I tried to use Starbucks' new program that lets customers order complicated viral drinks, but I ran into some issues

Mary MeisenzahlJul 11, 2021, 18:32 IST

Starbucks is testing a 'Social Sips' ordering program.Starbucks

Starbucks is testing a new system for ordering off-menu drinks that have gained popularity on social media.
While it's a smart idea, the QR scanning function didn't work during my visit.
I tried the $6 Pink Drink Remixed.

Starbucks is running a limited test that allows customers to order drinks that became popular on social media through ads on Facebook and Instagram.

Starbucks. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Over the weekend, I was excited to see one of the ads come up while tapping through Instagram stories.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Starbucks

When the ad comes up, you have the option to swipe up and try the drink, which of course I did.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Starbucks

I was served the ad for the Pink Drink Remixed, a social media creation based on the Pink Drink, which was itself initially a fan creation that was added to menus.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Starbucks

There are two options for ordering the drink: order ahead as you would with any mobile order, or order directly from a barista.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Starbucks

The ad has a QR code that the barista should be able to scan, along with a written out way to order the drink.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Starbucks

I wanted to test out the QR code function, so I visited the closest Starbucks near my road trip route in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Starbucks

The scanner was not able to pick up the QR code from my phone, though luckily I still got my order.

A Starbucks in Orlando, Florida. Getty/Jeff Greenberg

Starbucks says that it is getting scans from other locations in the program, so this isn't the case in every store.

Starbucks barista. REUTERS/Mike Blake

The barista helping me told me that he's seen different scanning equipment at different stores, so not all locations necessarily have the same equipment.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I got to watch the worker make my drink, which consists of a Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk, topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The drink tastes something like strawberry short cake turned into a milkshake.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's not my favorite, but I can see why people might like it. The drink comes out to $6.41 with tax for a venti. While I think it was worth a try, I won't order again.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's not my favorite, but I can see why people might like it. The drink comes out to $6.41 with tax for a venti. While I think it was worth a try, I won't order again.

Customer-created drinks on social media have always been part of Starbucks' business and introducing a way to make ordering them easier for customers and baristas seems like a necessary next step. I think this could be the future of Starbucks, once some bugs are figured out.

Starbucks introduced the Social Sips program. Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.

Customer-created drinks on social media have always been part of Starbucks' business and introducing a way to make ordering them easier for customers and baristas seems like a necessary next step. I think this could be the future of Starbucks, once some bugs are figured out.

Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.

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I tried to use Starbucks' new program that lets customers order complicated viral drinks, but I ran into some issues

Starbucks is running a limited test that allows customers to order drinks that became popular on social media through ads on Facebook and Instagram.

Over the weekend, I was excited to see one of the ads come up while tapping through Instagram stories.

When the ad comes up, you have the option to swipe up and try the drink, which of course I did.

I was served the ad for the Pink Drink Remixed, a social media creation based on the Pink Drink, which was itself initially a fan creation that was added to menus.

There are two options for ordering the drink: order ahead as you would with any mobile order, or order directly from a barista.

The ad has a QR code that the barista should be able to scan, along with a written out way to order the drink.

I wanted to test out the QR code function, so I visited the closest Starbucks near my road trip route in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The scanner was not able to pick up the QR code from my phone, though luckily I still got my order.

Starbucks says that it is getting scans from other locations in the program, so this isn't the case in every store.

The barista helping me told me that he's seen different scanning equipment at different stores, so not all locations necessarily have the same equipment.

I got to watch the worker make my drink, which consists of a Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk, topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam.

The drink tastes something like strawberry short cake turned into a milkshake.

It's not my favorite, but I can see why people might like it. The drink comes out to $6.41 with tax for a venti. While I think it was worth a try, I won't order again.

Customer-created drinks on social media have always been part of Starbucks' business and introducing a way to make ordering them easier for customers and baristas seems like a necessary next step. I think this could be the future of Starbucks, once some bugs are figured out.