20 International Starbucks Drinks You Need To Know About
Fans of Starbucks are well-acquainted with its extensive assortment of beverages. Beyond the standards, there is the constantly rotating assortment of seasonal selections, not to mention the ever-growing roster of Starbucks secret menu items. But if you're only familiar with what's available stateside, you're missing out on a whole world of drinks offered by the coffee chain. Located in 80 countries, Starbucks does a fantastic job adapting to other cultures, offering exclusive items including regional-specific beverages using local favorites like carob in Peru and mugwort in Eastern Asia. It also crafts other beverages by taking inspiration from its customers around the world and the flavors they enjoy.
The international menu items you'll find below include familiar ingredients as well as some unexpected additions. The wide selection is an indication of just how much thought Starbucks puts into creating beverages that are bound to please locals no matter where the company operates.
Banana Split Frappuccino
Starbucks introduced the eye-popping Banana Split Frappuccino earlier this year in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa as a seasonal summer drink. The classic ice cream dessert is transformed into something sippable thanks to the inclusion of caramelized banana sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate elements which are courtesy of the mocha sauce and mocha drizzle. (All that's missing is the iconic cherry on top — consider bringing your own maraschinos to remedy this situation.)
This Frappuccino not only offers an exquisite taste but also a remarkable presentation. The drink has a tri-layer appearance with brown, white, and yellow levels, making it ultra-Instagrammable. For those who don't enjoy coffee but still like to partake in Starbucks drinks, customers can order this beverage with a crème base.
Passionfruit Raspberry Frappuccino
The Passionfruit Raspberry Frappuccino is the perfect combination of fruity and creamy flavors. Starbucks released this drink in the summer of 2022, making it available to the same markets where it offered the Banana Split Frappuccino (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa). This blended beverage has a vanilla layer accompanied by bold flavors of passionfruit and raspberry.
Of course, a Frappuccino wouldn't be complete without whipped cream, but this one is especially delightful because the topping includes a dusting of pink sugar crystals as well. The drink's base is prepared with whole milk and simple syrup, giving it the classic Frappuccino feel. The blended beverage was certainly the summer Frappuccino of choice for Starbucks consumers who prefer fruity flavors rather than drinks that are heavy on chocolate or caramel.
Lúcuma Crème Frappuccino
The Lúcuma Crème Frappuccino is a drink you'll only find at Starbucks locations in Peru. The addition of lúcuma sauce gives the blended beverage a pleasant yellow tint. The lúcuma fruit, which is native to Peru, is mildly sweet with notes of caramel and is often used in desserts and drinks (via Lúcuma designs). However, since the fruit isn't ideal for exporting because of its short shelf life, it doesn't typically leave the few countries where it's grown.
Keep in mind that this is a crème-based Frappuccino, meaning it's not made with coffee. Beyond its tropical fruit base, the beverage is prepared with milk and a topping of whipped cream. In other words, save this one for dessert.
Brigadeiro Frappuccino
Brigadeiros are one of the many iconic Brazilian foods you need to try before you die. In simple terms, they are sprinkle-covered chocolate spheres and a scrumptious dessert to lose yourself in — not to mention a fitting inspiration for a Starbucks beverage. The chain offers the Brigadeiro Frappuccino as a staple menu item in Latin America and even considers it one of the top five drinks offered in the region. This blended beverage has been on the Starbucks menu for over a decade.
The beverage base includes regular and white mocha sauces which are combined with ice, milk, and other assorted ingredients. In addition, there are chocolate chip add-ins and sprinkles that make it more reminiscent of the dessert to which it pays homage.
Espresso Brownie
Starbucks Brazil's seasonal fall drinks include the classic Pumpkin Spice collection and Brownie collection of beverages which includes the Espresso Brownie. This decadent drink has all of the flavors of a chewy mocha brownie, except it is in drink form. It is made with espresso, chocolate chunks, cookie pieces, and a brownie-flavored whipped cream topped with mocha syrup. So, when a chocolate lover tries the Espresso Brownie, it is certainly a match made in heaven.
Served in a cup that holds just over 3 ounces, this small treat packs a punch of both caffeine and sugar. It might seem as though the coffee company should serve it in a bigger size, but the bold espresso and indulgent chocolate components provide more than enough richness. The coffee shot will undoubtedly satisfy anyone's sweet tooth and is the perfect warm delight to enjoy during cold months.
Mont Blanc Latte
Starbucks Japan gave its Coffee Ambassadors from each region the opportunity to create an autumn-inspired beverage that the company would offer in stores, and each creator delivered a unique creation and that included the Mont Blanc Latte. Inspired by the beverage's French dessert namesake, it features a base of Starbucks Blonde Espresso, whipped cream topping, and offers hints of nuts (specifically, chestnuts). Baristas craft this drink with plant-based milk (oat milk, to be exact) rather than dairy milk.
Starbucks is likely taking advantage of this non-dairy option because new data shows oat milk is skyrocketing to the top of the industry. Currently available as a seasonal Fall drink in East Japan, the Mont Blanc Latte does a fantastic job of encompassing the feelings of fall by having a warm and comforting essence. Although it won't be around all year, this elegant beverage will certainly make its mark.
