Starbucks launched 3 new Strato Frappuccinos. We ranked them best to worst

Earlier this month, Starbucks introduced a limited-edition Firework Frappucino ahead of the Fourth of July. Now, the chain is adding three brand-new "Strato frappes" to its seasonal summer menu.

The idea for the new drink comes from the Italian word that means layer, as the new drinks take the classic Frappucino and add a layer of cold foam instead of the standard whipped cream.

The timing of the drink's release lines up with the 30th anniversary of the Starbucks Frappucino.

Drink developer Susan Engdahl said in a news release, "It’s the perfect time for a beverage like this. Customers know and love the Frappuccino blended beverage drink, and this gives them a new way to enjoy it."

The Strato Frappuccino Blended Beverage comes in three different flavors and will be available to purchase on Tuesday, July 8.

Starbucks Strato Frappucino flavors

There are 3 flavor options for the new Strato Frappuccino: brown sugar, salted caramel mocha and strawberry matcha.

What is a Strato frappucino?

Strato is Italian for layer. In this case, it refers to the visible layers of the drink, with the blended frappucino base topped with creamy cold foam.

Strawberry matcha Strato Frappuccino: My new favorite

The first frappe I tried was the strawberry matcha. I was most excited about this one, since I'm a big fan of traditional strawberry matcha, which usually includes matcha tea with some kind of strawberry puree or syrup. In this drink, however, the strawberry flavor comes from the strawberry cold foam. The combination was smooth and silky, and more subtle than flavored matcha drinks I've had in the past — and I mean that in a good way.

The flavors blended together seamlessly, making it my new favorite Starbucks sweet treat.

Brown sugar Strato Frappuccino: A close second

The next drink I tried was the brown sugar. Unlike the strawberry matcha, this drink contains coffee, which I appreciated. It also contains brown sugar cold foam sprinkled with cinnamon on top. Immediately after my first sip, I was transported to... Christmas?

Yes, the high temperature is well over 100 degrees today, but maybe it was the cinnamon that put me in the holiday spirit. It was unexpected for a drink that's only available for a limited time this summer.

Other than the mismatched seasonal nostalgia, the drink itself was pretty good.

Salted caramel mocha Strato Frappuccino: Save your money

Finally, I tried the salted caramel mocha Strato Frappucino. According to the website, the drink comprises "chocolate and caramel, made with mocha sauce, Frappuccino Roast coffee, milk and ice" topped with a "rich layer of salted caramel-flavored cream cold foam and a zigzag of caramel drizzle." That description, admittedly, scared me a bit. The list of sweet flavors felt so long that my eyes started glazing over before I got to the end of the drink description.

Despite my reservations, the drink was ... drinkable. I actually couldn't taste much caramel at all, even after purposefully aiming my straw directly into the biggest stripe of caramel drizzle I could find.

It tasted almost exactly like chocolate milk.

What does the new Starbucks drink taste like?

The verdict: Frappucinos have a reputation for being overwhelmingly sweet, but adding the cold foam instead of a traditional whipped cream topping gave the drinks a smoother, less intense flavor profile.

My favorite was the strawberry matcha, with the brown sugar a close second. I wouldn't order the salted caramel mocha again.

When does Starbucks Strato Frappucino come out?

Starbucks' newest line of Frappucinos are available in stores nationwide for a limited time beginning July 8.

Starbucks Strato Frappucino nutrition facts

A grande-sized brown sugar Strato Frappucino contains 350 calories, 51 grams of sugar and 14 grams of fat.

The strawberry matcha Strato Frappucino contains 340 calories, 44 grams of sugar and 15 grams of fat.

The salted caramel mocha contains 390 calories, 54 grams of sugar and 16 grams of fat.