Rona Re-targetting Starbucks
On an early visit to Target, this was a welcomed sight.
Yes, the in-store Starbucks is once again brewing albeit with a stanchion-ed maze. There were even these new post-COVID19 cups.
coffee
Rona Pokka
Who is Mr. Pokka Coffee, and why is his name Pokka?
This milk coffee gold has been a nice complement to my usual Royal Mills/Ito-en Iced Cappuccino. Not as sweet and heavy but still a nice flavor.
Rona Stars from Starbucks
Starbucks is reopening during this Rona times in a star-filled way. Every mobile order made from now to the end of the month will be rewarded with an extra 25 Bonus Stars.
Rona Shortage
Wait, this is my last can?
Might have to visit Costco sooner rather than later. And on a related note, how can Target not have any coffee creamer? Not one single bottle of any size or flavor in the refrigerated section. Even the workers confirmed this Rona shortage.
Rona Review: Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Dark Caramel
Just to take a step away from telework, here’s a short and fast ‘Rona Review of the new Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Dark Caramel that comes in a can.
Looking like a typical 12 fl oz can, the contents is only 9.6 fl oz so the can is light and you can tell there’s space inside.
Not very sweet, minimal nitro bubble feel to the drink.
Am I supposed to shake this? The directions on the back say to “Gently tilt can once…”
Nitrogen is on the ingredients list, albeit last.
Consistency is thin and definitely not creamy like an Ito-en canned drink. The entire can is only 45 Calories though.
Cost is high, around $4 per can?? Or was it 2 for $4? I would only get again if it were on sale.
Here’s a quick video of what it sounds like when the can is opened.
Do You See What’s Happening Here?
Okay, my picture is a little too late, but do you see what’s happening here at Starbucks?
I’ll give you a clue. That cup was about half full a few seconds before the picture was taken.
Still stumped? Here’s another clue.
And here are better pictures of this all-too-real myth.
I Take That Back…
Okay, okay, I take that back. I really didn’t fib. I was just delayed with the truth. A busy Friday prepping for a weekend at Bellows called for a caffeine boost, and looking to the skies, I was inspired to get another Cloud Macchiato. This time iced.
I must say the presentation of the iced version in the clear cup is very attractive.
The only draw back of this drink is how to best experience its flavor. This drink comes with the no-straw lid (the future of all cold Starbucks drinks) so without a straw to mix the cloud with the “ground,” the first few sips are all sweet foam, no espresso. So I gave in, got a straw, and mixed everything together. The drink is pretty good. Nothing exceptionally different from other espresso-based drinks but tasty and looks great. Of course, I need to conduct a few more tests to come to my final disposition of this drink
I Fibbed
I’m sorry, but I lied. Instead of sampling Starbucks’ new iced Cloud Macchiato, I opted for a hot version instead. Seattle-esque weather just called for this changeup.
The drink was okay but nothing memorable. But then again, since I was on the road, I didn’t take a sip for about 10 minutes.
My Next Drink, Starbucks Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato
With or without the partnership with singer Ariana Grande, I’m gonna try out Starbucks latest concoction, the Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato. At the very least, the drink does look interesting with the cloud-like foam hovering over and infusing with the espresso below. Comes hot or cold and in caramel or cinnamon. Up first for me would be cold caramel.
Starbucks Haupia Nitro, a Hawaii Exclusive
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery location in the Waikiki Trade Center is the only place in all of America where you can order a Haupia Nitro. Yup, that’s a nitro cold brew infused with a coconut blended mixture. The walls of the special Reserve cup are lined with condensed milk (I think), and the finished drink looks like this.
Like any other Nitro cold brew, this drink is amped on caffeine. The taste is kinda strong for my preferences, but the haupia mellows it out overall. This is an expensive libation though, coming in at $6 for a grande, but keep in mind that since there’s no ice added, it’s all unadulterated coffee.
If the Haupia Nitro is not for your palette, be sure to check out the other unique menu items at the only Reserve Roastery in Hawaii.
Or better yet, ask the barista for a recommendation, and let her photobomb her creation for you.
Loving the Starbucks Nitro Freddo
My latest Starbucks obsession is the Nitro Freddo. This drink starts with nitro cold brew on tap. Then it’s topped off with a dark caramel foam and a sprinkle of what looks like Starbucks instant VIA coffee.
Alone, the Nitro Cold Brew is a potent drink – highly caffeinated and all coffee flavor. The Freddo balances the cold brew with that wonderful foam. If possible, don’t savor the drink and let it sit. Drink the layers as is before everything dissolves together and enjoy the waves of flavor.
Unfortunately, this drink is only available at two locations on Oahu – Waikiki and Nuuanu. Yup, the Nitro Cold Brew is only on tap at these two stores. And this drink is expensive with a grande coming in around $5.70. But since the drink has no ice, it’s all Nitro Cold Brew, but it does get lukewarm quickly. Also, this drink has its own special lid made for sipping, not for straws.
