Starbucks’ latest holiday beverage sounds like something you’d find at the spa, not the coffee counter. The drink, a Juniper Latte, was unveiled on Tuesday, November 27, and is very different than the rest of the chain’s festive offerings for 2018.
Per a press release from the coffee giant, the newest Starbucks latte features “a hint of juniper and sage, an evergreen aroma and citrus notes.” What’s more? The caffeinated drink, which is expected to be available in Canada and the United States for a limited time, was inspired by a Juniper holiday beverage that debuted exclusively at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle in 2017.
This beverage joins the line-up of Starbucks holiday espresso beverages such as Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte. And like any Starbucks latte, this one is made with the company’s signature espresso and steamed milk, but milk used to make the Juniper Latte has been infused with juniper syrup (could’ve fooled us!) and is capped with velvety foam and a dusting of pine-citrus sugar.
Thus far, reactions to this holiday drink have been mixed. Some people who have tried it, love it, while others have said it tastes like “grass and dirt.” In fact, even those who have yet to give it a whirl are a bit skeptical about sipping on something with a flavor profile of, well, plants. Check out several reactions to the launch of the Juniper Latte below:
coming to u from a starbucks barista: dont try the new juniper latte it tastes like grass and dirt
— boysauce (@notkendrickngo) November 27, 2018
Tried the Starbucks Juniper latte and I actually love it? It’s really refreshing
— snakes and ladders (@Metallic_Sweet) November 27, 2018
Friends don’t waste your money on the juniper latte
— quinny quinn quinn (@lostintay) November 27, 2018
If you’re a Starbucks fan you have to go out and try the juniper latte👌I had it iced last year when they served it at the roasterie, it was amazingggggg
— sеярнiмфя (@SRPHMR) November 27, 2018
Current question: does the new Starbucks juniper latte taste more like gin-spiked coffee or forest?
— Melinda Massie (@MelindaMassie) November 27, 2018
Has anyone tried the Juniper latte at Starbucks? I'm having a hard time imagining that pine flavour does much for coffee.
— Ashley MI (@imashleymi) November 27, 2018
I've just read that @Starbucks is rolling out a brand new Juniper Latte today- has anyone had this? I'M INTRIGUED!!!!
— Lapis_Lauri (@Lapis_Lauri) November 27, 2018
It’s nice to see Starbucks stick to traditional holiday flavors like eggnog, gingerbread, and TREE. #JuniperLatte pic.twitter.com/Kpvumd7Daw
— Derek Lewis (@dereklew) November 27, 2018
Tell Us: Would you give the Juniper Latte a try?