A friend sent me a little booklet produced by Starbucks showing off the “Starbucks Barista Bar Blender“. The booklet was produced in 2003, and I have to assume that back then you could purchase a blender inside a Starbucks. I don’t personally remember being able to buy a blender at a Starbucks in that era, but in 2003 I was a student and spent very little money inside a Starbucks.
There is something really fascinating and interesting about this little book: Whoever put the book together carefully took the time to match which coffees from the whole bean menu wall paired with which blender recipes. The attention to coffee, despite that it is a blender recipe book, is fantastic. The variety of coffees which were available in 2003 is interesting too.
For example, the first recipe (“banana boost”) pairs with House Blend, Guatemala Antigua, and Light Note Blend. Once upon a time, Light Note and Light Note Decaf were core coffees. Irish Bliss blender beverage recipe pairs with Italian Roast, Gold Coast Blend, and Colombia Narino Supremo. The Hello Honey recipe pairs with Kenya, Ethiopia Sidamo, and Gazebo Blend. There are a few more recipes in the booklet, but you get the idea.
I’ve always believed that Starbucks would have to innovate and keep things fresh to keep vibrancy in the stores. One wish I have for Starbucks is that they take more time to affirmatively market food and product paired with coffee. For example, when Starbucks launched the gluten free orange valencia cake some time ago (now discontinued), there was a perfect opportunity to talk about what coffee went with that item. By the same token, someone could try to figure out what coffee goes with a number of the current pastry and sweets offerings.
Here’s the little book I’m referring to, for you to enjoy: (And thank you to Molly at Seattle Custom Framing for her help with the photos)
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This booklet is fantastic! I love the colors and the layout! And the Raspberry Rendezvou looks reall really good 😀
I noticed that all the drinks were in starbucks drinkware that I’ve never seen before…were they available back in 2003? They’re really cute!
The caramel indulgence sounds delicious!
Hello! Long time lurker, first time poster. I started working at Starbucks in 2003 and I remember these blenders. I don’t really remember selling any but they were part of the Summer Promo. Their list price was $100 and was made of glass.
Your comment about the pairings (foods with coffees) is something that has already been done. I remember whenever we got new pastries (remember the Chocolate decadence promo?), there were memos that explained what the pastries might pair well with. I just think the information is underutilized.
When you study to become a coffee master, that’s also another part of the training (or it was). I think people assume that it’s just unnecessary information and focus on other things.
I love your blog. You definitely have a passion for SBUX.
Michael
Ohhhhh! Isn’t it amazing how very very much Sbux has changed so recently??? 2003 was NOT that long ago! I remember when they sold so much coffee ware…great coffee makers, espresso machines, these blenders. They were all high quality. They always carried 3 or 4 types of very good thermos. I still have 3 today, from the mid ’90’s that work totally fine, hot or cold. And I bought more than one of the excellent coffee makers they sold. The good ole days……
Thanx Melody….
Oh yes I remember the blenders in the stores, but from what I remember I too agree not many were sold and I saw them on sale a few times. It is a bit sad that SB has gone away from their original goals.
Wow, Starbucks blender. I did not know this cool blender.
@denise r.
2003 or 04, I saw Starbucks thermos bottle which made in Japan, in Seattle.
@Deniser I have one of the Starbucks thermos. from around 2004 though..love it! It’s a pinkish one and I haven’t seen them for years. It has held up amzingly and still looks brand new.
These blenders were actually quite amazing. I remember having them in my store in Portland, so they were sold up through 2006-07ish. In my store they didn’t seel real well to customers, but were a big hit with partners 😀
@Michael, @DeniseR @Hayley @Wongster
@Michael – Welcome to the blog! Glad you like it. Please come comment again soon. Are you still a partner? What’s your favorite coffee? It seems like it has been a while since i have actually written about coffee – I should do a post on Estima since October is Fair Trade month.
@DeniseR @Hayley – Now that you mention it, there were more thermoses before. I have a pink 16 ounce thermos (looks deceptively larger) that dates from 2006. It really keeps coffee warm! The merchandise is sooo much thinner than before. From about 2002 to 2003 I can remember that you could even buy small cartons of Silk Soy Milk right in the store too! I miss the variety of stuff in some ways.
@Wongster – I am tempted to go look for one of these blenders at thrift shops or yard sales. I might not find it, but one thing about being in Seattle, sometimes you’ll find the darndest Starbucks things in thrift shops. I totally stumbled upon a “Farmers’ Stories” DVD in a goodwill.
Melody- will you do posts on some of the new Reserve offerings for October? I liked the one you did on Galapagos!
I know there won’t be a roasting event or anything like that – but it would be great for those of us not anywhere near a Reserve store to learn about the coffees from you!
