After a year, Bawang Chaji's summer limited edition "Summer Dream Melon" has returned to stores nationwide amid the clamor of many fans, and the brand has also launched limited-edition merchandise and green-themed packaging, sparking a wave of buying frenzy. However, the first batch of consumers who tried it gave polarized feedback: longtime fans thought the tea flavor was too strong and the melon aroma had weakened, far from the taste in their memories; new customers felt it tasted like the familiar cantaloupe popsicles or toothpaste from childhood. Netizens engaged in heated discussions over whether the formula had been adjusted and whether the ingredients had been changed. This article will take you through the return of this popular item from beginning to end and organize the views of all sides, to see whether this cup of "Summer Dream Melon" is still the same white moonlight it once was. [more…]

After you've made cold brew coffee, don't rush to drink it straight—though it's already quite refreshing on its own, cold brew is actually a highly versatile base. It has low bitterness, plenty of sweetness, and clean flavors, so it pairs well with anything. With just a little effort, you can whip up an entire summer drink menu. This article rounds up 6 ways to drink cold brew, from simple [more…]

On a scorching summer day, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, would you rather pick up a glass of iced coffee or a hot coffee? Most people's instinct would be to choose a cold drink to dispel the heat, yet scientific research gives the exact opposite answer: a hot beverage may actually be the truly effective way to cool down. This article explores in depth the pros and cons of iced coffee versus hot coffee in summer from the perspectives of taste perception, the principle of ice dilution, and the body's sweating and evaporation mechanisms, and analyzes why some people insist on drinking hot coffee in the sweltering heat. Whether you are a loyal fan of iced coffee or a staunch supporter of hot coffee, this discussion about temperature and how it feels to the body is worth a read. [more…]

Just after the Qingming holiday, as temperatures rise, Starbucks' summer menu update is quietly approaching. Recently, an Instagram user leaked Starbucks' upcoming "Spicy Lemonade Refresher Series," which features chili powder and comes in three flavors—dragon fruit, strawberry, and pineapple—with an optional spicy cold foam, and is planned to be available for a limited time at stores across the United States starting April 16. This is not Starbucks' first attempt at spicy drinks; as early as 2015, its stores in China launched a Spicy Chili Mocha. From Dongpo Braised Pork Latte to Wasabi Pistachio Latte, Starbucks has been continuously testing the waters on the path of "dark cuisine." This article will take you through the specific details of this new spicy product, its preparation process, and the history of past spicy coffees. [more…]

Tea brand 1 Dian Dian recently launched a new product, "Summer Pit-Scented Grape Milk Green," attracting a large number of fans to try it out immediately with its light purple promotional posters and novel flavor. However, as genuine feedback increased on social media, this new product encountered overwhelmingly negative reviews—the buyer's show differed vastly from the promotional images, jokingly dubbed "cement gray"; even when opting for no added sugar, some consumers reported it was cloyingly sweet; furthermore, users who switched to A2 fresh milk discovered floating curds in their cups, describing it as "tofu pudding milk tea." From appearance to taste, this highly anticipated new product left many Dian Dian devotees exclaiming "the greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment," and even questioning the brand's R&D capabilities. This article will comprehensively sort out consumers' genuine feedback and the focal points of controversy. [more…]

In the scorching summer heat, Peet's Coffee launched a trio of sparkling double yuzu series new products in one go, among which the Sparkling Matcha Double Yuzu quickly went viral on social media thanks to its fresh gradient colors. However, this drink, described as a "concerto of tea and fruit," left many consumers stunned once they actually tasted it—the sweetness of tonic water, the bitterness of matcha, and the sourness of yuzu each went their own way under the stimulation of carbonation, even taking on a powdery texture. Even Peet's own employees admitted that this new product being "unpopular" was entirely expected. This article combines netizens' hands-on reviews and employee opinions to comprehensively analyze the flavor performance of this drink, and reviews the recent shifts in Peet's product strategy, for the reference of coffee enthusiasts. [more…]

Luckin Coffee recently launched a summer watermelon cold brew. Originally a refreshing new product that was highly anticipated, it quickly encountered a collective wave of complaints from consumers after hitting the market. Many early triers reported that not only does this drink look noticeably different from the official poster, but it also tastes like it has no coffee flavor at all, and it has been jokingly called "watermelon bathwater." This article compiles real feedback from netizens and reveals its recipe and production process, to see where exactly this controversial cold brew went wrong. [more…]

