Select Starbucks customers are being invited to order secret menu items via Facebook and InstagramSelect Starbucks customers are being invited to order secret menu items via Facebook and Instagram

Joanna Fantozzi

Starbucks confirmed a new beta test that allows select digital customers to order secret menu items popularized on social media via an invitation from Instagram and Facebook, including the Pink Drink Remix and mixed Iced Matcha Latte/Iced Chai Latte.

The Seattle-based coffee chain is leaning into ongoing social media trends — often led by influencers — that come up with new ways to customize Starbucks drinks that you can’t find on the menu board. The Matcha/Chai latte combination for example, was popularized on TikTok earlier this year, and even rapper Lizzo got in on the trend, uploading a video of herself trying the combo drink.

The Pink Drink Remixed is a version of the Pink Drink topped with vanilla sweet cream cold foam, which was popularized several years ago by customers substituting water for coconut milk in the coffee chain’s Strawberry Acai Refresher. The Pink Drink was officially added to the menu in 2017.

Here’s how it works: Select Starbucks customers will be invited via Facebook or Instagram to participate in the test and will be taken to a separate website where they will be able to order one (or both) of the custom drinks, or they can also place their orders via the Starbucks app.

“Starbucks is always exploring innovative ways to enhance the customer experience,” a Starbucks spokesperson told Nation’s Restaurant News. “Our customers and partners often come up with creative customizations and we look forward to hearing feedback on their experience using this digital ordering feature.”

The test is only for a limited time, but it would not be surprising if Starbucks finds more ways to incorporate personalized drinks and social media trends into their digital strategy in the future.

“At this time, we look forward to hearing feedback on our customers’ and partners’ experiences using this digital ordering feature for these two beverages,” a Starbucks spokesperson said.

The Pink Drink Remixed is topped with vanilla sweet cream cold foam and comes in the Venti size It’s priced at $6.25. The Iced Matcha Latte with chai is an Iced Matcha Latte with two pumps of chai syrup and is available in the grande size for $5.55.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

Find her on Twitter: @JoannaFantozzi