Remember that one Starbucks drink from the past that you’re obsessed with? But one day, it was gone from their menu, as it leaves a hole in your heart. Well, we’ve all been there with all those seasonal favorites and menu experiments. Starbucks is actually known to have a long history of introducing and retiring menu items. Today, we’re taking you on a trip down old Starbucks as we reminisce about the 13 most-missed menu specials.
13. Unicorn Frappuccino
Back in 2017, this magical-looking beverage took over Instagram. But while everyone’s attracted to its colorful look, the taste met negative reviews. Some fans described the sweet and sour mango vanilla flavors that don’t mix well together. Even baristas weren’t fans of the drink as they’re hard to make. Still, it reminded us of the year when the unicorn reigned.
12. Chantico Drinking Chocolate
Fall was never the same again when Starbucks pulled out their Chantico. The six-ounce beverage was introduced in 2005 as an attempt at a European-style chocolate drink. It was a luxurious treat, but its richness was also bound to downfall. Customers wanted to customize their drinks, and Chantico’s is unchangeable as there’s no larger size or extra flavor. It was discontinued in just less than a year.
11. Witch’s Brew Frappuccino
Every Halloween, Starbucks would occasionally release its Witch’s Brew Frappuccino. It’s a vibrant purple drink with chia seed “bat warts” and green whipped cream topping. It was a fruit concoction based on a swirl of orange-flavored syrup. Many fans loved the unique flavor, even if the chia seeds were questionable to some.
10. Oprah Chai
In 2014, Starbucks collaborated with Oprah Winfrey for the Teavana Oprah Chai. It features a spicy blend of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. The collaboration aims to raise millions for youth education. It’s actually made spicier than the classic Starbucks chai for a change. It was a vegan option since no honey was used to make the regular chai.
9. Birthday Cake Frappuccino
Back in 2016, Starbucks celebrated their 25th anniversary with a special treat. They released the Birthday Cake Frappuccino, which features a vanilla bean Frappuccino base blended with hazelnut syrup and topped with raspberry-infused whipped cream. It was only around for a very short time until they were discontinued.
8. Dark Cherry Mocha
For the Valentine’s season, Starbucks offered the Dark Cherry Mocha. It features a blend of espresso, dark chocolate, and candied cherry syrup with whipped cream and sprinkles. Fans loved the fruity flavor and the festive look of the drink. However, it was only one of Starbucks’ limited-time offerings despite its popularity.
7. S’mores Frappuccino
Starbucks perfectly captured summer with their S’mores Frappuccino. It features a blend of coffee, milk, chocolate, and marshmallow. The drink is topped with whipped cream and a graham cracker crumble. Fans loved the authentic s’mores flavor, but sadly, they disappeared from the menu during the summer of 2020.
6. Eggnog Latte
The holiday season didn’t officially start until the availability of the Eggnog Latte. This classic holiday beverage is made of a creamy blend of espresso, steamed eggnog, and nutmeg dust. But despite its dedicated following, Starbucks pulled the off the menu in 2021. It was said that the drink wasn’t popular enough to justify its cost and storage space, which left fans heartbroken.
5. Raspberry Mocha
The Raspberry Mocha was one beautiful marriage. We’re talking about the combination of dark chocolate with the sweet and tangy raspberry. However, they discontinued the raspberry syrup, which took the Raspberry Mocha with it. Fans took to social media, mourning their favorite syrup.
4. Valencia Orange Refresher
The current lineup of Starbucks refreshers must pay their respects to the first Valencia Orange Refresher. This citrusy drink features the juicy flavor of Valencia oranges with its sunny color. Starbucks discontinued the drink, and all fans could do was talk about it.
3. Gingerbread Latte
The Gingerbread Latte is a loved holiday tradition at Starbucks. It features a warm blend of espresso, steamed milk, and gingerbread-flavored syrup. It’s finished off with whipped cream and nutmeg. Sadly, Starbucks announced the Gingerbread Latte would be discontinued in 2019, which broke fans’ hearts who’ve been waiting for the drink all year long.
2. Juniper Latte
For a brief moment during the holiday season, Starbucks unveiled the Juniper Latte. It’s a unique drink made from a hint of juniper and sage with dustings of pine-citrus sugar. It was something made to depart from the usual holiday drinks. Some fans found it unusual, but others are quick to appreciate its unique flavors, and they wish for a comeback, even for a limited time.
1. Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
The Very Berry Hibiscus is the most mourned discontinued Refresher. Why not? This fruity drink features a blend of sweet and tart flavors with floral notes of hibiscus and real blueberries. Many were disappointed when Starbucks pulled them off their menu, as it was the taste of summer that everyone missed.