It's Official: The New Starbucks Summer Drinks Are IN

starbucks summer drinks 2023

The rumors are true, people. Starbucks is introducing new flavors to liven up the summertime! Starting today, you can get a taste of the cafe’s latest – the Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino and White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew. Check out the details on the hottest drinks of the season below!

Starbucks' New Drinks for Summer 2023

Image via Starbucks

Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino

The Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino incorporates Starbucks’ signature Frappuccino roast and chocolate-mint flavors with java chips for a dessert-y drink. It’s basically chocolate to the max, finished with a mocha sauce drizzle and mint chocolate cookie sprinkles!

“With the Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino, we wanted to take a new approach to the classic combination of mint and chocolate to create a blended coffee beverage that elicits nostalgia for one of our favorite summer treats,” said Maureen Matthews of the Starbucks beverage development team. “The new white chocolate mint sauce is subtle and creamy, and when paired with the crunch of Frappuccino chips and a swirl of rich mocha, is reminiscent of mint chocolate chip ice cream poolside on a warm summer day.”

Image via Starbucks

White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew

The White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew is the cold brew you know, flavored with macadamia syrup and topped with a macadamia cold foam and toasted cookie crumbles to resemble a tasty macadamia nut cookie.

“When creating Starbucks White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew, we were inspired by memories of fresh macadamia nuts on tropical vacations and the distinct flavor of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies,” said Matt Thornton of Starbucks beverage development team. “The smooth flavor profile of Starbucks Cold Brew combined with the nuttiness of macadamia flavor, creaminess of white chocolate flavored sauce in the cold foam, and salty cookie crumbs delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory that customers love and offers a moment of summer fun with every sip.”

More from Starbucks' Summer Menu

Image via Starbucks

Starbucks Green Apron Blend

The drinks aren't all that's new at Starbucks this season. The Starbucks Green Apron Blend brings notes of Honeybell orange and graham crackers to “emulate the brightness and energy of Starbucks partners (employees) and stores,“ according to the coffee chain. It was crafted from over 24,000 pieces of feedback from Starbucks partners so that every brew is barista-approved.

As part of Starbucks’ continued commitment to its partners, the company is designating $5 per bag of the Green Apron blend, and, for a limited time, $0.10 per brewed cup sold to the Caring Unites Partners (CUP) Fund, a program that provides grants to eligible Starbucks employees in times of need.

Image via Starbucks

Bumblebee Cake Pop

Cake pops never fail to brighten our days. This newest addition is all the buzz – a bite of vanilla cake and buttercream is dipped in yellow chocolate and adorably decorated as a bee!

Sign up for our newsletter for more Starbucks news!

Images via Starbucks

Starbucks fans, rejoice!Trader Joe’s just dropped an earth-shattering dessert that mimics the coffee chain’s most popular grab-and-go dessert. You’re gonna want to run to TJ’s as soon as possible to see if it’s in stock, because not only is it tasty, it’s also a total steal compared to what you’d typically spend for a sweet treat at Starbucks.

Scroll on to discover the brand-new Trader Joe’s dessert that’s definitely making me rethink my drive-thru habit!

Trader Joe’s

Introducing Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites: bite-sized cake balls baked with a “rich and moist” batter, coated in a white confectionary coating, and tossed in adorable little multicolored sprinkles to maximize snacking joy. Yeah, I’m already obsessed.

Ksenia Chernaya / PEXELS

Trader Joe’s crafted their new Sprinkle Cake Bites out of the belief that cake is just too good a dessert to wait for birthdays and anniversaries to eat it – and I wholeheartedly agree. Their small size makes everyday indulgence a possibility, though knowing myself, I could easily eat the entire box!

Starbucks

Now, I’m clearly not one to deny myself something sweet, and my sugar cravings get especially enticed when I roll up to the Starbucks drive-thru for a caffeinated pick-me-up. More often than not, I’ll leave the establishment with not only my typical iced latte, but also a cake pop in-hand. All their cake pops are so delicious, but I also know they’re not necessarily great for my health (or my wallet).

