Starbucks is one of the unique chains that customizes its menu based on which region of the world a store is based in. When a location is established, the company actually researches the demographic and which types of flavors are local to the area to curate a menu that's unique and varies from country to country. The Starbucks you visit in Canada will have unique offerings that the Starbucks in Japan doesn't have, and while the Starbucks stores in the U.S. might share some menu items with China, it doesn't mean that both countries won't have their own customized items.
Blossoming Rose Tea Latte
Starbucks' warm-weather drinks are still a commodity that's fairly new and as more people embrace the idea of swapping hot coffee for a chilled tea, the menu is bound to grow. In Canada, the Blossoming Rose Tea Latte starts with a base of black tea that's blended with steamed milk, a sweetened rose syrup, and is then topped with sparkling, pink sugar crystals.
American Cherry Pie Frappuccino
This isn't to say that some Starbucks locations don't pull inspiration from other countries and this is another Japanese Starbucks item that's decadent and truly one-of-a-kind. It's practically a liquid dessert, complete with a dome of cherry pie that sits atop this sweet drink.
Ponche Navideño
In Mexico, Ponche Navideño translates to 'Christmas Punch' and its roots go deep into the country's culture. This drink is commonly made around the holidays and served at family gatherings, and Starbucks showcases it with a base of hibiscus tea, guava, apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. If this doesn't smell and taste like the holiday season, we're not sure what does.
Apricot White Chocolate Mocha
China's Apricot White Chocolate Mocha is a decadent and fruity spin on the traditional White Chocolate Mocha that's found at most, if not all, Starbucks locations. The trick to making this drink so much richer than the typical mocha is the use of dark cocoa butter and cocoa powder, which play surprisingly well with a fruity shot of apricot.
Sakura Blossom Latte
In Japan, cherry blossoms are iconic. It's no surprise then that there's a Starbuck drink item dedicated to the beautiful trees and the Sakura Blossom Latte tastes just as delicious as it sounds. The drink itself is pink and sweet, and is flavored with a cherry blossom petal sauce along with bean paste. Strawberry chocolate sauce adorns the top which is completed with a small rice cracker.
Triple-Coffee Jelly Frappuccino
Thailand's Triple-Coffee Jelly Frappuccino is just as much fun to eat as it is to look at. Similar to the notion of bubble tea, this frappuccino has coffee-flavored jelly cubes that sit at the bottom of a cup full of frozen coffee, and all of that is topped with a generous helping of espresso-flavored whipped cream.
Happy Cheese White Mocha
That's right - in South Korea, there's actually a White Mocha that's topped with a small round of Swiss cheese. This drink is added to the menu during the Lunar New Year and starts with a base of your typical white mocha before sweet whipped cream and cheese are added.
Maple Macchiato
Maple syrup might be heavily associated with Vermont and its sugar houses but further north, Canada has its own sugar production, hence the Maple Macchiato. While coffee shops all over the country will feature options for a shot of pure maple syrup as an add-in to your coffee, Starbucks in Canada is offering a macchiato that's made with the sweet syrup in mind.
Oatmeal Latte
A very popular option in South Korea, especially during the early morning hours, is the Oatmeal Latte. It's actually exactly how it sounds - a latte that has a base of oatmeal! This coffee drink is then topped with a grain and berry cereal that adds texture as well as a bit of fiber to anyone's morning coffee order.
Toffee Mocha
Since Canada's roots do go back to England, it's not surprising to see many items on the menu that serve as nods to the toffee-obsessed country. The Toffee Mocha is full of caramel goodness that's more buttery than any other drink on the menu, paired with the perfect balance of caffeine and chocolate as a true mocha should be. This latte is rich and decadent but it's also the perfect cure-all on a rainy, chilly day.
Orange Honeycomb Crunch Frappuccino
Indonesia's Orange Honeycomb Crunch Frappuccino is known for its Creamsicle-like reputation. There's no coffee in this drink but with its sweet orange syrup, honeycomb candy topping, and zingy citrus drizzle, the chances are that you probably won't miss the caffeine.