Starbucks' Asian Dolce Latte

(Note: This is a really late post. Been trying to get some decent shots of the Asian Dolce Latte, but I guess luck isn't on my side. Tsk!)

The first time I saw this at Starbucks Philippines' fanpage, my first thought was "I'd like to take a photo of that drink!" Then I read "Double Espresso shots for Tall". Now THAT really made me want to go out and grab a cup.

Promo photo from Starbucks Philippines Facebook fanpage

A week after the launch of the Asian Dolce Latte, I was finally able to drop by Starbucks to get a cup of its hot version. I asked hubby to order it for me, which he he did. He even meticulously stirred the cup (oh no!) before bringing it back to me. Result: the drink tasted pretty much like a caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso. Oh well...

The second time, I ordered the drinks. This is what I got:

Hot Asian Dolce Latte. Would have looked better in a crystal/clear mug

Hubby's favorite coffee companion: the improved Cinnamon Roll

At first sip, the foam and espresso on top hit you first. Pretty strong, especially for someone like me who doesn't take plain espresso. Then the sweet milk at bottom follows, a contrast to the first sip of espresso. I guess this is what makes it different from the regular mixed coffee drinks. That, and the fact that this drink has double the espresso shots of the regular ones, without the added cost. Plus points for those who like their coffee strong!

A few days later, I tried the iced version. Now since this is taken through a straw, I got to taste the milk at the bottom first. Then I pulled up the straw a bit so I can get to the espresso. I usually ask the barista to hold the whip on my cold drinks, but this time I made an exception because it was espresso whipped cream! Tastes nice, not as creamy as regular whip, with just the slightest hint of sweetness and espresso flavor. I wonder if I can ask them to put this on my mocha and java chip frap instead of the regular whip.

Iced Asian Dolce Latte

Verdict: This is the drink for those who want that extra coffee kick without shelling out  extra bucks for additional espresso shot. I ordered all my drinks in venti, so that's a whopping 4 shots of espresso in every drink. I only wish they had glass mugs for the hot version so people can see the nice layers. That said, the Asian Dolce Latte is a cheaper, stronger alternative to the usual Caramel Macchiato and I'd probably be ordering this until they pull it out of the menu.

Update: Check out Starbucks' Coffee Perfection App and get a chance to win Buy 1 Take 1 vouchers on the Asian Dolce Latte. Visit this link:
https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPhilippines/app_129173033939784

Oh, and in case anyone's wondering, this isn't a sponsored post. I just really like coffee, and thought other coffee lovers out there might like to get some freebies from Starbucks. :)

Photos by Myk and Shella Esguerra