Two More Reasons to Love Starbucks

August 05, 2017
by
shai habon

Coffee lover? I got you. But first, here are two reasons why you should visit a nearby Starbucks store ASAP.

Note: Read on, a hefty coffee giveaway treat awaits you.

1A. You’re coffee takes a lot of work.

1B. You can pair coffee with any all kinds of dishes

I used to think that coffee-making is an easy task. Like you have to plant and harvest some beans, grind them using a machine or process them using a coffee press and voila, you get some powdered flavour ready for consumption. Well not until last month when I got the chance to be my own barista.

Hello, I’m a Coffee Master. Oops, just kidding!

A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to join Starbucks Coffee College, an immersive coffee journey that took me through the diverse flavors of coffee and the different ways to make it. The goal was for us (bloggers and media participants) to experience a different kind of food pairing – coffee paired with every dish in a four-course meal. Alongside the experience was bits of learning about coffee, the fundamentals of brewing and the different machines and techniques in producing a brewed drink.

I know pairing coffee with a full course meal sounds odd. Imagine a citrusy-fruity entree, Petite Mesclun and Raspberry Salad, paired with Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee? I was kinda hesitant at first but surprisingly, I enjoyed every bit of this combo. The strong kick of coffee complements the sweet and sour notes of this dish and every layer of the salad mixes well with the bitterness of the drink.

We were also served with a sumptuous entree – Sous Vide Angus Beef with Almond Gouda Crumbs, paired with the Starbucks Kati-Kati Blend. The dish featured a beef laid on top of a dark chocolate demi-glace – yup, some real, glorious CHOCOLATE sauce served like a steak gravy partnered with a strong brewed coffee.

Next, we had Grilled Cilantro Chicken with Lime Beurre Blanc, paired with the Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Musasa. I was kinda proud because I made the blend for the whole table using a Pour Over Cone brew. I measured some stuff, placed a paper filter, poured hot water, extracted the flavour and so on. It sounds pretty easy but it’s not. It requires some chemistry talent plus a lot of patience.

Another member of our group made use of the same beans but with a different technique. He used a machine called Chemex which required a lot of measurements and precision as well.

So we had two drinks with the same raw ingredient, processed differently and taste differently! There’s a clear distinction between the two. The Pour Over Cone product is a little bright and sour-ly but the one Chemex coffee is bolder and stronger.

Of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without a dessert. We were served with a Starbucks VIA Italian Roast Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream. We were also given sachets of Starbucks VIA Matcha (YES, MATCHA HEAVEN) to pour over the ice cream and I devoured everything in a snap. Yes, it was that good and I really wish I had more.

All in all, this “Back to (coffee) school” experience was both refreshing and fun. I enjoyed the food, the learnings and the company of fellow bloggers and coffee enthusiasts. We also had a mini graduation and we were given diplomas and that kinda sealed the deal. I guess I can be a barista soon but for the meantime, I have to review my Chem formulas first.

2. Starbucks Unveils Two New Drinks (and they are more than Instagram-worthy).

I know we all have our favourite Starbucks drinks. It can be that coffee jelly blend or a latte or some strong cappuccino. We got that staple drink that perfectly matches our taste buds.

On the other hand, I’m the person who’s kinda experimental. I’ve mentioned before how I love Starbucks’ Caramel Frappe but I love trying other flavours as well. The Banana Split Mocha Frappuccino became my instant favourite when it was released last June while the Pop’zel Coffee Frappuccino easily filled in my summer craving.

Last July 25, Starbucks released two new drinks, the Açai Mixed Berry Yogurt Frappuccino and the Granola Dark Mocha Frappuccino.

Being the keen kid that I am, I immediately went to Starbucks to try them and here’s my take on both drinks.

I’m a big fan of yogurt so I love how the Açai Mixed Berry Yogurt Frappuccino is both refreshing and milky. It combines Açai berry-infused yogurt with bursting pearls and distinct notes of mixed berry, finished with light and creamy milk foam.

