Starbucks sets the stage for spring with the launch of its 2025 SAKURA season, scheduled to start on February 15 and run until May 8. This year's theme, 'Timeless Japanese Beauty', reflects the elegance and cultural significance of cherry blossoms, promising to delight customers with seasonal beverages and themed merchandise.
At the heart of this launch is the highly anticipated 'Sakura Cream Latte', available at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo. This drink showcases a unique blend of flavors featuring azuki bean powder and cinnamon, creating a sweet and savory experience reminiscent of traditional sakura mochi. Priced at 1,050 yen for dine-in and 1,031 yen for takeout, it's positioned as the signature drink of the season.
Alongside the latte, the second floor will introduce 'Peach Tranquility', an iced tea made from peach and chamomile, enhanced by the subtle notes of spring. This refreshing drink incorporates peach puree, plum syrup, ume jam, and salted cherry blossoms, offering customers a vibrant experience with every sip. It's priced at 1,200 yen for dine-in and 1,178 yen for takeout.
For those seeking something celebratory, the third floor bar will debut the 'Celebrate Spring' cocktail, perfect for marking graduation and other spring milestones. This concoction blends sweet sake with flavors such as peach syrup and becomes visually appealing with the addition of sparkling wine and traditional sweets. Priced at 2,200 yen for dine-in, this cocktail is not just about the taste, but rather telling the story of the transition to adulthood.
The 2025 Sakura season also marks the introduction of the 'White Soy Latte' as part of Starbucks’ permanent menu. This beverage promises reduced bitterness due to the ristretto espresso preparation method, letting the flavor of soy milk shine through beautifully. The 'White Soy Latte' is available for 800 yen when enjoyed on-site and 786 yen for takeout.
Starbucks is also extending its offerings to the popular Princi bakery, featuring seasonal sakura delights such as 'Sakura Cornetti' and 'Sakura Mari-totzo'. These items will be available from February 15 until April 11, inviting customers to indulge their sweet side during this very limited timeframe.
Turning attention to sustainability, Starbucks announced it will now offer soy milk substitutions for free across all beverages, reflecting its commitment to reducing environmental impact. Previously, customers could replace regular milk with soy milk for a fee, but this change invites everyone to try healthier options.
With such extensive offerings, Starbucks hopes to attract not just coffee lovers but also those interested in unique culinary experiences. Each drink and food item is crafted to evoke the essence of spring, making this not just another seasonal promotion but rather, a celebration of both tradition and innovation.
For those visiting the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, it will not just be about drinks. The retail space will feature exclusive sakura-themed merchandise to commemorate the season. Items such as mugs, tumblers, and more will reflect the beauty of cherry blossoms, bringing the charm of the season home.
The launch day, February 15, promises to be filled with delight and inspiration. Starbucks intends to hone the seasonal spirit with vibrant decorations and fresh menu items, exemplifying the fusion of coffee culture with the visual art of cherry blossoms.
Remember, both the beverages and the sakura merchandise will only be available for a limited time, so fans are encouraged to check them out early to avoid disappointment.