What is the Starbucks Juniper Latte?
I was a little surprised when I learned of Starbucks’ latest drink, the Juniper latte, because it was released late November but wasn’t a holiday-like drink.
Nonetheless, I was intrigued – the main draw of this new latte is a juniper syrup, which is supposed to add a “light, pine-like flavor with delightful citrus undertones.”
How is it?
My barista told me that customers have either been loving the Juniper latte or hating it, so I braced myself. I wasn’t so sure about the citrus-ness of it, but turns out I didn’t have to worry. At first taste, it tasted like a regular latte – actually not much flavor at all. I smelled the citrus, but didn’t taste it. There was an earthy aftertaste, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
Here’s the best way I can describe my experience: I liked the Juniper latte and I enjoyed it as I drank it, but it’s not something that I’m adding to my standard rotation of beverages. A good one-time try, but not enough to make it to the top of my list.
Is there anything else you need to know?
If you’re looking for something that is NOT sweet, this is your drink. The only sweetness came from the dusting of pine-citrus sugar, but that only lasts for a few sips until it melted into the drink. Still, a nice addition!
Conclusion:
If you go for a standard latte with no added syrups or flavors, or if you just want to try something a little different, I think you’ll enjoy the Starbucks Juniper Latte.
Purchased Price: $4.45
Size: Tall
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Tall) 200 calories, 5 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 20 milligrams of cholesterol, 130 milligrams of sodium, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 27 grams of sugars, 9 grams of protein, and 75 milligrams of caffeine.
I had this one, and the Black Apron barista at the Starbucks in my local Harris Teeter put this in his “love love love” category, and lamented that such a unique flavor is not going to last long or be a regular item on the menu.
I’m putting it in my “do not want again” category. Because of what seemed like a strong rosemary flavor, my immediate response was “this is stuffing [dressing] that you eat with turkey”. Then it is liquid, so that messes up the response. It’s not as pine-tar as I thought based on the description of the flavors, but I’m still not getting another.
The first one I had tasted like a Christmas tree. The other three after have disappointingly been more subtle in flavor. The first one made me understand why my cats are so obsessed with getting to the water at the base of my tree. They still aren’t allowed into it, but I understand now.