On the other hand, the Granola Dark Mocha Frappuccino blended beverage is a marriage of Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino with rich, chocolate flavors and a tasty blend of hearty cereal. It is topped with creamy milk foam, sprinkled with a generous topping of crunchy granola and chunks of mixed fruits.

So I got a pink drink and a brown drink, both very distinct but are equally tasty, not to mention, instagram-worthy. Here’s the new Starbucks card too!

Starbucks also prepared blends that are perfect for this rainy season. The Starbucks Africa Kitamu gives a wonderful introduction to the bright and juicy flavors that define coffee from Africa. This blend is perfect whether served hot or over ice and is made by combining East African beans that are known for their refreshing citrus and floral flavors. Starbucks Reserve Guatemala Santa Isabel, on the other hand, is distinguished by fragrant aromas and pronounced sweetness with notes of tamarind, caramel, and chocolate. For those looking for coffee with sweet herbal spice notes, Starbucks Reserve Eastern D.R. Congo Lake Kivu is the one you’re looking for. Its orange acidity, also makes each cup more compelling.

Of course, the season offers wouldn’t be complete without the meals. For some savoury feels, there’s the Bacon and Mushroom on Dutch Crepe, a sweet Dutch crepe filled with honey cured bacon and sliced mushrooms. Tuna lovers will also love the new Tuna Dill on Whole Wheat Bread, which has tuna flakes, mozzarella cheese, and sliced hard-boiled eggs served on whole wheat bread.

There are perfect breakfast choices too. The Ham and Cheese Frittata is a combination of potatoes, eggs, ham, and cheese while the Cheese Danish is a buttery and flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese. Both are hearty, filling choices perfect for the early morning grind.

Starbucks also has prepared a line of desserts to complement every drink. The Belgian Chocolate Chip Cake is a returning favorite, a meal made with layers of vanilla sponge cake with chocolate chips, milk chocolate ganache, and frosted Belgian milk chocolate with mini chocolate chip cookies on the sides. Starbucks is also serving up a beloved Italian dessert with its own take on Tiramisu, sponge cake soaked in Starbucks Coffee, layered with a light and airy filling made from mascarpone, egg yolks, and cream.

Lastly, remember that all these blends and meals will be offered for a limited time only. So I guess you already know the drill?

Now that I got you enough reasons to visit a nearby Starbucks store ASAP, here’s a simple treat for you.

Win two tall complimentary drinks voucher, a Starbucks pen and a tumbler when you follow these simple (giveaway) steps.

Follow @shairahabon and @starbucksph on Instagram
Comment on this blog post (I wanna know your thoughts on the new Starbucks drinks and/or the Coffee College)
Comment “Done” on my Instagram post featuring the two new Starbucks drinks.

Winners will be announced August 12.

Good luck and remember to make your coffee game strong!

Comments Off

22 Comments

Jermaine Lingon
5th Aug 2017 - 3:09 pm

I would really love to try the Granola Dark Mocha Frapuccino. I love coffee with a hint of chocolate and of course the Granola. You’re so lucky Ate, to be able to participate in such a good event. I’m a coffee addict too. You would always see me lining up in the vending machine to get coffee. Hoping someday I could go to a similar event like that. That would be a super fun experience.
Kristel Ann Punu
5th Aug 2017 - 8:59 pm

I’m new to the coffee world as my body has just adjusted to drinking caffeine! But, I love the fragrance whenever I enter Starbucks; it just brings so much to my senses! The Coffee College sounds productive and interesting! I’ve wondered too if coffee could be partnered with meals! Your blog has been an answer! Wish they would do workshops like that in our nearby Starbucks branches. If I can’t drink lots, at the least I could get to sip LOTS! Lastly, I tried the Granola Dark Mocha Frappuccino and YES it is heaven! Chocolate, Granola, and Coffee go so well together!
Sophia Cabrera
5th Aug 2017 - 9:32 pm

