... Read moreHey fellow Starbucks lovers! Spring has sprung, and with it, two highly anticipated new drinks that have been totally captivating our taste buds: the Lavender Oatmilk Matcha and the Cherry Chai Latte. I've been seeing so many people asking, "Which one should I try?" or debating Cherry Chai Latte OR LAVENDER OATMILK MATCHA? Well, I'm here to spill the beans (or should I say, the tea and matcha!).
Let's start with my personal favorite, the Lavender Oatmilk Matcha. Oh my goodness, this drink is everything I hoped for and more. If you're a fan of matcha, you're in for a treat. The earthy, slightly bitter notes of the matcha are beautifully complemented by the delicate, floral sweetness of the lavender. It's not an overpowering lavender taste; it's subtle, elegant, and truly refreshing. The oatmilk adds a gorgeous creaminess that makes every sip feel luxurious. My pro tip? Ask for extra lavender powder. It really enhances that floral aroma and flavor without making it too perfumey. It creates this beautiful, vibrant green drink that just screams spring!
Now, for the Cherry Chai Latte. This one is quite different, but equally intriguing! If you love a classic chai latte, you'll recognize that warm, spicy cinnamon and cardamom base. What makes it unique is the addition of cherry. It's a sweet and slightly tart cherry flavor that dances really nicely with the chai spices. It surprised me how well cherry and chai actually pair together! Visually, it's a lovely light pink, which is super 'spring coded' and Instagram-worthy. It's a comforting yet exciting drink, perfect for those days when you want something warm but with a twist. It definitely offers a different kind of warmth compared to the earthy freshness of the matcha.
So, when it comes to the ultimate showdown of chai lavender flavors – which one is for you? If you prefer something light, refreshing, and distinctly floral with an earthy base, the Lavender Oatmilk Matcha is your go-to. It's perfect for a sunny afternoon pick-me-up. If you're craving something cozy, spicy, and a bit fruity, the Cherry Chai Latte will hit the spot. It's a wonderful twist on a classic, offering warmth with a sweet surprise.
For those who like to customize, both drinks offer plenty of options. For the Lavender Oatmilk Matcha, you could try adding a pump of vanilla syrup if you want a touch more sweetness, or even a shot of espresso for a 'dirty matcha' twist. For the Cherry Chai Latte, consider asking for a different milk alternative like almond milk, or even adding a shot of espresso to make it a 'dirty cherry chai' for an extra caffeine kick and depth of flavor. You could also adjust the number of cherry pumps to control the sweetness and tartness.
Ultimately, both of these new Starbucks drinks are fantastic additions to the spring menu, offering unique flavor experiences. While my heart leans towards the Lavender Oatmilk Matcha for its delightful floral notes and creamy texture, the Cherry Chai Latte is a strong contender for anyone seeking a familiar comfort with an exciting fruity twist. I encourage you to try both and decide your own favorite!