We Tried Starbucks’ New Orange Cream Drinks And We’re Actually Surprised

Starbucks has been really going at it with new drink releases this summer. And they have managed to bring summer vibes with every one of them. You’d think after blue coconut drinks, color-changing butterfly drinks, and new blended refreshers, they’d be out of ideas. You (me included) would be wrong. Starbucks has just come out with a new line of summer drinks and they are the quintessential summer vibe. 

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So, just what are these sip-worthy summer drinks? They’re based on none other than the best summer treat of childhood: the orange Creamsicle. Tangy orange and rich cream, this flavor combo will bring you back to hot summer days licking the melting sticky orange delicacy from your hands because you don’t want to waste a drop. I got my hands on all four and, I have to say, I was really pleasantly surprised. Let’s get into the drinks and what I thought of them.

Orange Cream Cold Brew 

Now, this was the one I was most skeptical of. The Orange Cream is a cream foam that blends tangerine and mandarin flavors with notes of vanilla. And to me, orange and cold brew just… were not computing in my head. It seemed like the flavors would clash or one would overpower the other. But they balanced pretty well. It certainly wasn’t my favorite of the four. But it was good. For orange lovers and cold brew lovers, this was a pretty good mix.

Iced Orange Cream Matcha 

I was leery of this one because most chain places can be really hit or miss on their matcha. But oh boy, this was delicious. This is the only way I want matcha ever again. The tang of the orange and the sweetness of the cream and vanilla married beautifully with the earthiness of the matcha. If you’re scared of matcha for tasting like grass (understandably so―I said I was leery for a reason), you will be so surprised. There was none of the grassiness to be found. Just a delightful, refreshing drink. So, if you want to try something new and are a fan of tea or just don’t want to drink coffee in the afternoon, this could be the perfect pick-me-up you need. I’ll definitely be getting this several more times before it goes away. 

Iced Orange Cream Chai 

Of all the drinks, this was the one I thought would work the best. I’m a big baker and I watch all the baking shows possible. So I know orange and spice go so well together. And this drink did not miss. The orange and Chai blend together so well. It was a delightful little cup of joy. Again, if you don’t drink coffee in the afternoon or you like tea more, this is a great alternative to coffee drinks from Starbucks. It’s going to be hard to pick between this and the matcha version for me. 

Orange Cream Frappuccino Blended

This is a coffee free drink, so it’s a great option for the kiddos. It’s literally just like a drinkable orange cream popsicle. Like, it’s exactly what it says on the package. It was really good. But I found it went a little sweet, but most of their Fraps skew sweet to me. Which is probably also something you want to keep in mind if you’re giving this to your kid. We don’t need them bouncing off the walls. It was good. It got their point across. And it’s a fun summer drink to round out their new lineup. 

Our Verdict

Overall, this new drop was a pleasant surprise. Orange seemed like such a hard sell in some of the choices, but they managed to navigate the flavors well and make them all taste good. Now, they’re of course not for everybody. But anyone who’s curious or likes orange should definitely give them a try for themselves. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.