Starbucks Adds New Iced, Dairy-Free Drink to Its Permanent Menu

Spring officially starts on March 20. Still, we all know leaves don't grow back in a day, temperatures don't change overnight, and chains don't release their seasonal drinks at once. McDonald's got the spring greenery blossoming by bringing back their Shamrock Shake on February 21. And last week, Dunkin' showed its own St. Patrick's Day spirit by announcing a new Shamrock Macchiato.

So what about seasonal drink specialist Starbucks? Today, the coffee giant announced its new seasonal drink and, no, it's neither green nor Irish-themed.

Headlining Starbucks' spring offerings — which launch today — is the Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. If you're having a bit of deja vu, it's because it was exactly one year ago that the chain announced the launch of both Iced Shaken Espresso and oat milk. So this new drink is just the latest spin on that previously "successful" launch, according to the brand.

"The new Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is made with Starbucks Blonde espresso and notes of caramelized vanilla, shaken together with ice and topped with oatmilk for an invigorating cold beverage to boost your day for under 200 calories," Starbucks writes. "The Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso joins the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso on the permanent menu, available all year in U.S. stores."

Yet, interestingly, the Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is also pretty much where Starbucks' "spring menu" stops. The chain's announcement also plugged their new Baya Energy drinks, name-dropped their newest coffee beans and grocery items, and promoted a new "Prize and Delight" giveaway for Rewards Members, but it didn't include any other new in-store drink or food items. (In contrast, last year, customers also got a new Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box.)

But even though Starbucks hasn't pulled out all the limited-time-only stops this season, at least this new drink will sticking around for the long haul.