For Lady Gaga? Yes, I’ll Move on From Decaf

I popped into Starbucks in Grand Central Station yesterday afternoon to grab a quick cup of coffee before I boarded the train.

I placed an order for the same old boring iced decaf with cream and sugar that I always order and then moved on down to the pick up area.

As I waited, I watched as the barista made several delicious looking beverages. One was pink with fresh blackberries floating in it and after he shook it up with ice he poured a frothy, creamy liquid into a cup and handed it off to its rightful owner. Next was an icy green concoction that also looked tasty and refreshing. I began wishing I had been a bit more creative in my choice of beverage.

I finally got my coffee and headed for the train wondering what Starbucks was up to with those new beverages.

It turns out that Starbucks and Lady Gaga have teamed up for a summer of new, pastel-hued beverages. There are four of them, including the two I watched being made: Matcha Lemonade (green tea and lemonade) and the Violet Drink (blackberries, tart hibiscus and coconut milk). Rounding out the quartet are the Ombré Pink Drink (lime flavor, coconut milk, hibiscus tea and a lime wheel) and the Pink Drink (strawberry, acai, passion fruit, coconut milk, topped with sliced strawberries.)

Despite the visual temptations, there’s an even better reason to partake in the new beverages: Through June 19,  stores in the U.S. and Canada will donate 25 cents from every Cups of Kindness drink sold to Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, committed to supporting the wellness of young people.

“We’re healthier and happier when we live our lives with compassion and our communities are stronger when we treat one another with generosity and respect,” Lady Gaga said in a statement.

So, note to self. Time to move on from the boring old decaf.