Starbucks Refreshers

Move over Mocha Frappuccino, there’s a new coffee drink in town. Meet Starbucks Refreshers, the brew that tastes nothing like coffee.

Starbucks Refreshers are iced beverages made with real fruit juice, stevia (a natural sweetener) and green coffee extract, which provides a natural source of caffeine. At less than 100 calories for a Tall or Grande, it won’t destroy your diet, either.

Cliff Burrows, president of Starbucks Americas, described the product as “an innovative extension of the coffee market,” and “the perfect solution for customers looking for a boost of natural energy and thirst-quenching, delicious refreshment.”

I found the new drink to be refreshing, energizing, and delicious, just as advertised. It’s not going to replace my morning cup of joe, but it’s perfect for a 2pm pick-me-up. The handcrafted beverage comes in two flavors: Very Berry Hibiscus with real berries and Cool Lime with real lime slices.

I thought the Very Berry Hibiscus was great and quenched my thirst but the Cool Lime wasn't as tasty (full disclosure: I am biased for berries).

But enough with my opinion because not everyone agreed with me. Some colleagues in the office found the flavoring off-putting while others didn't like its texture.

Here are more of their reactions:

“As someone who’s sensitive to caffeine, I thought this was delicious, but don’t drink it too late because it kept me up all night.”

“It tastes like a mojito that won’t get me drunk.”

“I tried the yellow one. It was really refreshing! It actually reminded me of a thyme and cucumber martini I once had in Santa Monica … only without the alcohol bite!”

“I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it.”

“I thought it tasted refreshing at first, but I could taste the stevia in there. I don’t think I would purchase it for myself, but if someone handed it to me again, I’d give it another shot.”

“There were too many chunks of fruit in it – it made it hard to drink.”

Want to try one yourself? Friday, July 13th from noon to 3 p.m. local time customers can visit participating U.S. and Canada stores and enjoy a free Tall handcrafted Starbucks Refreshers beverage, courtesy of Starbucks while supplies last. Try one, and tell us what you think!

*Note: This review is based on the Handcrafted Starbucks Refreshers. The line also includes Starbucks VIA Refreshers instant beverages, and Ready-to-Drink Starbucks Refreshers.