STARBUCKS is launching new range of drinks for summer, including a fan favourite discontinued in the US that’s hitting UK menus for the first time.
Very Berry Hibiscus flavour Refresha will make its debut from tomorrow at the coffee chain’s more than 1,100 stores.
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Refreshas are cold fruit juice drinks that also contain real fruit pieces – in this case blueberries – over ice.
Also joining the menu is a new cold foam based on the classic dessert crème brûlée.
The drink topping can be added to any drink and is inspired by the US trend for elaborate customisations.
Starbucks is suggesting that it best complements a cold brew, iced brown sugar oat shaken espresso, and brown sugar Frappuccino.
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The extra topping – an alternative to just whipped cream – will be available alongside the permanent menu option of vanilla cold foam.
Cold foam is a mix of whole milk, whipped cream and vanilla flavouring.
The popular Refresha flavour disappeared from US menus in 2021, and Starbucks fans state-side regularly demand its return.
The coffee giant initially said the drink’s availability was paused due to supply issues at the time, but it has yet to return to menus
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Starbucks insiders remained tight-lipped on whether the flavour’s first appearance on UK menus signals the drink’s possible return across the pond.
Also on the UK summer menu is a returning Refresha flavour mango and dragonfruit, last seen on menus in May 2023.
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A new twist on this flavour will also be available for the first time that includes coconut as well as the fruits.
All the drinks are available for a limited time, usually for around eight weeks, but depending on demand this can be shorter.
Prices will vary depending on location and the size you go for.
Very Berry Hibiscus Refresha is £4.35 for a tall, and £4.75 for mango dragonfruit for both original and coconut.
Crème brûlée cold foam prices depend on the type of drink you have it with.
A tall iced brown sugar oat shaken espresso will set you back £5 with the new topping, £4.85 for a brown sugar Frappuccino or £3.85 for a cold brew.
Coffee fans eager to give them a go can get their hands on them from tomorrow – but only if you are part of Starbucks Rewards loyalty scheme.
It’s free to sign up and you earn three stars for each partial £1 spent, then a free drink when they get 150 stars.
It also offers different star levels that offer extra perks like free shots and dairy-alternatives. Plus there’s a freebie on your birthday.
Like with this new line-up, joining the scheme can also give you early access to drinks before everyone else.
The new range will be available for those who are not a member from May 2, and on delivery platforms Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.
If you’re ordering online don’t forget to factor in delivery charges.
Starbucks isn’t the only place shaking up its menus for the warmer weather.
From May 1 Wetherspoons is adding 10 new dishes, including one that rivals Wagamama – see the full list of additions.
McDonald’s has just added seven new items including a never-before seen frappe.
See the full list and what our reporter thought of the Biscoff flavoured drink.
First taste of Starbucks new menu
WHAT do the new drinks at Starbucks taste like?
The Sun’s consumer news editor Lynsey Barber gives her view after getting a first taste of the new menu line up.
I’ve never tried a Starbucks with cold foam before. it’s an option you can add when ordering any cold drink.
While you can get it on any cold drink you choose, the experts at the coffee chain have put forward the best three combos.
I tried the new crème brûlée cold foam on all three: cold brew, iced brown sugar oat shaken espresso, and brown sugar Frappuccino.
I instantly got a hit of custardy dessert flavour. It’s light still, with hints of caramel and vanilla too.
With the cold brew, I enjoyed the combination of the sweeter foam along with the sharper cut through of the more bitter coffee.
This was my favourite as it had the balance between flavours.
As the other two were brown sugar, they were on the sweeter side. They were tasty with the extra topping and still I got the coffee hit.
I’d order it perhaps instead of a dessert if I fancied something after lunch or dinner.
It reminded me of an affogato – an Italian dish of a scoop of vanilla ice cream served with a shot of espresso over it.
When it comes to the Very Berry Hibiscus I understand why fans in the US are calling for its return.
The drink is a real thirst-quencher, living up to its name.
I’d go for this on a hot day
How to save money at Starbucks
To sign up to Starbucks Rewards you’ll need to first download the Starbucks UK app.
The app is free, and you can find it on Google Play or the App Store.
Then you need to set up an account – it’ll only ask for a few speedy details.
You’ll be given a unique barcode on the app, and you can opt for a physical card to scan and use at the checkout.
There’s also an option on your app to click and collect if your local store offers the service.
The scheme also offers Stars which earn you free drinks however you pay.
You’ll get three stars for every £1 you spend and once you hit 150, you can grab a drink for free.
At 450 Stars you reach a gold level. That means you’ll access extra shots of espresso, selected syrups and whipped cream all free of charge.
If you’ve reached gold level, you can also get a free drink on your birthday and early alerts about new drinks.
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Separately to the scheme you can get a discount of 25p on each drink when you come with your own reusable cup.
Starbucks also gives away free drinks now and again, so keep an eye out. For example before Christmas NHS workers were handed them and a caramel waffle.
