Starbucks Is Testing Something AMAZING

Starbucks knows a winner when they see one, and it's officially safe to say that their affogato has hit it big. The caffeinated dessert — originally introduced to the menu at Seattle's Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room last June — was such a success that Starbucks is testing affogato in a number of stores in the United States. What's better than one of humankind's favorite desserts (ice cream) with a little extra kick (espresso)? Nothing. That's what

"Wait a minute," you might be thinking. "Affogato? Starbucks? That sounds familiar." And you would be correct: The Starbucks Affogato-Stye Frappuccino, which made its debut last summer. It was inspired by affogato, a classic Italian dessert made by pouring a shot of espresso over vanilla gelato. At the time, Starbucks put their own unique spin on it by instead pouring the shot over a Frappuccino instead.

Now, though, the coffee giant is getting even more creative with the drink-and-dessert combination that customers have fallen in love with. The affogato menu first appeared at the Seattle Roastery in June of 2016 using ice cream from Mora Iced Creamery in Bainbridge, Wa. — and ever since then, affogato has been one of the top five most requested beverages at the Roastery, even during the winter.

Which brings us to now: After the Roastery's success with its affogato menu, it's time to test things out elsewhere in the country. Starting tomorrow, the Roastery Affogato menu will be tested out at 10 different Starbucks stores that have Reserve bars, across Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, Maryland, and Boston. These affogatos will use Starbucks small-lot Reserve coffees, made at the Roastery in limited quantities, and they range from $6.00 to $8.50. Options include Classic Affogato, House Affogato, Cold Brew Float, and Cold Brew Malt

Additionally, a different, Roastery-inspired menu will hit 100 stores across Orange County, Calif. These products will feature Starbucks' classic signature Espresso Roast and Nariño 70 Cold Brew. They range from $5.25 to $6.45 and include Classic Espresso Aff­ogato, Starbucks Narino 70 Cold Brew Float, and Starbucks Narino 70 Cold Brew Malt.

Mora Iced Creamery was created by a husband-and-wife duo who makes small batches of the chilly dessert using fresh milk, eggs, and cane sugar. Ana Orselli and Jerry Perez came to this country as immigrants from Buenos Aires in 2002. Needless to say, they've gone very far.

Even as we near the transition between a frigid winter and chilly spring, it sounds like it's always a good time for Starbucks affogato. Truthfully, I think it's always a good time for Starbucks... period.

Images: Fotolia; Giphy