Espresso Cloud IPA: Innovation in Your Glass

Introducing Starbucks latest coffee creation

Justin Burns-Beach was a Starbucks barista in Phoenix for eight years before he moved to Seattle. He started to work at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room in 2015. He jumped into the experience, enthusiastically taking on the challenge of exploring and sharing coffee innovations. This year, that creative climate has helped him reach his long-held dream of developing a first-of-its-kind Starbucks® beverage. Watch as he shows us how he created Espresso Cloud™ IPA, a handcrafted beverage made with the unexpected combination of espresso and craft beer.

Handcrafted beverages are a natural extension for a Starbucks coffee master like Justin. Working at the Roastery encouraged him to push boundaries, experimenting with drinks like the Shakerato, composed of espresso shaken over ice with a hint of vanilla syrup. That experience led him to apply for a yearlong assignment with the Research and Development department, supporting Global Beverage Innovation. The result of Justin’s coffee journey is the Espresso Cloud™ IPA and it is, as he puts it, “a truly interactive and unique beverage experience.”

Inspired by the Shakerato , Espresso Cloud™ IPA is made using a similar technique. Espresso is shaken over ice with orange pieces and a touch of sweet vanilla. Shaking the espresso produces a rich cloud of micro-foam with accents of citrus and vanilla. The foam is layered on top of a freshly poured IPA, and the beer is served with the cold-shaken espresso shot on the side. It’s a beautiful presentation with a fun twist, as pouring the shot over the beer creates a tantalizing, layered waterfall of espresso and craft beer in the glass.

Espresso Cloud™ IPA is a playful and visually appealing introduction of coffee and craft beer. It also packs a refreshing flavor punch, with complementary citrus notes in both the hoppy IPA and vanilla orange-infused espresso. Visit any Starbucks Evenings location to try one for yourself. We think you’ll see why Justin is so excited to introduce you to this original coffee and craft beer creation.