Starbucks’ Newest Tea Concoction Comes Courtesy of an Instagram Craze

Starbucks secret menu items have become somewhat legendary over the years: Take the now-infamous Pink Drink, for instance. Those in the know can even get in on seasonal and dog-specific secret menus (yes, really). While many of us pine for our favorites to become official menu items, we never expect it to actually happen. Starbucks just made that very dream come true, however, for fans of a tea concoction said to ease even the most wicked of colds, and it’s all thanks to Instagram.

The coffee chain’s latest menu item is a slightly different from the sweet rainbow iced beverages made famous online last summer. The now-official hot drink is called a “Medicine Ball,” or, alternately, a “Cold Buster,” and reports from Fortune claim that over the course of this winter, 20 or more people would order this drink a day at Starbucks across the country. The trend was noticed by a Starbucks store manager and posted to the company’s internal messaging system, leading the bigwigs at head office to do some investigating.

The drink consists of a Venti sized tea, with one bag each Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility Tea, half steamed lemonade, half hot water and honey to taste. Some even add a single pump of peppermint syrup for an added kick. Fans of the drink say it’s a cure for what ails you, which many help to explain why managers reported as many as 40 of the off-menu drinks being ordered in a single day. As incoming CEO Kevin Johnson said in an annual company shareholder’s meeting, in just one day, Starbucks corporate was able to make it official, with a recipe card and a SKU number

The addition of the Medicine Ball to Starbucks menu just goes to show the power of social media — If you’ve got a good idea, all we have to do is share it for big things to start happening.

Have you had a Medicine Ball at Starbucks? Tell us about it @BritandCo!

(h/t Refinery 29, photo via Ben Pruchinie/Getty + @hanseldoan)

Starbucks just dropped 15 new cup designs in celebration of spring, and of course, they’re too cute to pass up! Featuring cold cups, tumblers, water bottles and more in only the best springtime colors, you’ll definitely want to snag a few pieces from their spring drinkware collection to enjoy your favorite sips from the all-new Starbucks spring menu!

Plus, the latest drinkware drop includes adorable designs that honor cherry blossom season and even look forward to Mother’s Day.

Scroll on to see the new Starbucks spring cups, including sizes and prices.

Starbucks Spring 2025 Cups

Starbucks

Spring Pixel Tumbler

This pixelated 16-ounce tumbler is ideal for hot drinks, even in the midst of a warm spring. Snag it at a participating Starbucks cafe in the U.S. for $22.95.

Starbucks

Yellow Pleated Tumbler

This tumbler is sure to brighten up your morning sip! It holds 16 ounces of your desired drink and costs $27.95.

Starbucks

Pastel Swirl Cold Cup & Keychain

Springtime is all about pastels, after all! You can grab this 24-ounce design from Starbucks for $22.95 – or $12.95 for the adorable keychain!

Starbucks

Sunset Pleated Cold Cup & Keychain

You can also find this similar design with richer spring colors. The 24-ounce cold cup is $22.95, while the keychain goes for $12.95.

Starbucks

Blue Bottle Bag

This is perhaps the cutest item from Starbucks' spring cup collection. This $27.95 bottle bag allows you to tow along your go-to bottle or tumbler hands-free. Plus, it comes complete with a zippable pocket for your phone, credit cards, or lip balms – or all three!

Starbucks

Geometric Airbrush Cold Cup

This "whimsical" cold cup design boasts both geometric and organic shapes, all in a dreamy pink palette. It carries 24 ounces of liquid and costs $27.95.

Starbucks

Plum Water Bottle

This adorable water bottle ensures you stay hydrated this season. It holds 20 ounces, and you can snag it for $32.95 at participating U.S. Starbucks locations.

Starbucks Cherry Blossom Cups For 2025

Starbucks

Cherry Blossom Cold Cup with Straw Charm

Oh, yeah. This cherry blossom cup is everything! Crafted with illustrations of cherry blossoms, iridescence, and a fun straw topper, you'll definitely want to drink the all-new Iced Cherry Chai from this baby.

Starbucks

Pink Cherry Blossom Tumbler with Charm

The stunning hanging butterfly charm is enough reason to snag this spring-themed tumbler, perfect for all hot coffees and teas.

Starbucks

Pink Floral Cold Cup

If iced coffee is where your heart lies, opt for this pink and blue cold cup!

Starbucks

Reflective Cherry Blossom Tumbler

From the flowers and butterflies to the rainbow-esque reflective design, this tumbler is a whole work of art in itself.

