We Tried That: Starbucks Just Introduced Three New Refreshers That Contain a Spicy Chili Powder Blend
The new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers are available in Dragonfruit, Pineapple and Strawberry starting April 16.
Published April 15 2024, 1:31 p.m. ET
Last month, Starbucks introduced lavender to its menu and two drinks: The Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte and Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha. Each sip gave off a delicate, airy, and "nice stroll in the park on a spring day" vibe. It was a flavor profile that didn't just tantalize your taste buds, but boosted your mood, too.
But if you've been craving something with more of a zing, a kick, or a whole mood, wait until you get your hands on these new Starbucks baddies. Starting April 16, the coffee chain is upping the ante with its introduction of its Spicy Lemonade Refreshers beverages, which contain a spicy chili powder blend that contains paprika, chili powder, ancho chili powder, and cayenne pepper (read: hot, hot, hot!).
Fortunately, Distractify got to try this trio of refreshers, and we've shared our thoughts below.
A few notes on Starbucks Spicy Lemonade Refreshers:
- If your spice tolerance isn't super high and you like your guacamole "mild," you might want to consider ordering some water to accompany your refresher. You can also work with your barista to customize your beverage, choosing from additional options such as Extra Spicy or Less Spicy.
- Starbucks' new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers are available for a very limited time this spring while supplies last.
- I'm not saying you should, but if you accidentally poured a little vodka or tequila in one of these refreshers, it would probably taste insanely good.
- And if you're not into Starbucks Refreshers, the coffee giant is also introducing a Spicy Cream Cold Foam on April 16, combining Starbucks Classic Cold Foam with this new chili powder blend.
The Spicy Dragonfruit Refresher puts me in the mood for gardening or reading a nice book.
The Spicy Dragonfruit Refresher mixes mango and exotic dragonfruit flavors shaken with ice, real dragonfruit pieces, zesty lemonade, and of course, Starbucks Spicy Chili Powder Blend. If you already love Starbucks Dragonfruit Refresher, this is a much more tropical version. The addition of the spicy chili powder blend really rounds the beverage out, giving it a kick that's not too overpowering.
Personally, I think it's the middle child of the spicy squad. It's good, but puts me in the mood to garden or find a bench at the park to sit and read.
The Spicy Pineapple Refresher puts me in the mood text me ex.
Next, comes the Spicy Pineapple Refresher, which gives off virgin margarita vibes. This fiery drink combines pineapple and passionfruit shaken with ice, real pineapple pieces, zesty lemonade, and the magic chili powder blend to make for a loud, fun drink.
It's the beverage you want on a Friday at 3 p.m. to amp yourself up for the weekend. It's an adrenaline rush, and not to sound cliche, but a party in a cup. I would sober text my ex after one of these. It's definitely the wildest of the bunch.
The Spicy Strawberry Refresher puts me in the mood for a girl's night.
And finally, the Spicy Strawberry Refresher combines the sweet flavors of strawberry and acai shaken with ice, real strawberry pieces, zesty lemonade, and Starbucks Spicy Chili Powder Blend. This was my favorite drink of the bunch, but that's because I have a sweet tooth and find it to be the most "swicy," aka sweet and spicy.
It's a girl's girl drink. After downing one of these, I wanted to text my girls, go shopping, or re-watch Sex and the City.
So, are you looking to try one of the new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers? On Thursday, April 18, Starbucks is offering a BOGO promo for Starbucks Rewards members, meaning that members can get a free handcrafted beverage with the purchase of another handcrafted beverage from noon until 6 p.m.