Honey Marron Latte
This wonderful beverage is another Fall drink exclusive to Starbucks Japan; the customers in the central region are lucky enough to try this specially crafted latte. The Honey Marron Latte offers similar flavors of fall as the Mont Blanc Latte does, highlighting the flavor of chestnuts. However, this drink is made with honey and candied nuts, which makes it distinguishable from the others.
The creator of this drink, which had the honor of representing their region, drew inspiration from how the trees change in autumn. This beverage is a crowd-puller between the creamy oat milk and the citrusy undertones of the Starbucks Blonde Espresso. The crunchy topping adds a contrast in texture, while the honey inside adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
Matcha White Chocolate Affogato Frappuccino
This blended beverage found at Starbucks Thailand is a White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino enhanced with espresso and a matcha infusion. Because baristas don't thoroughly mix the green tea throughout the Frappuccino, it gives a charming look to the drink by contrasting the creamy color of the base.
When ordering drinks like this one, there is something that Starbucks employees want you to know about its matcha. The reason why the chain's green tea powder tastes sweeter than the average matcha is that it contains added sugar. Of course, the matcha combined with the Frappuccino might give you a slight sugar rush, but maybe that's expected with a dessert-like drink like this. After all, who could deny the combination of white chocolate and matcha?
Iced Espresso & Matcha Fusion
If you are ever visiting Starbucks in Southeast Asia, the Iced Espresso & Matcha Fusion is a must-try. The drink is composed of coffee and matcha; baristas layer it so carefully that a beautiful tan-brown and mint-green ombre takes effect in its appearance. Though the standard version is iced, this beverage is conveniently available as a hot drink so you can enjoy it when the weather cools.
Of course, if you order it hot, you can't see the gorgeous layers, but you will still be able to taste the contrast between silky coffee and the earthy matcha. It makes sense that this is not a seasonal drink in Southeast Asia because it can be the go-to beverage for coffee lovers and matcha lovers alike. Alas, this is just one of the many Starbucks drinks you'll sadly never find on a U.S. menu.
Asian Dolce Latte
In 2013, Starbucks introduced the Asian Dolce Latte to the Starbucks Asia standard menu. The drink was released in honor of opening its first-ever store in Vietnam, and it was a way for Starbucks to honor its customers in Asia. After some research, the Seattle-based coffee chain found that its Asian customers prefer their coffee to be quite bold, but also have a sense of creaminess; this is how the Asian Dolce Latte came about.
The beverage is prepared with a distinct dolce sauce that has a thick and decadent essence because it contains more than one kind of milk. Another factor that makes the drink stand out is that it includes extra espresso shots, giving it the strong coffee flavor much appreciated in Asia.
Caramel Coffee Jelly Frappuccino
The Caramel Coffee Jelly Frappuccino stands out for its unique components and textures. It is available on the standard menu in Indonesia. This drink is similar to a regular Caramel Frappuccino in the sense that the base is made with milk, ice, coffee, and caramel syrup. However, Starbucks takes it up a notch by also adding the gelatin cubes, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle topping.
So, what is coffee jelly, and how do you eat it? In simple terms, it is a Jell-O like dessert made from gelatin, coffee, and sugar. It can be enjoyed on its own or added to drinks just like this one. Coffee jelly is popular in other countries, like Japan, but not necessarily in the U.S. (except for Hawaii, which has hopped on the coffee jelly train). It is undeniably scrumptious, so let's hope it makes rounds to the contiguous United States someday.
Carob Crème Frappuccino
Next time you find yourself in Peru, track down a local Starbucks and order the Carob Crème Frappuccino. Carob, which is similar to chocolate, offers a naturally sweet undertone, and its flavor can be enhanced when paired with other sweets — so putting it in a Frappuccino only makes sense, right? Peruvian cuisine commonly utilizes carob, which is recognized as a superfood (via Blog Peru).
Aside from the carob (which can be found in the Frappuccino base and in the topping), the frozen beverage is prepared with milk, ice, mocha flavor, and whipped cream. Its presentation is appetizing, with the sweet drizzle atop the mountain of whipped cream. Although this is a crème-based drink, you can always order it as a coffee-based Frappuccino.
Berry Yogurt Frappuccino
Have you heard about the Starbucks yogurt drink you can't get in the U.S.? Throughout the years, Starbucks consumers have noticed a yogurt Frappuccino popping up in different places around the world. The Peach Yogurt Frappuccino has appeared at Starbucks locations in the Philippines while Banana and Red Berry versions have shown up in Europe. Currently in Mexico, you'll be treated to the Berry Yogurt Frappuccino, which is (thankfully) a year-round offering. This heavenly drink consists of blended ice, creamy yogurt, and a fruity blackberry sauce.
It is a crème-based Frappuccino, meaning it doesn't have coffee. This drink is the perfect option for children or even someone who wants a sweet drink without caffeine. Other yogurt Frappuccinos available in the past include
Jeju Mugwort Cream Frappuccino
This drink is unique because it is only available on the island of Jeju in South Korea; it is on the standard menu there. The Jeju Mugwort Cream Frappuccino is the blended version of the Mugwort Latte. Mugwort is an herb that grows in the area and is commonly used to flavor desserts and even savory dishes; it has also been used medicinally to treat digestive and nervous system health issues (via Healthline).
