Starbucks tries a twist on happy hour

starbucks sunset granitas

Putting a spin on the traditional happy hour, Starbucks is debuting its Sunset Menu, a selection of summer desserts customers can order only after 3 p.m.

Featured on the late-afternoon-into-evening menu are three flavors of granita—caramel espresso, youthberry white tea and strawberry-lemon limeade—as well as two trifle varieties.

Starbucks has long used its Treat Receipt and Frappuccino Happy Hour promotions to boost business during the doldrum hours between lunch and dinner.

Earlier this year, it launched Happy Mondays, a monthlong promotion during which customers could claim half-price items and bonus rewards stars from 2 p.m. to close.

The coffee giant isn’t the only chain trying new ways to pump up sales during off-peak hours—P.F. Chang’s last week debuted its own late-afternoon menu for summer. 

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