14 Starbucks Summer Drink Hacks That'll Save You Tons Of Money

When did the Starbucks summer menu come out?

The Starbucks summer menu came out in two different phases: the spicy Refreshers launched on April 16, while the boba drinks and more come out on May 7.

Does Starbucks have boba?

Yes – with the new summer menu items, Starbucks officially has boba!

Starbucks has never served boba nationwide before this, but they did test it regionally for a brief period in late 2021. According to Tasting Table, only two Starbucks locations (one in California, one in Washington) tested out coffee boba pearls back then. The pearls were also popping boba (like the new summer drinks), but weren't received super well.

One person that tried the boba drinks in 2021 said the pearls were "really small and awkward to drink." People engaging in online discourse about the coffee boba pearls weren't happy about the attention and revenue the boba could potentially take away from small businesses serving authentic Taiwanese boba.

Everything On The Starbucks Summer Menu

NEW! Summer-Berry Starbucks Refresher

The Starbucks summer menu lists a brand-new line of iced Refresher drinks, with the Summer-Berry flavor leading! And... it has boba!

This new sip is described as "a sweet summer blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk and shaken with ice." It's poured over raspberry-flavored popping boba, which amps up the berry vibes even more!

NEW! Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher

This next sip is shaken with lemonade rather than water, which gives it a citrusy, zingy effect. Lemonade is the perfect bev for summertime, and I have a hunch it could pair really well with the raspberry boba pearls!

NEW! Summer Skies Drink Refresher

The Starbucks summer menu is heating up with this creamy drink! This one's essentially the Summer-Berry Refresher with a splash of coconut milk, much like the Starbucks Pink Dink. It also includes fruity boba! Starbucks will begin to supply wider green straws to help you sip up the pearls.

White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew

We've seen this drink on Starbucks menus before, and it's made its return for summer 2024, and I am so excited. The White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew features "Starbucks signature cold brew sweetened with macadamia syrup, topped with a silky white-chocolate macadamia cream cold foam and finished with toasted cookie crumbles," according to Starbucks.

I feel like nutty flavors are more fit for fall, but it's nice that Starbucks is offering an option for the warmer months with this returning iced coffee drink!

NEW! Orange Cream Cake Pop

The Starbucks summer menu also introduced a brand-new cake pop! The Orange Cream Cake Pop is described as "orange cream cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in chocolatey icing and finished with an orange slice design." The cute orange slice design honestly does it for me. I love an orange Dreamsicle!

NEW! Pineapple Cloud Cake

This new sweet snack is described as an "airy cake layered with a lightweight pineapple cream and pineapple spread with whole fruit pieces all topped with a sweet drizzle." It looks so yum.

What People Were Saying About The Starbucks Summer Menu Rumors

The Starbucks summer menu rumors sparked a fair amount of excitement online. A few commenters on @markie_devo's initial menu leak post said the proposed lineup looks appetizing and exciting.

"Now this looks good 💯🔥," one person wrote. "Finally something DIFFERENT," another said.

Some Starbucks fans were anticipating entirely different drinks for the summer menu, like the S'mores Frappuccino that came out in 2019.

"Where's the smores frapp😫," the first comment reads. "Wish they’d bring back the S’mores Frappuccino 😔," another wrote.

Starbucks isn't the first big coffee chain to add boba to their menu. Dunkin' had featured strawberry-flavored popping pearls on their menu back in 2021, and Dutch Bros just debuted their version in February 2024. Some Starbucks customers commenting on the menu rumors noticed this.

"Stole from Dutch lmao," one person wrote. "Dunkin did it first lol. But these are super interesting," another said.

Starbucks Is Doing Something Spicy...

Spicy Dragonfruit Refresher

Rumors about some spicy Starbucks Refreshers were floating around the internet after @markie_devo posted a potential lineup. The first drink (of three new Refreshers) is the Spicy Dragonfruit Refresher. The drink is your traditional fruity Refresher, except shaken with lemonade and a new Spicy Chili Powder Blend to bring a nice kick of flavor!

