A new espresso beverage is coming to Starbucks. The Hazelnut Macchiato launches on March 5, 2013, at Starbucks stores everywhere in the U.S. and Canada. The beverage is a traditional machiatto with a vanilla syrup in the drink itself, and hazelnut sauce on top. I have heard that the intent is to keep the hazelnut sauce as a permanent offering, but can’t confirm that for certain. Since the launch date is right around the corner, it’s possible that plenty of people have had a sneak peek of this drink. Have you tried it? What do you think?
A big thank you to the partners who sent me their beautiful Hazelnut Macchiatos pictures! And if you haven’t tried it, keep your eye out for it on March 5, 2013!
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I’ll give it a try. Not a huge hazelnut fan unless it Nutella. LOL
Melody the pics are quite nice and I wonder if all the drinks will look like that! It will be interesting to see if those that get the caramel version will switch to hazelnut or take either one.
Good idea! People would order a Nutella Macchiato just for the title! But they are launching a Hazelnut Frappuccino too! Nutella Frappuccino! I bet it is already on the top secret illegal Starbucks Menu and will only be made better by having the Hazelnut sauce handy.
Oh my god Kurt you just touched on something that makes me crazy!! I don’t know if people realize it or not, but customers are super attracted to “cutesy” names for beverages. Lord only knows why. Most people – it seems – would rather ask for a “captain crunch smoothie” than a “strawberry smoothie with toffeenut.” And somehow it sounds way cooler to say “I’d like a cinnamon roll Frappuccino” than a “Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with Cinnamon Dulce syrup.” And for many people, “An Apple Pie Frappuccino” sounds way more fun to order than, “I would like “A Vanilla Creme based Frappuccino with Apple Juice, Cinnamon Dulce syrup, and Caramel.” The problem is this: Unless a customer learns how to order that beverage, there’s going to be some inconsistency from store to store on what an “apple pie” Frappuccino really means. I am not lulled by cutesy names.
LOL Nutella talk! I’ve been ordering grande mochas with two pumps of hazelnut for years (it’s too sweet with 4 shots of hazelnut, and really only needs a little to bring out the flavor with the chocolate)! Same thing with hot chocolate and mocha fraps.
I do like the idea of hazelnut syrup, though!
Speaking of interesting custom-made drinks, someone in the comments on another thread a while back mentioned adding raspberry syrup to a vanilla bean frap. I’d like to hug that person. 🙂
@Kat – Makes me want to try a hot chocolate with hazelnut instead of vanilla, and then ask for a hazelnut drizzle. That would be a deadly treat!
I’ve got to say, I’m really excited to try this. I think I will today! I’ve never been a fan of hazelnut flavored things, but this sounds really interesting. Plus, the fact that they’re introducing it as a new core drink rather than a promotional/seasonal one makes me feel like they have faith that its going to be pretty popular and tasty.
On a related point, I share Melodys angst about the ‘secret menu.’ I’ve read it, and many of the drinks I’ve seen are things that, according to policy, we cannot make (such as adding a biscotti to a frappuccino). Plus, it’s billed as an official secret menu a-la In N Out Burger, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you walk into any Starbucks and order a ‘Crunchberry/Captain Crunch frappuccino,’ a huge majority of the baristas will have no idea what you’re talking about. It’s important that if you want a custom, ‘secret’ beverage like that that you figure out how to order it. That being said, I’d be more than happy to translate any ‘secret’ drink into official Starbucks-ese!
I think a blog post is in order for *secret* menu translations!! 😀
@Momiji – That is actually a REALLY good idea. You see, this is why it’s easy to constantly write about Starbucks … the ideas of what to write about are never ending.
PARTNERS: If you are reading this and you have a favorite “translation” of a secret menu item, please email me at Melody@StarbucksMelody.com – I would love to compile a list of “Secret Menu Translations.” Please be detailed! Thank you so much for any help that I get!
Thank you! I hope you get alot of translations from partners.
My regular Starbucks got all the ingredients last week and when the hazelnut regulars came in they were offered one early. From my observation of their reaction it is a hit.
