Starbucks will be launching Via Ready Brew Refreshers soon! They arrive in stores on July 10, 2012, and will be available in two flavors: Hibiscus Berry and Cool Lime.
As you probably already know, these are the same two flavors as the fresh, handcrafted version of the Refreshers, which will be also launching on July 10, 2012. In other words, both the fresh in-store handcrafted Refreshers, and the Via Ready Brew versions launch on July 10th.
This may seem a little confusing, so just to be clear, soon there will be three versions of Refreshers available:
- Handcrafted Refreshers in Starbucks stores – launching July 10, 2012. (Hibiscus Berry and Cool Lime flavors) (Available in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, Ireland, Germany, and possibly other markets.)
- Via Ready Brew Refreshers – launching July 10, 2012. (Hibiscus Berry and Cool Lime flavors) (Available in the U.S., as I understand it.)
- Ready-to-drink canned Refreshers – already available in grocery stores, and in the RTD case at Starbucks stores. (Strawberry Lemonade, Orange Melon, and Raspberry Pomegranate flavors) (Canned Refreshers are available only the U.S.)
By the way, as I talked to partners and tweeted with them about which markets had which versions of the Refreshers, I heard conflicting answers, so please do correct me if I’ve got it wrong! Thank you! Interestingly, the German market is calling these “Refreshas.”
I have had the fresh Refreshers many times, and always thoroughly enjoyed them. I prefer the handcrafted flavors over the canned drinks, and I think I like the lime flavor the best, but it is a tough call.
The hallmark of the Refreshers beverages – whether the canned Ready to Drink version, the handcrafted version, or the Via Ready Brew Refreshers – is that the boost of caffeine comes from a green coffee extract.
I’ve heard that Friday July 13, 2012, there will be a big Refreshers sampling event: Starbucks will be giving away the “tall” size for free, if you want to try one, however it is strictly between the hours of noon to three, as I understand it.
By the way, when I tried these in Orange County, California last year, I discovered that you could even order the Trenta size of the freshly made handcrafted Refreshers! That’s a lot of Refreshers! I am genuinely looking forward to these new drinks. It brings a whole new category to the menu, and really offers something unique and light for a hot summer day. At least when I tried them, the Refreshers always struck me as having something a little more substantial than an iced tea, but lighter than drinking a juice – that’s just my opinion obviously. In any case, it’s nice to have a whole new category of cold beverages!
If you’ve tried these, please weigh in on whether you like them! Feel free to weigh in on Refresher-related conversation.
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While these sound good, and I’m sure they are (VIA refreshers)…..I still feel I wish Sbux would stay within the coffee world more…..as in real coffee beans, etc. (I know, green coffee extract….) It just feels like these VIA ones are only a step behind/beyond Crystal light or any of those cold mixes.
Are you sure that the barista made-refreshers are nation-wide? I asked that a while back and I was told no, only regional, and not here. I would rather see them in the cafes than expanding the “VIA” line even beyond ‘coffee’……..’green’ or not;)
@Melody: read my email…….you’ll want to know I think. sad, tho.
I truly hope these are national … I liked both in my visit to California last summer and thought they’d be perfect for Florida. Sometimes it’s just too hot for a heavy milk-based drink, and I like the alternative to iced tea or lemonade.
Melody I am curious as to how much sugar are in these drinks? Can you ask the partner to tone down the sugar level? Also, look forward to seeing how they sell here. I am intrigued by how different regions support the various products.
These DO seem like Crystal Light almost but I would be willing to try them as I love the raspberry pomegranate flavor in the cans. Cannot wait to try the fresh ones…
What ingredients are in handcrafted refreshers? I wonder if we will be able to do it in Europe. I think most European stores will not get refreshers. And BTW I’m really upset that VIA is not available on most markets here. 🙁
I’ve seen a couple of questions so far about how they are made, so I’ll just chime in with that. 🙂
The handcrafted refreshers are made with a juice concentrate (much like the lemonade) that is mixed 50/50 with water. It’s sweetened with regular sugar and white grape juice, so you could conceivably get extra water to make it less sweet. It’s not super sweet to begin with though, so I recommend trying it to standard and having your barista adjust from there.
