christmas Tree Frappuccinos, the Blonde Espresso isn’t a limited-edition, get-it-before-it’s-gone ordering option: It has been added to the permanent menu, and can be used in any drink that is made with espresso.
Though the Signature Espresso will still be the default, customers can now ask for the new espresso in anything from an Americano to a Caramel Macchiato.
The new option has a smoother taste, which means it goes down easy with less sugar and syrup. Customers who’d never dream of ordering an Americano without milk might find that the new espresso doesn’t need much else.
Yum! The beans (left) are lighter than the beans used in the Signature Espresso (right)
Into it! The drink already has plenty of fans who are raving on social media
In fact, flavored drinks like a Vanilla Latte are actually made with one less pump of syrup when the new espresso is used.
‘We set the standard for a dark, boldly roasted coffee and in this case, we broke a few of our own rules by taking a lighter approach to espresso which created a bright taste with sweet citrus notes and a smooth body,’ Andrew Linnemann, vice president of Global Coffee for Starbucks, said in a statement.
Starbucks previously launched a Blonde Roast drip coffee blend in 2012, and the new Blonde Espresso has been available in Canada since the summer.
The new espresso already has plenty of fans, who’ve taken to social media to declare that they’re changing their orders for good.
New favorite? Because the espresso is a bit lighter and sweeter, people find that they need less cream and sugar
Quickly won over: Some have already vowed to make the switch
Don’t worry! Despite the lighter color and flavor, it doesn’t have any less caffeine
Long time coming: This is the first new espresso from the company in over 40 years
Need that espresso! It’s different from the Blonde Roast coffee that debuted in 2012
‘Starbucks is getting blonde espresso and LET ME TELL YOU that stuff is SO GOOD it has a lighter, less bitter, nutty taste and I love it so so so much,’ wrote one.
‘I just had the blonde espresso and my life as forever changed,’ wrote another fan today.
‘Life just got better,’ tweeted a third woman, who promised that she will now ‘always get the Ice Caramel Macchiato with blonde espresso… so much sweeter/[smoother].’