We tried Dunkin’s new Sugarplum Macchiato so you don’t have to

Dunkin‘ released a new festive drink this week that’s been in the works since 2016, according to the company’s blog. The Sugarplum Macchiato has “hints of blueberry, raspberry, blackberry and plum with notes of vanilla and sugar” — emphasis on notes of sugar.

Personally, I don’t mind sugary coffee drinks. I enjoy the occasional Pumpkin Spice Latte — despite society demonizing it — and my favorite coffee secret is that the cappuccino machine at 7-Eleven makes the best morning pick-me-up available in the U.S.

The Sugarplum Macchiato comes either iced or hot, and the extra benefit of getting it iced is basking in the bright purple coloring of the sugarplum flavor.

“The light-purple color in the Sugarplum Macchiato, which comes from plant sources, represents the fun, whimsical nature of winter, while also embodying the vibrance of the bright berry flavors,” Dunkin’s blog reads.

I was less concerned about the “fun, whimsical nature of winter” being represented and more worried that I was going to suffer an immediate sugar hangover after one sip.

I asked the Dunkin’ employee if he’d tried this and whether it was “really sweet” to which he kinda shrugged and said, “It’s up to you.” I thought it was funny that he was making it like a “mind over matter” thing when I just watched him pump purple syrup into a cup of milk and ice.

Before trying it, I looked at social media to see what other people were saying — you know, like how you check the reviews before seeing a movie (except I’d already bought the drink, but whatever).

Most of the comments were people saying things like, “It tastes like purple.” To TikTok users, “purple” seemingly had quite a spectrum of meanings — including “cough syrup” and “grape Jolly Rancher.”

One person summed up my sentiments entirely: “I’m afraid to get one.”

The stakes were high — either it was going to taste like medicine or the worst Jolly Rancher flavor — and even writing this now, I’m not sure what to think. The first word out of my mouth after drinking it was, “Huh.”

The berry flavoring is definitely in there: There’s no mistaking that this is a berry-infused beverage. I have no idea what a sugarplum is supposed to taste like, so this could very well taste like one.

Overall, it is an enormous cup of sugar and, honestly, it does taste purple.

CNN Business also covered the launch and lauded Dunkin’ for taking festive drinks to the next level by making them aesthetically pleasing. I’ve heard that some baristas hate making these ombré, color-changing drinks because they’re complicated, but apparently, Dunkin’ made it super straightforward and simple to make, which adds a positive point to the drink in my book.

If you liked this story, check out this article where ITK’s Dillon Thompson makes homemade McGriddles.

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