I think Hazelnut is sorta a classic- I mean when I eat at some other restaurant and drink their coffee- hazelnut creamer is the one classic creamer besides vanilla. But I love hazelnuts so I will be very excited to try this. I’m kinda boring- I’m generally a classic vanilla latte kinda girl, occasionally switch it up with Cinnamon Dolce, Caramel Macchiato, etc. It will be nice to have an addition to add to the rotation.
This drink is great! The syrup is sweet and thick so for my tastes less is more. I really like it.
The Baristas at my store are torn on this one. Half of the partners love it and the other half hate it. I like it. It’s not at sweet as the caramel sauce and it’s not as over bearing as hazelnut syrup. I think it will be a big hit with the customers though!
I will definitely try this! Anything Hazel Nut is my fave!
It is a tad overly sweet for me, but if you’re a fan of hazelnut you’ll love the sauce.
As for “secret drinks,” I have seen a lot of variations of the recipe in my store alone. It will be interesting to how partners from other regions make theirs.
I had one last night. It’s delicious!!!!!
I finally tried this in my store yesterday. Even though I’ve worked at Starbucks on and off for over 15 years, I still only drink espresso beverages (except for Americano’s) about once every three months, I’m a straight, black brewed coffee drinker. Our market is a huge caramel market. I know nearby stores that need to order 2-3 boxes of caramel sauce PER DAY in the Summer to support all the Extra Caramel Caramel Frappuccinos they sell. We also sell lots of Caramel Macchiatos all year around. That said, I don’t think this is going to be a huge hit here, but it will find its fans. I actually think the Hazelnut sauce has a more complex flavor than the Caramel, I find the Caramel to be too sweet, and not enough caramel. That is how I’ll get my customers to give it a whirl.
Melody, I want to know why I can not get a certain drink that is advertised on the Starbucks Menu on the website but my local store says they do not make it? The reason, I ask this is because of all the other off the menu combos you can get….. The drink I am talking about is the Tazo Green Tea with Peach. It is also a shame that I live in the Peach State and the stores here do not seem to have any form of Peach at all.
@Jennifer-Marie it is very possible that your local Starbucks may not carry the corresponding peach syrup for the teas. We do not have it in my area, but I do have friends in other locals who have received it.
@Melody- the Hazelnut Macchiato is actually made with Vanilla syrup inside the drink, not Hazelnut. It is exactly like a Caramel Macchiato with a different syrup.
Also, it is Cinnamon Dolce with an O, not Dulce. They put out one of those big Doubleshot Energy + Coffee cans a few years ago with the Cinnamon Dolce flavor but misspelled it “Dulce” on the can.
Dulce or Dolce – Italian or Spanish, same difference!
I’m a big fan of hazelnut….even though oddly enough I never order hazelnut flavored anything at Starbucks. I used to use hazelnut Coffee Mate everyday for the longest time. I can’t wait to try this. I am surprised to hear it’s just going to immediately become a core offering…that makes me hopeful for good things from this beverage!
Chgo, I was thinking the same thing about the Dolce/Dulce. LOL
[…] like The Nutella is officially releasing on March 5. Be on the look out for the Hazelnut Macchiato, featuring hazelnut and […]
First, @ Kat, I don’t know if it was on here, or on MSI, but I have many times suggested raspberry syrup with the vanilla bean frapp (and the coconut, when available…another big hit, imo..in vanilla bean)…..sometimes I get the raspberry syrup only over the whip, sometimes mixed in. (these are almost always for someone else, but I do think they are really a very very good frapp!) So, you might want to hug me 😉
Secondly, I love hazelnut too, various ways tho. (who, btw, could not LOVE nutella?) I remember calling in a WGN radio show because the dj had never heard of this and was doubting what some caller was talking about! Of course, besides my call, he was apparently bombarded with calls of confirmation and disbelief! Anyway, regarding this drink: have not had it, do see it likely as very good, and even tho apparently we are just getting into the heart of winter here this year :), I think it would be better launched, or promoted, in the fall.
