Two-Temperature Beverages

The Starbucks Secret Menu Item Undertow is a Suspended Espresso Shot

The Starbucks secret menu is a cult favorite of many consumers loyal to the brand, that offers exclusive drink recipes that aren't on the normal menu -- if eaters know what to ask for. The retailer recently added an all-new beverage to the exclusive menu, entitled the Undertow that features a mix of cool and hot textures.

The Undertow is a blend of both warm and cold textures with a shot of pipping hot espresso that is suspended over a cold glass of milk. The shot can be mixed into the milk to create a mild mixed beverage or consumed one after the other for contrasting taste and flavor. The drink is small in size and meant to be taken more as a shot, than a slow sipped hot beverage.

Starbucks Secret Menu
Opportunity for other brands to offer exclusive drink recipes off-menu to create a loyal following.
Two-temperature Beverages
Innovation opportunity for cafes and beverages companies to offer beverages with contrasting hot and cold textures.
Suspended Espresso Shots
Younger audiences may be drawn to shots of espresso in unique drink formats such as a suspended drink.

Industries Being Reshaped

Coffee Shops
Coffee shops can experiment with the Undertow recipe or offer their own variations of exclusive drinks to attract and retain customers.
Beverage Manufacturers
Beverage manufacturers can create more complex beverage flavors with contrasting hot and cold temperatures.
Food and Beverage Retailers
Food and beverage retailers can offer their own exclusive menu items that are not available on the main menu to build customer loyalty.
SCORE
1.2 out of 10
GENDER
70% Men30% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 10%
Activity 17%
Freshness 8%