Starbucks has launched an espresso called Cortado; here’s what you get

Starbucks has packed up its Christmas cheer and is rolling out its “winter provisions,” which include a new espresso and a vegan food item.

The coffee giant’s winter menu 2025 debuted Friday, Jan. 3, although it was prematurely announced by some foodie websites on Thursday.

The new beverage is called Cortado, which Starbucks describes as “small in size and strong in flavor.” It features steamed milk and three shots of ristretto, which Starbucks makes with less water than a regular espresso.

Cortado is only available in a short cup, which is 8 ounces with a nice head of foam and costs $4.75. By contrast, a Starbucks espresso is available in one to four shots that are about 2 ounces each. Two shots, which is the Starbucks app’s default, costs $3.45.

Cortado can be ordered hot or cold. There is also a sweeter version called Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado, which includes brown sugar syrup and is dusted with cinnamon powder.

Starbucks’ new food item is called a Spicy Falafel Pocket. It’s made with lavash wrapped in a square with crumbled falafel, hummus, roasted red bell peppers and pickled onions. It packs 240 calories and Starbucks calls it vegan.

The falafel pocket showed as unavailable on the Starbucks app at every location we tried, but when we went into a store and ordered it in person we got it immediately.

The winter menu features a new Valentine Cake Pop and several returning items. Among them are Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and Vanilla Bean Custard Danish.

Starbucks is not the only chain with new limited time offers. On New Year’s Eve, Dunkin’ launched a collaboration with pop star Sabrina Carpenter called Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso, Lava Cake Coffee, Lava Cake Signature Latte and a new $5 meal deal with breakfast sandwiches.

Klatch Coffee, based in Rancho Cucamonga, is serving beverages with a health theme, including a turmeric and spice blend called Golden Latte and Natures-ade,. made with cascara and lemonade. It is also offering a non-dairy milk called Milkadamia.