As far as I know, they launch nationwide July 10, so keep an eye out. Most stores have already gotten a small amount of supplies for the store meetings to learn how to make them, so if you are curious if your store will be getting them just ask one of the managers and they should know.
The lime is my favorite, but I’m the minority in my store… everyone else is in love with the berry. Happy Summer!
OMG!!!!! So Jazzed about them, I been waiting patiently. I agree with Melody that the Lime is “DA BOMB”…sorry feeling a little old school today (Original 90210 re runs) I had these all last summer when they were testing them. My only reservation with them is that they ran out of the garnish ALL THE TIME. The lime came with a Happy little freeze dried lime cross segment…that I would then add carbonated water to later when gone but still had ice left and it would keep the lime kick going & the berry had a scoop of mixed berry pieces..that I didn’t care for, as they would come shooting up through the straw but flavor was good.
The VIA should be interesting? Not too sure about it…but I think the canned versions were not good at all (just my opinion) I wonder if they will launch some sort of summer merchandise in the form of cold tumblers to go along with them? The 10th is a good day already!!!!! Whooo-Hoo….HAVE A “ReFRESHING” SUMMER EVERYBODY!
I have gotten to try the refreshers in person while at an airport, and in cans from the local grocery…I liked them but they weren’t so great I would get them over iced tea had they not been novel
@AmazonV – I think you’ll like the fresh handcrafted version of the Refreshers much better than the canned version.
@SuperSteives – It will be a “Refreshing summer!” Love it.
@MagicKat – Thanks for your help. I had actually heard conflicting information on how they’re sweetened. One partner told me there was Stevia in them – but maybe only the canned versions have that? Or maybe that person was mistaken?
@Denise – I got your email. I will email you back after work today.
Very excited to share these with the nation, since I was a part of the test market.
@MagicKat: Those juices to Refreshers are similar to those used for blended juice Frappuccino?
These are amazing, I did a tasting of all of the above today at our District meeting and they went over really well. I love the Cool Lime one the best, both in VIA and Handcrafted. These are going to be a great thing for those looking to watch calories and still get their caffeine kick in a refreshing drink. Another good thing about these drinks is they are all natural with no artificial sweeteners in them.
@denise r I think that it is great that Starbucks is expanding the line of coffee, keeps us ahead of other places selling coffee these days.
I was in a test market (Phoenix) and got one of these every day last summer. Loved them. I liked the berry the best. I don’t like the canned version at all.
I’m curious to see the ingredients. IIRC, the in-store version had some artificial sweetner. Right?
Please, please, please — Trenta cold cup!
The handcrafted Refreshers are the only ones coming to Canada because they are the only ones that *aren’t* sweetened with Stevia. (Our frappuccino light base is also different in Canada for that reason…) We are not yet able to sell products sweetened with Stevia in Canada, which definitely makes me sad cuz I want those Via Refreshers 🙂
I did read the ingredients yesterday as I was counting inventory, but I’m not 100% I’m remembering correctly – pretty sure there was white grape juice and other natural flavours, but no artificial sweetener.
@SuperSteives – love the carbonated water added trick! I am SOO doing that! Great idea!
@Nathan: I don’t really see these refreshers (any of them) even tho they’re “green coffee” extract, as Sbux expanding their line of coffee. Unless you go to a Clover store, and can have one of the Reserve coffees, I see the coffee wall shrinking everyday. wish that were not so….
[…] to the blog, Starbucks Melody, Starbucks VIA Refreshers will be hitting stores on July 10 and come in two flavors: Very Berry Hibiscus and Cool Lime. Making one is as easy as making a […]
[…] to the blog, Starbucks Melody, Starbucks VIA Refreshers will be hitting stores on July 10 and come in two flavors: Very Berry Hibiscus and Cool Lime. Making one is as easy as making a […]
I believe handcrafted (or hand mixed) will be available in Ireland too.
I do believe the VIA refreshers will be avalible in Canada as well.
