It’s fall, and coffee shops are serving special drinks for the season. While Starbucks has Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Apple Oat Crisp Macchiatos, Dunkin’ has new Halloween drinks, like the Potion Macchiato. I tried it & here’s what I thought.
Dunkin’s Halloween-Inspired Menu
Dunkin’ is known for delivering fun, seasonal items; this Halloween season is no different. Along with the Potion Macchiato, Dunkin’ has also introduced festive treats like the Spider Donut, which features a purple-frosted donut with a chocolate “spider body” made from a Munchkin and a drizzle of chocolate spider legs.
Munchkins are also topped with orange and black sprinkles, making them the perfect addition to any Halloween party. But the show’s star this year is the Potion Macchiato, a layered drink made with espresso, whole milk, and a purple marshmallow ube flavoring.
Launched on October 16, this limited-edition macchiato is Dunkin’s way of bringing some spooky cheer without relying on the typical orange-and-black Halloween colors. According to Dunkin’, the Potion Macchiato is designed to be both a visual and taste sensation, but how does it hold up? I tested both the iced and hot versions to find out.
First Impressions: The Look
Dunkin’ did a great job making the Potion Macchiato look really good. The iced one stands out, with a light purple layer at the bottom (for ube flavor) and a dark layer of espresso on top. The layers are clearly separated, giving it a potion-like look that’s very attractive and perfect for Instagram.
While less visually dramatic, the hot version comes in Dunkin’s classic wide paper cup with a sturdy flip-top lid, making it convenient for sipping on the go.
However, the true star of the show is the iced drink. As I received my iced Potion Macchiato, I couldn’t help but admire the purple hue at the bottom. It honestly looked like a magical potion ready to be mixed.
Potion Macchiato Nutrition Breakdown (Iced Small)
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 4g (Saturated Fat: 2.5g)
- Sodium: 110mg
- Carbs: 32g (Fiber 0g, Sugar 31g)
- Protein: 5g
While the nutritional information may not be a dealbreaker for those indulging in the occasional seasonal treat, it’s worth noting that the sugar content is relatively high, which could be a factor for those watching their sugar intake.
The Taste Test: Where Things Go Wrong
The Potion Macchiato looks nice, but I wasn’t sure about the taste. When I drank the iced drink without shaking it, the bottom layer had a slightly sweet marshmallow flavor from the purple yam. The ube flavor is subtle but adds something different to the drink. But that’s all there is to it.
The nice taste went away fast after I mixed the drink. The espresso was too strong and covered up the sweet ube flavor. It ended up tasting like bitter coffee with a little marshmallow flavor. It wasn’t balanced and didn’t taste like I wanted it to.
The hot version fared slightly better, as the flavors seemed more balanced, but it still didn’t pack the flavorful punch I expected. The espresso once again took center stage, overshadowing the ube flavor. The hot drink was smoother, but the ube flavor wasn’t prominent enough to justify its place in this Halloween-themed drink.
What Went Wrong?
The main flaw with Dunkin’s Potion Macchiato lies in the balance of flavors. Macchiatos are traditionally made with a bold shot of espresso, and while that’s great for coffee lovers, the ube flavor isn’t strong enough to stand up to it.
Because of this, the drink ends up being a mix of very bitter espresso and only a little sweetness. If you really like strong coffee, you might still like this drink. But if you were hoping for a sweet and balanced treat, you might be disappointed.
Moreover, the texture of the iced version was also an issue for me. After shaking the drink, the combination of the espresso, milk, and ube flavoring created a muddy, unappetizing color and an unbalanced taste. The drink tried to do too much but could have delivered its promise.
The Verdict:
The Potion Macchiato is a fun coffee drink to try, but it’s not essential. If you like strong coffee with a bit of sweetness, you might like it. However, if you prefer a well-rounded, tasty drink, this one might not meet your expectations. My boyfriend, who likes his coffee strong, enjoyed it more than I did, so it really depends on personal taste.
While the Potion Macchiato might not be a repeat order for me, it’s a fun seasonal drink to try once—if only for the visual appeal and conversation starter potential. Also, if you really love Dunkin’ Donuts, you should try it. Just don’t expect the taste to be amazing.
