Spring in Seattle: Blooming Cherry Blossoms & Starbucks Reserve’s Seasonal Delights

Spring in Seattle is pure magic. As the city shakes off winter’s chill, the streets and parks burst into color, and there’s no better way to experience the season than with a handcrafted drink from Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill. Whether you’re a Seattle local or visiting for the first time, this guide will take you on a scenic journey through the best cherry blossom spots near the Roastery, paired perfectly with Starbucks Reserve’s newest spring-inspired menu.

Savor the Flavors of Spring at Starbucks Reserve Roastery

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is bringing the essence of spring to life with a selection of new handcrafted beverages inspired by the season. From floral and fruity to creamy and indulgent, here are some menu highlights:

• Iced Ube Coconut Latte – Starbucks Reserve’s first-ever ube beverage, featuring Starbucks Reserve Espresso and coconut milk poured over ice, topped with a rich ube coconut cold foam and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes for the perfect balance of creamy and nutty flavors.
• Lavender Matcha Malt – A fresh twist on their beloved lavender matcha, this creamy malted milkshake blends signature matcha with vanilla gelato, chocolate and lavender bitters, and is finished with whipped cream, a sprinkle of sugar, and a sprig of lavender.
• Sakura Float – Inspired by sakura season and brought to Seattle by Starbucks partners in Tokyo, this refreshing layered drink highlights sparkling Sakura Allure tea topped with a scoop of vanilla gelato, creating a floral and creamy sip reminiscent of Japan’s cherry blossom celebrations.
• Citrus Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Tasting Journey – An interactive, color-changing experience where you get to mix Butterfly Pea Flower Tea with citrus cold foam and lemonade, creating a mesmerizing transformation in both color and flavor.

Looking for a bite to go with your drink? The Roastery is also offering a limited-edition selection of seasonal treats:

• Matcha Butterfly Swirl Cake – A matcha green tea-infused roll cake filled and topped with vanilla butterfly pea flower tea ganache.
• Fig Walnut Ricotta Toast – Toasted sourdough topped with coffee and balsamic fig chutney, whipped mascarpone, parmesan ricotta, and garnished with toasted walnuts and edible flowers.
• Strawberry Lemon Tart – A bright and tangy dessert (not pictured) that balances fresh strawberries with citrusy lemon zest.
• Pistachio & Rose Twice-Baked Cornetto – A pistachio-frangipane-filled twice-baked cornetto topped with a rose glaze and crushed pistachios.
• Lavender Blueberry Donut – A blueberry cake donut topped with blueberry and lavender glaze.

Want to bring a little bit of spring home? Starbucks’ Floral Canvas Tote Bag and MiiR Tumbler make the perfect seasonal keepsakes.

Springtime Cocktails at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

If cocktails are more your vibe, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery has something special for you. Their seasonal cocktail lineup is an elevated way to toast to spring:

• Lavender Matcha Margarita – A signature matcha creation featuring El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar, topped with lavender cold foam and a sprig of lavender.
• Sakura Blossom Negroni – An innovative take on a Tokyo Roastery favorite. This cocktail blends a pour-over infusion of Sakura Allure Tea with Hendrick’s Gin, Carpano Dry Vermouth, and Aperol, garnished with edible flowers. Try this with the Fig Walnut Ricotta Toast for a flavor explosion.
• Butterfly Tea Spritz – A refreshing mix of Butterfly Pea Flower in Elderflower Liqueur, lemon juice, and Fever-Tree Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade, garnished with a dehydrated orange, a fresh mint sprig, and an edible flower.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms Near the Roastery

Once you’ve grabbed your favorite seasonal drink, it’s time to soak in the magic of Seattle’s cherry blossoms. Here are some of the best spots to see them bloom:

1. The Iconic Cherry Blossoms at the UW Quad

If there’s one place that truly defines spring in Seattle, it’s the University of Washington’s Quad. Every March and April, the 90-year-old Yoshino cherry trees explode in soft pink petals, creating a dreamy canopy that attracts visitors from all over. While the exact peak bloom timing varies each year, it’s always worth a visit to witness this stunning seasonal spectacle. Bring your Sakura Float and Lavender Blueberry Donut, take a slow walk under the blossoms, and feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Pro tip: depending on weather, blooms can typically be seen from mid-March through early April. Check UW’s live webcam for real time updates.

The Quad at UW during cherry blossom season. @rachael.waldorf

2. The Tranquility of Seattle Japanese Garden

For a more serene and intimate cherry blossom experience, the Seattle Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum is a hidden gem. Designed to reflect the harmony between nature and humans, this peaceful retreat offers winding paths, koi ponds, and beautifully manicured landscapes. Sip on a Lavender Matcha Malt as you stroll through the garden, letting the floral notes of your drink complement the delicate beauty around you.

Seattle Japanese Garden @obisamg

3. The Arboretum’s Lush Blooms

Just next door, the Washington Park Arboretum is a must-visit for nature lovers. This sprawling green space offers a variety of spring blooms, from vibrant azaleas and magnolias to soft pink cherry blossoms. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding trails, stop by the iconic footbridge, and enjoy the fresh scent of spring. A Citrus Butterfly Pea Flower Tea pairs perfectly with this location and the Matcha Butterfly Swirl Cake, offering a refreshing sip that matches the Arboretum’s colorful blooms.

Washington Park Arboretum © FrontRowSociety.net, Photo: Andreas Conrad

4. Volunteer Park: A Capitol Hill Classic

A stone’s throw from the Roastery, Volunteer Park offers a mix of history, nature, and stunning springtime views. While it may not have an abundance of cherry blossoms, the park’s diverse flora, towering trees, and lush gardens make it an essential stop on your spring itinerary. After enjoying an Iced Ube Coconut Latte, grab a Pistachio & Rose Twice-Baked Cornetto from the Roastery, take a peaceful walk through the park, visit the Volunteer Park Conservatory, or climb to the top of the water tower for a panoramic view of Seattle’s skyline.

Experience Seattle’s Spring Magic

Spring in Seattle is a fleeting but breathtaking season. With the Starbucks Reserve Roastery crafting drinks that celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms and nature putting on its best show, there’s no better time to get outside, sip something delicious, and soak in the blooms. Whether you’re wandering through the historic UW Quad, finding tranquility at the Japanese Garden, or strolling through the Arboretum, each stop offers a unique way to experience the season.

So grab your camera, your favorite spring-inspired Starbucks drink, and let Seattle’s natural surroundings work their magic. Don’t just witness the beauty, immerse yourself in it, one sip and one step at a time. Tag @visitseattle and @starbucksreserve_seattle on social media to share your springtime adventure. Let’s make this season one to remember! 🌸☕