The reunion I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. Hello, Starbucks! I’ve missed you.

Boxes of Starbucks coffee sachets are available in supermarkets in the Lion City, and I’m tasting an instant Starbucks coffee for the first time! Starbucks has a handful of coffee ranges that can be prepared at home. The caramel latte is part of their instant coffee range is called ‘Premium Mixes’. It makes preparing a Starbucks drink at home a piece of cake.

For Starbucks enthusiasts, sachet coffee mixes aren’t the same as having freshly-made drinks that are prepared on the spot. I am, however, glad that the instant alternatives exist for my at-home coffee fixes! This Starbucks reunion is not dissimilar to attending meetings and gatherings via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Skype. The experience isn’t the same as attending these events in-person and giving people handshakes, hugs or high-fives, but it’s the closest everyone can get to connecting and communicating with one another.

I was thrilled to give this caramel latte a try. I tend to gravitate towards the caramel frappe (and my all-time favorite matcha green tea frappe) when the sun is out. A boost of energy from sweet caramel and coffee is exactly what I need for this summery season!

The mix’s aroma is simply wonderful – it’s pretty close to the aroma of caramel frappes. The glorious scent took me to Starbucks’ velvety, deep green modular sofas, their square wooden tables and the typical buzz you’d find at cafes. I was surprised to discover that the powdered mix doesn’t look anywhere near to a caramel mix, but this is where the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” came to life. Like how a caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, the dark mixture turned into a dreamy caramel delight!

A matte caramel foam began forming on top as soon as soon as I began pouring hot water into my mug – and the overall appearance is similar to what you’d expect at a cafe. It’s a nice aesthetic that made the experience feel special! The foam adds a little depth to the texture as well.

Flavor-wise, it doesn’t seem to be identical to the ones I’ve had before at Starbucks outlets. Nevertheless, it’s a lovely instant coffee mix. A blend of sweet caramel, coffee and milk (the ‘latte’ in ‘caramel latte’) are cohesive. None of them overpower one another, which is fantastic. It’s an enjoyable experience, and the coffee pairs well with chocolate muffins! Chocolate and caramel at teatime is pure bliss.