As someone who truly loves Starbucks, I’ve lost track of how many afternoons I’ve spent there. My go-to is a double espresso macchiato (probably more often than I should admit), but it always hits the spot. Still, there are moments when I’m standing at the counter, drink in hand, and I realize I need something more. A cake pop or slice of banana bread just doesn’t do it for me anymore. I’m craving something savory, satisfying, and a little more… grown-up.
When I heard that Starbucks is considering adding a European-style aperitivo menu to its U.S. stores, I got very, very excited. As a European native, I feel as though I know a thing or two about the aperitivo tradition. If Starbucks is really going to bring this aperitivo dream to life, there are some things they really need to get right. Here is what I know about the Starbucks aperitivo menu and what I strongly recommend Starbucks do.
Starbucks Gets Inspired by Europe
In a recent earnings call, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol revealed that the company is exploring an aperitivo-style menu for its U.S. locations. The idea, inspired by the Italian tradition, would aim to offer "snackable bites," "sippable coffee drinks," and "sparkling beverages" in the mid-afternoon, roughly between 2:00 and 5:00 pm.
While there's no official launch date or menu details just yet, Niccol hinted that the idea is informed by Starbucks' success with freshly baked and prepared food items in the UK and other international markets. The goal behind the aperitivo menu is to make once again Starbucks the "Third Place" (that spot between home and work where people hang out) and boost the slower afternoon hours.
In my humble opinion, this is a genius move…but only if they do it right.
What Is Aperitivo, Anyway?
If you are not familiar with the aperitivo, let me tell you a little bit about it. Aperitivo is a pre-dinner ritual in many parts of Europe, especially Italy. It is like a hybrid between happy hour and afternoon tea, but way cooler, and with fewer sugary drinks and more food. The point of the aperitivo is to ease into the evening, usually around 5 or 6 pm, with a light drink and a few savory bites. It is not meant to be a full meal, but just enough to whet your appetite and give you a break in your day.
Typical aperitivo spreads include things like:
- Olives
- Small sandwiches or focaccia
- Nuts
- Cheese and cured meats
- Crackers or breadsticks
- Chips with dips like olive paste or pesto
Aperitivo drinks are usually low-alcohol or non-alcoholic and often bubbly. An Aperol spritz, a non-alcoholic bitter soda, or even sparkling water with citrus are all perfect aperitivo beverages.
A good aperitivo is light and fresh, balanced, and, of course, good company. Sounds pretty nice, right? When done right, it is!
What Starbucks Should Do: My Aperitivo Menu Recommendations
If Starbucks truly wants to successfully embrace this concept, I would recommend the following based on my European roots and deep love of coffee and snacks.
First, there should be no pre-packaged junk. They really need to stick to real, simple foods. The magic of aperitivo is in its simplicity and the fact that it is real and clean. There should be absolutely no pre-packaged hummus cups or reheated breakfast sandwiches. Starbucks needs to commit to using actual ingredients and keeping the portions small but thoughtful. I would suggest things like
- Freshly sliced prosciutto or salami
- Cubes of aged parmesan or manchego
- Marinated olives
- Good crusty bread or focaccia with olive oil
- A few sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers
- Small servings of herbed cream cheese or olive tapenade
If you want people to linger and relax, the food needs to feel fresh, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent.
Bake In-House Where Possible
Freshness matters, especially when it comes to aperitivo. If Starbucks can take a page from its international playbook and introduce more freshly baked items in the U.S., it will be on the right track. Mini cheese tarts, savory croissants, or even a warm focaccia wedge with rosemary could be amazing additions to the whole experience. They already do this a lot in Europe, so I feel like it can easily be transferred to the U.S.
Create American Twists
Yes, Starbucks is an American brand, so why not blend traditions? American classics turned into European apertivo sounds like a fantastic idea to me! Starbucks could definitely add some small, locally inspired foods that still fit the aperitivo mood. Here are my thoughts:
- Mini sliders or bite-sized chicken sandwiches
- Roasted veggie skewers
- Tiny mini burgers
- Crispy seasoned potato bites (not quite fries, but close!)
- Seasonal fruit and cheese pairings
Done right, this could be a fusion menu that celebrates both cultures. American aperitivo? Yes, please!
Go Beyond Coffee: Drinks Matter Too
While I'll never stray too far from my espresso macchiato, an aperitivo menu is the perfect opportunity to offer a range of drinks for different tastes. It can't just be all coffee, especially when apertivo is all about the afternoon (not all of us want caffeine that late in the day). I would suggest pushing some sparkling citrus teas, cold brew decaf mocktails with herbs and fruit, seasonal spritz-style beverages, and maybe some coffee tonics like espresso over sparkling water with orange peel. I would definitely be ordering a few of those around 5 pm.
Who's This Menu For, Really?
One huge thing that Starbucks needs to consider is who is visiting the coffee shop between 2 and 5 pm? I would guess that a lot of remote workers and freelancers who want a break from their laptops are heading to Starbucks in the afternoon. Parents who finally got a moment to themselves after school pickup and students getting out of school who are craving something other than chips and soda between classes are likely to be there. Retirees are a big afternoon demographic, too.
To make this aperitivo menu work, it has to hit that sweet spot of light, energizing, and relaxing. That is what I think people will be looking for: no heavy foods, nothing rushed, and definitely not boring. The afternoon aperitivo menu will give people a chance to linger, to sit down with a friend, open a book, or scroll guilt-free while nibbling on something savory. That "Third Place" idea Starbucks keeps talking about? This is how you bring it back.
My Final Thoughts About the Starbucks Aperitivo Menu
I will be the first to line up at Starbucks if the aperitivo menu rolls out properly. I believe the brand has the reach, the resources, and creativity to make the aperitivo concept truly work in the U.S. But they really do need to resist the urge to over-Americanize it with sugar-loaded drinks and overly processed snacks.
This is their chance to offer something different! Something real, simple, and refreshing in every sense. If done right, this afternoon menu could be the thing that brings people back inside stores, not just for coffee but for community, comfort, and a little bite of Europe.
And hey, if they ever want help curating that perfect olive and cheese combo, they know where to find me! I'll be right at the counter with my double espresso macchiato in hand.
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