Starbucks NEW Granitas & Trifles

Left to Right:  Chocolate Brownie Trifle, Strawberry
Lime-Lemonade (Venti), Youthberry (Venti), Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. 

Starbucks has been phasing out their Fizzio sodas (which were surprisingly good) in exchange for fizzy teas.  Now they have introduced something new.  Today granitas and trifles were added to their summer menu.  Available after 3pm, these infused, blended lemonade or chocolate beverages are probably one of my new favorite things.  The trifles are either chocolate or strawberry shortcake-- sort of.  More on those later. 

Youthberry, up-close.  

The granitas are definitely not like the real thing, but are delicious nonetheless.  It's a super smooth lemonade shaved ice (at least that's what they're calling it), topped off with either Youthberry tea (my personal favorite) or strawberries & limeade.  The Youthberry granita is less sweet than the strawberry, and is very refreshing, especially in this heat.  The flavor of the tea (fruity with a slight floral finish) pairs well with the tart, sweet lemonade.  The strawberry lime-lemonade is quite sweet and tart, and reminds me more of a dessert.  Real strawberry slices are blended right in!  I have yet to try the chocolate one, but I hear it's also pretty good.  They come in Tall, Grande, and Venti...no Trentas for these drinks.  

We were also asked if we wanted to try the trifles.  They were good, but not necessarily worth the price.  Personally, I find the name misleading.  The concept is a good way to move product, though.  There are two to choose from:  A chocolate brownie trifle and strawberry shortcake trifle.  The chocolate brownie trifle is a chunked up chocolate brownie (of course), topped with whipped cream and mocha drizzle.  The strawberry shortcake consist of broken up mini vanilla scone(s), whipped cream, and a strawberry drizzle.  Both are served in a mini cup.  The brownie is very sweet & rich, so if you need a chocolate fix, that's your best bet.  The strawberry shortcake was less rich and filling, but good.  I would have liked whip on the top and bottom, or layered, because it helped to cut the sweetness (and chocolaty-ness).  

All-in-all, I would say give the granitas a try.  I was told they are only here for the summer, and they are quite refreshing, especially in 100-degree weather.  You could skip the trifles.  Just grab a brownie and top it off with whip, or get a vanilla mini scone and dip it into the whip on your strawberry frapp.   But, if you feel like trying them, they are pretty tasty.  

What are you most excited to try?  Do you have a new favorite?  

Stay beautiful!