Lavender lands in EMEA – here’s how the new colourful beverage for Spring was created
Starbucks new Iced Lavender Matcha Latte is heralding in the new season – but what’s the secret behind the sauce? EMEA Beverage developer Dan Saxby shares a look into the development behind the product, how the beverage epitomises Spring, and why lavender and matcha work so well together.
At Starbucks, each new season is accompanied with a brand new beverage – a bold new invention that aims to evoke all the emotions of the new time of year.
For Spring, that meant the design brief was fresh, floral, grassy, something that signals lighter, brighter mornings and new beginnings, but still with a slight chill in the air.
Put to task on the directive was EMEA Beverage Developer Dan Saxby, who leant into his love for floral and botanical flavours to develop Starbucks 2025 Spring menu line-up – including the hero beverage of the season: the Iced Lavender Matcha Latte.
“When I first began working on this project, I was really excited to explore some new flavour profiles for drinks that personified the Spring season”, Dan notes. “I knew I wanted to utilise lavender – but it took a lot of testing and trialling different combinations to find the right flavour and colour – one that wasn’t too overpowering, but still delivered on taste and visuals.”
In the Iced Lavender Matcha Latte, premium quality matcha sourced from Japan is paired with lavender and vanilla flavoured syrup, as well as milk and ice.
“I’m so proud of where we’ve ended up – with a beverage that perfectly captures the essence of Spring in each sip with its delicate floral flavours and pastel hues, but that’s still subtle, creamy, and light, balancing the earthiness of the matcha with the sweetness of the lavender and vanilla.”
Available now on menus across Starbucks EMEA, Starbucks Iced Lavender Matcha Latte is accompanied on the Spring menu by the Lavender Velvet Latte, the Iced Lavender Latte, and the Lavender Creme Frappuccino Blended Beverage.
