Starbucks may be a global brand, but the beverages served aren’t the same everywhere. While the familiar favorites are available in most locations, each country adds its own twist, offering unique beverages that reflect local tastes and traditions.
We have researched various online forums to create a list of the 14 Starbucks drinks Americans are missing out on.
Sakura Blossom Latte
The Sakura Blossom Latte is the most famous Starbucks drink in Japan. It blends espresso, steamed milk, and cherry blossom-flavored syrup, topped with delicate pink cherry blossom petals. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience that captures the fleeting beauty of Japan’s cherry blossom season. The pale pink color and floral aroma make it visually pleasing and delicious.
Churro Frappuccino
If you love churros, try the Churro Frappuccino from Mexico. This drink combines coffee with cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. It gives the rich, spicy flavor of a churro in a cup. The texture and taste are reminiscent of biting into a freshly made churro, with its crispy exterior and soft, warm inside. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, turning a beloved Mexican street food into a refreshing and creamy treat.
Açai Mixed Berry Yogurt Frappuccino
The Açai Mixed Berry Yogurt Frappuccino, from Brazil, is a refreshing and healthy option that blends açai berries with mixed berries and yogurt. Açai, known for its antioxidant properties, adds a deep, berry-rich flavor, while the yogurt brings a tangy creaminess. The vibrant color and energizing taste make it the best midday pick-me-up or a post-workout treat.
Red Bean Green Tea Frappuccino
Starbucks partnered with famous tea farms in China to obtain high-quality tea leaves. This collaboration led to the creation of Green Tea Frappuccino, which soon became a customer favorite. With the beverage adding to its popularity, Starbucks had expanded to over 4,700 stores across China by 2020, making it their fastest-growing market. This drink mixes sweet red beans with matcha green tea, creating a unique and earthy taste. The red beans add a subtle sweetness and texture, complementing the slightly bitter, grassy flavor of the matcha.
Ponche Navideño
Ponche Navideño, a traditional Mexican holiday punch, is made with hibiscus, tamarind, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Also known as Merry Christmas Punch, this drink combines sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for the festive season. The deep red color and aromatic spices evoke the cozy feeling of holiday gatherings.
Black Sesame Latte
The Black Sesame Latte is a popular drink in Japan. It combines the rich flavor of black sesame with espresso and steamed milk. It has a comforting taste that’s both savory and sweet. The sesame adds a bit of earthiness, while the milk and espresso balance it with creaminess and a touch of bitterness. Unfortunately, this treat is not available in the U.S., so American coffee lovers are missing out on this intriguing blend of flavors.
Summer Berry Panna Cotta Frappuccino
This Italian dessert-inspired beverage features a panna cotta base, a mixed berry blend, and a Frappuccino layer at the top. The panna cotta adds a creamy, custard-like texture, while the berries bring a burst of tartness. It’s a dessert in a cup, combining the richness of panna cotta with the refreshing taste of summer berries.
Maple Pecan Latte
The Maple Pecan Latte from Canada combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the nutty flavor of pecans, mixed with espresso and steamed milk. These flavors create a warm, cozy drink that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave something comforting. However, American coffee enthusiasts are missing out on the unique latte as this flavorful option is only available across the border.
Milo Dinosaur Frappuccino
The Milo Dinosaur Frappuccino combines coffee with Milo powder and milk, topped with extra Milo for added chocolatey richness. This nostalgic drink offers a malted, chocolatey flavor that blends childhood favorites with a grown-up twist. If you’re a fan of this flavor, consider planning a trip to Malaysia and Singapore to experience it firsthand.
Flat White with Olive Oil
This drink combines the creamy texture of a flat white with a hint of extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil adds a smooth, slightly buttery taste to the coffee, enhancing the richness of the espresso and milk. This drink reflects the culinary creativity of Italy, offering a drink that’s great for on-the-go moments.
Avocado Blended
This drink mixes avocado, milk, and a hint of coffee, topped with whipped cream. Avocado’s natural creaminess and subtle flavor make it a perfect base for this unique beverage. This drink from South Korea offers a smooth and refreshing experience. Americans, though, have to wait to taste this innovative mix at Starbucks outlets in their country.
Hojicha Tea Latte
The Hojicha Tea Latte from Japan is made with roasted green tea, which gives it a smoky, caramel-like flavor. Hojicha’s distinctive roasting process distinguishes it from other green teas, offering a mellow, toasty flavor. American coffee connoisseurs will have to cross the Pacific to get a taste of this unique latte since it’s yet to be made available in the U.S.
Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls
This refreshing drink combines the tartness of hibiscus tea with the sweetness and texture of pomegranate pearls that burst in your mouth. The combination of these flavors creates a light, fruity drink that’s perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
Honeycomb Macchiato
The Honeycomb Macchiato blends espresso with honeycomb-flavored syrup and steamed milk, topped with a crunchy honeycomb toffee. The honeycomb adds a caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the boldness of the espresso. With the drink being available in Thailand Starbucks and not in America, you can now have one more reason to travel to Thailand to experience this satisfying sweet treat firsthand.
