Starbucks launched the apple brown sugar drink as a limited time seasonal offering for fall 2022. It quickly became popular among Starbucks customers for its sweet apple and brown sugar flavors. But what exactly is in the Starbucks apple brown sugar drink?
What’s in the Starbucks Apple Brown Sugar Drink?
The Starbucks apple brown sugar drink contains the following ingredients:
Apple Juice
The base of the drink is apple juice. Starbucks uses freshly pressed and unfiltered apple juice. The apple juice gives the drink its authentic apple flavor.
Brown Sugar Syrup
Brown sugar syrup is added to sweeten the drink. The brown sugar syrup has a subtle molasses-like flavor that enhances the apple juice.
Spices
Starbucks adds a blend of spices to give the drink a warming quality. The exact spices are proprietary, but likely include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
Whipped Cream
The apple brown sugar drink is topped with Starbucks’ sweetened vanilla whipped cream. The whipped cream adds a creamy texture and accentuates the sweetness.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information for a grande (16 oz) Starbucks apple brown sugar drink is:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 51g |
| Protein | 2g |
As you can see, the drink is high in calories and sugar. The 51g of sugar is over 100% of the daily recommended value. The drink has 270 calories for a grande size.
How to Order
To order a Starbucks apple brown sugar drink, specify the following:
- Size – short, tall, grande, venti
- Type of milk – dairy, non-dairy, etc.
- Whipped cream – regular, extra, or no whip
- Additional customizations like caramel drizzle, extra spice, etc.
Here are some examples:
- “Grande apple brown sugar oatmilk latte please”
- “Venti apple brown sugar with almond milk and extra cinnamon”
- “Short apple brown sugar macchiato”
You can also order it as an iced drink. The apple brown sugar syrup pairs just as well with cold milk as it does with steamed.
Availability
The Starbucks apple brown sugar drink is available for a limited time during the 2022 fall season. It launched on August 30, 2022 and is expected to remain on the menu through late October or November 2022.
As a seasonal drink, it will only be available while supplies last. Once stores sell out of the apple brown sugar syrup, the drink will no longer be offered. Starbucks typically brings back popular seasonal drinks year after year, but the availability is never guaranteed.
Customizations
One great thing about Starbucks is you can customize drinks to suit your preferences. Here are some apple brown sugar customizations to try:
Iced Version
Get the apple brown sugar flavor in cold milk over ice. Iced lattes, macchiatos, and cold brews pair nicely with the apple brown sugar syrup.
Alternative Milks
The apple flavor goes well with alternative milks like oat, soy, almond, and coconut. This allows you to make dairy-free or vegan versions of the drink.
Extra Spices
Add extra pumps of the spice blend to intensify the warming spices. This is perfect for those who love strong holiday spice flavors.
Salted Caramel
Pairing salted caramel and apple is a classic fall flavor combination. Add caramel drizzle to your apple brown sugar drink for an upcharge.
Blonde Espresso
The lighter roast of Starbucks’ blonde espresso pairs nicely with the brown sugar without overpowering the apple flavor.
Taste and Reviews
The apple brown sugar drink has been receiving positive reviews from Starbucks customers. Here is what people are saying about the taste:
Sweet and Appley
Many reviewers say the fresh apple juice flavor really comes through, making it taste like a sweet, freshly baked apple pastry. The brown sugar complements the apple without becoming overly cloying.
Creamy and Spiced
The steamed milk and whipped cream provide a smooth, creamy texture that melds nicely with the apple juice. The blend of spices like cinnamon add warmth without being overpowering.
Comforting
Multiple reviews describe the Starbucks apple brown sugar drink as comforting and nostalgic. It evokes flavors of homemade apple pie and hot apple cider, making it a cozy seasonal treat.
Delicious But Sweet
Some reviewers say the drink is deliciously sweet initially, but becomes overly sweet if you finish the entire drink. The 51 grams of sugar content may be best split with a friend.
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick pros and cons breakdown of the Starbucks apple brown sugar drink:
Pros:
- Limited time fall seasonal flavor
- Real apple juice provides fresh apple taste
- Brown sugar compliments apple flavor nicely
- Added spices give it a warming quality
- Creamy, comforting texture
Cons:
- Very high in sugar
- Can taste overly sweet if consumed in full
- Only available for limited time
- No dairy-free version offered
Conclusion
Starbucks’ new apple brown sugar drink offers the quintessential flavors of fall in drink form. It tastes like apple pie in a cup with its smooth apple juice base and mulling spice blend. The brown sugar provides the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart apples and cream. However, the high sugar content may be concerning for some. Overall, apple brown sugar is worth trying for those who enjoy dessert-like coffee drinks and seasonal fall flavors. Enjoy it while you can before it disappears from menus until next year! Be sure to customize the beverage to your liking with dairy alternatives, extra spice, and salted caramel.