@denise r – I do totally get what you’re saying…this totally isn’t coffee as we’ve known it in the traditional sense. I am definitely on board with them though, as I think continuing to offer new and innovative things will be the ticket to remaining profitable. And hopefully that profitabllity will enable us to continue to offer those tried and true offerings that still resonate with our long term customers 🙂 Now if we could just do that and bring back Organic Shadegrown Mexico, and start offering coconut milk, this girl here would have all she wanted 🙂
Step aside Red Bull. I added a little Bacardi to the Cool Live VIA. Instant Mojito.
You’ve gotta try this.
Is nutritional information available yet for the hand-crafted refreshers?
I haven’t seen nutritional information yet, but I just now noticed that the Starbucks promo refreshers page has been updated with an image of the Via on it:
http://www.starbucks.com/promo/refreshers
^ That is definitely new
I can’t wait for these to come out! I saw an add in a magazine for the via teas last weekend and drove to my Starbucks and all the partners seemed excited for them too! I can’t wait to take a package home on the 10th! Thanks for the post 🙂
I tasted the new Lime Refresher today at my store in Germany. It is fantastic! I guess the real piece of lemon gives it such a nice kick…great and refreshing for summer time.
And I also think that the simple lime juice can be used as well in some other drinks like Frappuccinos. I have to test and check out. A Lime Strawberry Frappuccino for example…hmm… 😛
@MarkH – I haven’t seen the magazine ads yet. All of this is exciting. It’s been a long time since Starbucks has added anything so new – a whole new category. @Sebastian – Wow. Strawberry Lime Frappuccino sounds like a great idea!
@Sebastian: In Belgium for example there is Lime Mint Coconut Frappuccino (I wonder how it tastes). I guess its being made with the same lime juice you use for Refreshers. In Poland we will have this Frappuccino but without Coconut.
My barista in Phoenix said they would have them available as of Tuesday. A soft opening perhaps? Of course, she could just be wrong.
I saw hand crafted beverage mixes/boxes on the shelf where they keep the lemonade mix.
I work in Scottsdale AZ. I freaking hate the refreshers. Seriously. Hate them. I am literally dreading their return. I saw a memo about it a couple weeks ago.
I think they are just total BS. The “juice” is not real juice it’s all fake sugary crap and then we add more sugar to it. It’s not healthy or good for you or anything at all but they try to market it like it is… I just think it’s really dumb and I hope that they don’t stick around.
Just found your page Melody and absolutely love it! Rachel is obviously way off and needs an attitude adjustment or a different job!
I’m very excited about these. I’ve already decided that I like half cool lime, half hibiscus, no berries, with a lime wheel, and made with a san pellegrino versus regular water. Not that I make high maintenance beverages being a partner and all. But I absolutely love the cans of the Pomegranate (my favorite) and the Strawberry Lemonade over a Venti cup of ice. I have a feeling people are going to love these!
@Greg – Thank you so much! Glad you found the blog, and I hope you’ll spread the word! @BCav – I might have to try your drink soon. I’m just so excited about the Refreshers. They taste good. They’ll be awesome for summer. And it’s truly innovation!
I am very excited about the refreshers particularly as green coffee bean extract is showing some promise for weight loss and blood sugar regulation.
I have been adding the Refreshers powder packs to my berry smoothies. Also instead of using water have been mixing the packets with various flavors of zero calorie Sobe.
As I do not drink soda and only like cappuccinos or frappuccinos it is a nice way to get a little caffeine boost with out a lot extra calories.
Hi Deborah! Are you a partner? the Via Ready Brew versions of the Refreshers aren’t for sale yet, so the only way you could be mixing them with a smoothie is from getting them at Starbucks before they’re sold. I too am excited about the Refreshers. Come tell us a little more, and welcome to the blog. Hope you’ll “like” the blog’s facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/StarbucksMelody/180068562003180
Hi Melody!
I am just a loyal customer. My local Starbucks here in Virginia was offering free samples Saturday morning and had the Refreshers ready mixes available for sale. I purchased the lime and the hibiscus berry. it has been in the 100’s here so I promptly went home and made myself a strawberry smoothie and added the hibiscus berry refresher to get my caffeine fix! Today again in 100’s I added the hibiscus berry refresher to a yumberry pomegranate sobe lifewater and it was great. My husband added the lime to his iced tea and really enjoyed the added flavor.
