We find out if Starbucks does justice to a fruit with a very Japanese flavour.
As we make our way through August, we’re now beginning to see signs of autumn approaching, with earlier sunsets, the sounds of insects in the evening, and… new seasonal beverages at Starbucks.
This year, Japan’s prized Kyoho grape variety is the harbinger of autumn at Starbucks, with not one but two new drinks featuring the autumnal fruit, with a cold and icy twist to keep us refreshed while the weather remains warm.
Our resident Starbucks expert K. Masami headed out to try the new drinks when they were released on 17 August, starting first with the “Rich Kyoho Frozen Tea” (680 yen (US$4.27).
This icy beverage lets the fruit shine, with the help of black tea and cassis, the latter of which is added as a “hidden component” to enhance the flavour. Towards the base of the glass, you’ll find a very generous mound of Kyoho jelly and fruit pulp, which greets the palate upon first sip with mouthfuls of fruity refreshment. Masami loved the way the pulp and jelly helped to dial down the astringency off the straight black tea, reducing its bitterness while giving it a clean finish that made it very easy to drink. The flavour and mouthfeel of the base added a sense of sweetness, juciness and richness to the beverage, and although Masami had an inkling that grape and tea would pair well together, she had no idea they would taste this good. Kyoho is a quintessential Japanese flavour, and this tea really allows that taste to be front and centre on the palate.
▼ How would the Chillax Soda compare?
On the menu from 590 yen, the Kyoho Chillax Soda is slightly cheaper than the tea, but as soon as Masami took a sip, she realised it was no less delicious. Chillax sodas, which contain a special “green citrus” syrup, have become very popular since they were first released in 2025, and this new grape variety pairs surprisingly well with the lemony lime hints in the carbonated beverage. In trying to describe the flavour, Masami says it’s as if you’ve popped a slightly wild-tasting Kyoho grape in your mouth, giving you a burst of energy that acts like a reset for your mind and body.
Both drinks were so good that in the end, Masami wasn’t able to pick a favourite. They both deliver a delicious Japanese grape flavour, and are great for perking yourself up on a late summer’s day. The only thing is that, like always, these seasonal beverages are only available for a limited time, so you’ll want to get in quick to try them before they disappear from the menu.
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[ Read in Japanese ]