This post may contain affiliate links. Every link is hand-selected by our team, and it isn’t dependent on receiving a commission. You can view our full policy here.
Starbucks has the market cornered on fall and winter seasonal drinks. People anxiously count the days until the PSL (or Pumpkin Spice Latte, for the uninitiated) hits cafes; ditto for the red cups brimming with Peppermint Mochas, even though you can technically order a Peppermint Mocha any time of year. But summer? Not so much.
It’s had its flash-in-the-pan moments, almost like the songs of summer: the Coconut Mocha (a personal fave), the S’mores Frappuccino, the murky Unicorn and Mermaid Frappuccino season, the secret-menu-turned-actually-on-the-menu Pink Drink. On May 7, Starbucks announced its 2024 summer drinks menu, and one drink is making a comeback, proving it’s got some longevity: the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew.
What’s in the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew?
Picture Starbucks cold brew, sweetened with macadamia syrup and topped with a white chocolate macadamia cream cold foam—aka nonfat milk that’s been whipped to a thick, creamy consistency, without the fat of full cream—then garnished with toasted cookie crumbles.
What White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew Tastes Like:
The foam and macadamia syrup lightly sweeten the drink, adding a nutty, creamy, toasted vanilla-y quality to the cold brew. The flavor isn’t nearly as sweet as white chocolate mocha sauce or as nutty as the hazelnut syrup, creating a more balanced drink overall. It’s closer to the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. (If you typically drink black coffee or an unsweetened latte, this will be a treat for you—but you won’t want to ditch it halfway through.)
The cookie crumbles are arguably the best part. They provide a caramelized sweetness and crunch that adds dimension to the drink.
How It Compares to Other Cold Foam-Topped Drinks:
It’s not quite as sweet—as much as I love the salted caramel cold foam, it can be a bit much—but it lends the same creamy quality. Some of the foam-topped cold brews’ syrups can taste a bit chemically; you don’t get that at all here.
How Much Does the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew Cost?
A tall costs $4.75, or $5.16 with tax in New York.
Will It Always Be on the Menu?
No—the drink, along with the blue-hued Summer Skies drink and Summer-Berry Refreshers—is available from May 7 until “supplies last,” per a press release.
Is it Worth It?
Yes. Absolutely yes. The layered drink is a refreshing treat on a scorching day, providing sweetness without bogging you down.