Starbucks’ ‘secret menu’ item gets cult status in South Korea
Starbucks sells 10 million cups of an item that isn’t even on the menu
By Lee Suh-yoon
Starbucks’s hand-shaken espresso drink has been quietly getting cult status in South Korea, with 10 million cups of the double shot ice shaken espresso — which is not on the menu — sold since its debut in 2003.
The drink, simply called the “double shot” by customers, has long been absent from the menu board, with customers learning of it only by word of mouth. Its sales, nonetheless, have increased by 45 per cent annually over the past five years.
Double shot fans say they like it for its rich dense flavour.
“Coffee in Korea tends to be a bit diluted but I like the double shot because it does not mix in an excessive amount of water or milk,” said a 24-year-old university student surnamed Moon who lived abroad before and frequently enjoys a Starbucks vanilla double shot. “I like my coffee strong.”
The drink, composed of two espresso shots, milk and a syrup flavour of choice, is shaken with ice for a chilling effect and served _ without the ice _ in a signature mini cup. Vanilla is the most popular flavour, accounting for 60 per cent of all orders.