How Starbucks' Clover Vertica Elevates Iced Coffee with Speed and Flavor Innovation

Starbucks' Clover Vertica machine is changing the iced coffee game by offering a quick, environmentally friendly brewing process. Launched in 2022, it grinds and brews coffee in under a minute, providing a unique, customizable coffee experience that’s tailored to individual tastes while maintaining high efficiency and sustainability.

Starbucks' Clover Vertica Revolutionizes Iced Coffee with Speed, Customization, and Sustainability

Starbucks offers a wide range of cold coffee beverages, from classic iced coffees to more complex options like Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Shaken Espressos, and Iced Flat Whites. Regular Iced Coffee is the simplest choice, but this straightforward drink has many variations. In addition to options for size, syrup flavor, and toppings, Starbucks customers can now choose between regular Iced Coffee and Iced Coffee brewed with the Clover Vertica machine. But what exactly sets Clover Vertica apart?

Released in 2022, the Clover Vertica is a high-speed, single-cup brewer that can grind and brew coffee in under a minute. Deployed in Starbucks stores across the U.S., the machine has revolutionized the coffee-making process by offering what Starbucks describes as “the fastest bean-to-cup experience in the coffee industry.” Not only is the Clover Vertica efficient, but it’s also environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for single-use filters and batch-brewing methods. While the blend used for iced coffee brewed with Clover Vertica is the same as the traditional iced coffee, the difference in taste comes from the machine's unique brewing method.

Starbucks Introduces New Iced Coffee Blend and Customization Options, Catering to Every Taste Preference

In May 2024, Starbucks updated the default bean blend for its Iced Coffee, though the Clover Vertica still allows customers to create customized iced coffee drinks. For instance, patrons can choose from various espresso roasts, including Signature Espresso Roast, Blonde Espresso Roast, Dark Roasts, and different levels of Decaf Espresso Roast. For those who prefer a smoother iced coffee experience, an Iced Blonde Caffè Americano could be the perfect choice. Additionally, Starbucks stopped sweetening its Iced Coffees by default in 2024, so black coffee drinkers no longer need to request "no classic" syrup.

For those who enjoy sweetened iced coffee, Starbucks offers a variety of syrup options. Popular combinations include an Iced Blonde Roast Americano with Splenda, cream, and caramel sauce or a toffee nut and caramel syrup topped with Sweet Cream Cold Foam. For a more straightforward yet delicious option, try an Iced Coffee with equal amounts of classic and mocha syrups. With so many possibilities, Starbucks ensures an iced coffee drink suits every taste preference.