Starbucks Unveils New Lavender Chill Just In Time For Spring
With spring in full swing, 'tis the season for a new signature beverage. If you're on the hunt for something floral to sweeten the return of warmer days and lush greenery, head to Starbucks. The Seattle-based coffee chain is no stranger to dropping specialty drinks throughout the year, from the savory latte starring pork breast in honor of the Lunar New Year to the cookies and creme-flavored beverages for Valentine's Day. So it's only natural that this spring, Starbucks is releasing a new drink: The Iced Lavender Oatmilk Chill.
Starting April 2, this hand-shaken beverage will be available for a limited time. Boasting a bright purple color and subtle floral notes, it consists of creamy oat milk, three scoops of lavender powder, and a scoop of dragonfruit pieces. The Iced Lavender Oatmilk Chill is a separate launch from the lavender line that Starbucks introduced in its latest seasonal menu. Unlike the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte and the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha (which have received mixed reviews online, since not everyone's a fan of flowery drinks), this brand-new beverage is on the simpler side. Clearly an Instagram-worthy drink, though, it looks as delicious and appealing as it sounds.
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At $4.75 for a grande (16 fluid ounces), the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Chill seems a little underwhelming for its price. The drink is essentially only lavender-flavored oat milk with chunks of freeze-dried dragonfruit. It doesn't include espresso or cold foam, so it's the epitome of sweet and simple. It's similar to the Lavender Crème Frappuccino — a caffeine-free, milk-based drink that's closer in consistency to a milkshake. But it still tastes pretty good, and it looks really pretty in all its purple glory.
All in all, if you're a fan of lavender, dairy-free drinks, and a cold sweet treat, you'll probably like the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Chill. Just be mindful that it won't give you the same boost of energy to get through the day as one of Starbucks' iced coffees — unless the floral flavor alone is enough to put a spring in your step. However, if you're craving a creamy caffeinated beverage with subtle fresh notes, consider a London Fog instead. This latte is made with steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and Earl Grey tea, which has a similarly soft lavender aroma and flavor. A London Fog is standardly served hot, which makes it a great option for those spring mornings that are still a bit cold. Plus, if you're keen on purple, you may be able to order one with several scoops of lavender powder, so your London Fog can look (and taste) more like the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Chill.