With the new "Wicked" movie coming out in November, it's a great time to be a fan of the Broadway musical.
Like the aisles of bubblegum-pink products that appeared before "Barbie" last year, the highly anticipated premiere of "Wicked" has launched a wide range of green and pink marketing campaigns to satisfy consumers.
People flocked to Target when it dropped its "Wicked" Stanley cups, and Béis launched an entire line of themed luggage. Crocs even collaborated with the movie to release emerald-green clogs, bright-pink heels, and "Wicked" Jibbitz.
When I heard that Starbucks released green and pink drinks inspired by Elphaba and Glinda, I knew I had to try them.
The drinks are only available for a limited time, so I rushed to my nearest Starbucks.
Elphaba's cold brew didn't exactly look appetizing.The green foam wasn't a great color.
Jamie Davis Smith
Elphaba's cold brew, which features peppermint-flavored syrup, nondairy matcha cold foam, and green sprinkles, is inspired by the "bad" witch.
A fine green mist appeared over the blender as the barista made my drink.
I love coffee and was excited to take my first sip. However, the green foam on top was a bit unappetizing, and the green sprinkles looked more like black flecks.
When I mixed it with my straw, the coffee turned completely green. This didn't make the drink more appealing to me, but I appreciated that it was on brand for Elphaba.
It tasted better than it looked.The coffee was very strong.
Jamie Davis Smith
Despite appearances, I usually love cold brew, so I hoped for the best.
The first sip took me by surprise. The coffee was very strong — even with lots of nondairy milk mixed in.
By my second sip, I was able to appreciate the peppermint flavor.
Even though the drink doesn't have any chocolate, it reminded me of an Andes Crème de Menthe candy.
I might order this as an afternoon pick-me-up.I couldn't have something this strong every morning.
Jamie Davis Smith
Elphaba's cold brew isn't the best thing I've ever had at Starbucks, but it's a tasty choice for those who like strong coffee and peppermint.
I would never choose it as my morning coffee, but it's a nice treat for an afternoon pick-me-up. I also think the peppermint makes it feel a little festive as we head into the holiday season.
If I order this again, I'll probably ask for extra coconut milk to dilute the coffee a little more.
Glinda's Pink Potion was much prettier.The drink was pink and glittery, just like the character.
Jamie Davis Smith
The film's "good" witch inspired Glinda's Pink Potion, a mango-dragonfruit Refresher with coconut milk, freeze-dried dragonfruit, nondairy strawberry cold foam, and pink sprinkles.
Unlike Elphaba's drink, Glinda's looked very pretty and delicious.
The colorful sprinkles reminded me of the character's glittery personality.
After my first sip, I wish I'd ordered a bigger size.The pink limited-time drink was delicious.
Jamie Davis Smith
I occasionally order Starbucks' Pink Drink, a strawberry-acai Refresher with coconut milk, and I expected this to be very similar.
It was just as refreshing, but the strawberry cold foam and sprinkles made it sweeter.
I ordered a grande, but after this first sip, I wish I'd gone for a larger size. It was delicious.
The non-coffee drink took me by surprise.I can't wait to order the Glinda drink again.
Jamie Davis Smith
Even though I usually prefer coffee-based drinks, between the two "Wicked" offerings, Glinda's Pink Potion was the clear winner.
I liked it so much that I asked the barista if and how I'd be able to order it once the promotion ended.
Luckily, both drinks use ingredients that Starbucks keeps on hand for other menu items. I should be able to customize a mango-dragonfruit Refresher with coconut milk and strawberry cold foam for a similar product in the future.