Starbucks debuts Cortados for first time: See 2025 winter drink menu

Greta Cross, USA TODAY
Updated ·3-min read

Move aside, Peppermint Mocha. Starbucks is gearing up for a new, limited-edition winter menu, in addition to a new staple.

Starbucks, for the first time, will begin offering Cortados on Friday. Typically made with a 1:1 ratio of steamed milk and espresso, cortados are small but pack a strong flavor. The new drink will join the coffee chain's signature lineup, next to the Cafe Latte and Cappuccino.

Interested in learning more? Here's what to know about Starbucks' new Cortado and the rest of the winter menu, debuting on Friday.

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What is a Cortado?

Starbucks unveils the Cortado to its signature menu on Friday, Jan. 3, 2024. Cortados are typically made with a 1:1 ratio of espresso and steamed milk.
Starbucks unveils the Cortado to its signature menu on Friday, Jan. 3, 2024. Cortados are typically made with a 1:1 ratio of espresso and steamed milk.

Starbucks' Cortado features three ristretto shots of Blonde Espresso and steamed milk. The drink is served in a short, eight-ounce cup and is only available hot. Ristretto espresso shots are smaller and more concentrated than traditional espresso shots.

The Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado features three ristretto shots, steamed oat milk, brown sugar syrup and is topped with a dash of cinnamon. The drink is also served in an eight-ounce cup and is only available hot.

What else is on the Starbucks winter menu?

Starbucks' new Vegan Spicy Falafel Pocket features smashed falafel, hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions and spicy herb sauce, wrapped in a toasted flatbread
Starbucks' new Vegan Spicy Falafel Pocket features smashed falafel, hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions and spicy herb sauce, wrapped in a toasted flatbread

  • Pistachio Latte: Espresso, steamed milk, pistachio flavoring and a brown butter topping (available hot, iced and blended as a Frappuccino)

  • Pistachio Cream Cold Brew: Cold brew, vanilla syrup, pistachio cream cold foam and brown butter sprinkles

  • Vegan Spicy Falafel Pocket: Smashed falafel, hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions and spicy herb sauce, wrapped in a toasted flatbread

  • Vanilla Bean Custard Danish: Danish dough filled with vanilla bean custard

  • Single-Origin Ethiopia: Blonde roast coffee featuring ginger blossom aromas with notes of tangerine, lemon balm and sweet dates (available as whole bean or featured light roast drip coffee)

Starbucks' Pistachio Latte features espresso, steamed milk, pistachio flavoring and a brown butter topping. The drink is available hot, iced and blended as a Fraccuccino.
Starbucks' Pistachio Latte features espresso, steamed milk, pistachio flavoring and a brown butter topping. The drink is available hot, iced and blended as a Fraccuccino.

A new seasonal drinkware collection is also available, featuring light pinks, cool blues and bright greens. The collection includes tumblers, cold cups, mugs and water bottles in various sizes. Assortment vary per store.

A change to the matcha recipe

Starting on Friday, Starbucks will also offer a new, unsweetened matcha powder. Guests will have the opportunity to add classic syrup to their matcha drinks, if they'd prefer some sweetness.

Return of Hot Honey to Starbucks Reserve locations

Back by popular demand is Starbucks' Hot Honey, available only at Starbucks Reserve Roasteries. The Hot Honey menu includes five drinks:

  • Hot Honey Cortado: Reserve Espresso, steamed milk and Hot Honey

  • Hot Honey Dirty Chai: Reserve Espresso, Oolong Chai, steamed milk and Hot Honey

  • Hot Honey Ginger Spritz: Reserve Espresso, ginger beer and hot honey over ice, served with a cinnamon stick and pickled ginger

  • Hot Honey Espresso Martini: Reserve Espresso, Kalak Single Malt Vodka, vanilla syrup, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur and Hot Honey, topped with spicy-sweet cold foam and black sesame seeds

  • Orange Spice Espresso Martini (non-alcoholic): Reserve Espresso, Spiritless Kentucky 74 Spiced, vanilla syrup and Scrappy's Orange Bitters, topped with a dried orange wheel

This winter, Starbucks Reserve Roasteries are also offering four new and returning, limited-time sweet and savory treats:

  • Hot Honey Scone: Scone baked with Calabrian chilies and topped with a drizzle of sweet honey

  • Prosciutto & Parmigiano-Reggiano on Herb Cornetto Sandwich: Dry-cured prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano paired with a wamred herb cornetto

  • Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese on Seeded Cornetto Sandwich: Thinly-sliced smoked salmon with red onion, arugula and cream cheese, served on a baked seeded cornetto

  • Meatball & Burrata Pizza: House-made meatballs over Pomodoro sauce, garnished with burrata and parsley

Starbucks Reserve Roasteries will also be offering several new whole bean coffees:

  • Sun-Dried Ethiopia Oromia West Arsi: Fruity and sweet flavors

  • Mexico Tenejapa San Cristobal: Bright and zesty citrus aromas with notes of candied kumquat, toasted almond and cocoa nibs

  • Nicaragua Maracaturra Tres Proceso: Citrus, rhubarb marmalade and Bing Cherry

  • Sun-Dried Guatemala Antigua Finca Medina: Vanilla, dried fig, dark chocolate and cedar accents

Starbucks Reserve Roasteries are located in Chicago, New York City and Seattle.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify drinks and snacks that are returning, versus new.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Starbucks winter menu 2025 drinks: Cortado, Pistachio Latte

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