It’s warm outside, the sun’s shining, and the kids are entering school vacation. Though it’s technically still spring, summer fever is in the air. Even Starbucks is feeling it!
This week, on May 20th, Starbucks officially published its 2025 summer menu. Though they may have pulled the trigger a little early, I can’t say I’m mad about it. Why wait for new yummy flavors when you can have them RIGHT NOW?
The new menu additions include a return of the popular Summer-Berry Refreshers that delighted customers in 2024. There’s also a Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop and (drumroll) a new coffee drink: the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. And get this… this drink recipe is dairy-free and vegan!
So, what does it taste like, and is it worth the hype?
The Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso recipe
The flavor profile is patterned after a Mexican-style horchata.
The traditional Horchata recipe combines ground rice with water, sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture is left to steep in the refrigerator overnight, then the liquid is strained. Many add milk and vanilla at the end to round out the recipe.
I remember trying this cultural drink as a kid on one hot Cinco de Mayo and being blown away at how refreshing it was. And now, Starbucks has created a recipe that combines the same exotic flavor with my all-time favorite beverage–coffee.
Starbucks Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso incorporates many of the traditional horchata flavor elements. However, it puts a new twist on the original recipe.
The Grande size starts with three shots of Blonde Espresso Roast and two pumps of Starbucks’ new horchata syrup. The espresso and syrup combo is shaken with ice to chill it quickly. Then, a splash of oatmilk finishes it off.
The result? Pure deliciousness!
The oatmilk captures the slightly nutty flavor of a traditional horchata and makes the beverage accessible to those on a dairy-restrictive diet. And, the new horchata syrup adds extra rice flavor, cinnamon, and vanilla.
However, this drink won’t be around forever. So try it while you can!
How to hack the Horchata Syrup at Starbucks
The great thing about Starbucks seasonal menus is that they roll out brand-new flavors to get excited about a few times a year. However, the sad part is–what if you find your new favorite coffee drink and then all of a sudden it’s gone?!
To copycat the flavor of the new Iced Horchata, try one pump of Cinnamon Dolce and one pump of Vanilla in a Grande Iced Shaken Espresso with oatmilk. Both of these syrups are vegan–as almost all Starbucks syrups are. (Be aware, the Cinnamon Dolce topping, and most sauces are not.)
Health facts
As far as Starbucks drinks go, the Iced Horchata is a healthier option than many. A Grande size has 16 grams of sugar, 4.5 grams of fat, and 150 calories. Compare that to Starbucks’ similarly flavored, milk-based drink–the Grande Iced Cinnamon Dolce. At the same size, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte has 35 grams of sugar, 13 grams of fat, and 300 calories. Basically, you could drink two Shaken Iced Horchata Espressos and still be ahead!
Plus, the shaken horchata espresso includes an extra shot of espresso for a stronger flavor (and more caffeine).
Starbucks Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is like a vacation in your mouth
Starbucks’ Iced Shaken Espresso line has been a fan-favorite since these coffees first hit the menu in 2021. And Starbucks’ new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso rounds out the list, adding all the refreshing elements of horchata to a strong coffee base.
Close your eyes, take a sip, and let your taste buds spirit you away to a land full of sunshine and color. Yes, you might be throwing down $5 for a cup of coffee… but that’s pretty cheap for a vacation!
Have you tried Starbucks’ new horchata shaken espresso, yet? What are your thoughts?
Leave a Reply