Starbucks is branching out from its traditional holiday flavors of gingerbread, mint and eggnog.
The coffee giant announced the addition Tuesday of a Juniper Latte to its menu of limited-time offerings.
The drink was inspired by a juniper holiday beverage served last year at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle.
Described as featuring “a hint of juniper and sage, an evergreen aroma and citrus notes,” the drink is made with espresso and steamed milk that’s infused with juniper syrup and topped with foam and pine-citrus syrup.
It’s an innovative flavor offering for Starbucks. Just 0.3% of all restaurant operators menu juniper, according to data from Restaurant Business’ sister company Technomic.
Early social media reaction to the drink was a bit uncertain.
“Please tell me it’s not going to taste like a Christmas tree,” one Twitter user said. Another said it was “like licking a pine tree covered in sugar.”
Among the many positive reviews:
“The Starbucks juniper latte with almond milk is delicious and smokey — super light notes of pine and plenty of frothy goodness. I feel like I’m supposed to be in Aspen with my rich husband and one kid.”
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