Ivan Samkov / PEXELS

Great news, though: while a singleStarbucks cake popcosts $3.25, this 6-pack (yes, 6!) of Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites is just $3.99. Plus, on average, Starbucks’ cake pops (varying flavors) also contain 160 calories and 16 grams of sugar, while one of the Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites has 120 calories and 13 grams of sugar. The only thing that’s missing from TJ’s iteration is the stick.

Alexander Wark Feeney / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites will definitely be on regular rotation in my kitchen, starting now. In addition to mid-workday snacking, I’ll also be snagging some boxes for friends’ birthdays and to share at this year’s Galentine’s Day party!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing grocery finds from Trader Joe's, Costco, Target, and more!

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your sweetie, hosting a Galentine's brunch for your gal pals, or basking in love with your fam, there's no question that a fancy dessert helps set the tone for a cozy and love-filled night in. We personally love cooking pasta recipes followed by a succulent dessert, but the menu options for Love Day run the gamut from seafood to international cuisine.

One thing that's not optional is chocolate — known to promote feelings similar to being in love or spending time with those closest to you, chocolate is one of the best flavors for Valentine's Day desserts. Combined with red wine and seasonal pear, it makes for a simply decadent treat — hence, this Red Wine Pear Cake. Trust us: This is going to be the best chocolate cake recipe you have ever tried.

Learn how to make the best Chocolate Cake ever

Red Wine Pear Cake With Chocolate Ganache

Sarah Anderson

Ingredients:

Pears

  • 3-4 firm Bosc pears
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3-4 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cake

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
  • 1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate chips or bar broken into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Ganache

  • 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons reserved spiced wine (see recipe notes)

Sarah Anderson

Directions:

  1. Peel the skin off the pears and remove the stems, seeds, and core. Slice in half. Add water, red wine, cinnamon, and cloves into a saucepan and place the pears in the liquid. Bring the wine mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 20 minutes, until the pears are tender. Remove the pears from red wine and let cool. Continue simmering until sauce is reduced, and reserve 2 tablespoons for the chocolate ganache.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Grease two 9-inch springform cake pans with butter or oil and set aside.
  4. Whisk two eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, add the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar and whisk thoroughly. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in the coconut sugar then remove from heat and add in the red wine and salt until well mixed. Quickly add in the dark chocolate pieces and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted. Pour the vanilla extract in and whisk again.
  7. Add about one third of the chocolate mixture to the whisked eggs. Mix thoroughly and then pour back into a mixing bowl with the rest of the chocolate mixture.
  8. Add in coconut milk mixture, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and mix until well combined.
  9. Pour the cake batter into two greased cake pans.
  10. Slice wine-poached pear halves in quarters and place in your desired design on top of the cake batter in the cake pans.
  11. Bake the cakes for 20-30 minutes.
  12. While cakes are baking, add the dark chocolate and coconut milk or heavy cream to a small saucepan. Heat on low until the chocolate is melted, whisking so that it is well mixed. Add in the reserved wine sauce and whisk again. Remove from heat and set aside.
  13. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely before removing them from the springform pans. Place one cake on a cake platter or stand, and drizzle some chocolate ganache on top. Then place the second cake on top of the first and pour the remaining chocolate ganache over the top.

If this is the best chocolate cake recipe you've ever tried, you'll want to sign up for our newsletter for more recipes like this one!

Recipe by Sarah Anderson

This post has been updated.

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Starbucks orders!

Did Tom Holland and Zendaya spike the air with love following their engagement news? I mean, it seems like everyone's popping the question these days! If you've recently said "yes" to the love of your life's big question, all that's left to do now is start planning so you can walk down the aisle into the next chapter of your relationship's story.

Before you start randomly choosing wedding dates, you may want to take advice from Amy Abbott of Amy Abbott Events, Tara Fay of Tara Fay Events, and Wendee Vezzetti of Custom Weddings of Colorado because they have keen tips to help you avoid a few faux pas. Think of it as their way of helping you avoid further stress.

"While every couple's wedding day is special, there are a few dates that might cause more stress than celebration — both on the day and in the years to come," says Vezzetti.

Scroll to see the worst days to have your wedding!

