Starbucks’ Limited-Time Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Is a Callback to Mexican Culture

Starbucks has officially unveiled its summer menu, and one of the stand-out offerings is the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, which will only be available for a limited time.

According to the nationwide coffee chain, the concept was developed by central California native Ricky Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who perfected the formula alongside Simon Vuong and the rest of the beverage development team, said that he was inspired by the Mexican culture prevalent in his neighborhood.

“In the central California neighborhood where I grew up, horchata was everywhere — on street corners, in convenience stores, and on the menu at most Mexican restaurants we visited,” Gonzalez said. “Every Sunday, we would have a family meal at a Mexican restaurant, and horchata was always a treat for my brother and me. It was icy, sweet, and spiced with cinnamon. It’s both comforting and refreshing.”

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Starbucks has announced that the drink has joined the lineup for a limited time as of May 20. Per the company, “The beverage is made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso which provides a light, smooth, and subtly sweet profile that pairs well with the new horchata syrup to create a fusion of warm cinnamon, sweet vanilla and subtle nutty notes of toasted rice flavors shaken together with ice and topped with oatmilk.”

Part of the Starbucks Summer Menu

The Iced Horchata Shaken Espresso drink is part of the brand’s all-new Summer Menu, which has everything coffee lovers could want and more.

As initially speculated by food blogger Markie Devo, and confirmed by the company earlier this month, the Summer Berry Refreshers have returned to the menu, making it a perfect complement to the hot summer days (and nights). The Berry Refreshers are shaken with ice and coconut milk or lemonade, then poured over bursting raspberry-flavored pearls.

Finally, per Starbucks, the Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop has joined the Summer Menu, which is described as “strawberry cream cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in a chocolaty icing and finished with a summer strawberry design. Available for a limited time, while supplies last.”

The coffee giant and FARM Rio have teamed together to offer consumers a fun line of drinkware that is evocative of the vivid hues and designs of the well-known Brazilian fashion brand. Cold cups, key chains, and other items are part of this limited-edition collaboration, which is only available while supplies last.