Starbucks Introduces Toasted Graham Latte, Mobile Order and Pay

If for some reason Pumpkin Spice Lattes aren't your thing, Starbucks has introduced yet another taste of fall.

The coffee company just launched its Toasted Graham Latte. The flavor was developed by the company's beverage R&D manager, Yoke Wong, who probably spends much of the day perusing social media for new fan-based concoctions. Wong says she got her inspiration for the latte from cereal milk —  that favorite last slurp of the bowl after all your flakes have been eaten.  "I thought about the back-to-school season."

Wong set out to do a little r&d on the phenomenon, soaking graham crackers in milk to replicate the taste of cereal. She also looked to trends in Europe for taste suggestions, getting ideas from fior di latte gelato, which means "the flower of milk".

“I knew I was getting close to the final recipe when I began to notice that one of the samples was the favorite time and time again" she said. 

The final result is a latte with graham and sweet cream flavors, sprinkled with cinnamon graham crumbles. Starbucks is pushing this new beverage so much, they designed a special autumn-themed cup for it. 
I tried the new Toasted Graham latte in iced form and found it to be super-sweet with a hint of honey-graham flavor. The iced latte also didn't have it's own themed cup (bummer). There wasn't much resemblance to cereal milk, although that would be a fantastic idea, in itself. The new flavor will be available through the end of October.

If you want to try the new latte (or want to stick with the much-beloved PSL) but hate waiting in line at Starbucks (who doesnt?), there's an app for that.
Starbucks announced the nationwide availability of mobile order and pay on its mobile app. Available for both Apple and Android users, the app allows you to order your coffee ahead of time then pay and pick up your purchase at the Starbucks of your choice. 

The feature  was first tested in Portland, Oregon in December 2014, and launched across the Pacific Northwest. It then spread to 3,400 additional stores across 17 states, and is now available at more than 7,400 company-owned stores across the country. 

Once you download the app and register, the location feature will find your nearest Starbucks. You can also choose other locations (helpful if you're on the road and want a cold Frappuccino waiting for you at your destination). Once you order, you'll receive a confirmation with an estimated timeframe when the order will be ready. You'll then be able to pay for your purchase and just pick up your order at the bar and go!  It's the perfect option for when it's your turn to pick up coffee for the entire office or if you're at the mall on a Saturday and just can't deal with a half hour line for your caffeine fix.