Starbucks Is Elevating Its Winter Menu With A Trio Of Customized Drinks

Do a quick internet search of the phrase "Starbucks secret menu" and you'll be presented with at least a hundred different off-menu drink hacks created by fans. Folks flock to social media to share their favorite Starbucks' secret menu items like the Butterbeer Frappuccino and Chai-der (an apple cider chai tea combo). Starbucks itself notes that "Customizing beverages is at the heart of the Starbucks Experience." Now, it looks like Starbucks may be marketing its own menu hacks. Earlier this week, the coffee giant rolled out three new drink suggestions in what it's calling the "Winter Feels Menu."

Last month, the global coffee giant released its winter offerings including the new Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and a fresh seasonal cup collection. To say the least, fans were excited. Comments on the Instagram announcement post include such praise as "Have been waiting so long for pistachio to come back" and "Please keep this permanently." Fans: Stay excited. Starbucks is elevating its winter menu with a trio of customized drinks. Here's what's on the menu.

Killing the mid-winter blues with creativity

Starbucks' Winter Feels Menu takes coziness to the max. As a playful abstraction, the coffee chain has paired its three new suggested offerings with different conceptual "moods." The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with Brown Sugar Syrup promotes "focus." The Iced White Chocolate Mocha with Pistachio Cream Cold Foam is for folks in "adventure" mode. The Matcha Latte with Oat Milk and Peppermint Syrup is promised to give sippers the "warm fuzzies." While the Winter Feels Menu doesn't technically offer any "new" products, it's a trio of Starbucks-approved suggestions for customizing drinks to make original creations.

This isn't the first time that menu hacks have made their way into Starbucks' official menu. The Honey Citrus Mint Tea started as a customer creation (aka a secret menu item). It's a combination of Starbucks' Jade Citrus Mint green tea, Peach Tranquility herbal tea, steamed lemonade, and a little honey. But, now, its Winter Feels collection looks like the chain's first (perhaps oxymoronic) "official secret menu."

At least for now, the Winter Feels Menu will only be advertised via the Starbucks mobile app. According to Starbucks, it'll be displayed on the home screen of the app. In-store customers, however, might not see physical menu boards displaying the three new suggested drinks — but that doesn't mean you can't ask for a Matcha Latte with Oat Milk and Peppermint Syrup at the counter.