The beverage has a distinct mugwort flavor, which is enjoyably tart and gives the drink a light green appearance. The blended beverage also contains black sesame rice pieces, which have a chewy consistency and visibly stand out as chocolate chips would. Lastly, the drink is topped off with whipped cream.
Iced Vanilla Cold Foam Golden Monkey Tea with Coffee Jelly
The Iced Vanilla Cold Foam Golden Monkey Tea with Coffee Jelly is a tasty drink that is a staple item on the Starbucks Philippines menu. The iced beverage has both Shaken Black Tea and vanilla-flavored espresso. The dark coffee jelly sits beautifully on the bottom of this tan-brown beverage, making a noticeable contrast in color. The cold foam is the icing on the cake in this instance, giving the flavorful drink a milky layer on top.
This iced beverage is one of only two menu items in the Philippines that contain coffee jelly, the other being the Coffee Jelly Frappuccino. However, we think Iced Vanilla Cold Foam Golden Monkey Tea is the better pick between the two, both flavor and name-wise.
Jeju Black Sesame Cream Frappuccino
Here is a remarkable international drink: the Black Sesame Cream Frappuccino. This unique blended beverage is specially made for Starbucks stores in Jeju Island, South Korea. This drink is striking because of how dark its color is. Black ice cream and desserts have been crushing the unicorn trend for a while now, and this Frappuccino is a perfect example of that. This beverage is essentially the Black Sesame Latte, Frappuccino style. Starbucks made this drink in honor of one of the island's most notable historical landmarks, the Dol Hareubang.
According to Culture Trip, the Dol Hareubang are statues that people can spot in widespread areas throughout the island. The Frappuccino pays homage to these famous stone statues, and when comparing the drink's color to the landmarks, Starbucks did a fantastic job resembling the statues' hue. This drink is appreciated by Jeju locals and will likely never make rounds to any other place.
Seaside Macadamia White Chocolate Frappuccino
The vibrant Seaside Macadamia White Chocolate Frappuccino became an instant hit when it was in the summer of 2022. This whimsical drink, which was available at Starbucks locations in Asia, was made to look like the ocean, with a vibrant blue ombré base that faded to white. The addition of an edible candy umbrella made it even more festive and suitable for the summer months. Flavor-wise, it offered a lovely combination of creamy white chocolate and hints of macadamia nuts (not to mention a blueberry infusion).
This was among several summer specialty drinks the chain released and while the rest world got in on the action, American locations were left in the cold. (Not surprisingly, several stateside reddit contributors were unhappy over Starbucks' summer menu.) Although the U.S. didn't have the opportunity to try these seasonal creations, there is always hope that they will make an appearance in years to come.
Peach Shrub Fizz
Did you know Starbucks China has cocktail-inspired drinks not available in the U.S.? Yep, that's right, and one of the delightful drinks is the Peach Shrub Fizz. It is part of the Starbucks Modern Mixology collection which has become a staple section on the Starbucks China menu. Aside from the stone fruit-flavored drink, the collection also offers the Triple Citrus, Cold Brew Lemon Sour, and Sparkling Espresso Tonic.
The Peach Shrub Fizz is an iced beverage with hints of peach juice and Teavana Oolong Tea (no alcohol is added). The drink also contains large pieces of fresh peaches that float in the drink. The coffee chain serves the Modern Mixology Collection in unique specialty cups, making the drinks that much more notable.
Rosa Pitahaya Frappuccino
In 2022, Starbucks celebrated its 20th anniversary in Mexico by inspiring its partners to create drinks they felt symbolized the culture of the country. One of the three options that ultimately made it onto the menu was the Rosa Pitahaya Frappuccino. A pair of baristas from the branch in Mérida made the drink by taking inspiration from the bougainvillea plant, commonly found in Mexico. The Frappuccino does a marvelous job of representing the plant with its vivid magenta appearance.
This icy beverage was a showstopper with hints of coconut, mango, lemonade, and dragon fruit. This sweet and tangy blended beverage was enough to brighten anyone's day. However, since this was a limited-edition beverage, it was only offered to customers of Mexico for a two-week period in September.
Ajolito Acaí Frappuccino
A Starbucks partner, Scarlet Cordero, created this limited-edition drink (served between September 5-18 in Mexico). The drink itself is vibrant in color and bold in fruity flavors. The drink has a strawberry base adorned with fruit pieces just before serving. When Starbucks challenged its partners to create a drink encompassing Mexico and its culture, it only made sense for Cordero to grab inspiration from the axolotl.
According to National Geographic, an axolotl is a type of salamander that is a well-known symbol in Mexican culture. Sadly, it is endangered, and the people of Mexico have been working to raise awareness of its plight. During an interview posted on Starbucks Mexico's official YouTube channel, Cordero explained how she envisioned the drink to be vibrant and represent an axolotl, noting how the strawberry garnishes symbolize the salamander's gills.