Starbucks adds Cortado to its espresso beverage lineup

Starbucks is kicking off the new year on Friday, 3 January by adding a new espresso beverage to its menu, the Cortado. Also new is the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado, and Single-Origin Ethiopia Whole Bean Coffee. Starting 3 January, customers will also have the ability to customise the level of sweetness in Starbucks matcha beverages; and seasonal favourites such as the Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and Vanilla Bean Custard Danish return for a limited time this winter.

Starbucks is celebrating coffee artistry and espresso craft with the introduction of the Cortado to its lineup of espresso beverages. Originating from Spain, a traditional Cortado is small in size and strong in flavour. The name comes from the Spanish word “cortar” meaning “to cut” as the milk cuts through the bold flavour of the espresso to create a beverage that is smooth and balanced.

Starbucks Cortado is crafted with three ristretto shots of subtly sweet Starbucks® Blonde Espresso. Ristretto shots enhance the rich, concentrated flavours of the coffee with a method that uses the same amount of coffee grounds as a regular espresso shot, but with less water and a shorter extraction time resulting in a sweeter, richer flavor. This handcrafted espresso comes together when “cut” with steamed whole milk, or milk of choice, creating a perfectly balanced sip with a creamy texture.

“Espresso is the heart and soul of Starbucks,” said Ricky Gonzalez, who works on the beverage development team. “Our goal was to create a new way for customers to experience espresso from us.”

The Cortado joins Starbucks lineup of classic espresso beverages – which includes the Doppio Espresso, Caffè Americano, Espresso Macchiato, Espresso Con Panna, Flat White, Cappuccino and Caffè Latte – and is available only hot, and in a short (8 oz) size.

For those seeking a flavourful twist on this classic Cortado, the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado offers customers a non-dairy option, and is also part of the permanent menu. This beverage also features three ristretto shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso that deliver a sweet, more intense coffee flavour, combined with warm, comforting notes of brown sugar syrup and steamed oatmilk. Finished with a dash of cinnamon, the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado is velvety smooth, rich and inviting. Available only hot and served in a short (8 oz.) size.

The Pistachio Latte features Starbucks Signature Espresso and steamed milk infused with the cozy flavours of sweet pistachio and a brown-buttery topping. Available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.

The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew features Starbucks Cold Brew, a custom blend of beans grown to steep long and cold, handcrafted in small batches daily, for a super-smooth flavour. The Cold Brew is sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with smooth pistachio cream cold foam and salted brown buttery sprinkles. Pistachio beverages are available for a limited time this winter, while supplies last.

In response to a popular customer request for the ability to adjust the level of sweetness in Starbucks matcha beverages, Starbucks has updated its matcha powder to now be sweetened with classic syrup. This gives customers the ability to customise the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of classic syrup in the beverage when ordering in the store or on the Starbucks® app.

Appealing to customers who prefer a lighter roast coffee, the new Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia marks the first time this Ethiopian coffee has been available as a Starbucks® Blonde Roast. The result is an extraordinary coffee expressing ginger blossom aromas and notes of tangerine, lemon balm and sweet dates, with a medium acidity and medium-light body. Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia is available for a limited time as packaged whole bean coffee and featured as the light roast brewed coffee at company-operated Starbucks stores throughout the winter.

A new, certified vegan addition to Starbucks permanent menu, the Spicy Falafel Pocket combines smashed falafel, creamy hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions, and a spicy herb sauce, all wrapped inside a toasted lavash flatbread.

The Vanilla Bean Custard Danish returns to delight pastry lovers with its layers of sugared Danish dough baked until golden and filled with rich and velvety vanilla bean custard. Available for a limited time, while supplies last.

Celebrating the ‘season of love’, the Valentine Cake Pop returns for a limited time, while supplies last. This treat features vanilla cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in red chocolate icing and decorated with a heart design.

This winter, Starbucks Reserve® Roasteries and stores in Chicago, New York City, and Seattle are embracing the unexpected harmony of sweet and spicy flavours. Also on 3 January, customers can enjoy a hot honey twist on Starbucks Reserve beverages with the introduction of the Hot Honey Cortado, Hot Honey Dirty Chai, and Hot Honey Ginger Spritz, as well as the return of the Hot Honey Espresso Martini.