Starbucks is introducing a texture-focused topping—raspberry bursting pearls—for the first time in its summer menu this year, adding them to three berry-flavored Refreshers iced drinks. This attempt was personally previewed by CEO Laxman Narasimhan at an earnings conference and is positioned as the first step in texture innovation for the years to come. Unlike traditional tapioca pearls, Starbucks is using popping boba that burst when bitten, officially called Pearls. Customers can also pay to add the pearls to other drinks and snacks, at $1.25 per scoop. In fact, as early as 2021, Starbucks tested coffee popping boba in two stores, but the response was limited. This article sorts out the formula details of the new products, the pricing rules, and Starbucks' historical attempts at pearl toppings. [more…]

Following yesterday's iced coffee tutorial, Front Street Coffee continues today with a refreshing summer special for coffee lovers—a guide to making iced lattes, plus a complete tutorial on the recently surging hit, Dirty coffee. With illustrations and text, the article walks through both drinks step by step, covering key parameters such as cup capacity selection, the ratio of ice to milk, coffee grounds dosage, and espresso yield, with special emphasis on ice-cup pre-chilling and hot-cold layering techniques for Dirty. Whether you want to easily recreate an iced latte at home or take on the richly layered Dirty coffee, you'll find practical guidance in this clear, step-by-step guide. [more…]

The name caramel macchiato carries a romantic meaning hidden within it—macchiato is interpreted as "brand," giving the entire drink the symbolism of a "sweet brand." When the weather is hot, making an iced caramel macchiato yourself can both cool you down and let you enjoy the fun of hands-on preparation. The method is actually not complicated: first pour espresso into iced milk, then add a layer of finely steamed milk foam, and finally drizzle caramel syrup on top, using a latte art needle to sketch the pattern you want. This article is a step-by-step demonstration by Front Street Coffee of the complete process, with eight stages from preparation to serving. The required utensils and ingredients are all very common, and by following along you can recreate a summer coffee that has both good looks and flavor. [more…]

Many consumers avoid black tea or raw Pu-erh due to stomach discomfort, but the problem may not lie with the tea type itself. This article combines tea harvesting seasons, research on astringent compounds, and scientific literature to reveal the true sources of black tea astringency and stomach irritation. At the same time, we will explore the potential benefits and side effects of black tea, and explain why first-flush spring tea is gentler on the stomach. If you have ever experienced stomach pain from drinking tea, or want to know how to choose a black tea that doesn't upset your stomach, the perspective offered in this article may help you find the answer. Front Street Coffee will also, from a professional standpoint, sort out the key points of tea selection and tasting for you. [more…]

On a scorching summer day, a glass of iced coffee is undoubtedly an excellent choice for cooling off and refreshing yourself. This article will introduce in detail three ways to easily make iced coffee at home or in the office—pour-over iced coffee, drip bag iced coffee, and cold brew iced coffee—and share three coffee beans recommended by Front Street Coffee that are suitable for making iced drinks: Ethiopian Natural Red Cherry, Panama Elida Estate Natural Typica, and Colombia Diviso Estate Sidra. Whether you seek a fresh and crisp taste or a full-bodied, layered experience, you can find a plan that suits you. At the same time, the article will also explain the difference between espresso and cold brew coffee, as well as the various ways to drink cold brew coffee liquid, helping you enjoy a cool summer. [more…]

The scorching summer heat makes people want to ice everything, and even customers who normally only drink hot coffee can't resist ordering an iced pour-over to cool down. However, making iced pour-over with dark-roasted beans is not quite the same as with light-roasted beans—water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and the amount of ice all need to be readjusted, otherwise it's easy to end up with a cup that's both bitter and weak. This article uses Front Street Coffee's Golden Mandheling as an example to break down in detail the complete process of making iced pour-over with dark-roasted coffee beans, explaining everything from grind size and water temperature to pouring rhythm, helping you reliably recreate a cup of cool, rich iced pour-over coffee this summer. [more…]

