From the sun kissed sands of a California beach to the vibrant Spanish nightlife, a horchata beverage spans the globe with its sweet, rich flavor. The new Starbucks Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso brings together refreshment, nostalgia, and culture in a delicious sip.
With each new Starbucks menu launch, there is a touch of familiar and a taste of excitement. From vibrant colors and flavors to twists on classics, the coffee giant understands that balancing both elements is key to a successful menu. Although there are plenty of guests who never stray from that flat white, others switch up their order every season.
According to Starbucks, the Iced Shaken Espresso Beverages are one of its biggest sellers. Since the 2021 launch, it is the fastest beverage to hit the $1 billion sales mark.
The new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is the newest offering from the brand. Created by Ricky Gonzalez, Simon Vuong, and members of the beverage development team, the new drink is meant to capture a summer mindset. A touch sweet, with a hint of warm spices, it feels as if the summer sun has kissed the glass and left the drinker feeling refreshed and energized.
As Gonzalez reflected on the new beverage, he said , “In the central California neighborhood where I grew up, horchata was everywhere—on street corners, inconvenience stores, and on the menu at most Mexican restaurants we visited. Every Sunday, we would have a family meal at a Mexican restaurant, and horchata was always a treat for my brother and me. It was icy, sweet, and spiced with cinnamon. It's both comforting and refreshing."
The new beverage starts with Starbucks Blonde Espresso, adds a horchata flavored syrup, and is shaken with ice and then topped with a layer of oatmilk. The Starbucks Blonde Espresso has a slightly sweet profile that allows the comforting cinnamon, sweet vanilla, and hints of nuttiness to shine.
Additionally, the use of oatmilk adds to the beverage’s viscosity. While a horchata usually has rice milk, the plant based option is equally as enjoyable.
The new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso hits stores on May 20 for a limited time. Check with stores for availability and pricing.
What other beverages are coming to the Starbucks summer menu?
After a successful launch in 2024, the Summer-Berry Refreshers are back. As many people may recall, the colorful beverages captured everyone’s attention with the layers and textures. The bursting popping raspberry pearls were a first for Starbucks and propelled these drinks to be the must sip drink of the summer.
All three options are back on the menu for Summer 2025. From the Summer Skies Drink to the Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher, there is an option for every sunny mood.
Since a sweet food treat is always delightful with a beverage, the Strawberry and Cream Cake Pop is a must order. The strawberry cream cake with buttercream and dipped in chocolate icing might be better than a chocolate covered strawberry. Some people might argue that this little treat is better than that bowl of strawberries and cream sold at that English tennis tournament.
All of the Starbucks Summer Menu offerings are available starting on May 20. They are available for a limited time, while supplies last. Check with stores for pricing.
Just like summer fun, it is best to enjoy the food and beverages before the days slip away. Life is too short to pass up an opportunity to eat and drink.