Starbucks Adds Cortado to its Espresso Beverage Lineup

Starbucks Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Cream Cold Brew also return for a limited time this winter 

Beginning Friday, January 3, Starbucks is kicking off the new year by adding a new espresso beverage to its menu, the Cortado. Also new is the Brown Sugar Oat Cortado, Maple Mini Pancakes, Belgian Liège Waffle, and Single-Origin Ethiopia Whole Bean Coffee.  Seasonal favourites such as the Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, Heart Sugar Cookie and Valentine Cake Pop return for a limited time this winter.  

New Cortado 

Starbucks is celebrating coffee artistry and espresso craft with the introduction of the Cortado to its lineup of espresso beverages. Originating from Spain, a traditional Cortado is small in size and strong in flavour. The name comes from the Spanish word “cortar,” meaning “to cut,” as the milk cuts through the bold flavour of the espresso.  

Starbucks Cortado is crafted with three ristretto shots of Starbucks subtly sweet Blonde Espresso, featuring notes of candied apple and bittersweet chocolate. Ristretto shots enhance the rich, concentrated flavours of the coffee with a method that uses the same amount of coffee grounds as a regular espresso shot, but with less water and a shorter extraction time. This handcrafted espresso comes together when “cut” with steamed whole milk, or milk of choice, creating a perfectly balanced sip with a creamy texture.  

“Espresso is the heart and soul of Starbucks,” said Ricky Gonzalez, who works on the beverage development team. “Our goal was to create a new way for customers to experience espresso from us.” 

The Cortado joins Starbucks lineup of classic espresso beverages – the Doppio Espresso, Caffè Americano, Espresso Macchiato, Espresso Con Panna, Flat White, Cappuccino and Caffè Latte – and is only available hot and in a short (8 oz.) size. 

New Brown Sugar Oat Cortado 

For those seeking a flavourful twist on this classic Cortado, the Brown Sugar Oat Cortado offers customers a non-dairy option, and is also part of the permanent menu. This beverage features three ristretto shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso that deliver a sweet, more intense coffee flavour, combined with warm, comforting notes of brown sugar syrup and steamed oat beverage. Finished with a dash of cinnamon, the Brown Sugar Oat Cortado is velvety smooth, rich and inviting. Only available hot and served in a short (8 oz.) size. 

Espresso 101

Cortado joins an iconic lineup of Starbucks espresso beverages, which range from the bold Doppio Espresso to the creamy Caffè Latte. And let’s not forget Caffè Americano, Espresso Macchiato, Espresso Con Panna, Cappuccino – each with its own unique flavor and experience.

Returning Pistachio Beverages  

Pistachio Latte features Starbucks Signature Espresso and steamed milk infused with the cozy flavours of sweet pistachio and a brown-buttery topping. Available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.  

The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew features Starbucks Cold Brew, a custom blend of beans grown to steep long and cold, handcrafted in small batches daily, for a super-smooth flavour. The Cold Brew is sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with smooth pistachio cream cold foam and salted brown buttery sprinkles.  

Pistachio beverages are available for a limited time this winter, while supplies last. 

New and Returning Food 

Breakfast just got better with the introduction of two new items exclusively joining Starbucks Canada’s menu. The new Maple Mini Pancakes and Belgian Liège Waffle are the perfect bite-sized coffee companions, for a convenient delight that can be enjoyed on-the-go.  

New Maple Mini Pancakes 

Good things come in small packages and the sweet, golden brown, bite-sized Maple Mini Pancakes are no exception. Infused with maple sugar and flavour, the Maple Mini Pancakes are perfect to enjoy while out and about and to share with others. Available to purchase in serving sizes of 4 or 8.  

New Belgian Liège Waffle 

Crispy outside, soft on the inside, the sweet, golden brown, Belgian Liège Waffle is infused with pearl sugar and a smooth flavour of vanilla for the perfect snack any time of day.

Heart Sugar Cookie  

Celebrate the season of love and surprise your loved one with the returning Heart Sugar Cookie, a rich, buttery heart-shaped sugar cookie topped with white or pink chocolaty coating and colourful sprinkles. Available for a limited time, while supplies last. 

Valentine Cake Pop 

The Valentine Cake Pop also returns with a rich, chocolate cake coated with chocolaty icing and finished with heart sprinkles. Available for a limited time, while supplies last. 

Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia Whole Bean Coffee 

According to an Ethiopian legend, Ethiopia is believed to be the birthplace of coffee dating back to the 9^th century, and Starbucks has had coffee from Ethiopia on the menu since the first store opened at Pike Place Market in 1971.  

Appealing to customers who prefer a lighter roast coffee, the new Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia marks the first time Starbucks has roasted Ethiopian coffee blonde. The result is an extraordinary coffee expressing ginger blossom aromas and notes of tangerine, lemon balm and sweet dates, with a medium acidity and medium-light body.  

Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia is available for a limited time as packaged whole bean coffee. 

Stylish Winter Merchandise  

Welcome winter with a new assortment of exclusive Starbucks merchandise featuring abstract patterns and shades of the season, including light pinks, cool blues, and bright greens. The collection includes tumblers, cold cups, mugs, and water bottles in a variety of sizes. Assortment will vary by store, available for a limited time, while supplies last. 

For more information on Starbucks winter menu, visit starbucks.ca/menu/featured.