Wow! Deborah thank you for the quick reply back. Here in Seattle, everything about the Refreshers has been so hush hush! There hasn’t been very much early sampling at all, and definitely not of the Via. You are lucky! I’ve heard, by the way, that adding the lime base to a Starbucks Straweberry Smoothie is delicious – half strawberry, half lime base is supposed to make a fabulous smoothie.
Thanks for your comments!
We had a customer blend the cool lime and love it. I personally love the very berry with no water, sub lemonade.
@Melody, have you heard about Refreshers Friday?
@Diele – Seems like there are a million things you can do with the Refreshers! I was thinking that Tuesday I would have another (short) blog post for Refreshers launch day. I hate not having thing new to add to a blog post, but I’ll probably write about the Refreshers t-shirts, and I know some partners will be making Refreshers earrings! Love it! I was going to mention the Friday the 13th giveaway in that next blog post. Hey, what are the hours of the free tall Refreshers? I think I wrote noon to 3 pm in the above article, but I wasn’t sure if that was right. Thanks!
Did I miss something? A Friday the 13th giveaway? And of course you are speaking of the Refresher tee shirts for partners? Love the idea of Refresher earrings! Take a pic of that one.
@Purple1 – In the body of this blog article, I mentioned a giveaway for a free tall size Refresher. However, I wasn’t sure of the hours on Friday the 13th, and I’m still not sure of the hours.
Oh yes Melody remember that now but read it fast and already July is moving too fast. Thanks for bringing it up again!
Noon – 3 is correct, and it is for the tall size only! We’re also doing sampling events all week, 4 hours in every store. The hours will vary depending on when the stores peak times are though! I finally got to try them at our meeting tonight, and I have to say I’m a big fan of the lime, and not so much the berry.
Excited to use the 50% off coupons for my customers on the Refreshers Via. I believe each store received 50 coupons. What a great way to entice our customers to try them! Excited to beat the numbers from the test market last year. They taste slightly different from the test market, but great none the less. 🙂
Hi Diele! How are they different from the test? And those 50 coupons will go fast!
At our store meeting, we think they taste a tad different. We can not say for sure they are though. I foresee the coupons being gone quickly. We are not handing them out, but using them when someone buys one, so they don’t end up in the trash or scattered around. With so few it seems a waste to just hand out to everyone with most going to waste.
I just had my first refresher compliments of the 7/13 free drink giveaway at my local Starbucks store and was HIGHLY impressed. It does fit into a category of it’s own (inbetween juice and iced tea) and I resepct the fact that while it may contain caffeine it’s much less than a typical cup of coffee (I’m a bit caffeine sensitive.) I was also doing a bit of research on Green coffee beans and found out that it is a potential weight-loss booster! If that’s the case I’ll be getting many more of these drinks in the future.
I tried one of these today and couldn’t finish it. Just tasted fake sweetener, 🙁
What are the ingredients in these things??
@Zelda Cane Sugar is the ONLY sweetener present, aside from fruit juices. Green Coffee Extract is a newly introduced flavor to our(Yours and mine) palette. In the Berry Hibiscus there is also a tinge of ginseng and B vitamins. In the Cool Lime there is cucumber and B vitamins. As someone who has consumed numerous brands of energy drinks, this is a result of vitamins in liquid form. It takes getting use to. Coffee didn’t taste so delicious the first few times I had it and especially not black…now I prefer it black.
With the Berry Hibiscus try a splash of passion Tea and that causes any “aftertaste” to vanish. With the cool lime some Lemonade or Green Tea will do the same. Starbucks is about customizing to your specific taste preference, so share this with your barista and ask to try some tweaks until you find a recipe that is yours!
My personal favorite is Berry Hibiscus with no water add passion tea, 1 pump of Raspberry syrup. I normally do unsweetened things, but the raspberry makes it my guilty pleasure!
thanks Ethan for the low down.
I just tasted the lime for the first time. It tastes like it has liquid ecchinacea in it. Is that the green coffee?