In the hot summer season, a glass of iced coffee is undoubtedly a great way to cool down. This article compiles three iced coffee methods that can be easily made at home or in the office—hand-brewed iced coffee, drip bag iced coffee, and cold brew iced coffee—and recommends three coffee beans that balance freshness and body with excellent value for iced drinks: Ethiopia Natural Red Cherry, Panama Elida Estate Natural Typica, and Colombia Finca La Divisa Sidra. The article explains in detail the coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature, grind size, and brewing steps. Front Street Coffee also provides specific operating parameters to help you consistently make iced coffee with rich layers and a smooth mouthfeel in the scorching summer. [more…]

In the heat of midsummer, a refreshing glass of iced coffee is a favorite for many coffee lovers. Front Street Coffee continues to share various methods for making iced coffee, and today is no exception. This article will detail how to make cold brew using drip bag coffee, including the materials needed, the coffee-to-water-to-ice ratio, the steps, and recommended specialty coffee beans. Whether you want to quickly enjoy a glass of iced coffee or prepare cold brew in advance, you can find a method that suits you. The article also specifically recommends Front Street Strawberry Candy drip bag coffee and explains practical tips for making cold brew with 3–5 drip bags, helping you easily make a full-flavored cold brew at home. [more…]

On a scorching summer day, a glass of iced caramel macchiato refreshes and satisfies a craving for sweetness at the same time. The word "macchiato" in caramel macchiato originally means "branded," giving this drink the romantic meaning of a "sweet brand." Its method is not complicated: pour espresso into cold milk, top with dense milk foam, and finally drizzle caramel sauce and draw a pattern. Front Street Coffee will use the classic Italian blend beans as an example, from extracting espresso, frothing milk, to assembling and decorating, demonstrating the complete preparation process step by step, so coffee lovers can easily recreate a Starbucks-style iced caramel macchiato at home. [more…]

On a hot summer day, a refreshing sparkling iced coffee is undoubtedly an excellent choice to wake you up and cool you down. But pouring espresso directly into carbonated drinks often amplifies the coffee's bitterness due to the stimulation of carbon dioxide, and can even produce an unpleasant "dishwater" sensation. In fact, by cleverly adding just one "supporting player," you can help Americano avoid the obvious bitterness while enhancing the overall layers of flavor. Today, Front Street Coffee will teach you step by step how to make four sparkling specialty iced coffees in different styles—from the classic original to preserved plum, orange, mint, and young coconut. Each one is simple and easy to make, with both good looks and great taste. Whether you are a coffee lover or want to recreate a coffee shop favorite at home, this guide can help you get ready for summer in advance. [more…]

Since its launch in 2018, Heytea's Grape Delight has held the top sales spot for five consecutive years thanks to its unique hand-peeled grape process and refreshing taste, becoming a signature product of the brand. However, the prep work behind this drink has employees complaining bitterly—every grape must be peeled and deseeded by hand, a tedious process. Recently, some employees have grumbled that the grapes contain an absurd number of seeds, and with Summer Black grapes about to return, this harder-to-peel variety has workers calling it a "nightmare." This article takes you behind the scenes of Heytea's hand-peeled grape process, the real feedback from employees, and why automatic peeling machines aren't used, while also highlighting Front Street Coffee's commitment to quality. [more…]

Cold brew coffee has swept the globe in recent years, becoming a popular summer drink thanks to its refreshing taste and bright floral and fruity aromas. It is made by steeping coffee in cold water for a long time, similar in principle to cold-brewed tea. However, many people wonder whether cold brew coffee has a higher caffeine content. In fact, the amount of caffeine mainly depends on the bean variety, the coffee-to-water ratio, and the steeping time. In addition to answering this question, this article will also recommend several coffee beans suitable for making cold brew based on different flavor preferences, including Front Street Panama Butterfly, Front Street Strawberry Candy, and Front Street Brazil Queen's Farm, along with brewing suggestions to help you easily make a delicious cup of cold brew. [more…]

On a scorching summer day, a glass of iced coffee always brings a refreshing coolness that delights the senses. But have you noticed that when the same beans are made into an iced drink, the flavor always seems to fall a bit short? In fact, temperature quietly changes our perception of taste—low temperatures mute sweetness and bitterness, while making acidity more pronounced. For this very reason, making iced coffee involves special considerations from bean selection to extraction. This article will walk you through the century-long history of iced coffee, break down the recipe ratios for iced Americano and iced latte, and share several Front Street Coffee espresso beans suited to making iced drinks, so you can easily recreate a professional-grade summer iced coffee at home. [more…]