Starbucks is undergoing a quiet revolution at the moment, with new CEO Brian Niccol introducing a host of changes aimed at making Starbucks more customer-friendly whilst striving to reinforce its chains’ role as a hangout spot.
More seats, more mugs, and personal affirmations scribbled on cups are all on the agenda, and it seems like more changes are yet to come.
While all that whirs in the background, the brand hasn’t lost much momentum as far as drawing in Gen Z is concerned. Its cross-generation appeal is no more apparent than on TikTok where there’s an endless litany of new hacks and vibes being shared by coffee fans.
A particular Starbucks TikTok trend doing the rounds right now focuses on a so-called ‘secret menu’, and one item in particular has caught a lot of fans’ imaginations.
According to TikTokers, this special order tastes exactly like candy. That might not appeal to many coffee afficionados, but Starbucks has become a broad church with its wide array of beverage options including frappuccinos, fruity ‘Refresha’ blends, iced teas, and matcha to name just a few.
The viral drink in question is this: the Gummy Shark Drink. It’s not an official menu item, hence it belonging to the illusory ‘secret menu’, but it’s very much available to those who know the right customisations to order.
"So good, you have to try it," said one TikToker, while another called it a ‘must try’.
While you have to rock up to your Starbucks armed with the essential knowledge, it’s actually surprisingly simple. Sadly for our UK readers, it does require a drink that isn’t available on these shores as the base.
If you’re the States, you can simply order yourself a Venti Summer Skies Refresher drink, but opt out of the raspberry-flavoured pearls whilst adding in vanilla sweet cream cold foam.
It’s as simple as that.
According to Megan Schaltegger at Delish, it lives up to its reputation.
“I didn't fully understand the candy comparison until I tried it for myself,” she wrote. “Then, it all made sense.
“It has the same sweet flavor profile, with a hint of sour thanks to the OG Refresher flavor, and a creamy texture just like the candy—shoutout to the the coconut milk and vanilla sweet cream cold foam for that. It even looks like the real thing.”
With summer only just underway, it’s an ideal way to get refreshed and zipped up with a boatload of sugar so you can run around and gallivant with your buddies to your heart’s content.
Featured Image Credit: NurPhoto / Contributor/Getty ImagesTopics: US Food, Starbucks , Fast Food, Social Media, TikTok
Rachael Davis