‘Modern take on a classic’

Starbucks is stirring things up this summer.

Starting July 8, the coffee giant will officially introduce the brand-new Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverage to menus nationwide.

Inspired by the Italian word “strato,” which means “layer,” the drinks layer the Frappuccino with different cold foam flavors and colors.

The new drinks come as the classic Frappuccino celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

“It’s the perfect time for a beverage like this,” Susan Engdahl, who is part of the team at Starbucks that helped create the beverage, said in a statement. “Customers know and love the Frappuccino blended beverage drink, and this gives them a new way to enjoy it.”

“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Frappuccino, we’re excited to offer a modern take on a classic beverage, with layers of flavor and creamy texture that customers are craving right now.”

The three new Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverages include:

• Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverage: A blend of Frappuccino Roast coffee, milk and ice, layered with brown sugar-flavored cream cold foam and topped with cinnamon.
• Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverage: A blend of Starbucks reformulated unsweetened matcha, classic syrup, milk and ice, layered with juicy strawberry-flavored cream cold foam.
• Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverage: A blend of chocolate and caramel, made with mocha sauce, Frappuccino Roast coffee, milk and ice, topped with a layer of salted caramel-flavored cream cold foam and caramel drizzle.

Strato Frappuccinos were one of the first beverages to be tested through Starbucks’ recent Starting 5 program, in which five coffeehouses test new menu items before they roll out nationwide.

A protein cold foam with 15 grams of protein is currently undergoing this process, which includes being workshopped by baristas and receiving positive reviews from both baristas and customers.

The coffee chain’s Starbucks Artist Collaboration Series merchandise also will return to Starbucks cafés starting July 8 featuring a collection of cold cups and a ceramic tumbler with designs by Nigerian-American artist and print and textile designer Shadé Akanbi.