Starbucks just unveiled its newest holiday drink and judging by the name alone, it’s a little bit of a mystery how it actually tastes. So we decided to take the plunge and find out for ourselves what the Starbucks Juniper Latte is really like!
The newest addition to Starbucks’ stellar line-up of holiday beverages is unlike anything you’ve had before. Starbucks describes the drink as having “notes of juniper and sage with pine-citrus sugar.” Juniper, for those not in the know, is an evergreen tree that grows small berries that have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It also happens to be one of the tree species typically grown for Christmas trees. In other words, Starbucks Juniper Latte is practically a Christmas tree in a cup.
Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks
So how does the Juniper Latte actually taste? “A light, pine-like flavor with delightful citrus undertones,” the menu description reads. And as weird as it sounds, when we gave it a taste, that’s exactly what it’s like…and it’s kind of awesome!
It’s almost difficult to pinpoint what the flavor really is, but it’s at once tangy and sweet with a hint of mint and spice. Taking a sip is a little like taking a deep breath on a fresh winter day or starring in a commercial for wintergreen gum in the best way possible.
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Reactions to the new drink on social media were mixed, with many comparing the drink to a cup of Pine-Sol. Haters gonna hate—and we give it two pine-scented thumbs up. For Starbucks fans that find some of the other holiday offerings a little overwhelming, this subtle and strangely refreshing concoction is destined to be your new favorite. Then again, if you love your drinks on the sweeter side, this might not be the one for you.
The new Starbucks Juniper Latte comes in both hot and iced versions, but get them while you can because, like so many holiday offerings, this one is around for a limited-time only.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
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