Top 5 unique Starbucks beverages to try in Latin America

Twenty years ago, we opened our first stores ever in Latin America at Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City, Mexico, and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico! Since then, our menu has gained a whole lot of delicious beverage and food options that celebrate and honor Latin America and the Caribbean's unique local flavors, as well as the expert craftsmanship from our partners and the coffee leadership the region has to offer!

From classic espresso-based beverages prepared with our exclusive Espresso Roast or seasonal whole bean coffees to tangy tropical fruits and creamy textures, there’s a treat for every taste. To give you an idea of what an adventurous palate can find, we asked our baristas in Latin America to tell us their favorite local beverages. These are the top five that came up the most:

1. Dulce de Leche Latte and Frappuccino®

This delicious confection is a traditional Latin American delicacy so of course we had to include it on our local menus, and it is a hit!

Also known as Manjar Blanco or Cajeta, you can enjoy it as a latte, hot and cold, or a Frappuccino® across almost all markets in the region.

2. Mexican Hot Chocolate

When it comes to chocolate in Latin America, Mexico knows best. A most customary beverage in the country is the chocolate caliente or hot chocolate. However, it’s not just any type of chocolate but a special local kind that’s prepared with sugar and cinnamon.

Although the customary recipe calls for the chocolate to be stirred into boiling water until foamy, at any Starbucks store in Mexico you can make it creamier and frothier with any milk of your choice.

3. Cortado

This beverage recommendation is one of the most popular orders in Chile and Argentina. Consisting of two shots of espresso “cut” (o cortado) with steamed milk, this recipe follows the Spanish tradition common in both countries.  

This small but strong coffee is a classic that you must try if you really want to experience Argentina and Chile like a local. 

4. Lúcuma Crème Frappuccino®

The lucuma is a subtropical fruit native to the Andean valleys of Peru. Of yellow color similar to that of a mango and a unique caramel-like taste, it’s a delicacy you have to try at least once in your life.

At Starbucks stores in Peru you can savor this delicately-flavored fruits from the highlands in the form of an exquisite Lúcuma Crème Frappuccino® blended beverage that combines lúcuma sauce and milk, topped with whipped cream. Caffeine-free but flavorful this is basically a tasty dessert you can drink!

5. Brigadeiro Frappuccino®

Speaking of sweets, the Brazilian Brigadeiro is a must in any list of Latin American treats. This iconic chocolate bonbon is usually served at festive events, but why wait for a special occasion when you can have a creamy drinkable version whenever you want!

Available as hot, iced, and cafezinho, the Brigadeiro beverages introduced one of the lines’ favorites in 2012: the Brigadeiro Frappuccino®, which is a blend of Starbucks Frappuccino® roast, choco chips, white mocha sauce, mocha sauce, classic syrup, milk, and ice. It is served in a cup lined with Brigadeiro sauce and topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

Now you know what to order next time you visit our stores in the region!