Starbucks

Pink Soft Touch Cold Cup

Made with a satisfying 'soft touch' texture, this cold cup can easily serve up iced coffees, cold brews, and Frappuccinos.

Starbucks Mother's Day 2025 Cups

Starbucks

Starbucks' Mother's Day cups will be available at any Starbucks licensed store in the U.S., including ones inside grocery stores, airports, hospitals and more! This 4-cup collection is loaded with plenty of bright colors and floral designs to honor the loved ones in your life.

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If you keep seeing the same 3- or 4-number sequences everywhere – on clocks, receipts, or license plates – you might be noticing what people refer to as ‘angel numbers.’ These repeating digits are believed to carry spiritual messages that typically offer guidance, reassurance, or simply a little cosmic nudge in the right direction – just like astrology!

Whether you think it's pure coincidence or a sign from the universe, angel numbers have a fascinating way of showing up just when you need them the most.

Read on for everything you need to know about angel numbers — including their powerful meaning!

What are angel numbers?

Maria Radice / Dupe

Angel numbers are sequences of numbers that are commonly believed to carry spiritual messages from angels, divine beings, or the universe. You can often spot angel numbers on clocks, license plates, signs, or even dreams. Each angel number sequence is thought to have a specific meaning behind it, depending on the interpretation.

What are examples of angel numbers?

Natasha Torres / Dupe

Common examples of angel numbers include sequences like 111, 333, 444, and so on.

What are the common angel numbers and their meanings?

Alejandra Isunza / Dupe

  • 111: This sequence can signify new beginnings or assist in manifestation.
  • 222: This angel number can represent balance and harmony, as well as encourage you to trust the process.
  • 333: Often symbolizes divine protection, guidance, and encouragement from your angels – or whatever higher power you believe in.
  • 444: This angel number sequence can be a sign of stability, reassurance, and that your angels and the universe are supporting you in your endeavors.
  • 555: Indicates that major life changes and transformations are coming.
  • 666: This number serves as a reminder to focus on your inner balance, thoughts, and personal growth (it’s not always a negative number).
  • 777: Represents spiritual enlightenment, luck, and divine wisdom.
  • 888: This can be a sign of financial abundance, success, and karmic rewards. Score!
  • 999: Symbolizes the completion of a chapter and readiness for a new beginning.
  • 1111: This one can be seen as a powerful manifestation number signaling alignment with your purpose and dreams.

Why should I pay attention to angel numbers?

Shai / Dupe

Paying attention to angel numbers can be extra meaningful if you believe in spiritual guidance or personal growth. They can serve as gentle reminders to trust your intuition when making big decisions, meeting new people, or starting a new chapter in your life.

Even if you don’t whole-heartedly believe in spiritual signs, noticing patterns in things like angel numbers can help you stay present and reflect on where you are in life!

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ICYMI, Starbucks is cutting 13 staple drinks from their menu. Even if your go-to order is no longer, there’s no need to fret – the chain still has plenty of similar options to choose from! As a former barista, I can guarantee you’ll find an alternative Starbucks order you love – one you just might love more than your previous drink!

Scroll on to see the 13 Starbucks drinks disappearing from menus starting March 4, plus what to order instead to satisfy your cravings.

Starbucks

Iced Matcha Lemonade

Alternative order: Green Tea Lemonade

Though Starbucks’ Green Tea Lemonade doesn’t have any matcha in it, you’ll still get a kick from the caffeinated green tea included in the sip. Plus, it’s still crafted with lemonade, so the citrus notes you like in the OG won’t be missed.

Starbucks

Espresso Frappuccino

Alternative order: Coffee Frappuccino

The Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino will be taken off menus on March 4, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your frozen espresso fix. Their Coffee Frappuccino is a great alternative order because it still boasts sweet coffee and can be easily customized with an additional shot of espresso.

Starbucks

Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino

Alternative order: Coffee Frappuccino

The Coffee Frappuccino is another reliable alternative for Starbucks’ Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino since you still get a taste of coffee. If vanilla is what you're craving, you can easily request a few pumps of vanilla syrup as a customization.

Starbucks

Java Chip Frappuccino

Alternative order: Mocha Frappuccino

I’m honestly sad to see the Java Chip Frappuccino go. It’s been my go-to order since I was a kid, and I still order it on occasion when I want a little ‘treat myself’ moment. Luckily the Mocha Frappuccino will stay on Starbucks menus and gives a similar chocolate-coffee flavor.

