Starbucks has been relentless with their new product launches and seasonal offerings this year. Just when we thought the fall menu was finalized, the company introduced a brand-new style of beverage to celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29. We will be the first to admit that the drink’s unique design was intriguing enough that we couldn’t resist testing it ourselves.
The new Starbucks Aerocano consists of espresso steamed with ice until it is fully melted and velvety, then poured over fresh ice. It is <a href="https://shoppixy.com/essential-winter-skincare-according-to-the-experts/” title=”Essential Winter Skincare, According to the Experts”>essentially a stylized take on an iced americano. We were curious to see if the specialized technique would actually translate into a noticeable difference in flavor and mouthfeel. The drink was released in both an original unsweetened version and a caramel-infused option, so we sampled both for you. Here is our official review.
Pros — We can confirm that these drinks certainly deliver on visual impact. The cascading aeration over the ice is enchanting and beautiful to watch. Even after the foam dissipates, you are left with a lovely crema resulting from the steaming process. It creates a texture so velvety that you might mistake it for cold foam, yet it retains a distinct espresso flavor that adds a creamy quality to every sip.
If you are already a fan of Starbucks iced americanos, these will likely be an excellent upgrade for you. The texture is more nuanced, while the flavor profile remains consistent with their standard americanos due to the identical ingredients and proportions.
Cons — Because this drink is essentially an americano that has been steamed and poured over ice, you really need to be an americano lover to appreciate it. That said, we believe Starbucks’ iced americanos need improvement. For a company defined by its espresso-based drinks, the espresso itself tastes surprisingly poor on its own. The blonde roast is overly tannic and bitter, completely masking the bright fruitiness one would expect and desire.
Since this beverage is composed entirely of espresso and water, it is no surprise that the result is distinctly underwhelming. Furthermore, due to the peculiar flavor of the espresso, the addition of caramel syrup in the Caramel Aerocano introduces an unpleasant layer of acidity. Again, if you enjoy Starbucks’ americanos in their standard form, these drinks are likely a welcome addition to the menu. We, however, will not be ordering them again.
