As winter fades away and the days grow longer, Starbucks welcomes spring with a lineup of refreshing, vibrant drinks. Unlike fall’s cozy, spiced flavors, spring beverages focus on fruity, floral, and light coffee blends that perfectly match the season’s energy.
Coming off the rich flavors of the holidays, this spring’s menu feels lighter. (If you’re curious, here’s how Starbucks’s winter drinks fared in our taste test.)
Every year, customers eagerly anticipate the return of popular spring classics alongside new creations. But with so many choices, which drink deserves a spot in your spring rotation? Should you stick with the fan-favorite Pink Drink, or is there a better seasonal option worth trying?
To help you decide, we’ve ranked and reviewed the best spring Starbucks drinks based on flavor, seasonal appeal, and overall experience.
Whether you prefer bold espresso, creamy matcha, or refreshing fruit-infused beverages, there’s a perfect pick for you. Let’s dive in!
1. Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
For those seeking a drink that’s both creamy and refreshing, my personal favorite for spring is the Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte. The perfect balance of earthy matcha, smooth milk, and a touch of sweetness makes it both invigorating and comforting.
A Refreshing Take on Matcha
This drink blends high-quality matcha powder with milk and ice, creating a smooth, slightly grassy flavor with a hint of vanilla-like sweetness.
Unlike traditional lattes, which rely on espresso for caffeine, this one gets its energy boost from powdered green tea leaves, offering a more gradual, sustained lift.
Why It’s a Spring Essential
- Lighter than espresso-based drinks, making it perfect for warm weather.
- Matcha is packed with antioxidants and offers a steady caffeine release, avoiding the jitters of strong coffee.
- The vibrant green color gives it an aesthetic appeal that makes it a social media favorite.
A Few Considerations
The earthy flavor of matcha can be an acquired taste. Some may find it too strong, but adding vanilla syrup or honey can balance its natural bitterness.
For a lighter alternative, try it with oat milk, which enhances its creamy texture without overpowering the tea.
Final Verdict: A smooth, subtly sweet, and energizing drink that perfectly embodies spring’s fresh and vibrant feel.
2. Pink Drink – The Instagram-Famous Berry Refresher
Few drinks scream springtime more than the Pink Drink. This strawberry-infused coconut milk refresher has become a cult favorite, thanks to its light, fruity flavor and signature pastel pink hue.
The Perfect Blend of Fruity & Creamy
This drink starts with Strawberry Açaí Refresher base, which includes real strawberry pieces for extra flavor and texture.
Instead of being mixed with water, it’s combined with creamy coconut milk, creating a smooth, tropical-inspired drink that tastes like a cross between a strawberry smoothie and a berry-infused iced tea.
Why It’s a Must-Try for Spring
- Refreshing, light, and dairy-free, making it a great choice for warmer days.
- The sweet-tart balance of strawberries and açaí makes it a fruit lover’s dream.
- Highly photogenic—one of the most Instagrammed Starbucks drinks of all time.
What You Should Know Before Ordering
While this drink is deliciously refreshing, it leans on the sweeter side. Those who prefer less sugar may want to ask for light syrup or extra ice to dilute the intensity.
Additionally, coconut milk adds a distinct tropical note, which might not be for everyone.
Final Verdict: A fun, fruity, and visually stunning drink that embodies the carefree energy of spring.
3. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Spring often calls for lighter, more refreshing coffee options, and the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso delivers just that.
With its bold espresso, subtle caramel sweetness, and creamy oat milk, a lighter option that replaces the heavier drinks of winter.
A Light & Balanced Coffee Fix
This drink features Starbucks Blonde Espresso, which is smoother and more mellow than traditional dark roast.
It’s shaken with brown sugar syrup, cinnamon, and ice, creating a lightly spiced, subtly sweet coffee base.
The final touch is oat milk, which enhances the creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
Why It’s a Springtime Favorite
- Less sweet than traditional lattes, making it ideal for those who prefer a bolder coffee flavor.
- The cinnamon and brown sugar create a comforting yet lightly spiced taste.
- Oat milk enhances the smoothness without overpowering the espresso.
A Few Downsides
Those who love strongly flavored coffee drinks may find this too mild. Since it uses blonde espresso, it’s not as bold as Starbucks’ classic espresso blends. To make it stronger, adding an extra shot of espresso helps balance the sweetness.
Final Verdict: A smooth, well-balanced coffee option that feels lighter and more refreshing than traditional lattes.
4. Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew – Lightly Sweet & Nutty
For a naturally sweet, nutty twist on cold brew, the Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew is a fantastic option. It’s simple, lightly sweetened with honey syrup, and has a smooth almond milk finish.
A Subtle Yet Flavorful Combination
This drink starts with Starbucks’ slow-steeped cold brew, which has a naturally smooth and slightly chocolatey flavor.
Instead of overpowering it with syrup, honey adds a gentle, natural sweetness, while almond milk provides a light, nutty undertone.
Why It Works for Spring
- A less sugary, more balanced option compared to mochas or macchiatos.
- Honey pairs beautifully with cold brew, enhancing its richness without masking the coffee.
- Great for dairy-free drinkers looking for something light yet satisfying.
A Few Things to Consider
Honey syrup isn’t as strong as traditional Starbucks sweeteners, so some might find it too mild. If you prefer bolder flavors, try adding extra honey syrup or cinnamon powder for more depth.
Final Verdict: A light, subtly sweet cold brew that’s perfect for those who want a refreshing yet simple springtime coffee.
5. Strawberry Açaí Refresher – A Fruity, Hydrating Classic
A drink that embodies spring with its vibrant color and bold, refreshing taste. The Strawberry Açaí Refresher is a longtime Starbucks favorite, known for its balanced blend of sweet and tart flavors. It’s light, energizing, and a great alternative to coffee-based drinks.
A Flavorful & Hydrating Blend
This drink is made with strawberry, açaí, and green coffee extract, creating a fruit-forward experience with a slight energy boost.
Unlike traditional coffee or espresso-based beverages, the green coffee extract provides a gentle lift without the bitterness of brewed coffee.
Real strawberry pieces float in the drink, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.
Why It’s a Springtime Favorite
- Refreshing and hydrating, making it ideal for warm days.
- Naturally caffeinated, but lighter than espresso drinks.
- Strawberry and açaí provide a sweet-tart balance, keeping it from being overly sugary.
What to Keep in Mind
Some may find the fruit flavors slightly diluted when extra ice is added. For a stronger taste, opting for light ice or asking for extra fruit inclusion enhances the overall experience.
Final Verdict: A light, energizing refresher that’s perfect for a fruity, non-coffee option.
6. Iced Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Spring menus often feature bright, crisp flavors, and this cold brew keeps it simple yet satisfying.
The Iced Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a smooth, subtly sweet option for those who enjoy bold coffee with a hint of indulgence.
A Balanced Coffee Experience
Cold brew is known for its low acidity and smooth finish, making it an excellent base for this drink. The addition of vanilla syrup provides a gentle sweetness, while the house-made vanilla sweet cream creates a velvety texture as it cascades through the cold brew.
Why It Works for Spring
- Less sugary than traditional iced lattes, offering a balanced profile.
- Cold brew’s natural smoothness makes it a great alternative to espresso-based drinks.
- Customizable—extra vanilla or a splash of oat milk can enhance its creamy texture.
Things to Consider
Since cold brew is naturally stronger than iced coffee, those who prefer milder drinks may find it more intense. Asking for extra sweet cream or a pump of classic syrup can adjust the strength to taste.
Final Verdict: A smooth, mildly sweet coffee that’s perfect for a refreshing caffeine boost without heavy flavors.
Honorable Mentions
Not all drinks can make the top list, but these standouts deserve recognition.
- Iced Passion Tango Tea – A caffeine-free, herbal infusion with hibiscus and lemongrass.
- Blonde Vanilla Latte – A lightly sweet espresso drink with a softer coffee profile.
- Mango Dragonfruit Refresher – A bold, tropical refresher with real dragonfruit pieces.
Conclusion
Spring brings a shift toward lighter, fruitier, and more refreshing drinks, and Starbucks delivers a variety of options to match the season. Whether it’s the earthy creaminess of matcha, the bright berry flavors of the Pink Drink, or the smooth boldness of cold brew, there’s something to enjoy.
With so many choices, finding the perfect drink depends on flavor preference and caffeine needs. Those who prefer fruity refreshers will enjoy the Strawberry Açaí Refresher, while coffee lovers can go for Iced Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew or Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
No matter the choice, these drinks capture the essence of spring with their refreshing and vibrant flavors.
As temperatures rise, Starbucks will roll out new treats. Be sure to check out our Summer Starbucks drinks review to see which icy favorites top the charts!
