secret menu
As the summer heat peaks, Starbucks is brewing up a storm of new drinks, menu updates, and customer-focused initiatives to keep the coffeehouse vibe fresh and inviting. July 2025 is packed with exciting developments that cater to both loyal Starbucks Rewards members and casual coffee drinkers. From patriotic Frappuccinos to a reimagined “secret menu,” here’s a rundown of everything new at Starbucks this month. Looks like Starbucks is heading in a positive direction!
A Burst of Flavor with the Firework Frappuccino
Starbucks kicked off July with a bang, launching the Firework Frappuccino Blended Beverage on July 1, just in time for Independence Day celebrations. This limited-time drink, available only through July 7, features a vibrant red, white, and blue color scheme inspired by the Starbucks Summer-Berry Refresher. Blended with coconut milk and poured over raspberry-flavored popping pearls, it’s topped with a swirl of strawberry purée and a silky vanilla sweet cream cold foam. Amanda Conaway, a Starbucks product manager, describes it as “a summer vacation in a cup,” capturing the festive spirit of summer with its textured, tangy-sweet profile. Some stores are also offering themed pastries or red, white, and blue cake pops to complement the holiday vibe.
Note: While some posts on X claimed the Firework Frappuccino was inspired by Katy Perry with a 50% discount for streaming her song “Firework,” these appear to be unverified and likely promotional or fan-driven speculation rather than official Starbucks initiatives. Always check with your local store for accurate promotions.
Introducing the Strato Frappuccino Lineup
Starting July 8, Starbucks rolled out three new Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverages, reimagining the classic Frappuccino with a modern twist. The term “Strato,” derived from the Italian word for “layer,” reflects the drinks’ signature layering of creamy cold foam atop blended beverages. The new flavors include:
Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino: A mocha base with a layer of salted caramel cream cold foam and a caramel drizzle for a rich, indulgent experience.
Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino: Unsweetened matcha blended with milk and ice, topped with vibrant strawberry cream cold foam for a refreshing, colorful sip.
Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino: A classic Frappuccino roast coffee base with a brown sugar foam layer and a sprinkle of cinnamon, adding a sweet-spicy touch.
These drinks mark the first time Starbucks has officially incorporated cold foam as a standard topping for Frappuccinos, elevating the texture and flavor profile. Available for a limited time, these beverages are part of Starbucks’ push to innovate while maintaining the fun of its iconic Frappuccino, which celebrated its 30th birthday this summer.
The Secret Menu Goes Official
On July 14, Starbucks made waves by officially launching its “secret menu” for Starbucks Rewards members via the Starbucks app. Previously a fan-driven phenomenon shared through social media, the secret menu now features top drink customizations in the app’s “offers” tab. Customers can easily order creations like a Cold Brew with vanilla syrup, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, and cookie crumble topping, inspired by cookies and cream. Starbucks is also hosting a $25,000 contest for fans to submit their own custom drink ideas, with winners potentially featured on the menu later this summer. This move, inspired by the popular Starbucks Not-So-Secret Menu Instagram channel, aims to make creative ordering seamless and engaging.
Artistic Flair with the Starbucks Artist Collaboration Series
Alongside the new drinks, Starbucks is bringing back its Artist Collaboration Series on July 8, featuring designs by Nigerian-American artist Shadé Akanbi. The collection includes cold cups and ceramic tumblers, adding a vibrant, cultural touch to Starbucks’ merchandise. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to celebrating diversity and creativity in its offerings.
Continued Focus on the “Back to Starbucks” Strategy
Under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol, Starbucks is in the midst of its “Back to Starbucks” turnaround plan, which influences many of July’s updates. The company is simplifying its menu, with a goal to reduce beverages and food items by 30% by the end of fiscal year 2025. This allows baristas to focus on crafting high-quality, handcrafted drinks with precision, aiming to deliver orders in under four minutes. Additionally, Starbucks is enhancing the customer experience with free non-dairy milk customizations (oat, almond, soy, coconut) in the U.S. and Canada and expanding free same-visit refills for hot or iced coffee or tea to all customers, not just Rewards members. These changes aim to bring back the cozy, community-driven coffeehouse feel that Starbucks is known for.
Looking Ahead
July 2025 is a microcosm of Starbucks’ broader vision: blending innovation with its core identity as a welcoming coffeehouse. The new Frappuccinos, official secret menu, and artistic collaborations show Starbucks’ commitment to keeping its menu fresh and culturally relevant. Meanwhile, operational changes like menu simplification and faster service reflect a strategic focus on improving customer and barista experiences. As Starbucks continues to roll out its summer menu (including the return of fan-favorite Summer-Berry Refreshers and the new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso), there’s plenty to sip and savor this month.
So, whether you’re grabbing a Firework Frappuccino for a Fourth of July celebration, trying a Strato Frappuccino for a layered treat, or submitting your dream drink to the secret menu contest, Starbucks is making July 2025 a month to remember. Head to your local store or check the Starbucks app to join in on the fun—but hurry, as many of these offerings are available for a limited time only!
