This is the Starbucks Crunchy Ube Macchiato ($6.70, tall, iced), a seasonal limited-release beverage that gained popularity overseas and launched in Australia in July 2025. It comprised a layer of purple ube syrup at the base, followed by milk and Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast, and finished with a topping of sugar-glazed crushed pecans.

Once stirred, the beverage had an intense syrupy sweetness with a rounded espresso note. However, the ube component was notably underwhelming. While visually striking, it lacked discernible presence in both flavour and texture—if it was perceptible at all, it may have contributed only to the overt sweetness. The crushed meringue provided a pleasant crunch and retained texture despite partial immersion, while the pecan skins introduced a distinct bitterness and astringency. The pecans themselves, though, contributed a subtle nuttiness and additional textural interest, while their sugar glaze further heightened the drink’s overall sweetness.

In sum, this beverage was dominated by cloying sweetness, with little of the ube flavour that was intended to be its signature element. Visually appealing, but lacking coherence in flavour and balance.

This Crunchy Ube Macchiato was purchased from Starbucks in Sydney, Australia in July 2025.