I got to try it out first thing on launch day, and I have got to say that the spice in this drink somehow makes this the most "dragonfruit" dragonfruit drink I’ve ever had from Starbucks. And it's good! Of course, I expected my sips to be spicy, but I underestimated just how much spice would be included. I personally think it’s such a nice balance between sweet and spicy, but I could see where it may be too much for non-spice-lovers.

The spicy Refreshers will be available for limited time. They were released in stores on April 16, 2024.

Spicy Strawberry Refresher

The Spicy Strawberry Refresher is the most refreshing of all the spicy Starbucks drinks. It's just the OG Strawberry Refresher base shaken with zesty lemonade, ice, fruit bits, and the chili spice blend.

When I ordered the Spicy Strawberry Refresher, I was not expecting it to come out an orange color. Though unexpected, the spice in the drink was spicing nonetheless, and I thought it was pretty good! I had sipped this one first out of all three, but it ends up last in my overall Refresher ranking. I think the other bevs do a better job at highlighting the fruit – in this one, the strawberry flavors were undoubtedly eclipsed by the chili spice blend.

I bet it'd be so heavenly if you ordered it blended with ice, so it becomes a nice slushy texture!

Spicy Pineapple Refresher

I was most excited about this new Starbucks drink because in my opinion, pineapple and spice are a classic combo! I've eaten way too much Tajin-covered fruit in my lifetime, and I hoped for this drink to directly emulate those flavors! And y'all, it DELIVERED. 

​The drink is literally gorgeous. With the spice blend, the Pineapple Refresher takes on a orange-y hue, while the pieces of pineapple float at the top. Upon first sip, it tastes exactly like Tajin-covered fruit. I did notice that a lot of the spice blend sunk to the bottom of my cup, so I had to keep shaking it to mix it up. Not a big tradeoff though, for how deliciously fruity this drink is.

Spicy Cream Cold Foam

Starbucks is also offering Spicy Cream Cold Foam for a limited time. It's crafted with Starbucks classic cold foam and their new Spicy Chili Powder Blend, and you can add it to any iced drink!

I tried the Spicy Cream Cold Foam atop an iced mocha. I had a vision, okay?! I really wanted the chili and chocolate to blend together for a tasty Mexican chocolate feel. I admired the specks of spice in the cold foam before sipping down a swig.

My first impression was that the spice isn't as intense in the cold foam as it is with the Refreshers – it honestly made the drink more enjoyable. The chocolate in the mocha made it so tasty, balancing everything out with lots of sweetness. I think the Spicy Cream Cold Foam could be an amazing addition to other sweet coffee drinks like these for those seeking coffee-based bevs.

My Review Of Starbucks Spicy Refreshers

Because of the intensity of the spice, I also think the new Spicy Refreshers work best as a slow sipper. I found that when I drank them quickly, the spice became overpowering, and honestly, unenjoyable after a time. I still need to try the Refreshers with alcohol, but I think adding a lil' splash of tequila for an easy summer cocktail is the move. I could take to the park or a friend's place on a nice weekend. 👀 I can tell these are gonna keep me up and goin’ through summer!

What People Are Saying About The Spicy Starbucks Refreshers

In the wake of brand-new spicy drinks at Starbucks, some customers were thrown off by the initial menu rumors that @markie_devo posted.

"🤮 Kinda takes away the “refreshing” aspect lol," one person wrote. "But I guess people who like spicy stuff on fruit will be happy."

One Starbucks barista commented on the validity of the menu rumors, saying: "As someone who works at Starbucks, this isn’t fake, we got our chili powder in already 😃"

Brunch Cocktails To Make For Mother's Day 2024

Pomegranate White Tea Fizz

For the more health-conscious, a cocktail packed with pomegranates and infused with white tea. (via Brit + Co)

"Speak Now" Spritz

Get in the Swiftie spirit with a Taylor Swift cocktail that's sure to please all your girlfriends. This one has plum liqueur and Prosecco for the ultimate flavor combo — and you can't forget about the edible glitter! (via The Spritz Effect for Brit + Co)

