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[MyDaily = Reporter Bang Geum-suk] Say hello to “air coffee”—iced Americanos pumped with air to create a silky foam that’s quickly become the latest coffee craze.
Industry sources said on the 19th that Starbucks Korea’s “AeroCano,” launched last month, sold over 1 million cups in just seven days — the fastest any Starbucks iced drink has hit that milestone.
The secret is the microfoam: injected air creates a fine foam layer that amplifies the coffee’s aroma and softens bitter notes, giving each sip a lighter, creamier mouthfeel.
It’s also perfectly made for visual content: the foam’s waterfall-like “cascading” effect has gone viral on social media, turning these drinks into must-see coffee moments.
Following Starbucks’ success, more affordable coffee franchises have rolled out their own versions.
Paikdabang, part of The Born Korea group, launched a limited-time Air Foam Americano that uses steam to form its foam. Customers can customize it with honey, hazelnut, or brown sugar syrup.
Compose Coffee will introduce an “Airy Americano” on the 20th, touting a silky, smooth finish thanks to its air-infused foam.
Ventifresso released four “Airicano” varieties on the 12th, widening choices with classic, sugar, vanilla, and hazelnut flavors.
Industry observers say this is a strategy to stand out in a saturated coffee market, as more consumers now value texture and visual appeal alongside flavor.
An industry official commented, “Coffee drinkers increasingly value the entire drinking experience—texture, aroma, and the ritual itself. Using air in menu items isn’t entirely new, but franchises have standardized it into menu offerings and reignited the trend.”
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