Seoul: Starbucks Korea announced the launch of a new style of iced Americano, set to debut this week, marking the first introduction of its kind by the U.S. coffee giant in South Korea. This market is known for its consistent consumption of iced coffee throughout the year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the new beverage, named the Aerocano, will make its global debut in South Korea on Thursday. The drink is characterized by a creamy, velvety foam layer and a smoother texture compared to a traditional iced Americano. Starbucks chose South Korea as the inaugural market for the Aerocano, highlighting the strong local preference for iced drinks regardless of the season.

"It is especially meaningful to introduce the Aerocano for the first time in Korea, a market with passionate customers and a distinctive coffee culture," stated Alexandra Orsolic, senior product manager for Starbucks Asia Pacific. Over the past three years through 2025, iced Americanos have represented more than 70 percent of total Americano sales at Starbucks Korea.

In South Korea, iced Americanos are often called "Ah-Ah," reflecting their widespread popularity, which has even inspired the phrase "Eoljuka," meaning "Even if I freeze to death, iced Americano." By the end of 2025, Starbucks Korea operated 2,115 stores across the nation, positioning South Korea as its third-largest market by store count, after the United States and China.

Emart Inc., the discount retail division of Shinsegae Group, owns a 67.5 percent share in Starbucks Korea, with Singapore's GIC holding the remaining 32.5 percent stake.