Starbucks Continues Its Lavender Era With New Oatmilk Chill
Lavender, the star of Starbucks' spring beverage lineup, has made its way into another dazzling drink: Meet the Lavender Oatmilk Chill. The pastel purple drink is available in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time, and it contains hunks of dragon fruit as well as the powdered herb.
What sets it apart from earlier releases this month, however, is that the floral beverage does not contain caffeine. The drink is creamy and sweet from the oat milk, dotted mild fruit, and flowers. It lacks the grassy punch of matcha or bitter richness of a latte, making it a good choice for those looking for a less intense iteration of the spring drink rollout. The purple sipper contains less sugar compared to the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha, which means it may be a hit among those with less of a sweet tooth or winding down the afternoon. Kids can indulge, too, but the sophisticated and sometimes soapy flavor may challenge some.
The shaken drink is a fresh direction for the menu, invoking the creaminess of a Frappuccino without the blended ice. Starbucks fans may wonder if it shares its roots with the refreshers, but the menu categorizes the non-dairy Chill as a milk, offering it alongside protein shakes and chocolate milk. However, fans can amp the quantity of fruit (or the scoops of powder) at no added cost to give it a refresher-like quality.
Exciting customizations and new spring merch
The idea already has fans spitballing ideas and customizations. Starbucks drinkers chimed in on Instagram with their own versions, which include additions like vanilla syrup and the Lavender Cream Cold Foam that tops the company's Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha (although the option isn't available when ordering ahead). For others, who have excitedly paired the scented cold foam with chai, there may be an opportunity to marry the spiced drinks.
A grande size of the drink, which is made with three scoops of lavender powder, costs $4.95 or 200 stars. However, drinkers can get halfway to a free drink by participating in the company's 'Spring It On' Virtual Scavenger Hunt between April 2 and 6. Essentially a computer game, the online scavenger hunt takes place in a flower-dotted village and invites players to complete timed challenges. The reward is 100 Bonus Stars, which can only be earned after getting at least 5 points in the scavenger hunt, claiming the resulting coupon, and buying an item at a participating store.
The points can also go toward a new piece of merchandise to carry the Lavender Oatmilk Chill or your own creation. Starbucks is releasing four new cups for the season. These include two textured cold cups, in Pearl White Bling and Sage, as well as a Luster Tumbler and a ceramic Siren's Tail Mug. The Pearl White Bling Cold Cup has a surprise on the inside with a mint green liner that will contrast nicely against purple.