Starbucks

White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino

Alternative order: Mocha Frappuccino

I fear there’s not a totally similar alternative order to the bygone White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, but it’s very possible that you could order the Mocha Frappuccino with white chocolate sauce instead of the regular mocha to situate your white chocolate cravings.

Starbucks

Crème Frappuccinos (Chai, Caramel Ribbon Crunch, Double Chocolaty Chip, Chocolate Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate)

Alternative order: Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Starbucks’ beloved non-caffeinated Crème Frappuccinos will no longer be offered starting March 4. Instead, I recommend trying out the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino and customizing it with your desired flavor – Starbucks still has so many syrups.

Starbucks

White Hot Chocolate

Alternative order: Hot Chocolate

Though the “official” White Hot Chocolate will no longer be available, Starbucks says you can still customize a regular Hot Chocolate with either mocha or white chocolate mocha sauce.

Starbucks

Royal English Breakfast Latte

Alternative order: London Fog Latte

Where the discontinued Royal English Breakfast Latte includes, well, Royal English Breakfast tea, you can still get the same sweet floral notes from a London Fog Latte.

Starbucks

Honey Almondmilk Flat White

Alternative order: Flat White

The Honey Almondmilk Flat White is sadly going away, but you can actually still order it, as long as you request some customizations that make it the exact same drink. Starting March 4, order the Flat White with almond milk and honey – or any milk and flavor of your choice!

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We’re always super pumped for a new season, because that means a whole new crop of shoe trends! Turns out, spring 2025 is bringing such a fresh energy to footwear – and you’ll be elated to know that all of this season’s trends blend style and the utmost comfort. From pops of pink to functional materials, the spring shoetrends for 2025 are anything but boring.

Get ready to step into spring with these 5 hottest shoe trends (with must-have styles)!

1. Pink Sneakers

ASOS

Adidas Originals Gazelle Bold Sneakers

Pink sneakers are simply so fun. They’re such a playful way to add a pop of color to your ‘fits, plus the color feels like an entire match for the spring season!

DSW

Puma Club II Era Sneakers

Soft pastels and bold bubblegum shades are popping up more and more in designer collections and streetwear, so they can easily span across both casual and dressy looks.

Free People

Keen Jasper Zionic Sneakers

Pair your pink sneaks with baggy or barrel jeans or even some overalls for an epic weekend outfit, or try ‘em out with a flowy sundress to add a sporty contrast!

2. Elevated Flip Flops

Target

Shade & Shore Palmer Square Toe Flip Flops

We all have that one pair of flip flops that has been through hell and back – and while they’re definitely okay to wear around the house to get chores done or check the mail, you can still sport some flip flops this season when it’s time to leave the house with more elevated styles.

OluKai

OluKai Tiare Leather Sandals

Flip flops are stepping up with fun square toes, platform soles, and luxe materials like leather. They offer the ease of a traditional flip flop, but with a more refined look.

Free People

Jeffrey Campbell Darcie Platform Flip Flops

Style your elevated flip flops with wide-leg linen pants and a fitted tank top for a polished, yet laidback look. They also wear well with slip dresses for an effortless vacation vibe.

3. Clogs

Camper

Camper Brutus Sandals

Clogs are totally making a comeback, and I am so here for it! With a blend of vintage charm and modern comfort, they’re super easy to wear with whatever outfit you want to pull off.

Free People

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clogs

I like rocking my clogs with wide-leg jeans for an extra-cozy ‘fit.

SeaVees

SeaVees Bodega Clogs

They are also fun to style alongside some denim shorts and fun socks for a quirkier look!

4. Fisherman Sandals

Steve Madden

Steve Madden Flicker Clear Sandals

These strappy, utilitarian-style sandals balance full-on comfort and coolness for the springtime. Originally designed for seaside practicality, they’ve been reimagined in more sleek modern designs.

Free People

Dr. Martens Wrenlie Fisherman Sandals

The structured silhouette of fisherman sandals also undeniably complements the current trend of functional fashion.

Madewell

Madewell The Milano Fisherman Sandals

Try pairing them with tailored shorts and a breezy blouse, or wear them with a midi skirt and a fitted tee.

5. Shoe Charms

Free People

Free People Shoe Charm & Pin Pack

Shoe charms bring total personalization to footwear, whether it’s through charms for sneakers or ribbons on heels.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Shoelace Charms Set

This spring shoe trend taps into the revival of Y2K style and the rise of more and more playfulness with accessories.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Icon Shoe Charm Set

This spring shoe trend taps into the revival of Y2K style and the rise of more and more playfulness with accessories.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more trending fashion picks!

