Starbucks Treat Receipts are Back

If you make a morning run to Starbucks, you can bring your receipt in the afternoon and buy a Grande cold beverage for $2. This promo lasts through September 5, 2011.

Here are the details straight from Starbucks:

"Starbucks Treat Receipt offers customers a refreshing afternoon break with their favorite Starbucks® cold beverage. From July 18 through September 5, 2011, customers who make a purchase in the morning can bring in their receipt after 2 p.m. and enjoy any Grande cold beverage (16 fl. oz) for just $2 (plus tax) at participating Starbucks stores* in the U.S. and Canada."

Sundae Shake Disappoints, Is this how you SONIC?

Sonic website screen capture

Sonic keeps showing this fun commercial with an angry robot who is upset he cannot try the new Sundae Shake because it's people food. He has a point. The faux metallic cups do make it seem as those these drinks could be robot-friendly. Maybe there is some alternate universe where he could order one with a thick drizzle of premium motor oil instead of chocolate syrup.

Here in the regular human world, I decided to try Sonic's new Sundae Shake. Here's the scrumptious description from its website:

"Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Shake

An American original, perfected by SONIC. Real ice cream hand mixed with hot-fudge and finished with whipped topping rising from a sea of even more hot fudge. Don't forget the cherry on top. Now grab a straw y'all."

Sonic Sundae Shake, $2.59

Look Ma, No Straw!

This drink melted a little bit before it's photo session. However, it is clear that cup was never filled all the way. There was no "sea of even more hot fudge" and they did forget the cherry on top. When asked about the cherry, the carhop said they did not add those because of the cost. Huh?

And there was no straw to grab. I get that it is supposed to be a drinkable sundae so there is no spoon, but what happened to the straw? (It was not in the bag.) All I have at home are these skinny pink straws that are not compatible with the milkshake experience.

Sonic Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Review
Non-brain-freeze-induced mini headache aside, this is not something I would not order again. The thin cup did not do much to keep the shake cool. Even if it were better executed, it tastes like a Wendy's Frosty with that subtle blend of vanilla and chocolate. Although Dave Thomas was a genius to create that flavor, it isn't what I expected from this $2.59 shake.

Because of the thick texture, I think this is more of a spoonable dessert than a beverage. I would rather spend $3 elsewhere for a well-made hand-dipped shake that actually fills the cup and matches the menu description.