The new drink layers creamy cold foam on top of an icy Frappuccino to create a summer sipper that's sweet and texturally complex.
I Tried the New Starbucks Strato Frappuccino, and It’s a Textural Treat
Published on Jun. 11, 2025
While I can’t always try every single new item that Starbucks adds to its menu, I never miss a new cold foam flavor or coffee-based drink. Most recently, I sampled the Horchata Shaken Espresso, and you better believe I stopped at my nearest cafe the day that the Iced Cherry Chai Latte came out.
So when I got an invite to the Starbucks convention in Las Vegas, I was more than ready to taste test the new food and drinks Starbucks plans to add in the coming months. One standout was the Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino, which will show up on the Starbucks summer 2025 menu in July. I gave it a few sips and stirs, and I have thoughts!
What is a Strato Frappuccino?
“Strato” means “layer” in Italian, so you can guess right away this Frappuccino is going to have layers. Instead of the typical topper of whipped cream, Strato Frappuccinos layer cold foam on top of the blended drink. Starbucks says the inspiration came from customers: Adding cold foam to orders like cold brews, iced lattes and mochas is the most popular customization for cold drinks.
Three Strato Frappuccinos will be available nationwide in July: a Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino, a Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino and a Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino.
Are the Strato Frappuccinos good?
When I was sampling my way through Starbucks’ upcoming offerings, I got to try the Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino. It’s a classic coffee Frappuccino layered with brown sugar cold foam and topped with a stripe of cinnamon.
Admittedly, I haven’t ordered a Frappuccino in years because I try to limit my sugar intake in the mornings—at least a little bit—but that’s not because I don’t like the cold blended bevvies. Upon my first sip, I re-experienced the pleasantly icy texture and coffee flavor. I already knew that I’d love the cold foam on top on its own, since a flavored cold foam cold brew is my go-to order, but what I didn’t know was how nicely the creamy, velvety foam would play with the icy texture of the Frappuccino. The whole drink was absolutely packed with brown sugar flavor, even after stirring the cold foam into the coffee-flavored Frap.
If you’re a cold foam enthusiast who’s in the mood for something more decadent than a cold brew or iced latte, a Strato Frap is the way to go!
When can I get a Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino?
Starbucks hasn’t released an official launch date, but we can expect them sometime in July. However, you can take these drinks as inspiration and try layering your favorite cold foams on top of your go-to Frappuccinos right now. I think that a mocha Frappuccino with a cherry cold foam might taste like a slice of black forest cake. A strawberry Frap with a horchata cold foam would be quite delicious too!
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