The “Best of Both Worlds” Brew? Fans Aren’t So Sure
In a nostalgic nod to the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel phenomenon, Starbucks has officially introduced a limited-edition beverage inspired by Hannah Montana. However, the coffee giant may have overlooked a crucial piece of the pop star’s history: she absolutely loathes the primary ingredient.
Debuting Monday, March 23, the “Hannah’s Secret Popstar Refresher” joined the Starbucks “secret menu” via the mobile app. The vibrant drink features a strawberry açaí base topped with layers of raspberry syrup and raspberry cold foam. While the combination sounds like a summer dream, dedicated fans were quick to recall that for Miley Stewart, raspberry is a nightmare.
A Flavorful Faux Pas
Longtime viewers of the series pointed out a glaring continuity error in the drink’s profile. During the first season, the plot famously centered on Miley becoming the face of a raspberry-scented perfume. In the episode, she confesses her deep-seated aversion to the fruit, stemming from a traumatic childhood incident involving a raspberry-pie-eating contest that left her with a permanent distaste for the scent and flavor.
Social media erupted with playful critiques. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) questioned, “Raspberry cold foam?! Did Starbucks completely skip the most iconic character arc in the show?” Another user echoed the sentiment on Instagram, noting, “Miley Stewart would literally gag at the sight of this. It’s the one flavor she can’t stand.”
“I’m crying. Out of every flavor in the world, they chose the one that an entire episode was based around her hating,” remarked another enthusiast.
The Lore Continues
Despite the initial confusion, it appears Starbucks might be more “in the know” than fans initially thought. On Instagram, the brand hinted that the flavor choice was a deliberate “Easter egg” for the hardcore fandom. “For those who remember the raspberry saga, this one’s for you,” the company posted. Even the official Disney Channel account joined the fray, commenting that the “raspberry lore lives on.”
The timing of the drink release aligns with the highly anticipated Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, which is set to premiere on Disney+. The special features Miley Cyrus returning to the original set to reflect on the role that launched her career—a role that saw her land 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 under her fictional alias.
“It’s more than just a television show,” Cyrus shared in a recent interview with Variety. “I see the impact Hannah has on people every single day. Whether I’m traveling or just meeting fans, they still carry that merch and ask for more. She remains a massive part of their lives.”
