Image courtesy of Starbucks
 
Starbucks is going blonde, or at least in its beverage options. In a new twist, the coffee giant is offering a second espresso core option in the United States for the first time since its founding in 1971.

The Starbucks Blonde Espresso, which first debuted in Canada in 2017, is a lighter roast with a brighter color. It has a “balanced and sweet flavor with a smooth, creamy feel.”

“With our signature Starbucks Espresso Roast, the caramelly roast comes through in the beverage while Blonde Espresso is a sweeter, gentler flavor,” says Anthony Carroll, a developer on the Starbucks Coffee team. “It’s a great way to invite new espresso drinkers to try our beverages, while also offering our seasoned coffee drinkers a way to experience our beverages in a new way.”

The Blonde Espresso beans have a variety of backgrounds. They start with a base of Latin American coffees for body and East African coffees for acidity and citrus notes. That combination will make it ideal for several Starbucks beverages, especially iced drinks.