The Year in Sips: All About Starbucks' Nine Most Creative (and Viral) Drinks of 2025
- Piece of Cake Staff
- Dec 16
- 4 min read
Written by Cove Johnson Rabidoux
After all, December isn't just a time for Christmas carols and holiday wreaths but also annual "Wrapped" and "best of" lists, reviewing the year's best cultural moments. While companies like Spotify and The New York Times are renowned for their end-of-year reviews, this year, Starbucks joined in, introducing its version: the Year In Sips.
In this guide, the ultra-popular coffee chain broke down nine of its "most viral drink creations" of 2025. What makes these drinks so special is the creativity, as none of these viral sensations actually appear on Starbucks' official menu. Rather, all of these drinks were either from the Starbucks "secret menu" or were simply made popular across various social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram.
In the Year In Sips, Dana Pellicano, senior vice president of Starbucks' global product experience, said that "Starbucks has always been on the forefront of beverage trends. From the first secret menu drinks to today’s viral sensations, we love celebrating the imagination and joy our customers and partners bring to every cup.”
So, what were the year's "viral sensations?" Well, here are Starbucks' nine top creative drinks of the year, as well as how to order them.
Dubai Chocolate-inspired Matcha Latte
This year, Dubai Chocolate exploded in popularity, appearing in everything from ice cream to baguettes. So, it's no wonder a Dubai chocolate-inspired drink was one of the most popular picks. This seasonal (winter) beverage has a perfectly balanced taste of matcha, chocolate, and pistachio. While not an official menu item, you can order it via customizations. Ask for a Grande Iced Matcha Latte and add chocolate cream, cold foam, and two pumps of pistachio sauce.
Strawberry Matcha
Strawberry and matcha is a classic combination, one that Starbucks customers didn't stray away from in 2025. This aesthetic fusion drink can be enjoyed all year long by adding strawberry puree, heavy cream, vanilla bean powder, and matcha cream cold foam. Simply ask for a Venti Pink Drink and add strawberry puree, heavy cream, matcha cream cold foam, and three scoops of both vanilla bean powder and strawberry inclusion. Yum!
Pink Drink with Pearls
Another way to upgrade the viral Pink Drink is with pearls. Starbucks' seasonal raspberry pearls are a delicious way to add a burst of tart flavor to this now-classic drink. For this drink, order a Venti Pink Drink without strawberry inclusions. Then, add vanilla sweet cream cold foam and raspberry pearls (borrowed from Summer-Berry Refreshers). You'll be left with a sweet, creamy fruit beverage!
Cotton Candy-inspired Frappuccino
When the raspberry flavor was brought back for a limited time in July, Starbucks customers immediately began experimenting with the flavor. One experiment stuck, resulting in the viral cotton candy phenomenon. This nostalgic drink tastes just like cotton candy and is the perfect summer treat. To order, ask for a Venti Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino before adding whipped cream and three pumps of raspberry syrup.
Chocolate Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
This year-round treat is a fan favorite. It takes the typical Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and gives it a sophisticated transformation. The addition of white chocolate mocha and vanilla makes it a sweet drink you'll come to crave. To order, ask for a Venti Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso with three pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce, vanilla sweet cream cold foam, and caramel drizzle.
Delta-Inspired Cookie Drink
The inspiration behind this delightful beverage was Delta Airline's beloved in-flight cookie. Sweet and spicy, these cookies are classic for a reason. So, it was about time for there to be a Biscoff cookie-inspired drink. For this holiday treat, first order an Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. Then line the cup with caramel, and add one pump of chai and extra cinnamon powder.
Pumpkin Spice + Matcha
Matcha was all the rage this year, with customers even deciding to mix it with the ever-famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. The result? A comforting drink brimming with warmth and all those earthy flavors. Ask for a Grande Iced Matcha Latte with oat milk and without the classic syrup. Then, add two pumps of brown sugar syrup, 1 pump of pumpkin sauce, pumpkin cream cold foam, and pumpkin spice topping.
Gummy Shark Drink
The viral "Gummy Shark Drink" was likely my favorite secret menu item of the year. While it is only available during the summer, it is well worth the wait. This beverage is the perfect hot-weather drink with its sweet, creamy texture and tart flavor. To order, ask for a Grande Summer Skies Drink without the raspberry pearls. Then add vanilla sweet cream cold foam. Trust me, you'll enjoy it!
Sugar Cookie Iced Matcha
While iced, instead of the standard heated version, this drink still brings all the cozy holiday feels. It's festive and sweet without being overly sweet (thanks to the matcha!). All in all, it's a unique and flavorful treat you should definitely try. To order, ask for a Grande Iced Matcha Latte with oat milk. Then, subtract the classic syrup and add two pumps of sugar cookie syrup, one pump of white mocha, vanilla cream cold foam, and holiday sprinkles.
From matcha mashups to nostalgic Frappuccinos and airline-inspired treats, these nine viral drinks reflect how much creativity there is when it comes to your coffee order. As we head into 2026, it's important to remember that you don't have to settle for an average cup of coffee. Instead, mix it up by experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Maybe you'll find your new favorite treat!
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