Springtime is rapidly approaching, and Starbucks is celebrating with a duo of new Macchiatos for both the chilly and sunny days leading up to summer: The Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato to warm you up on cold days, and the Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato to cool you down on sunny ones. And if you're wondering what's in a Starbucks Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato, I can tell you that this drink sounds so amazing it should be illegal.
The macchiato begins with espresso, swirls in creamy almondmilk (dairy-free, yes!), and sweet cinnamon dolce syrup. It's topped with Starbucks signature caramel cross-hatch, and a sprinkle of cinnamon dolce topping. Is your mouth watering yet? Good, because this drink is available Feb. 28 for a limited time in the United States and Canada.
“The original inspiration for the beverage is from horchata, a popular beverage in Spain and Latin America,” revealed Yoke Wong from the Starbucks Beverage Development team in a press release. “It is traditionally made with almond, or rice, milk and spices like cinnamon.”
While the Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato is Spanish and Latin America inspired, macchiato is actually an Italian word that means "marked." As in every Starbucks macchiato beverage is marked — whether by espresso, foam, or its signature cross-hatch. Starbucks has been serving macchiatos for 30 years.
And, did you know that depending on where you are around the world, the Starbucks macchiato selection varies? For example, Canada has featured the Starbucks Maple Macchiato, while China offered its own twist on the beverage with Starbucks Chestnut Macchiato. For a limited time, customers in Asia can enjoy a Starbucks Tahitian Vanilla Macchiato in select markets.
Let's explore the main ingredients behind the delicious Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato.
1. Espresso
Espresso is a form of coffee brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. It's generally thicker than coffee brewed by other methods, and it's topped with crema (a foam with a creamy consistency). Espresso is the first ingredient in the Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato. Wonder if this drink will keep you awake through your afternoon slump? With 75 mg of caffeine in a tall Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato, it should do the trick.
2. Almondmilk
I'll let you in on a little secret: I am not generally a fan of dairy (unless it's cheese, because cheese is the best). That's why it's so great that the Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato is dairy-free. Where was almondmilk when I was growing up? This delicious, creamy milk substitute could have saved me and my mom a lot of fights at the dinner table.
3. Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
Add in that sweet cinnamon dolce syrup, which is basically brown sugar, water, and cinnamon, and you've got one tasty treat in Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato. I mean seriously, what's better than almond milk, espresso, and cinnamon? Very few things, in my opinion.
4. Caramel Cross-Hatch
If the espresso, almond milk, and cinnamon dolce aren't enough to get your mouth watering, I have one word for you — caramel. I just realized that I have gone my entire life without knowing what caramel really is. I know I love it, but what the heck is caramel? It turns out it's sugar or syrup heated until it turns brown, used as a flavoring or coloring for food or drink. In this case, it's used to make a cross-hatch design, thus finishing the Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato with a sweet flourish.
5. A Sprinkling Of Cinnamon Dolce
If the cinnamon dolce syrup weren't enough, the Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato is topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon dolce, too. Double cinnamon dolce equals doubly delicious.
I don't know about you, but grabbing a cold Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato sounds just about perfect for a sunny, pre-spring day. While most of the country has been enjoying an early spring (it was in the 70s in Ohio last week), it's been downright chilly in California with temperatures dipping into the low 40s. But, with the promise of temperatures climbing into the 70s by mid week, you can bet I am getting one of these drinks to celebrate.
And, unlike in Italy (where coffee is consumed in moderation), if you order a venti Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato in the United States, no one will look at you like you've suddenly grown an extra head. In fact, order two ventis. It's totally normal, and you can grab an Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato from $4.25 to $4.75, depending on the market.
If you're traveling this spring, duck into your local Starbucks to see what they're offering. In the meantime, head to your neighborhood Starbucks for an Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato because it's been a long winter, and you deserve it.
