To mark the Chinese New Year, Starbucks Reserve Shanghai Roastery is serving the Lucky Savory Latte, and it's an unusual beverage that appeals to meat lovers and adventurous drinkers alike. This sweet and savory latte blends espresso with a sauce inspired by Dongpo pork, and it's topped with steamed milk and a skewered pork slice. Complete with pops of red, the Chinese New Year beverage signifies fortune, luck, vitality, celebration and prosperity during 2024 as a Year of the Dragon.
This gourmet, savory latte is a Starbucks Reserve exclusive and however polarizing, it taps into the desire for experimental beverages in China, and alternatives to the usual sweet and sugary options on cafe menus.
What's Driving This Trend
- Savory Beverage Trend
- Incorporating meat-inspired flavors into espresso drinks offers a unique twist on traditional latte offerings.
- Experimental Cafe Options
- The demand for unconventional beverages drives the creation of innovative menu items like pork-flavored lattes.
- Cultural Celebration Beverages
- Beverages tied to cultural events like the Chinese New Year provide opportunities for symbolic and thematic drink creations.
Who This Affects Most
- Food and Beverage
- The food and beverage industry can explore incorporating savory elements into drinks to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
- Hospitality
- In the hospitality sector, there is potential to introduce unique and themed beverages that enhance guest experiences and drive customer engagement.
- Cultural Events and Festivities
- Businesses tied to cultural celebrations can innovate by offering symbolic and thematic beverages that resonate with customers during special occasions.
