Frank Rondel
Starbucks Aerocano is bringing an unusual texture to one of the simplest espresso drinks. The new beverage joined Starbucks menus across North America on September 29, alongside a sweeter Caramel Aerocano, as customreceipt.com reports.
The launch coincided with National Coffee Day. According to Starbucks, the drink was inspired by a version that became popular in South Korea.
What is the Starbucks Aerocano?
The Aerocano starts with Starbucks Blonde Espresso and ice. Instead of serving them like a conventional iced Americano, baristas air-whip the mixture.
That process produces fine foam and a cascading effect inside the cup. The result looks softer and more layered than a standard iced espresso.
Starbucks describes it as a modern interpretation of the Iced Americano. Water is central to a traditional Americano. Here, aeration changes the texture while keeping espresso at the center.
| Drink | Main profile | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Aerocano | Blonde Espresso | Light, foamy and smooth |
| Caramel Aerocano | Espresso with caramel | Creamier and sweeter |
| Iced Americano | Espresso and water | Clean and lighter-bodied |
The difference is therefore less about adding many ingredients. It is mainly about changing how the coffee feels when drinking it.
How does the Aerocano taste?
An early Delish taste test described the original as smooth, light and distinctly espresso-forward.
The foam adds body without turning the drink into a milk-heavy coffee. That distinction may matter to customers who want texture without losing espresso flavor.
The Caramel Aerocano follows the same idea but adds sweetness. The caramel reportedly remains restrained enough for the coffee character to remain noticeable.
The main differences are straightforward:
- Aerocano emphasizes espresso and its whipped texture.
- Caramel Aerocano adds a sweeter finish.
- Both use aeration to create their characteristic foam.
- Neither is designed like a conventional milk-based latte.
For regular iced coffee drinkers, the Aerocano sits in an interesting middle ground. It feels more elaborate than an Americano without becoming a dessert-style beverage.
Why Starbucks brought the drink from South Korea
Starbucks says the Aerocano first reached customers in South Korea earlier in 2026. Iced Americanos already have a particularly strong following there.
The company later adapted the concept for its North American stores. Starbucks says roughly 60% of beverages it sells globally are cold drinks.
That helps explain the timing. Rather than inventing another heavily flavored seasonal drink, Starbucks has changed the texture of a familiar espresso order.
The Aerocano and Caramel Aerocano are now part of the Starbucks core menu, rather than a short limited-time promotion.
Earlier we wrote that Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float Is Reportedly Coming in 2027 as a Permanent New Flavor