Starbucks Expands Beyond Coffee with New Soft Drinks

When you walk into a Starbucks expecting your usual espresso or cold brew, you might now be offered something entirely different — and non-caffeinated. In a quiet shift that’s drawing attention, some US Starbucks locations have begun offering handcrafted soft drinks alongside their classic coffee menu.

In Atlanta and Austin, three new soft drinks are now available: root beer, ginger ale, and lemon barley. These are not licensed national brands, but made-in-store beverages crafted by baristas using a specialized carbonation machine — and they’re priced just like a Starbucks coffee.

What’s Actually in These New Soft Drinks?

The three new drinks now on tap (or rather, in cups) at select Starbucks locations are: spicy root beer, dry ginger ale, and lemon barley. They are not mass-produced sodas, but freshly mixed beverages created on-site. The drinks are made using a special carbonated beverage machine installed in the stores, allowing baristas to craft them to order.

Where Can You Find These Drinks?

As of the latest reports, these soft drinks are available exclusively in two US cities: Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas. That means if you’re outside those locations, you won’t yet see these options on your local Starbucks menu. The roll-out is limited, suggesting a test phase before any potential wider launch.

How Much Do They Cost?

Pricing follows the familiar Starbucks coffee structure: a medium (or “tall”) size costs $2.45, while a large (or “grande”) is $3.45. That aligns them directly with the price of standard brewed coffee or espresso drinks at the same stores, making the switch to a soft drink an easy choice price-wise.

Why Is Starbucks Offering Non-Coffee Drinks?

This move is part of what industry observers are calling a subtle “anti-coffee” expansion. While Starbucks remains synonymous with coffee, the company has been steadily testing the waters beyond its core product. By adding teas, juices, energy drinks, and now these craft sodas, Starbucks aims to become a go-to destination for a much wider range of drinks — not just coffee.

The strategy reflects a broader push to compete not just with other coffee shops, but with convenience stores and vending machines. The idea is that whether you're in a Starbucks café or grabbing a drink on the go, the brand should be equally recognisable and appealing for both coffee and non-coffee options.

What Other Non-Coffee Products Has Starbucks Introduced?

Beyond these three new soft drinks, Starbucks has also expanded its offerings to include a variety of teas, fruit juices, energy drinks, and unique snack items. This diversification is part of the brand’s long-term goal to embed itself deeper into daily consumer habits beyond just morning coffee runs. The move also signals a strategic effort to appeal to younger consumers and those seeking alternatives to caffeine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which US cities currently offer Starbucks’ new soft drinks?

As of now, the new soft drinks — root beer, ginger ale, and lemon barley — are only available in Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas. These two cities are part of a limited test rollout.

Are the new soft drinks Starbucks-branded products?

No, the drinks are not national brands. They are house-made using a specialized carbonation machine in-store. They include spicy root beer, dry ginger ale, and lemon barley — all crafted by baristas.

How are the new soft drinks made?

The drinks are prepared on-site by Starbucks baristas using a custom carbonated beverage machine. This allows for in-store production, similar to how some cafés make fresh sodas or kombucha.

What sizes and prices are available for the new drinks?

The soft drinks come in medium (tall) for $2.45 and large (grande) for $3.45, matching the pricing of standard Starbucks coffee drinks.

Will these drinks be available nationwide soon?

There is no official confirmation yet, but the limited availability in just two cities suggests this is a test phase. A broader rollout may follow depending on customer response.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Non-Coffee Drinkers

If you’re exploring beyond coffee, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright citrus and floral notes — great if you enjoy lemon-based drinks. For a maltier profile akin to barley, their Brazil Queen Manor offers sweet, nutty tones. Or sample Yirgacheffe for a light, juicy body reminiscent of ginger ale’s spice. All three highlight the versatility of specialty coffee and align with the flavor profiles of the new soft drinks. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.