Starbucks cuts 13 drinks from menu, streamlining operations and improving service, with more reductions expected in coming months.
A newcomer on the specialty coffee chain's summer menu, the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, is selling at a better pace than any Iced Shaken Espresso drink since Starbucks began offering them in 2022.
So far, the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso has outperformed all previous new seasonal Iced Shaken Espresso beverage launches by 44%, the company says.
The drink is made with a horchata flavored syrup that marries "cinnamon, sweet vanilla and subtle nutty notes reminiscent of the rice milk that makes up a traditional horchata," Starbucks said in a news release.
Starbucks says it's gotten more than 11.9 million views on TikTok on content related to its Iced Horchata Shaken Espresso in the last ten days (May 20-May 30).
Horchata has become a trending flavor in recent years in the U.S. While the Mexican version of the plant-based beverage is what has become popular here, the drink became popular in ancient Spain, where nuts were used in the concoction. But it originated in North Africa, as far back as 2400 B.C.
Starbucks is not alone in chasing horchata's hotness. Oreo teamed with singer and actress Selena Gomez on horchata flavored Limited Edition Selena Gomez Oreo Cookies, which hit stores June 9, but became available for presale in the U.S. starting June 2 at www.Oreo.com/UnwrapTheCollab.
Starbucks' new horchata hack
If horchata has become habit-forming, Starbucks has a new beverage recommendation, courtesy of its "not-so-secret menu" broadcast channel on Instagram.
It's a twist on an Iced Chai Latte: Order an Iced Grande Chai Latte and ask for three pumps of chai, one pump of horchata, plus cinnamon powder and strawberry Cream Cold Foam.
"The Iced Shaken Espresso combines the horchata flavor with our beautiful Blonde Espresso, and the Horchata flavor is also delicious in a matcha latte or Frappuccino," said Starbucks brand manager Ricky Gonzalez, who helped bring the new beverage to Starbucks, in a statement to USA TODAY. "There's a lot of ways to enjoy this new flavor."
Another Starbucks summer menu hit: Strawberry & Cream Cake Pops
Also on Starbucks' summer menu is the new Strawberry & Cream Cake Pop, which has gotten the most attention on TikTok of any of the chain's cake pops so far, netting more than 6.1 million content views.
"Summer and Starbucks go hand-in-hand," said Tressie Leiberman, Starbucks' global chief brand officer, in a statement to USA TODAY. "Our fans are crazy for the new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, so we are seeing success continuing to build for the platform with much more innovation possible. And the Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop tastes as good as it looks."
Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY's Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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