Starbucks is bringing back its beloved Valentine's Day-themed drinks to participating U.S. stores starting February 4

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has emphasized that despite the upcoming menu reductions, the company remains committed to innovation

Seattle-based coffee giant Starbucks is set to introduce a fresh lineup of limited-time beverages on Tuesday, just a week after revealing plans to trim approximately 30% of its menu. The move is part of the company's broader strategy to counter declining foot traffic while maintaining its tradition of seasonal offerings that drive customer engagement and sales. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has emphasized that despite the upcoming menu reductions, the company remains committed to innovation. He stated during an earnings call that Starbucks will continue to lead the market with breakthrough beverage and food innovation, responding to customer trends and changing preferences.

The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino is a blend of strawberry puree, Frappuccino chips, milk, and ice, finished with whipped cream and mocha drizzle. The Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew is a sweetened cold brew infused with vanilla syrup, topped with chocolate hazelnut cream cold foam and chocolate cookie crumbles. In addition to the returning favorites, Starbucks is also introducing a trio of Blackberry Sage Refresher drinks. The Blackberry Sage Refresher features green coffee extract, dried blackberries, and sage notes, shaken with ice. The Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher offers a tangy variation featuring lemonade, while the Midnight Drink is a creamy alternative blended with coconut milk. The company describes these beverages as its first attempt to pair berry flavors with herbs, capitalizing on a growing mixology trend in cocktails and mocktails.

During the winter months, Starbucks found that customers seek drinks that are both refreshing and balanced. Billy Altieri, Starbucks' lead beverage developer, noted that herbs are popular in mixology as they add warmth to balance the sweet, juicy flavors of the blackberry fruit. Early taste tests suggest these new refreshers provide a smoother experience than previous holiday-themed drinks, with the Midnight Drink standing out for its creamy texture and balanced flavor.