# Yuzu Espresso Beverages Starbucks' Global Barista Champion Created the Blooming Yuzu Espresso By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-03-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blooming-yuzu-espresso References: [about.starbucks](https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2026/starbucks-reserve-introduces-a-vibrant-spring-menu-with-ube-coconut-and-citrus-flavors/)  The Blooming Yuzu Espresso is a bold new beverage created by the [first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Champion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/global-barista-champion), Nobuki Shimode of Japan, and this winning creation beat more than 84,000 other barista submissions from around the world to land on Starbucks Reserve's spring menu. Yuzu has an electric brightness that cuts through the deep, roasted boldness of coffee and creates a tension that works. In the signature Blooming Yuzu Espresso, this bright citrus enhances [Starbucks Reserve Espresso](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiramisu-espresso-martini) in the form of yuzu purée, all of which is finished with yellow-tinged yuzu cold foam and a sprinkle of pink salt. Yuzu is one of the colorful featured ingredients across Starbucks Reserve's vibrant spring menu, alongside [matcha and purple ube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/double-matcha-margarita). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.7/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 64% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Citrus-flavored Espresso:** A shift toward bright citrus infusions in espresso-based drinks that creates new sensory contrasts between acidity and roast for premium beverage differentiation. - **Vibrant Ingredient-forward Menus:** Menus centered on colorful, single-ingredient highlights like yuzu, matcha and ube that emphasize visual appeal and seasonal scarcity for elevated consumer experiences. - **Cold-foam and Texture Innovation:** An increased focus on textured toppings such as flavored cold foams and purées that adds layered mouthfeel and opens space for novel dispensing and formulation technologies. ### Who This Affects Most - **Specialty Coffee Retail:** Premium coffee retailers exploring limited-run, champion-led beverages that redefine brand storytelling and justify higher price points through artisanal provenance. - **Food Ingredient Suppliers:** Suppliers of exotic citrus purées and color-forward ingredients positioned to scale consistent, shelf-stable formats that support year-round menu integration. - **Beverage Equipment and Packaging:** Manufacturers of cold-foam dispensers, single-serve delivery systems and visually distinctive packaging that enable new preparation methods and on-the-go presentation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cold Brew Energy Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-brew-energy-tea.md) - [Ocean-Powered Matcha Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oomee-matcha.md) - [Flavorful Fiber Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiber-flow.md) - [Brown Cheese Tiramisus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brown-cheese-tiramisu.md) - [Summer-Forward Beverage Syrups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beverage-syrups.md) - [Video Game Energy Gummies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/focusfuel-citrus-yuzu.md) - [Asian-Inspired Almond Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choco-nuts.md) - [Energizing Adaptogenic Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adaptogen-infused-coffee.md) - [Bright Yuzu Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-seasonal-drinks.md)