@Hayley – That’s a good question. I definitely need some more coffee posts. As to the “roasting events” – Those are once a month INSIDE the Starbucks headquarters, and the fact of the matter is that as a customer it’s almost impossible to go to those. I believe the roasting events are planned scheduled events for the last Wednesday of every month. You know probably Starbucks doesn’t like using resources to be my “guide” – I have to be hosted by a partner to go to that. I had the bizarre thought (just a passing thought!) that it would almost be cheaper for Starbucks to buy the blog from me than to constantly expend resources hosting me, inviting me to things, and monitoring me … but that’s another story and totally off topic and it would never happen.
So as to the new reserve coffees, I have to either (1) get a store to help me with a coffee tasting, (2) or write a blog that’s just facts about the coffee with my own personal review, or (3) wait for an invitation to an SSC created event which there simply aren’t a lot of those for customers largely because of the resources exhausted by that, I assume. I waffle a lot on which kind of coffee blog entry I might end up doing.
Melody even as you say a passing thought but SB buying your blog!!!! Oh no. And do you really know how much they monitor you? I suppose it is a compliment to you that they are reading your blog. Wish as has been said before that they would take some of these comments to heart. Not sure they truly do.
@purple1 – We’re way off the topic of blenders now! Oh well, we’re mixing it up. 😉 As to reading the blog: I think that it is at least arguable that Starbucks corporation has an obligation to read this blog. That could be debated both ways, don’t know the answer, but the FTC requires corporations to monitor bloggers that they have a “material relationship” with, mostly actually to look for errors about the products and false claims about what the product does. I suspect that every day a few PR people glance through this blog, possibly one or two Edelman people (though that’s a wild guess), and a few others. Yeah, I think they’re reading it. I can’t imagine they’re reading every comment. That would be so time consuming. I guess I really don’t know and mostly I’m just guessing and speculating and that’s probably not a good thing for me to do.
I was thinking just your own personal review of the coffees and maybe accomapny that with a local store tasting if they can accomodate.
I’ll get back on topic now! 🙂 I had just noticed the earlier comment you posted on it being awhile since the last coffee post, and thought it would be an interesting series.
re: the thermos. I also found a rare one or two in the mid-late 2000’s which I gave as gifts. They were both the lager ones. One was just stainless steel but the other was gorgeous RED. I almost wish I hadn’t given that one away, it was beautiful. If I ever see that one again, I will buy it. You guys have pink ones? I have seen pink!
And on the idea of Sbux buying your blog Melody: “oh no!”
@Hayley & DeniseR –
Well we continue to be way off the topic of blenders, but that’s fine.
@Hayley – On the topic of coffee: Yes yes yes to more coffee reviews of some kind. The things coming up I need to write about are Cafe Estima because it is Fair Trade month, I’d like to write about maybe the Peaberry Reserve. I’m actually not crazy about the Kalosi. I think Thanksgiving Blend usually comes back pretty soon, but I’m undecided if that warrants a blog post. I’m crazily excited about the special 2010 “Christmas Espresso Roast” with Aged Sumatra in an Espresso Roast Blend. That sounds amazing.
@DeniseR – I took a quick sloppy pic of my pink thermos. It somehow feels like since 2006, Starbucks is not even the same company anymore. Here it is:
http://twitpic.com/2xduqc
^ That thermos only holds 16 ounces which definitely causes confusion with baristas. Literally like 90% of most baristas will charge you for a Venti because the darn thing looks so big.
@Michael yes, parings are explained to partners, but how often does that info get passed to customers now? This was a booklet made for customers (or so I gather). I suggest parings as often as I can, and most people look at me like I have two heads. It’s been lost a good bit. Now the focus is flavored via and frappuccinos.
I love love the for here ware or whichever it is that’s pictured!
As for the blenders themselves, I would totally buy one of those! The one I have is on it’s last leg. I’d also KILL for that booklet. Thanks for this melody! A bright spot in a painful day.
Along with a few others I have to say the colors in the book really are gorgeous! I don’t remember the blenders either but I wasn’t a fan till a bit latter 🙂 I also appreciate the friends and contacts/professional peeps that help with the site…your blog always looks fresh and very well tended 😀 I like this most recent incarnation. I haven’t really checked it out in a while and I like the newest changes! Thanks Melody!!!
Meldoy: Thanx for taking the pic of your pink thermos! I have definitely never seen one like that around here. The RED one that I gave to someone was vey shiney and kind of ‘squat’. very pretty.
That booklet you picture really is kind of amazing, in the scheme of things today: the pairings, the availability of it (the booklet) in the stores, the blenders in the stores, etc. I look in my store today and it just seems so void compared to the things of even 5 yrs ago, heck, 3 yrs ago. The coffee seems to disappear by the day. Sad.
