Starbucks' Horchata Shaken Espresso Has Arrived—Here Are 3 Ways Baristas Recommend Upgrading It

The new Starbucks summer drink lineup has officially hit menus, and one item is already stirring up several conversations. The much-anticipated Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is grabbing attention on social media—and people have opinions.

From complaints that it doesn’t taste like horchata to concerns about the syrup tasting artificial, the feedback seems mixed. Still, several Starbucks baristas and fans have shared their go-to upgrades to make the drink taste more authentic. Here’s what’s in the standard version—and how to customize it if the original isn’t quite your thing.

About the Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

The new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso became available on May 20, and it’s here only for a limited time. The standard version is made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso and the new Horchata Syrup with notes of warm cinnamon, sweet vanilla, and toasted rice. Those components are shaken over ice and topped with Oatmilk. 

Ricky Gonzalez was an integral part of the development team that created the new drink and spoke on how horchata recipes worldwide are all unique. 

When speaking on the version Starbucks landed on, Gonzalez hoped it would be familiar enough. “For people who grew up with horchata, hopefully it takes them to a place or a time where they enjoyed it,” he continued. “For those who aren’t as familiar, I hope it will be an introduction to a delicious flavor.” 

What Social Media Thinks of the New Addition

For a drink that has only been out for a couple of days, people have already have thoughts. One Redditor complained that the “syrup tastes so artificial and the espresso is just tasteless and flat.” A commenter on the thread added that the flavor is too weak and would be better as a sauce. 

On a recent TikTok review, creator @pavlinanavarro had a more positive take, expressing how the Horchata drink became her new favorite, beating out Starbucks’ popular Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (which is now an at-home creamer flavor). She also noted distinct cinnamon and vanilla flavoring.

But the comments on the post weren’t as forgiving—multiple commenters said the drink didn’t taste like horchata at all. 

“I just got my Horchata Shaken Espresso, and I don’t taste any horchata. I taste brown sugar,” wrote one commenter, with several others sharing the same opinion about the overpowering brown sugar flavor. 

“The drink was a solid 6, no way near a 10,” wrote another. “Tastes like the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with vanilla."

How Baristas Recommend Customizing

Before you skip your daily treat in favor of drip coffee at home, there’s another option: Several Starbucks baristas came into the comments with upgrade ideas. (Starbucks lets you order your drink with several customizations, hopefully to personalize each menu item to your taste.) Here are the top suggestions.

Tweak an Iced Latte

Multiple people mentioned preferring the Horchata Syrup in latte form. “From a barista, try a grande Iced Latte with four pumps of Horchata Syrup and one and a half pumps of White Mocha with Oatmilk and Blonde shots!” a TikTok user wrote. “It tastes just like horchata I promise!”

Add Vanilla and Cinnamon

If you order a Horchata Shaken Espresso straight up, another barista suggested adding two pumps of Vanilla Syrup and ask for cinnamon powder shaken in. “The Horchata syrup itself tastes almost like nothing!” they added. 

Use the Horchata Syrup in Chai

Another Starbucks employee suggested tweaking a classic Chai Latte. “From a barista, try a grande Iced Chai with two Horchata and Oatmilk [syrup pumps] with Cinnamon Dolce topping!” they recommended, adding it tastes more like horchata than the Shaken Espresso.