Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino is a curious addition to a summer menu
When Starbucks announces a new beverage, many people instantly stop. While the recent beverage additions have moved away from those colorful creations from years ago, the reality is that a Frappuccino’s sweet sip is always tempting. As part of the new summer menu, the Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino might be the taste of the unexpected.
Summer flavors tend to be bright, refreshing and light. While certain fruits tend to capture that summer vibe, sometimes the sunny days and warm nights lend people to gravitate towards certain flavors. Just like that hearty pot pie or Sunday roast takes a backseat to grilled steaks and barbecue chicken, beverages take inspiration from light, refreshing flavors.
With the new Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino, Starbucks skips the fruit forward or even the super sweet option. Instead, it goes with a cool, refreshing taste that might be that feeling of fresh air on a muggy day.
According to Maureen Matthews of Starbucks beverage development team, the new Frappuccino flavor is “reminiscent of mint chocolate chip ice cream poolside on a warm summer day.” While some people might swap that scoop for a straw, the idea of a mint chocolate flavor sounds a little more like a holiday flavor that a poolside treat.
Still, the mint can bring a little coolness to the flavor enjoyment. Even though some people might find mint flavor polarizing, there will be plenty of people who appreciate the nod to the simple pleasure of mint chocolate chip ice cream on a hot day. Although it might not be as iconic as that caramel ribbon crunch, the new flavor will have many people enjoying a few Frappuccinos before this summertime flavor disappears.
In addition to the Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino, Starbucks is adding White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew. Starbucks describes this beverage as a cold brew with “macadamia syrup, topped with a white chocolate macadamia cream cold foam and finished with toasted cookie crumbles.” While the coffee might be a tad sweet, the touch of tropical flavor of macadamia could capture that sense of wanderlust. It might not be a trip to an island in a cup, but it does give a nod to that tropical nut flavor.
Even more interesting is the use of another flavored cold foam. Over the recent Starbucks menu additions, the flavored cold foam has played a big role in new beverages. In some ways, this ingredient could be the way for Starbucks to continue to change beverages without completely venturing into new territory. Given that almost any flavor could be added to a cold foam, the possibilities of flavor innovation seem great.
The new Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino, White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew, and other new menu items are available now while supplies last. Check with local stores for availability.