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.