I Hopee i winn yourr giveawayy poo huhu❤️️❤️️??
Sophia Cabrera
5th Aug 2017 - 9:35 pm

Gustooo ko poo yung granolaaa darkk mochaa frapp kasee mahilig po talagaa ako sa mochaa flavor pati po saa cakew and I ALSOO LOVEE STARBUCKS??❤️️
Mica Zabala
6th Aug 2017 - 12:36 pm

Hi Ate Shai I personally had a taste of the two new drinks which starbucks dring the Aćai Berry and Granola dark mocha, and I can say that Aćai Berry is on top of my list. I love the combinationof youghurt and the berries. It’s not to sweet which makes me crave for more and of course the pearls wich bursts into mouth makes it more exciting to drink.As for the granola dark mocha I also like that it’s not too bitter and there’s a hint of a malty flavor and also the granola bar which makes it healthier. Sorry for the lengthy post.
Thank You Ate Shai and have a great day ?
Katrin Marielle Antonio
6th Aug 2017 - 8:25 pm

Woaaahhhh really? It’s been a while since I visited Starbucks, maybe when I get a chance again i’ll try the Acai Mixed Berry Yogurt Frappe . It look so yummy and at the same time i’m a fan of YOGURT. Because YOGURT is life. 🙂 Starbucks never fails to innovate and make new drinks for everyone! Coffee is life talaga. 🙂
Thank you ate 🙂

PS. I wanna meet you soon Ate Shai! #CoffeeWithShaiHabon SOON? please with your followers/readers 🙂
Melissa Joy Liwanag
7th Aug 2017 - 12:22 am

Nothing’s more perfect than a drink with chocolate, coffee, and cereal blended all together! My three most favorite flavors in the world all in one drink, really worth the hype! ? it’s breakfast-worthy, instagram-worthy, and definitely money-worthy! The blend of yogurt and berry is also great! Starbucks is heading towards the healthy lane and im loving it! The Coffee College is also cuuute and adorable! It was really a nice idea for Starbucks to conduct something like that give the people a chance to be their own kind of barista. I also am happy to see you there ate! You look like you really enjoy what you were doing based on the pictures. Youre passionate with what you were doing ? i’m looking forward to trying it soon too!

Thank you for this giveaway! ? you are such a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing this with us, you have such a kind heart. Continue inspiring people through your blog posts, life stories, and simply by just being you! Love you ate, keep it up! The world needs more bloggers like you! ?
irah factora
7th Aug 2017 - 11:07 am

thank you for this blog! ive learn a lot from this and im updated with the new drinks from starbucks. i love trying new drinks from sb. i hope i could win this as an advance birthday gift hehe.
michelle tan
7th Aug 2017 - 1:59 pm

Been hook and interested in coffee every since, i used to work in a coffee shop and sometimes on slow days the barista would teach me how to make drinks using the machine and i can say it isnt as easy at it seems its just not espresso and milk with some foam or whipped cream, there must be a right amount / ratio coffee and milk and foam depending on the drink. I like how starbucks offer such classes, been so hook with the different kind of method now and been wanting to try it too for myself for a home brew so i can have a coffee fix on the go always. I also like how they did a coffee and food pairing and this to me is really is interesting and if given a chance to go to such class i would love to go and attend one.
I like how starbucks is trying to incorporate different drinks into menu now and coming up with special drinks every now and then it gives us more option to explore and maybe find new favourite along the way.
Phoebe Key Cutaran
8th Aug 2017 - 12:13 am

I’m a coffee lover. My friends are also coffee lovers. Mahilig kami sa libre. Itatry ko sumali. Baka manalo.
jane magsaysay
8th Aug 2017 - 10:42 am

i love starbucks coffee and upon trying the acai berry i immediately fell inlove since i love to eat healthy these days. i like what starbucks did with the coffee college , that is to also impart how to fully get the coffee flavors and also for them to get a real feedback on their product.
Janine
8th Aug 2017 - 3:35 pm