I definitely remember selling these blenders in store. Like poster Michael, I think they were around $100 and went on clearance for $60 or $69 before we shipped them back with old espresso machines. And I definitely remember some of the merchandise shown in that little book. The clear mug with the straw was something that everyone thought was so strange – who would want a cup for cold drinks?? (Haha…now it’s the opposite…)
Interesting! I’ll have to try the “banana boost,” as I have quite a few bananas at the moment!
I received a Starbucks thermos as a gift in 2004 – kind of a pearled white in color. Keeps things hot for quite some time! And still in good shape.
I didn’t know Starbucks sold a blender! I know if they were selling them now that I’ve got my own apartment—with no blender! *pout*—I’d be very tempted indeed to purchase one!
Also, I totally have that blue tumbler! (on the “Hello Honey” page!) It’s still in pretty good shape, although the word “Starbucks” on the front is wearing off a bit. It’s a great tumbler. I’ve been trying really hard to get my hands on the giant promo version they used for displays in the stores. Found a couple on eBay, but they’re always super expensive. Blast!
A FEW YEARS BACK, I WAS COMING BACK FROM A PROTOTYPE MOTORCYCLE TEST SESSION JUST DOWN THE ROAD FROM GENEVA LAKE, WISCONSIN. I WAS HOT, THIRSTY, AND CRAVING A NICE ICY-COLD FROZEN MOCHA-CAPPACCINO. I STOPPED IN AT THE LOCAL GENEVA LAKE STARBUCKS, AND ORDERED A LARGE ONE. I WATCHED CLOSELY AS THE BARISTA WHIPPED UP MY DRINK. WHEN I TOOK THE FIRST SIP, I MARVELED AT HOW SMOOTH AND FROSTY THE DRINK WAS – NO COARSE CHUNKS OF ICE, NO GRAVELY GRAINS OF ICE – JUST SMOOTH LIKE A SLURPEE. THE NEXT DAY I DID A REPEAT, AND THEN NOTICED THAT THEY WERE USING A STARBUCKS BRANDED BLENDER. I ASKED IF THEY SOLD THEM, AND ENDED UP PURCHASING ONE ON THE SPOT FOR $99 – IT IS UNPARALLELED IN PREPARING FROZEN DRINKS USING ICE AND VARIOUS ASSOCIATED DRINK INGREDIENTS – i.e. MARGARITAS, ICY COFFEE DRINKS, MALTS, SHAKES, HOMEMADE SLURPEES. WISH THEY STILL MARKETED THEM – I AGREE WITH OTHER’S COMMENTS ABOUT THE HIGH QUALITY AND VALUE OF THE MERCHANDISE THAT THEY SELL IN THEIR STORES – I HAVE ONE OF THEIR STAINLESS INSULATED GLASSES SITTING ON THE DESK NEXT TO ME, AND ITS BEEN 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SINCE PICKING IT UP IN ARIZONA FIVE YEARS AGO ON ANOTHER SUMMER PROTOTYPE TEST SESSION – HOT WEATHER SELLS COLD STUFF! AS FAR AS USE OF RESOURCES, THEY’RE IN BUSINESS TO MAKE MONEY, AND SELLING STUFF MADE FOR THEM TO THEIR SPECS ONLY MAKES SENSE – THE TWO ITEMS THAT I HAVE MENTIONED HAVE ONLY ENHANCED THE STARBUCKS EXPERIENCE. THANKS STARBUCKS
I have the Starbucks Barista Bar Blender and I love it however the plastic piece that goes inside the lid is broken. Does anyone know where I might be able to get a new lid. They have discontinued the item and Starbucks could not help me
JOE,
Waring made the blender for Starbucks – yeah, no Starbucks blender factory taking up their precious capital and resources which someone stated as a concern – I contacted Waring to get a replacement gasket, and the person that I spoke to wasn’t familiar with the blender.
Waring is no dummy – they made the blender for Starbucks, but didn’t tool up a completely different line for a short run – i.e. they made some minimal custom parts to differentiate the Starbucks blenders, got the majority of the hardware from existing Waring blenders, badged them Starbucks, and then sold the hybrid blenders to Starbucks.
Finding a lid with the exact insert isn’t important, but having a tight fitting lid that seals against leakage and has a working vent, however, is important. You might try going to someplace like Target with your complete lid, and then try to see if you can find a lid/gasket/insert assembly to fit the jar on and existing model (or alternatively, take your jar and try to find a lid from an existing model). Once you have found a compatible match for a lid, record the model number on the bottom of the blender, including the date code, and call Waring replacement parts, and order the parts (800-492-7464). Another way is to measure the inside diameter of your blender jar at the top sealing interface, and call Waring directly – they’re pretty good at matching dimensions if you’re good at measuring the inside diameter – hand grenade estimates won’t be of much use in this process, so be exact and precise.
