Merdeka season is always a good excuse to discover something with a little more local character, especially when a familiar Malaysian flavour is given a fresh twist. This year, Luckin Coffee Malaysia is joining the celebration with its new Merdeka Special: Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita, featuring two limited local-inspired drinks made with one ingredient that many Malaysians know and love: Gula Melaka.
The new series is introduced in collaboration with Kisah Bawah Tanah, bringing together the familiar taste of traditional Gula Melaka and the modern coffee experience that Luckin Coffee customers have come to enjoy. The result is two new beverages designed for coffee drinkers who fancy trying something different from the usual latte or iced coffee.
The Merdeka Special officially launches on 14 August 2026 onwards. While the brand has not stated a fixed end date for the promotion at the time of publishing, customers should check the Luckin Coffee app for the latest availability and participating outlets before making a trip.
A Taste Of Malaysia In Your Coffee
Gula Melaka is one of those ingredients that instantly brings a sense of familiarity. Its deep caramel-like sweetness works beautifully in Malaysian desserts and drinks, so it is not surprising to see it making its way into a modern coffee menu.
For the Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita series, Luckin Coffee has created two different drinks, giving customers a choice depending on how they prefer their coffee.
The first is the Gula Melaka Shakerato, which combines shaken espresso with rich Gula Melaka and creamy milk. It is an interesting option for those who enjoy a stronger coffee character but also want a touch of sweetness and creaminess. The shaken espresso gives the drink a different texture and experience from a conventional iced coffee, while the Gula Melaka adds that unmistakably local note.
Then there is the Gula Melaka Latte, which takes a more familiar route. Bold espresso is paired with rich Gula Melaka to create a smooth and comforting coffee drink. For customers who normally reach for a latte, this could be the easier choice when trying the Merdeka Special for the first time.
Both drinks are built around the same idea: taking a traditional Malaysian flavour and giving it a contemporary coffee-shop treatment.
Why Gula Melaka Works So Well With Coffee
There is something particularly appealing about pairing Gula Melaka with espresso. Coffee naturally has roasted, bitter and sometimes slightly chocolatey notes, while Gula Melaka brings sweetness with a deeper caramel-like character.
That combination can make a coffee feel more indulgent without moving completely away from its coffee identity. It also gives the drinks a distinctly Malaysian personality rather than simply introducing another generic seasonal flavour.
For those who have already tried countless vanilla, caramel and chocolate coffee drinks, the Gula Melaka range offers something that feels a little closer to home.
It is also a fitting choice for Merdeka. Instead of simply adding a festive name to an ordinary drink, the Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita concept focuses on a flavour that has long been part of Malaysia’s food culture.
How To Get The New Drinks
Getting the drinks is straightforward for existing Luckin Coffee customers. They can open the Luckin Coffee app, browse the latest menu and look for the Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita series.
The app is also useful for checking which nearby outlets have the new beverages available. Customers can place their orders through the app as well, making it possible to arrange a takeaway before heading to the store.
Since product availability can differ from one outlet to another, it is worth checking the app first rather than assuming every Luckin Coffee branch will have the drinks available at the same time.
This is particularly useful for anyone who has a favourite outlet and does not want to make an unnecessary trip.
A Good Merdeka Coffee Break
Not every Merdeka celebration has to involve a big shopping trip or an elaborate meal. Sometimes, a simple coffee break with a new drink is enough to add a little excitement to an ordinary day.
The Luckin Coffee Merdeka Special could be worth considering for an afternoon caffeine break, a quick drink after lunch or even a casual catch-up with friends. Instead of ordering the same coffee as usual, customers can use the occasion to try something created around a familiar Malaysian ingredient.
It could also be an easy way to introduce friends who enjoy local flavours to a different style of coffee. One person might prefer the stronger and more distinctive Shakerato, while another may find the smooth Gula Melaka Latte more appealing.
Why Should Malaysians Try This Deal?
The biggest reason to try the Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita series is its local connection. Gula Melaka is a familiar ingredient, but seeing it paired with espresso gives it a modern interpretation.
It is also a good opportunity for coffee fans who enjoy seasonal menu launches. Limited or newly introduced drinks tend to be more interesting when they offer a flavour that customers do not normally see on the everyday menu.
Another reason is simply curiosity. If a regular coffee order has started to feel predictable, trying the Gula Melaka Shakerato or Gula Melaka Latte provides an easy change without having to spend time deciding what to do for Merdeka.
There is also something enjoyable about discovering how traditional flavours can work in modern food and beverage creations. The combination may be familiar, but the presentation and preparation give it a completely different personality.
And, of course, the Merdeka timing makes it even more appropriate. The Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita name itself is built around the idea of shared Malaysian flavours and stories, making the drinks more than just another seasonal menu addition.
Check Before Heading To The Outlet
One important point to remember is that Luckin Coffee has stated that product availability may vary by store. Customers should therefore check the Luckin Coffee app for the latest information before visiting.
The promotion officially starts on 14 August 2026, while a specific closing date has not been announced by the brand at the time of publishing. This means anyone interested in trying the drinks should avoid waiting too long if the new range catches their attention.
Prices and availability should also be checked through the app, as the information shown there will provide the most relevant details for the selected outlet.
A Local Flavour Worth Exploring This Merdeka
The Luckin Coffee Merdeka Special: Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita is an interesting addition to the Merdeka season for anyone who enjoys experimenting with coffee. Rather than relying on another predictable international flavour, the series puts Gula Melaka in the spotlight and gives it a place alongside espresso and milk.
Whether customers choose the Gula Melaka Shakerato for something a little more distinctive or the Gula Melaka Latte for a smoother and more familiar coffee experience, both offer a chance to enjoy a taste inspired by Malaysia in a different way.
So, if a coffee run is already part of the daily routine, Merdeka could be the perfect time to switch things up. Open the Luckin Coffee app, check the nearest participating outlet and see whether the new Gula Melaka creations are available.
For coffee lovers looking for something new, this is one Merdeka special that is worth putting on the list. After all, sometimes celebrating local flavours starts with something as simple as trying a new drink.
Promotional/Event Details
Date: 14 August 2026 onwards
Time: During participating Luckin Coffee outlet operating hours; check the Luckin Coffee app for outlet-specific information
Venue: Participating Luckin Coffee outlets in Malaysia; availability varies by store
Promotion: Luckin Coffee Merdeka Special: Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita
Featured Drinks: Gula Melaka Shakerato and Gula Melaka Latte
Collaboration: Kisah Bawah Tanah
How To Order: Open the Luckin Coffee app, check the Rasa Kita, Cerita Kita series and select a participating outlet
End Date: Not specified by the brand at the time of publishing
Important Note: Product availability may vary by outlet. Visuals are for illustration purposes and customers should refer to the Luckin Coffee app for the latest information.
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