@Denise – How long ago did this conversation come up on WGN about the Nutella? I’m having deja vu here. It seems I heard this same conversation come up on the radio earlier this winter! I don’t remember what station it was, but one of the radio personalities was like “What’s Nutella? Never heard of it!” If this was in the past couple of months, then I’m wondering if it was the same talk radio you were listening to. I believe the conversation I heard on the radio was in the afternoon, possibly on Garry Meiers show.
Any other baristas notice that the recipe for the hazelnut macchiato frappuccino calls for toffee nut syrup rather than the standard vanilla? Haven’t tried it but it seems to me that the drink would have an entirely different flavor profile made that way.
@R1 Yup, the Hazelnut Frappuchino is made with Toffee Nut syrup and Hazelnut sauce drizzle. As for it lacking vanilla, only the macchiatos get vanilla syrup. It be like comparing the Caramel Macchiato to the Caramel Frappuchino, similar ingredients, but totally different tasting drinks.
@chgo: ha! too funny! It was within the past couple mnths but wasn’t the ‘truly right about everything’ G. Meir. (I love his show!) I think HE would know nutella. It was John Williams or Williamson..I could never remember….anyway, it was his show. He came on right before Gary M. You probably did hear it, what are the chances it would be UNknown by 2 different guys both on the radio? I remember everyone assoc. with his show (on the air) was chiming in……yeah, best stuff ever…the producer etc. I know it wasn’t the G on the G, for sure. too funny.
sorry Melody….a bit O.T.
@Denise – It wasn’t Garry Meier that didn’t know what it was. I thought it was a guest on his show, but it could have been a bit earlier on GN’ before Gary came on the air. It could have been during John Williams show. I just remember it was in the afternoon…. I couldn’t believe he never heard of Nutella. I do remember a woman razzing whomever it was about it. So that was you????
[…] Starbucks’ new seasonal items are set to launch on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, and with it, an updated iOS app is now available. This updated app marks the virtual debut of the Hazelnut Macchiato. […]
@chgo: well, feel pretty sure that was me! funny! (yay!!! snow!!!!!)
I’ve never really been a fan of Hazelnut-flavored things, I found the flavor a bit strong. But since the base of this new drink is just like my usual (Caramel Macchiato) minus the switch of just the sauce on top, I’ll give it a try today. I’ll try to come back & give my thoughts on it. Will also keep an eye out for the new Birch wood gift card to add to my collection (really wanted the metal!) & maybe get an extra 1 loaded as a gift, since they have that promotion going on. I wish us current Gold/card members could have a little incentive as well, maybe in return for reloading our cards? If I stay in the store, I think I’ll get a refill of Iced Coffee w/ the new Hazelnut sauce AND Caramel over whip, why not? 🙂
Totally unrelated, but has anyone tried the new Charbroiled Atantic Cod Sandwich/Burger at Carl’s Jr.? I’ve never liked Carl’s Jr. before (only on rare occasions, would get their strawberry shake), but the new moist, blackened filet of fish sandwich made me a fan.
Meh. I think I’ll stick to my Caramel Macchiato, but maybe I should try the hot version too, before I give up on the Hazelnut Macchiato. I could barely taste anything, more like a plain iced latte, not even sweetened much.
All these talking about hazelnut and macchiato is making me want a cup now. 😀 Gotta dash to a Starbucks tomorrow to try it.
Talking about customization. I once tried to order a Peppermint Latte and gotten weird looks from the barista. I don’t even know if it’s going to taste good or not, just wanted to be “creative”. LOL.
Creative is good. I have them add chocolate chips to my Strawberry Frappucino, and add some chocolate sauce on top. It’s like a chocolate covered cherry. Delicious.
The hazelnut macchiato is especially great when the awesome barista gives it to you free!
@Amy – Now, that would be great! Tomorrow might just be my lucky day. 😉
@Ling – It happened to me yesterday. I ordered a Vente, fully expecting to pay for it. It tasted even better that way. I do however have the best Starbucks, with the best baristas anywhere.
