Starbucks Launches Aerocano Iced Coffee in South Korea First
Starbucks has introduced its new Aerocano iced coffee in South Korea, marking the country as the first global market for the innovative beverage. The launch highlights South Korea’s significant role in the global coffee industry, particularly its strong preference for iced coffee consumption.
The ‘Eoljuk-a’ Culture and Iced Coffee Dominance
South Korea is known for its “Eoljuk-a” culture – a term meaning “die even if you freeze” – which reflects a strong preference for iced beverages even in cold weather. Over the past three years (2023-2025), approximately 70% of Americanos sold at Starbucks Korea have been iced. This trend led French news agency AFP to describe iced Americano as “Korea’s unofficial national drink.”
What is Aerocano?
Aerocano is an iced coffee created by applying an air injection technique to an Americano. The process involves injecting air into freshly extracted espresso, creating a cascading effect and a foam layer similar to that of a cappuccino. The drink is made using the same coffee beans and ‘Mastrena’ coffee machines already in use at Starbucks Korea locations; the key difference lies in the aeration process.
The Aeration Process
To create Aerocano, a double shot of espresso is placed into a stainless steel bowl filled with ice. The mixture is then placed into the steamer nozzle, where air is injected evenly for approximately 10 seconds. Maintaining a consistent “chichijik” sound from the nozzle during this process is crucial for proper aeration.
Cascading and Taste Profile
Once aerated, the espresso is poured into a transparent cup, initiating a “cascading” effect – where foam particles flow downward like a waterfall. This visual element adds to the drink’s appeal. The resulting coffee offers a softer texture than a traditional Americano, with a cappuccino-like foam initially surrounding the mouth.
Starbucks’ Strategy and Korean Market Influence
Alexandra Orsolic, Starbucks Asia Pacific senior product manager, emphasized the importance of the Korean market, stating that it is “a country with a high influence in the global market and where coffee has become a new culture in everyday life.” Starbucks views Korea as a trendsetting market and an ideal location to debut Aerocano. The company intends to strengthen its coffee expertise and differentiation through this new product.