Starbucks Paves the Way for Creativity

Baristas are invited to feature their own creations in stores for two weekends in October.

October 17, 2016

SEATTLE – For two consecutive weekends in October (13-16 and 20-23), more than 7,500 U.S. Starbucks locations have and will feature Barista Originals: fall beverage recipes developed exclusively by baristas. The beverages will highlight classic ingredients found in Starbucks stores and showcase drink varieties including lattes, Frappuccino blended beverages, hot and iced teas and cold-brewed coffee drinks.

“At the beginning of the season, we saw a lot of excitement around fall flavors, especially after we introduced Starbucks Almondmilk,” said Sarah Spencer, Starbucks marketing manager. “We wanted to tap into our baristas’ beverage artistry by giving them the opportunity to create new fall-inspired drink recipes to share with customers in their stores.”

To jumpstart innovation, Spencer and her team asked Starbucks baristas to submit their favorite fall beverage customization ideas through social media. The team discovered and tested 20 of the drink recipes and selected five of their favorites. For two weekends, baristas are invited to feature these beverages in their stores or use them as inspiration to create their own drinks.

“While we were taste testing, we saw a few ideas for the same recipes,” Spencer said. “That let us know that our baristas are creating their own flavor trends. We wanted to empower them to share their ideas with customers.”

Andrew Vagner, a shift supervisor in Cleveland, Ohio, submitted one of the five beverages that Spencer’s team identified as a favorite. “I came up with a few ideas based on what I tend to drink, which is usually over ice,” he said. “The customization idea I submitted was a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew topped with breve, which includes pumpkin spice sauce for a hint of spicy sweetness and cream on top to add a smooth richness. I love how it looks when the cream floats down over the ice in the cup.”

In addition to creating original beverages locally, Starbucks baristas will be invited to share their recipes online using the hashtag #BaristaOriginals, so customers can request them wherever they live across the country.

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