So what does happen when the (so far flawless) Starbucks mobile order and pay system doesn’t behave?
The lines backup and get long.
And worse, if you did place an order, it went to another (not so convenient) location over a mile away.
Every few years, Starbucks tweaks its loyalty program, and April 2016 will see the latest changes. No longer “My Starbucks Rewards,” the simply termed “Starbucks Rewards” now factors in the amount spent per Starbucks transaction. So that $6 drink will garner more stars that than $2 coffee. Sounds fair.
Essentially, the revamped program feels the same but “rules of the game” have changed a bit. There’s a new Double-Star Day promotion where Gold-level members earn 4 stars for a $1. But these days are random, and you’re notified via email. I’m guessing the Double-Star days would coincide with your personal low activity days (Starbucks does know when you do and don’t visit).
This change should also alleviate delays when customers split orders into individual items to load up on stars. No longer needed since that $20 order will get you 40 stars (2 Stars for every $1).
For all the details about Starbucks Rewards, visit http://morestars.starbucks.com/
For a history of the Starbucks loyalty program, check out Starbucks Melody’s post.
No good. 
Stay with the hot version of this drink. The tasty qualities of the SBL are lost when cold. Just tastes like an iced caramel macchiato.
Oh and mobile order using the Starbucks app really defeats the slow lines at the mall.
Brach’s and bacon is what came to mind after sipping the new Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte. The scent is unmistakably butterscotch, instantly reminding me of small kid time sucking on those bulk Brach’s Butterscotch disks from the market. Then the depth of the smokiness follows and for some reason, I thought of bacon. There’s a sort of savory/salty/bacon-y tinge that follows the sip which elevates this drink. And it’s not overly sweet either, just a nice balance of flavors. Seriously, I think I found my new favorite drink while it’s still on the menu.
Valentine’s Day is done and so are Starbucks molten chocolate themed drinks. But in its place is a smoked drink in the form of a Smoked Butterscotch Latte. Smoked butterscotch? I have no idea, but I’ll have to find out.
Along with the Smoked Butterscotch Latte is a very green Citrus Green Tea Latte. Tea and a latte? I’ll probably pass, but that green color is appealing in an unusual sort of way.
I’m hoping the smoked butterscotch is more original than the molten chocolate. Even when cold, the Molten Chocolate Latte ultimately tasted like a very deep mocha.
My first taste of the limited Starbucks Molten Chocolate Mocha was okay, but of course, I need to retaste for accuracy. But the mistake I made this time was ordering the drink without the mocha-espresso whipped cream. Because I didn’t like the hot and cold combination of the drink with the whipped cream, I figured I’d forgo the cream and also save on calories. I also customized the drink with non-fat milk.
Mistake.
I mentioned that the MCL could be sweeter and without the whipped cream, there’s no sweetness at all. The drink is now dry, leaving a flat sensation on your tongue. Too much mocha, not enough fat for balance, and not enough sweetness for contrast. The drink is now a super dry mocha.
My next (and final) taste test will be a cold MCL with the whipped cream and probably 2% milk (the standard for this drink). Fortunately, the molten chocolate drinks won’t be available after Valentine’s Day, so I can stop this extra high calorie intake. 🙂
Molten chocolate? In a Starbucks drink? Probably more hyperbole than reality, but I needed to try the limited run of Starbucks creations for Valentine’s Day. Along with the Molten Chocolate Frappuccino and Molten Hot Chocolate, the Molten Chocolate Latte is only available through February 14, 2016.
So how was it? It’s definitely not like Roy’s Molten Chocolate Cake that takes 20 minutes to heat, but make no mistake, there is chocolate in this drink. Melted chocolate chips, mocha-infused steamed milk, mocha-espresso whipped cream, and mocha-espresso drizzle, yeah, that’s a lot of chocolate. The chocolate isn’t sweet though but does impart a richness to the drink. Of course, a drink made in mere minutes can’t compare to the richness and depth of true molten chocolate, but the name of the drink sure sounds delectable. To me, the hot drink is okay. Maybe I’d like a touch of sweetness to it. One issue I have is with the whipped cream topping. It’s really cold, and the drink is hot. In the first few sips of my MCL, the hot and cold combo became a lukewarm sensation that detracted from the drink.
Overall, if you like the regular Starbucks Mocha, then think of the Molten Chocolate Latte as a deeper mocha. I am curious to try this drink cold since the idea of a cold molten drink tickles my mind. The whipped cream will definitely match the cold profile of the iced MCL, but the chocolate chips will probably be chunks floating around.
How did you like your Molten Chocolate at Starbucks?
As a caffeine addict, I’m usually a fan of Starbucks drinks and am willing to try out their new coffee/espresso-based drinks. I’ve tried the new Latte Macchiato twice this week, and after two purchases, I’m done with this drink.
To me, this drink is more milk than espresso. Yes, yes, I know the espresso drinks are mostly milk products, but the Latte Macchiato tastes like hot milk with a hint of espresso. I prefer the converse where the flavor is predominantly coffee/espresso. I do like the Flat White that leans more towards the coffee flavor, but if you like a more mellow Flat White then the Latte Macchiato is for you.
Out for a week or two are these new Starbucks ceramic tumblers featuring the state of Hawaii. Collectors, take notice.
I didn’t really notice, but Starbucks changed up their in-store Doubleshot packaging and can designs. Side by side, the changes are noticeable.
Every Monday from now until December 7, 2015, Starbucks has afternoon deals called Merry Mondays. Here’s a look at these deals.
Not bad, not bad at all.
Quietly, Starbucks has released its (now) annual, limited edition holiday gift card. The 2015 edition is silver and ladden with Swarovski crystals. It’s a mini-sized card with a keychain loop to show off this blinged out card.
It is a nice looking card but again, that price tag of $200 (which includes $50 of Starbucks credit) is a show stopper.
Reading the fine print, it looks like Starbucks added clauses to minimize the reselling of this card on eBay with sellers removing the Starbucks credit then selling “empty” cards.
