This is the Shaken Espresso Hazelnut ($9.00, $2.00 off during promotion, +$0.90 for lactose free milk) from Starbucks. It featured Starbucks Blonde espresso combined with roasted hazelnut syrup, shaken with ice and topped with milk.

The drink presented with an opaque tan body occupying roughly the lower two thirds of the cup, with ice settling around that level, and a layer of shaken foam filling the remainder.

When consumed chilled, it opened with immediate hazelnut notes that were clearly nutty and roasted. Through the mid-palate, the lighter roast character of the Blonde espresso became more apparent, lending brightness without heaviness. The finish carried a faint bitterness that recalled hazelnut skin, likely accentuated by the pairing with espresso rather than originating solely from the syrup. The mouthfeel was smooth but somewhat thin, lacking the body that would better support the nutty profile. A thicker milk, such as oat milk as commonly used for this drink in some overseas markets, would likely have rounded out and amplified the hazelnut character more effectively.

Overall, this was a pleasant and approachable flavoured espresso drink with clear hazelnut definition, but one that fell short in texture and depth.

This Shaken Espresso Hazelnut was purchased from Starbucks in Sydney, Australia in February 2026.