Summer is officially over, but it looks like it’s going to be extended. The days are still long, the sun shines brighter than ever, and the birds are creating a more cheerful symphony in the morning. And the thing is, I love it. I guess you see the good in everything when you’re happy with your current situation. It helps that I know the perfect ingredient to a refreshing summer: Starbucks’ Banana Split Mocha Frappuccino and Irish Cream Coffee Pudding Frappuccino!
The two Frappuccino flavors were launched last week, and I finally got to try both of them. The two flavors are classics that come with a new twist and are inspired by dessert favorites.
Starbucks Frappuccinos
The Banana Split Mocha Frappuccino is a Mocha Frappuccino blended with banana puree and layered with strawberry whipped cream, regular whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate, and waffle cone pieces. The banana is the most prominent flavor in the drink, and since I love bananas, I gravitated towards this drink. I also like how the crunchy waffle cone pieces soften as you enjoy the Frappuccino because it bursts with flavor when you bite it.
The Irish Cream Coffee Pudding Frappuccino uses the signature Coffee Frappuccino, which is draped over creamy coffee pudding, espresso whipped cream, and Turkish ground coffee sprinkles. This is a more indulgent drink, perfect for those days when you really want to treat yourself. My favorite is scooping out the coffee pudding at the bottom then taking a sip of the Frappuccino.
Starbucks Cold Brew Pitcher Pack
I work from home, so I’m grateful that Starbucks also launched it Cold Brew Pitcher Packs, a blend of roasted Latin American and African beans that works best when brewed cold. It’s easy to prepare: steep the pack in a pitcher and leave it in the fridge overnight for rich yet subtle chocolatey notes the next morning. I start my days with a cup of coffee but I’ve been waking up late recently so I can’t enjoy this yet. I’ll write about it when I try it!
Starbucks Reserve
Those with discriminating tastes can also try the new Reserve blends. The new Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Musasa and and Nicaragua Maracaturra are perfect for those who want to elevate and power through their mornings (also known as me, who’s struggling to become a morning person). The Rwanda Musasa offers a “lemon acidity with notes of black plum and a syrupy, sweet finish,” while the Nicaragua Maracaturra has “enticing florals layered with allspice and clove, and a creamy, vanilla mouthfeel.”
Starbucks Food Items
Starbucks also launched a series of food items to go with the new Frappuccinos. There’s the new Lime Torte Cake, a combination of sweet and tangy flavors layered on a crunchy and crumbly cake. Then there’s the Mango Crunch Cake, which uses Philippine mangoes in a creamy mousse, spread on crumbly and buttery graham and crunchy white almond. Mangoes happen to be my favorite fruit, so I know what I’m getting next!
Not into fruits? No problem. The Chocolate Marshmallow Cake is your best bet. It’s a smooth chocolate truffle cake frosted with marshmallow icing.
However, I’m trying to lose weight so I’m portioning my food. Good thing there’s the Blueberry Greek Yogurt Parfait and the Mango Greek Yogurt Parfait, a healthier alternative to the previous desserts. The two parfaits feature creamy Greek yogurt and topped with blueberry and mango compote, and crunchy oat granola.
For something savory, there’s the Whole Wheat Bagel with linseeds, rye and soy grits, corn semolina, and oats; and the Bagel Bites filled with Cream Cheese, mini herbed bagels generously stuffed with cream cheese.
Starbucks Cards
There are also new Starbucks cards for collectors. There’s the Chill Mini Card and the Father’s Day Card, which are available for a minimum activation fee of P500. The Iced Coffee Card comes in a beautiful design, and is available for a minimum activation fee of P1,000.
This post was created in partnership with Starbucks Philippines. For more information, visit the website and follow its Facebook and Instagram pages.