Whether you’re still enjoying post-holiday downtime or back to the grind, Starbucks is here to keep you energized all season long. That’s right! The Starbucks Winter menu is here with brand-new coffee options, sweet and savory treats and returning favorites. Plus, matcha lovers can now customize their drinks. Keep reading for all the details regarding the menu items.
Starbucks’ first-ever Cortado is here
The coffee chain is starting the year strong by adding the cortado to its menu. For those unfamiliar with coffee terms, the cortado sits between espresso (pulled coffee) and a latte (espresso with steamed milk). It’s made by combining three ristretto espresso shots with an equal amount of steamed milk, achieving a 1:1 ratio.
For its cortado, the chain uses three ristretto shots of subtly sweet Starbucks Blonde Espresso. It comes with the steamed milk of your choice. “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.” This addition joins the lineup of classic espresso beverages and is only available hot in a short (8oz.) cup.
For non-dairy options, Starbucks offers a Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado.
What else is on the Starbucks Winter menu?
In addition to the cortado, Starbucks lovers can delight in various new and returning items, including the beloved pistachio drinks (available for a limited time), this season. And if you’re like us, the food options are just as enticing as the beverages. Here, a closer look at the Winter 2025 menu:
- Pistachio Latte: This seasonal favorite features Starbucks’ signature espresso, steamed milk, pistachio flavor and a brown butter topping. It’s available hot or iced and as a frappuccino.
- Pistachio Cream Cold Brew: For a stronger caffeine boost, try this cold brew. It is sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with pistachio cold foam (the best part!) and brown butter sprinkles.
- Vegan Spicy Falafel Pocket: Fans have requested more permanent vegan items, and Starbucks delivered. According to Starbucks, “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.”
- Vanilla Bean Custard Danish: The vanilla bean custard danish is also returning this year. The dough is flaky and golden, with a rich and creamy vanilla bean filling.
- Valentine Cake Pop: What would the season be without a themed cake pop? Starbucks’ heart-shaped treat is available for a limited time. It’s made with vanilla cake and buttercream and dipped in red chocolate icing.
- Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia Whole Bean Coffee: Available as whole bean or drip roast coffee, this blend has ginger blossom aromas and notes of tangerine, lemon balm, and sweet dates. It has a medium acidity and medium-light body.
Matcha gets a makeover
While Starbucks’ matcha lattes and lemonades have long been menu staples, they’re now more customizable than ever. Customers can now enjoy unsweetened matcha powder, with the option to add classic syrup for extra sweetness.
Fans’ reactions to the new menu
Starbucks recently shared the new menu items on Instagram, sparking excitement among fans, particularly for the unsweetened matcha powder.
“Yess unsweetened matcha,” one person wrote. Another said, “I am sooooo excited about the unsweetened matcha!!”
Other people have been hoping for new coffee drinks for a while and are thrilled to see the cortado on the menu. Starbucks also commented and shared that this small drink has 230 mg of caffeine. While the cortado is a permanent addition, the pistachio drinks and vanilla custard danish are seasonal, so grab them before they’re gone!
