Customers Can’t Stop Talking About This Starbucks Espresso

Starbucks has added a new gem to its summer drink menu — the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso — and it’s already winning hearts across the U.S. Starbucks officially introduced the drink this month, and early reviews suggest it could become a seasonal staple.

The beverage brings together the warm spices of traditional horchata and the creamy smoothness of oatmilk, shaken together with espresso and ice. The result is a lightly sweet, cinnamon-forward drink that offers both refreshment and a gentle caffeine kick.

This unique twist fits perfectly into Starbucks’ strategy of crafting dairy-free drinks that are full of global flavor influences.

For more on Starbucks’ recent menu additions, you can visit their official newsroom here.

Why Customers Are Already Loving It

According to Starbucks, the new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Social media buzz, in-store feedback, and mobile app reviews all point to one conclusion: people love it.

The drink’s popularity is driven by multiple factors:

• Flavor familiarity with a twist: Horchata is already well-loved, especially in Latin communities.
• Plant-based milk: Oatmilk has become the preferred dairy-free alternative for many.
• Low to moderate sweetness: Unlike other sugary drinks, this espresso leans more subtle in taste.
• Instagram-worthy look: The swirled cinnamon color is as photogenic as it is tasty.

One Starbucks barista in Los Angeles shared, “We can barely keep up with orders during lunch rush. It’s the go-to choice for people who want something new but not too bold.”

How It’s Made: A Simple but Delicious Blend

The Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso, oatmilk, ice, and a horchata-inspired syrup blend featuring notes of cinnamon and vanilla. All ingredients are shaken together until chilled and topped off with a dusting of cinnamon powder.

This drink is part of Starbucks’ growing shaken espresso line, which includes other fan-favorite flavors like Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso.

Learn more about the full line of shaken espresso drinks at the Starbucks menu page.

A Win for Dairy-Free and Vegan Coffee Lovers

This drink also represents Starbucks’ continued commitment to expanding its plant-based options, especially for vegan and lactose-intolerant customers.

In a recent press release, the company noted that plant-based drinks now account for more than 25% of all beverage sales in urban U.S. locations. The Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso adds to this trend with an inclusive, dairy-free option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

For customers following a vegan lifestyle, this drink is suitable without needing modifications — no need to ask for alternative milk or syrup changes. It’s a default vegan win.

For more on Starbucks’ plant-based efforts, read this article.

Global Influence on the Menu

Starbucks’ menu has long been inspired by international flavors, and the horchata drink is no exception. Horchata, a traditional sweet rice milk drink often flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, has roots in Spanish, Mexican, and Central American cultures.

By introducing this Latin-inspired espresso, Starbucks is paying homage to global taste traditions while modernizing them for the modern café experience.

This isn’t the first time Starbucks has done this. Previous menu items like the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, which nods to Taiwanese brown sugar drinks, and the Matcha Latte, rooted in Japanese tea traditions, have also found massive success.

Nutrition and Customization Options

A grande (16 oz) size of the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso comes in at around 140 calories, making it a lighter alternative to many blended drinks. It contains 3 shots of espresso, offering a decent caffeine boost without being overwhelming.

Customization options are available:

• Add more cinnamon or vanilla syrup for extra flavor
• Reduce the number of espresso shots for less caffeine
• Top it with cold foam or extra cinnamon powder for texture

It’s these options that keep the Starbucks experience personal and adaptable to taste preferences.

What People Are Saying

Here’s a snapshot of customer feedback so far:

• “Tastes like a cinnamon latte but better!”
• “I’m officially switching from my regular cold brew to this.”
• “So happy Starbucks finally made horchata into a real coffee drink.”

Even on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, reviews are positive. One viral post with over 500,000 views praised the drink as “the perfect summer sip.”

Starbucks and the Summer Strategy

Launching this drink just ahead of summer seems strategic. As temperatures rise, people crave lighter, refreshing drinks with character. Starbucks is clearly betting on horchata’s nostalgic flavor, combined with the oatmilk and espresso trend, to capture that seasonal demand.

The brand has also promised to roll out more culturally inspired, plant-based drinks throughout the year. If the early reaction to this one is any indication, Starbucks may have struck gold again.

For updates on seasonal drink offerings, visit Starbucks’ seasonal news section.

Final Thoughts

With the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Starbucks continues its trend of offering globally inspired, dairy-free drinks that resonate with a wide audience. Customers are loving the unique blend of spice, sweetness, and caffeine.

If you haven’t tried it yet, this could be the must-sip drink of the summer.

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