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The highly-anticipated A Court of Thorns and Roses movie may be canceled, but Sarah J. Maas pulled an uno reverse card that makes up for it. ACOTAR book 6 is in the works and may be here within the next year! As immense lovers of Onyx Storm, we're willing to set that series aside in favor of this one. Call it a hot take, but we think it has arguably one of the best takes onromantasy.

If you're just as excited as we about a new ACOTAR book, let's chat about what's to come!

Everything to know about Sarah J. Maas' plans for the ACOTAR universe, plus fan theories about book 6 👀

Is 'ACOTAR' a BookTok famous series?

Amazon

BookTok is the reason we love the ACOTAR series so much. All it takes is a quick search on TikTok to see how many fan theories, memes, and hot takes exist within its realm. Have an intense dislike for the way Feyre's siblings failed her after their mother died? There's a video for that. Want to see hilarious depictions of the Suriel? You won't be disappointed!

But, I've never read anything in the series? What's it about? 

We thought you'd never ask! A Court of Thorns and Roses introduces readers to the thin line that separates humankind from the mythical world, but boundaries are crossed when a young woman named Feyre unknowingly commits a grave offense. As her family's only hope for survival, she slays a wolf who happens to be a close friend of one of the many high fae in ACOTAR.

As repayment for her "terrible" deed, she's whisked away from everything she knows to live the rest of her life in the spring court. But Feyre soon learns that politics and evil aren't just relegated to humans because she's subject to torment that turns her into what's she still trying to understand.

Throughout each book, we watch as Feyre comes to grips with who she thought she could trust, her perception of herself, and the consequences of each choice she makes.

Knowing this, what will ACOTAR book 6 be about? 

Don't panic, but ACOTAR'ssixth book doesn't have a plot yet! The only sliver of hope we have stems from Sarah J. Maas' appearance on the TODAY show last year. She said, "I know much more about what’s happening in this one. And then the next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them.”

Has Sarah J. Maas shared a release date for ACOTAR book 6? 

Sorry, but she hasn't shared a release date for ACOTAR book 6 either! The TODAY show speculates "readers will have to wait a year or two" which makes sense.

What theories do fans have about the next book? 

Fans believe Sarah J. Maas dropped a massive hint about what to expect in her collab video with Spotify last year. Instagram user @just.innis wrote, "Hear me out: spilled the tea, spring, two rings on the same fingers (rose and blue), flowers and doors behind her, "a looong book" ("...Azriel’s wings are the biggest." if you know what I mean), soon... 👀📚🤯."

If you're not familiar, E! News reported this could be an indication that Feyre's sister Elain and Azriel, one of Rhysand's right-hand-men, will get the love story fans have been waiting for. Most fans are in agreement because this Reddit thread dives deeper into the potential lore. @plantsandanimalsdude wrote, "I think …. Elain will decide to reject her mating bond and choose Azriel, taking control over her life after losing her humanity and engagement to a man SHE chose."

A separate Reddit thread starts off with a belief ACOTAR book 6 will be a follow-up to Nesta's story (Feyre and Elain's eldest sister). User@PrestigiousFun782wrote, "...it's pretty clear that Nesta's plot is not done yet. For that my theory is that she will learn a lot about her powers and maybe she would leave the night court..."

However, nothing's set in stone. The only thing Sara J. Maas promised is that ACOTAR book 6 is "going to be a long book."

OMG, I want to catch up on ACOTAR! Where do I start?

Amazon

  • A Court of Thorns and Roses(Book One) — An introduction to Feyre, the high faes, and danger!
  • A Court of Mist and Fury(Book Two) — An exploration of Feyre's conflicted feelings about marrying Tamlin, her growing understanding of Rhysand, and an even darker evil
  • A Court of Wings and Ruin (Book Three) — A tale of 'sleeping with the enemy' to gain important intel that'll save Feyre's new home, albeit with damning consequences that changes everything
  • A Court of Frost and Starlight (Book Four) — A story of rebuilding and healing after mass devastation
  • A Court of Silver Flames (Book Five) — A close look at Nesta Acheron's journey as she learns to accept who she is, how she'll spend the rest of her life, and who she'll come to love

Follow us on Facebook for more updates about ACOTAR book 6!

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