Good luck.
Very good blender. Disappointed the rubber part on jar that spins was defective. No replacement part anywhere. Blended very well though.
I own this blender and it has changed my life! I’ve had mine for at least 6 or 7 years. It takes a beating and keeps blending without any problems. It was worth every penny!
@Genevieve – Thanks for finding the blog. Hope you’ll “like” the blog’s facebook page. Some of the old Starbucks merch was pretty amazing. I have an old grinder from the 1990s that I still use now and then. This blender was out of my price range when it came out, but definitely sounds like it was a quality item – worth the money. ~Melody
I still have my Barista blender, and I still love it! However, the bottom piece cracked this morning, and since it sounds like replacement parts are really hard to come by, I may finally have to retire my blender. Sad – it’s done well for about 8 years.
thank you, scott saiki, for the information. i, too, have been looking for a seal. knowing that the blender is manufactured by waring helps considerably. btw, waring lists a blender with a similar model number. thanks again!
I too have a Starbucks Barista Bar Blender and the motor has died. I do still have the glass part and lid. Is anyone interested? Wonderful blender!
Barbara! I’m interested! Please email me!
I have a Starbucks Barista Bar Blender as well and my motor works just fine … but the plastic piece at the base broke (the part that attaches to the glass and sits on the blender itself, it looks like a little pinwheel shape)
I would be willing to purchase this piece if anyone has it.
I MISS this blender terribly!!!!
where can I buy this blender?
@Martina – Thanks for finding this blog. Please “like” the page too. http://www.facebook.com/pages/StarbucksMelody/180068562003180
In any case, this blender is not for sale anymore. It was available in 2003, and this blog post was definitely a look back at something unique that was once offered in the stores. Hope that helps!
If anyone has tips on where to get the glass canister for the blender – mine just broke today. Barbara if you would like to see the glass canister then I might be willing to buy it from you. Also- does anyone know which model to ask Waring in order to buy the replacement?
Does anyone know who the original manufacturer of the Barista Blender was? I’m trying to find parts and Starbucks Customer Service doesn’t have any information. Thanks!
I absolutely loved my Starbucks barista blender and am also looking to replace the two rubber pieces that make the blender go around! I had set the glass blender on top of the bottom base and it was not placed on correctly and the two rubber pieces just destroyed each other! augh!! I would love to get these replaced if anyone is willing to give or sell these to me!?!? Thanks! Jackie ; )
Has anyone been able ot match the old Starbucks barista blender with the correct Waring model number in order to ask Waring about replacement parts? I need the part that the blades attach to and is set on the blender base when using. THe blades broke off in a failed attempt tp repair. I contatced Starbucks a year or two ago but they refused to even acknowledge who the original manufacturer was!!! This wensite is the first I have known about Waring making the blender for Starbucks . Thanks, Dave
I’ve had the Barista blender since 2003ish and have absolutely loved it. Until I pulled a bonehead maneuver and ran the blender for a few seconds with a spoon inside the jar. I’ve managed to bend the blades and totally strip the screws that held the whole metal assembly for the blades together. If anyone is looking to sell off their parts, I’d love to buy them off you, but I’ll also look to Waring to see if they can help. Has anyone successfully been able to source parts from Waring?
Omg I also have this wonderful blender !! I broke the glass jar accidentally and I would be so happy if I’m able to replace it !!!!! I also can’t believe someone in eBay is selling one brand new in its bow for about $320.00 .
Susanna,
I have the glass pitcher if that is what you need. I have no idea of the value, but if you’re interested, let me know and we can work something out. My e-mail is shophb@me.com.
I’m very happy to have happened upon this site! I’m trying to get a replacement part for our Starbucks Barista Bar Blender (the glass receptacle broke). Starbucks wasn’t sure if it was Waring that manufactured this appliance or not but your comments verify it! Hopefully Waring still has this part because everything else works fine. Or does anyone have the glass part in the Vancouver, BC area that they want to sell?
Thanks for the information, everyone – in particular Scott Saiki.
re: the Banana Boost.
Could I go into a Reserve Starbucks and have them cut the recipe in half to make one for me? I was thinking:
Tall Iced Guatemala or House
2 Bananas
1 Cup of Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Cup of Ice
Then have them blend it all together. Would fit into a Trenta cup. I should know, because I tried it at home and it fit into two Grande cups perfectly.
I am looking for jar (glass part sits on top of machine) Starbucks Barista Bar Bender Model # 181822 diameter is 3.5″ to fit bottom on top of machine. It has 4 groves to slide in -three grove is same and one grove is littler larger.
If any has jar with a lid, I would be interested.
Please let me know
Thank you.