Khaki Bedford

1. New Years Eve

December 31 may have come and gone, but there's always more NYE events to come. It's just one of the worst days to have your wedding. No, I mean it. Abbott suggests this isn't the time to pack two celebratory events into one. As the owner and creative director of Amy Abbott Events, she's helped plan luxurious weddings for some of Hollywood's top celebrities and athletes — including Simone Biles!

So, why no fabulous wedding on NYE? She says, "You’ll end up paying almost 50 percent more as vendors typically charge much higher rates." But, that's just the tip of the iceberg. She also adds, "For destination weddings during this time of year, hotels often enforce 5- to 7-night minimum stays, with hotel rates being nearly double. This can make it almost impossible for your guests to commit to attending your wedding." Even if you think money isn't an issue, she advises "it's just a very costly option."

That's not the only issue you could face. "To add to the challenge, some of the best vendors often take the entire holiday season off, making availability a significant issue." This just made our jaws drop because we didn't know this! But we can imagine this feels like one of the times they get to catch their breath before prepping for such a huge moment in people's lives so it's not unbelievable!

Jim Trice

2. Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is such a romantic day that deserves to be reserved for celebrating how much you're in love. But, please don't think your wedding has to be on February 14. Vezzetti says this day along with NYE "may sound romantic," but they're not in "reality."

She says, "These dates are super popular for weddings and other celebrations, which means venues and vendors charge a premium." And guess what? She says you're not even considering "future anniversaries."

Her advice if you decide to forge ahead is: "Good luck booking a cozy dinner reservation when everyone else is celebrating too."

Khaki Bedford for Amy Abbott Events

3. Super Bowl Sunday

Another thing Fay says couples "often forget about" are "major sporting events." Her rule of thumb is to "try to understand the guest list and audience" so her team can be "conscious of their experiences."

It's the reason she's against have a wedding on Super Bowl Sunday. She says, "It may leave guests less present at your event, even if you're not a football fan. So we [the Tara Fay Events team] try to be conscious of big cultural and sporting events like this."

Always be aware of times close to major holidays. If guests have to travel distances and be away from their families, that may impact your rsvp’s. Plus, it’s typically more expensive to travel those times of year. Don’t forget about international holidays as well, Diwali for example.

Amy Abbott Events

4. Labor Day

Vezzetti also discourages scheduling a wedding on Labor Day. The rule used to be that you couldn't wear white after this holiday passed, but now you need to rethink your plans if you plan to trade 'I Do's" on this date.

"Long holiday weekends may seem ideal for travel, but they also come with headaches. First, heavy traffic," says Vezzetti. She and her team "have seen travel times TRIPLE on Colorado roadways during these holidays." This fact alone made our hearts skip a beat because we caught of a flash of you potentially being late your own wedding!

Also, Vezzetti says you won't be the only person in town for a holiday like this. "Because everyone else is traveling, lodging and restaurants are hard to come by, especially popular mountain retreats in places like Colorado."

Amy Abbott Events

5. Memorial Day

Sigh... We don't know why anyone would want to have a wedding on Memorial Day, but personal preference always plays a factor in decisions like this. The issue, Vezzetti warns, is that you're risking a lot by doing so. "Before you set the date, do a little research as to local annual events," she advises.

For example, Boulder, Colorado is a "great destination with amazing scenery, warm weather, and world-class dining" according to her. "But Memorial Day in Boulder, Colorado brings more than 50,000 runners into town. So definitely check the local calendar for your wedding destination and make sure you aren't going to share your special day with thousands of others."

Can you imagine having an outdoor wedding where your guests are torn between watching you emotionally exchange vows as marathon runners sprint nearby?

Taryn Baxter for Amy Abbott Events

I'm kind of scared I'll choose the wrong date. What are good days or months to have my wedding?

This sounds like a "how-to" guide of everything you shouldn't do when choosing your wedding date, but there's still a large window of opportunity! "The best months to get married for tropical destination weddings are October 15th through July 15th," Abbott says.

But, there's a catch. "Once you go beyond that, you risk running into hurricane season. Even if you're fortunate enough to avoid a storm, the intense heat and relentless bugs can take away from the enjoyment of your day," she adds. All in all, "it's simply not an ideal time of year" because "the weather can significantly impact your overall experience," according to her.

