In this series, "From Cities: Longing for Cities Around the World," we bring you the latest local news, including information on cities around the world like Paris, Milan, New York, and more, along with notable addresses and authentic city snaps! We'll be sharing our thoughts for a while, hoping to visit these cities once we can travel abroad freely again in the near future.


In this 23rd installment, we bring you a look at Starbucks in the United States, brought to you by New York. Did you know there are many differences between Starbucks stores in Japan and those in the United States, where the company was founded? This time, we'll share important differences you should know about, as well as custom drinks you can't find in Japan, recommended by our New York-based staff. We can't wait for the day when we can travel abroad again! Check it out now.

The first thing that will surprise you is the number of Starbucks stores in Manhattan!

Coffee is such a symbol of New York that there are countless coffee shops in Manhattan. Starbucks, in particular, has become an indispensable part of New Yorker life, with one store located every two to three blocks. Many New Yorkers use Starbucks as a workplace for business meetings, as well as for meeting and chatting with friends. Not a day goes by without seeing people walking around the city with their familiar logo-emblazoned cups.

Important Information! Size Differences and Ordering Basics

In fact, Starbucks in the US offers different sizes than in Japan. In Japan, there are four basic sizes: short, tall, grande, and venti. In the US, there are five sizes, including the larger trenta. Furthermore, the size range is a bit complicated. In the US, hot drinks are generally available in sizes from short to venti, Frappuccinos in sizes from tall to venti, and cold drinks in sizes from tall to trenta. Many stores don't offer short sizes, so it's a good idea to know in advance.

When ordering, most staff will ask, "Small, medium, or large?" In this case, small generally refers to tall, medium to grande, and large to venti. These are some important points to keep in mind for a smooth ordering process.

There are also differences in the milk used in drinks. While Starbucks in Japan typically uses whole milk (unsweetened milk), in the US, almost all drinks except Frappuccinos use 2% milk (2% low-fat milk). In New York, especially, staff will often ask you what type of milk you'd like, and you can switch to whole milk or non-fat milk at that time. For options not available in Japan, you can enjoy a richer taste by switching to heavy cream or Breve milk. Plant-based milks, like coconut milk, are also available, which isn't available in Japan, so it might be worth trying.


The ordering procedure is almost the same as in Japan, but once you've placed your order at the register, you'll always be asked for your name. Here, it's fine to give your nickname. This is because they will call you by name when your drink is ready. All Starbucks stores in New York are crowded, so this is reassuring as you can avoid confusion due to mix-ups.

You'll be amazed by the vast menu! Enjoy custom drinks that aren't available in Japan.

Starbucks in the US offers a wider selection of drinks and food than Japan, allowing you to find many menu items you won't find in Japan. In addition, there's a wide variety of customizable syrups and sauces, so you can add toppings like flavors not available in Japan and colorful sprinkles (small sugar pellets). One of the most surprising features is the ability to blend a whole fresh banana into your Frappuccino! Apparently, only a limited number of stores offer this, so if you'd like to try it, why not ask a staff member at a store you visit?

Especially at Starbucks in New York, chatting with staff and finding your own favorite recipe is a true taste of Starbucks. If you're unsure whether you can do something, the best thing to do is ask. The final drink will vary depending on the staff member, so if you already know what you want to try, showing them a note or image of the recipe will make things go more smoothly.

3 Recommended Custom Drinks by Our New York-Based Staff!

With so many appealing customization options not available in Japan, many people can be unsure which to order. This time, we'll introduce some of the recommended custom drinks currently available at Starbucks in the US, enjoyed by our New York-based staff members. Be sure to check out the taste report for each one. Use it as a reference.


1. Hot Apple Crisp Macchiato × Nonfat Milk

Drink recipe: "Grande Apple Crisp Macchiato ($4.95), Nonfat Milk (Free)" (Total $4.95 + Tax)Cookie: "Snowman Cookie" ($2.95 + Tax)
《From: Staff based in New York》
This is a latte with apple brown sugar syrup and spiced apple sauce. It's like an apple-flavored caramel macchiato, and the first sip with the subtle apple aroma is irresistible. It's especially addictively delicious during the cold winter months. The syrup has a strong sweetness, so I like to change the milk to non-fat for a refreshing drink.


2. Iced Chestnut Praline Latte & Mocha Drizzle

Drink recipe: "Grande Iced Chestnut Praline Latte ($5.75), Mocha Drizzle ($0.60)" (Total $6.35 + Tax)
《From: Staff based in New York》
"Chestnut praline" refers to caramelized chestnuts. The customized mocha drizzle refers to the sauce poured on top. Adding drizzle to a cold drink makes the sauce drip along the rim of the cup, making it look even more appealing. I love the balance of the bitterness of the espresso with the subtle chestnut flavor and richness of the mocha, so I keep buying it.


3. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino x Red & Green Sprinkles

Drink recipe: "Grande Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage ($5.75),
Red and Green Sprinkle Topping ($0.50)" (Total $6.25 + Tax)

《From: Staff based in NY》
The popular Strawberry Crème Frappuccino is only available for a limited time in Japan, but in the US it can be enjoyed all year round. Filled with plenty of strawberry puree, it has a gentle, nostalgic flavor reminiscent of strawberry milk. Customizing the whipped cream with colorful sprinkles creates a gorgeous finish perfect for the holiday season. While New York City can be bitterly cold in the winter, the indoor climate is often heated, making it feel quite hot. Enjoying a Frappuccino like a dessert is a truly exquisite experience. You can also customize this with a banana. Perfect as a souvenir! Check out our exclusive New York merchandise, not available in Japan. New York stores offer exclusive merchandise, such as mugs with the "NYC" logo and tumblers with Manhattan cityscape designs. Stores around Times Square also offer exclusive merchandise with the "Times Square" logo. Each area sells different products, so you can find a variety of limited-edition items. Stopping by various Starbucks locations while strolling around is also a great way to enjoy the experience.

Times Square Tumbler 12 fl oz SKU# 011100613 ($19.95 + Tax）
Been There Series Across The Globe Collection Mag 14 fl oz #011083603 ($ 12.95 + Tax）


Once you can travel abroad freely again, why not go out and look for drink menus and merchandise that you can only get at Starbucks in the US?