Omg after i read about your Starbucks Coffee College experience, I instantly got jealous. I so love having to know more about coffee and how it’s fantastically done. Hope they get to make this experience possible for coffee enthusiast like me (not just for bloggers and influencers hehe). Having said that, I learned a lot just by reading this blog post. How it was written so detailed makes me so knowledgeable about coffee. I really think that it’s a good experience and I’m happy that you get to enjoy it ate Shai. Congrats on this wonderful post and hoping to many more of this! 🙂
Rosanne Binuya-Sales
8th Aug 2017 - 9:54 pm

Wow for Coffee College! Reminiscin’ my college days ( I am an HRM graduate)! I miss coffee soo much! I’m a breastfeeding mom so Im still restricted to have coffee. Good thing Starbucks offer non-caffeinated beverages. I used to have Strawberries and Cream when I was pregnant and hopefully I can get to try the new Açai Mixed Berry Yogurt Frappuccino! Hoping to win this giveaway and share a Starbucks drink with my husband.
Ribbons quintero
9th Aug 2017 - 12:46 am

I’m not into yogurts but the acai mixed berry yogurt frappe is a must try! I love it as much as i love to drink coffee twice or thrice a day. Yes, definitely a coffee addict here.
Francis Villanueva
9th Aug 2017 - 4:19 pm

I go to gym when have enough time to slash some calories.. but being a guy who is also conscious of my built.. im alao a coffee lover who loves taking it after meal.. its a good pairing indeed.. having a great meal and a coffee afterwards..
I love taking fiber and Protein food.. this Granola Dark Mocha Frappuccino, its heavenly perfect pair for me.. the dark taste compliments the taste of Granola in a Frappe.

Hoping to try this one of this days!
angelie namindang
9th Aug 2017 - 9:08 pm

I really love coffee, but unfortunately hindi ko pa po na try mag coffee sa Starbucks. But I am willing to try and experience their product lalo na yung Starbucks Africa Kitamu, perfect for this rainy season. And can be serve hot or cold kaya pwede po siya e partner with their Belgian Chocolate chip cake because chocolate is heaven and eating chocolate can release stress..
Mae Bunjan
9th Aug 2017 - 9:52 pm

Unfortunately, we don’t have Starbucks here in Bohol. It’s only when I travel to Cebu that I get the chance to taste the palatable beverages. Having read your sensational review, I am excited to taste both the Acai Mixed Berry Yogurt and Granola Dark Mocha Frappuccinos, as well as the desserts you’ve mentioned. It makes me want to buy a boat ticket now.Moreover, attending the Coffee College seems a marvelous experience. I want to enroll too; however, I doubt my Chemistry knowledge. Haha. Kudos to your blog! I hope to read more 🙂
Carmina Ilang-Ilang
10th Aug 2017 - 10:05 pm

Wow! Aside from their hot chocolate, I really love the Strawberry Frappe of Starbucks.♡ And now, after reading about these Açai Mixed Berry Yogurt Frappuccino and Granola Dark Mocha Frappuccino, OM! Sooo excited to try these new flavors. Hope to win this as an early birthday gift. Would love to share this drink with my sister who also loved the frappe from Starbucks. ?
Abel Bustamante
11th Aug 2017 - 10:41 pm

I just tried the Granola Dark Mocha and it was lit! Starbucks always slays my fave dark mocha.
Nicole Bustamante
11th Aug 2017 - 10:42 pm

I super love the taste and texture of the Granola Dark Mocha!! I’ll order it again next visit for sure! I’ll share it to my friends 🙂
Mylene Bustamante
11th Aug 2017 - 10:43 pm

Granola Dark Mocha is yum and bum! I love it so much to the highest level!
irah factora
21st Aug 2017 - 9:18 am

may i just ask is there a winner already? ☺️