Time For a Coffee Run! Starbucks Just Made an Exciting Change to Its Espresso

Starbucks is introducing a new item to the permanent menu, and this time it's not a trendy Frappuccino. On Tuesday, Jan. 9, Starbucks launched Blonde Espresso, the first new espresso on the menu in more than 40 years. The Blonde Espresso is a lighter roast that has just as much caffeine as its dark-roast counterpart, which up until now was the only espresso option for Starbucks's lattes and espresso-based drinks, like Americanos. Now you'll have the option of choosing your espresso for the first time based on what you like: dark or light roast.

In a press release, Starbucks said the Blonde Espresso is "lighter with a smooth taste," as compared to Starbucks's original espresso, which is "bolder and roastier." If this sounds like a better choice for you over the intensity of the darker espresso, Starbucks suggests trying the Blonde version with iced drinks, like an iced Americano or a Blonde Vanilla Latte. Starbucks makes the new espresso roast with lightly roasted Latin American and East African beans to bring out their "sweet citrus notes and smooth body." Just as you have the option for a Blonde Roast, Pike Place, or Dark Roast when you order drip coffee at Starbucks, now you'll have a choice for your espresso drinks, too. Sounds like this is the perfect time for a coffee run!