Summer Paloma

Nothing says summer like an easy breezy brunch cocktail, and this Paloma has the yummiest mix of grapefruit soda and tequila. I like a little extra lime juice, so don't be afraid to go crazy ;). (via Brit + Co)

Cadbury Cocktail

If Mom has a sweet tooth, you *have* to whip up this dessert cocktail. It's the perfect Mother's Day treat! (via Brit + Co)

Easy Irish Coffee

Instead of getting brunch cocktails *and* coffee, combine them into this spiked Irish coffee. One-and-done! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry And Rhubarb Bellinis

Everyone’s favorite morning cocktail gets an upgrade with fresh strawberries. Siri, play "Pink" by Lizzo! (via Brit + Co)

Mimosa Remix

Fresh fruit gives this Grapefruit Thyme Fizz, Cherry Orange Tequila Sunrise, and Sparkling Strawberry Mimosa that perfect touch of “homemade” that shows you care, without all the fuss of making a huge brunch. (via Brit + Co)

Citrus Mezcal Brunch Cocktails

Grab a bottle of mezcal and a variety of sliced citrus, flavored sparkling sodas, and a specialty “worm salt,” known as sal de gusano, tomake these mezcal cocktails with blood orange, grapefruit, orange, and lime. (via Brit + Co)

Bloody Mary Bar

Nothing says brunch quite like a Bloody Mary, with its array of veggies, pickled goodies and hot kick that'll get you ready for the day. Host Mother's Day Brunch with a Bloody Mary bar for everyone to DIY their faves. (via Brit + Co)

Frozen Blueberry Paloma

Serve up this refreshing and unique twist on a paloma that mixes fresh grapefruit juice, blueberries, lime juice, and a splash of tequila. Consider this the ultimate pre-summer sip. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

More Brunch Cocktail Ideas You'll Love

Rosa Raspberry Chocatini

Toast your mom to a job well done and a life well lived with this dessert cocktail. Mix equal parts Chilled Rosa Regale RedwithStoli Chocolat Razberi Vodka, and add a rasberry garnish.

Mango Ginger Mojito

Get mom ready for summer with this rum-based brunch cocktail. I'm obsessed with the bold and bright colors! (via Signature Concoctions)

Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Keep it simple, delicious, and warm-weather friendly with this 3-ingredient cocktail. (via Salt + Lavender)

Honey Blackberry Smash Mocktail

This refreshing mocktail is made with homemade blackberry syrup, fresh mint, and honey. Spike with her favorite liquor if you prefer to go boozy! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Salty Dog

Made with vodka, grapefruit juice, and a splash of club soda, this classic brunch cocktail is an easy and delicious way to celebrate mom. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Dirty Shirley Cocktail

Bring back fun childhood memories with mom by serving this grown-up version of the Shirley Temple. (via Culinary Hill)

Pink Sangria with Rosé Wine

This pretty-in-pink cocktail is perfect for a brunch crowd. Not feeling the grapefruit? Swap for your favorite berries instead. (via Barley & Sage)

Empress & Tonic

Serve this tart, refreshing, and delicious tonic to the color-loving mom. Just pour 2 oz Empress 1908 Ginand 3 oz Premium Tonic Water on ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Spicy Watermelon Margaritas

Just four ingredients and fresh watermelon makes this brunch cocktail a favorite. (via Cozy Cravings)

St. Germain Brunch Cocktail

Feeling fancy? Mix St. Germain (an elderflower liqueur), Cocchi Americano and San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa with crushed ice and you have a drink worthy of a Mediterranean view. (via Oh So Beautiful Paper)

Limoncello and Prosecco Cooler

A cocktail full of sunshiny limoncello and mint — yeah, your mom wants that. The raspberry ice cubes add an elegant touch. (via Creative Culinary)

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

We also got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. As of March 2024, the movie is filming around New York City, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will reportedly cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

We don't have an official release date for A Complete Unknown. However, since filming has already commenced, there's a good chance we'll see the movie in the fall of 2025. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect fall movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!