@Ling : I’m sure you will score a free Hazelnut Macchiato sooner than later. The 2 Starbucks I went to today in search of the Birch, had a little stack of promotional coupons by the register, for handing out to certain (?) customers to redeem for a free tall Hazelnut or Caramel Macchiato. I was given one after I bought my 1st Hazelnut M. Good thing they can be used for my usual Iced C.M. as well. Let us know what you thought of it.
Went to my favorite local Starbucks yesterday and ordered two Hazelnut Macchiatos – one hot and one iced. The barista was so funny… she was all “what’s HM on the cup? hazelnut mocha?” then the girl at the counter reminded her. Turns out I was the first person this barista made the drinks for! Brought them home and taste tested them. I did really like them and would order them again. I didn’t think the hazelnut was overpowering, and it’s just in the sauce anyway. I will be making use of that hazelnut sauce in the future. 🙂
It was like a comedy routine this morning at my local SB- none of the partners were sure how to make the hazelnut frap and they were running around trying to find the recipe! They finally figured it out.
Kat – I did the same thing yesterday. First drink I had when I walked on the floor was a HM. I looked at it, and looked at it and probably went “OH!” out loud when it finally clicked. (duh!)
I’m allergic to nuts, so this new promo is problematic for me. The sauce says it contains natural and artificial flavours, so I’m staying away from that and washing my hands after every one I’ve made. (will not be great for beverage repeatable routine). In Canada we also have Maple Walnut Muffins and Peanut Butter Cookies that launched. My store is now toxic! 😉
I haven’t seen little coupons for free tall Hazelnut Macchiatos. Am I reading that right? Is that a regional thing?
The Hazelnut Macchiato is good iced too. This won’t be a go-to drink but it is a good one.
@Michelle – Did you say Maple Walnut muffins? Oh yum! I’ve never seen those around here. I should probably go hassle Starbucks to bring those in. 😛
Melody, it’s not regional, but stores were only given 100, which gives us 15 to hand out daily. It’s not something to be given to everyone, but to people who might be interested in trying the new drink. ie. a customer who gets a flavoured (or not) latte but may not want to take a chance on the new drink. I’d say you fit the profile, except that you’re less hesitant to try new things than some are! 😉 Yesterday I gave one to a regular who I know LOVES Hazlenut, she will treat herself occasionally to Hazlenut syrup in her Pike Place, and sometimes to a Mocha. It’s unlikely that she’ll switch and drink a Hazlenut Macchiato every day, but she may think about it on the days she treats herself to an espresso drink.
Ling – the Maple Walnut Muffins are only available in Canada, and they just launched yesterday. So, if you’re in Canada you should be able to find them easily, if you’re not…maybe take a trip to Canada? 🙂
Michelle- I’m allergic to nuts as well, but the hazlenut sauce doesn’t contain any nuts. We looked it up, because I was worried as well about the BRR thing and me making those. It has MILK product, but nothing nut related.
We also got Morning Glory Muffins-with pecans. Nothing like doing the pastry case in double gloves with those!
Melody-the coupons are in stores. We have a stack that we’re giving out sporadically over the next few days. They’re good for a free tall Macchiato. Hazelnut OR Carmel.
You read it right, Melody. I’m sure you’ll get 1 (or 2) esp. since you’re Starbucks Melody = )
I’m going to walk over to another Starbucks now (I’m currently staying at a hotel behind one) for a tall, breve Caramel Macchiato w/ Hazelnut sauce added on top as well, maybe add 1 pump Toffee-Nut since I’m craving Caramel Brûlée. I bet a bunch of those coupons are already being sold on eBay thanks to a couple dirty partners. I hope they’ll have the Birch card in stock, 3rd time’s the charm, right?
I tried the hazelnut latte today…pretty good but I think I need to play around with it, I love the sauce though. Maybe I’ll try it with no vanilla sub 1 or 2 pumps toffee nut instead.
I was not offered a coupon, nor did I see any 🙁
Ugh!!! I meant Hazelnut Macchiato…obv!