To my fellow Starbucks lovers and addicts alike, this one is for you.
Summer brings the promise of beach days, ice cream, and anything to keep us cool. Starbucks introduced a sunset menu of granitas and trifles that can be purchased after 3 p.m. The three granita flavors are Caramel Espresso, Youthberry White Tea, and Strawberry Lemon Limeade.
Being a self-proclaimed Starbucks addict and a card-carrying gold member, I felt it was my mission to try each granita before the promotion ends.
Now, when I saw the new menu, my first thought was "What the heck is a granita?" After reading the description of the drink, I can tell you that it is basically a slushie. The ice in the beverage is blended to have a smooth, snow-cone look to it.
Caramel Espresso
This was the first flavor I decided to try because I was in need of an afternoon caffeine boost after being in the sun all day. I really enjoyed the familiar iced-coffee taste that I love, but the drink is basically glorified iced coffee.
Youthberry White Tea
Out of the three granitas, this one is my favorite and was the second one I tried. Taste-wise it is very similar to a strawberry refresher. When the woman behind me in line saw the bright pink drink the barista gave me she asked me what I had ordered and I was more than happy to oblige.
Strawberry Lemon Limeaide
I am not a big lime person, but this drink has a more lemonade taste than a lime one. It was probably the most refreshing and flavorful granita on the menu. The strawberries they use for the refresher are blended into the beverage which I thought was different. However, I did find myself sipping on seeds from time to time.
If I could change anything about the granitas it would be to have the ice blended a little looser because it is difficult to get through the straw. I was always stirring my straw to try and get the ice to go through so I was not just left with a cup of blended ice and no drink.
All in all, the granita is the perfect summer treat to cool off with. I just wish they served it before 3 p.m.