Amy Abbott Events

Fay agrees with this by adding "major weather events are important to consider" at all times. She also added you should "take note of monsoon months" along with "hurricane season." She knows no one can really "predict bad weather," but she wants you to "aim for months that more often provide the experience you're looking to have."

Vezzetti says "popular dates in Colorado are the summer months (June-September) because of the scenic outdoor backdrops and warm weather." But she knows there are "trade-offs" like "venues and vendors" booking early, plus the chance "you might pay higher prices" even though the "gorgeous sand makes it worth it!"

The truth is that your special day should feel as seamless as possible. Something is sure not to go according to plan, but it shouldn't involve something interrupting the entire date you've chosen to have your weeding. Fay's final piece of advice, "If you want to get married in Europe, be aware of when Europeans go on holiday and try to avoid August which is the busiest time for major European countries.

But, the trade-offs are that venues and vendors book early and you might pay higher prices (but it's gorgeous sand worth it!). But, if you want to save, In Colorado late spring (April–May) and late fall (November) are excellent for the value. Plus, venues and vendors often have more availability. This concept can be applied to other destinations, but they may have seasonal variations. So, be sure to check the seasonal highs and lows in whatever area you are planning to tie the knot.

Amy Abbott Events

A tip you may not have considered is doing "a little research on when courthouses in the destination issue marriage licenses." Vezzetti suggests doing this so you're well-prepared and can "plan with enough travel time so you are not scrambling to get your legal documents."

Not sure when to go? Vezzetti says, "In most States, courthouses are only open during banking hours (Mon-Fri, generally), and while the process may quick (in Colorado, expect 15 minutes, tops), couples without a plan might find themselves in panic mode." Didn't we say we don't want you passing out before your big day even arrives? Take Vezzetti's advice and "do a little research" so you can "plan to arrive a day early!"

Before you panic, Abbott has one last thing to share. "The good news? There are nearly nine and a half months of perfect timing for wedding planning, giving couples plenty of options to make their big day truly unforgettable!"

Follow us on Pinterest for more wedding inspo!

I'm a hardcore drugstore makeup gal. My vanity is full of ELF products, Colourpop eyeshadow, and NYX lip oils, but when it comes to lip products, I'm pretty set on what I have for one reason: the drugstore lipstick I've purchased since high school makes my lips look so good, I never want to buy another product.

Now as a type-A eldest daughter, I love sticking to products I know work for me...until they start getting boring. But this L'Oreal lipstick literally never feels like a bore. Every single time I put it on, I'm surprised at just how good it looks. Even though I've been buying it since 2015, it never fails to bring me joy! And TBH, that's what makeup is all about.

Here's everything you need to know about the $7 L'Oreal lipstick.

This L'Oreal lipstick is flattering & moisturizing.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

The L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick is a hydrating formula that features Omega 3, Vitamin E, and Argan Oil to moisturize your lips while also providing the perfect amount of color. It's not overwhelming but I can definitely tell when I'm wearing it — and I feel more confident when I do so!

The formula also glides on so smoothly, and doesn't feel tacky, sticky, or cakey like other lipsticks I've tried. And other reviewers agree! "I bought two lipsticks as I needed them in a pinch and I am very pleased with the color and the quality of these lipsticks," one customer said on the Target site. "Great value and they are pretty moisturizing as well."

"I have used it for a long time," another customer said. "It feels good on my lips. It has staying power. I like the different shades."

I also love the simplicity of the tube. It feels modern and minimalist at the same time, and it fits in my smallest handbag which makes touch-ups on a night out easier than ever.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

I've been buying shade 754, Sugar Plum, since I was a senior in high school, and it's the most flattering lipstick I've ever worn. It truly looks like my lips, but better! And one of the best parts is that I can just swipe it on without even looking in a mirror.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

There are also matte options but I prefer the slight shimmer and glow of the satin lipstick — clearly, because I've worn this tube almost all the way down! I definitely need to buy another tube (or two) in the near future. And as we get closer to Valentine's Day, you might want to as well ;).

Are you a fan of L'Oreal lipsticks? Check out Brit + Co's other Best Drugstore Lipstick and Best Drugstore Lip Stain for even more ideas because we are right in the throes of kissing season y'all!!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.