Starbucks Releases New Drinks In Lady Gaga Partnership

Now that temperatures are skyrocketing into official summer territory across the country, it’s probably time to switch up your Starbucks order (iced coffee, anyone?). And thanks to a new partnership between Lady Gaga and Starbucks, you can do some good with your morning coffee routine. On Jun. 13, Starbucks will partner with singer and activist Lady Gaga and her Born This Way Foundation to launch the Cups of Kindness Collection — a limited run of drinks hand-selected by Gaga herself. And, even better, there are going to be two new drinks added to the menu in celebration.

The campaign will raise funds for Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation — an effort that offers support and awareness for youth wellness by fostering kindness, promoting mental health resources, and creating positive environments for young people. Beginning Jun. 13, Starbucks will donate $0.25 to the foundation for every Cups of Kindness beverage it sells. The program runs through Jun. 19 in participating stores across the US and Canada, but don’t let the short run-time fool you; Starbucks has already committed to a minimum donation of at least $250,000 regardless of how well the drinks sell.

The Collection features four drinks, two of which are brand-new to the Starbucks menu: the new Matcha Lemonade, the new Violet Drink, and the previously released Ombré Pink Drink and Pink Drink. Also, take note, vegans: all four drinks are dairy-free. Plus, a grande size of each drink carries just 150 calories or less.

While each is said to be bright, light, refreshing, and perfect for summer sipping, Gaga herself says she already has a favorite: “I adore the entire collection, and I instantly fell in love with the Matcha Lemonade,” she said in Starbucks’ press release.

The campaign — which aims to empower young people to let their bright spots and colorful personalities shine — boasts appropriately colorful drinks to match. The Matcha Lemonade’s bright green hue is hard to miss, thanks to finely ground Teavana matcha green Tea, along with crisp lemonade. It’s also shaken and served over ice, making it perfect for hot days.

The Violet Drink features blackberry and hibiscus notes reminiscent of Starbuck’s signature Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher, along with creamy coconut milk. The flavor more than makes up for what the name lacks in originality; the violet flavor is evident, with notes of floral coming through in every sip.

The Ombré Pink Drink combines another of Starbucks’ Refreshers — Cool Lime — with Teavana Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea and coconut milk to get its signature, pale pink hue. A citrusy lime wedge completes the hibiscus-flavored drink, which begs to be enjoyed poolside.

The last drink in the collection — the Pink Drink — is as summery as it gets. Light and refreshing hints of Strawberry paired with Starbucks’ Strawberry Acai Refresher create a drink that combines notes of passionfruit, açaí, and coconut milk. A scoop of fresh strawberries over the top completes the drink, which is only available in the US.

Starbucks says the message behind the campaign is simple: be kind. It’s one we don’t hear enough, and one that young people in particular could stand to hear more of in day to day life.

Gaga — a long-time advocate for self-love and acceptance — expressed excitement for the partnership in a press release, along with its potential to serve as an example for what can happen when we prioritize acceptance and respect for all beings.

“We’re healthier and happier when we live our lives with compassion, and our communities are stronger when we treat one another with generosity and respect,” said Lady Gaga. “Born This Way Foundation and I are so excited to partner with Starbucks to help inspire positivity and love through the Cups of Kindness collection.”