Move over pumpkin spice. Aerocano has arrived, and the humble iced Americano is suddenly having its main-character moment.
The coffee drink is essentially an elevated take on an iced Americano, but there’s one important twist: espresso and ice are aerated using steam, creating a light, velvety foam and a striking cascading effect. The result is smoother and more textured than a traditional iced Americano, while still keeping the coffee flavor front and center.
The Aerocano has been particularly popular in South Korea, where iced Americanos are already a daily ritual. Starbucks introduced its version there earlier in 2026 before bringing the drink to North America for National Coffee Day on September 29.
And now the Aerocano is officially having its Starbucks moment.
Starbucks’ version uses Blonde Espresso and ice, with the drink air-whipped to create its signature texture and visual “cascade.” The company says the technique took considerable testing to perfect, including experimenting with steaming times and how the beverage is poured over ice.
There is also a Caramel Aerocano for anyone who believes coffee should come with just a little extra dessert energy.
What makes the Aerocano particularly interesting is that it doesn’t rely on milk, whipped cream or a complicated flavor syrup to create its texture. It’s essentially espresso, water and ice—with a little barista technique doing the heavy lifting.
Think iced Americano meets nitro cold brew, minus the nitrogen tank.
The drink has already generated plenty of attention online, with coffee enthusiasts experimenting with their own versions long before Starbucks brought it to its North American menu.
So if you’re searching for what is an Aerocano, Aerocano coffee, Starbucks Aerocano or the newest coffee trend, this is the drink to know.
The iced Americano has officially gotten a makeover.
And somehow, it involves a steam wand.
