15 Best Starbucks Coffee Of 2023
Currently, Starbucks has over 40 drinks on its ever-changing menu. Plus, each drink comes with infinite ways of customization. But how often do you order something besides your usual? Probably not much.
So, whether you're in the mood to try something new or on the hunt to find your next favorite beverage, here is where you'll find all your answers! We've penciled down a list of the 15 best Starbucks Drinks of 2023. Scroll down and explore.
Top 15 Starbucks Coffee Drinks In 2023
As with most things, when it comes to picking the best Starbucks drinks, it's subjective. Different people have different preferences. Hence, what's great for one person may not work for another.
For this list, however, we have picked the following beverages based on public opinion. Of course, we have added our personal favorites too. But majority of the drinks are picked based on its review on several websites and social media platforms, versatility, and which drinks get ordered the most.
So, without any further ado, let's get started!
Vanilla Latte
Vanilla Latte is one of Starbucks' all-time classic drinks, which remains a constant on the menu. It's a simple drink made similar to their regular latte. Ingredients include espresso combined with frothed milk and four pumps of vanilla syrup.
While the ingredients remain the same, their quantity will depend on your cup size. For instance:
- Tall – 1 shot espresso/ 3 pumps vanilla
- Grande- 2 shots espresso/ 4 pumps vanilla
- Venti- 2 shots espresso/ 5 pumps vanilla
The product is available in three types- cold, hot, and bottled. Many customers rave about Starbucks' glass-bottled Vanilla Latte, claiming they taste pretty similar to what you get at the café.
Vanilla Latte can be customized to suit your taste. Possibilities include adding or subtracting the shots of espresso or substituting sugar-free vanilla syrup for the regular one. You can also play with different flavored sauces and toppings for extra indulgence.
Blonde Roast Coffee
It hit the coffee market in 2017 as Starbucks' lightest roasted espresso drink. According to the company, the drink has a creamy mouthfeel that tastes mildly sweet with citrusy notes.
Caffe Misto is an elevated version of this drink that includes steamed milk. Or, you can enjoy a jolt of energy by adding a double shot of espresso to the drink. To make things sweeter, you can opt for additional ingredients like their classic syrup or brown sugar syrup.
Honey Almond Milk Flat White
Combining Starbucks' signature blonde espresso with almond milk blend and honey syrup, the Honey Almondmilk Flat White drink offers a harmony of sweet, sharp, and nutty flavors.
This is a spin on the company's classic Flat White for people who prefer dairy-free options. Comparatively, this drink has more foam than usual, but in a good way. Just take care of one thing, a typical Grande contains as much as 24 grams of sugar. But it doesn't taste like it, so you might end up hiking your sugar levels without realizing it.
The beverage comes in two versions: hot for your cozy winter evenings and iced to beat the summer heat! If it's your first time trying this creamy drink, we recommend the hot version, which best brings out flavor nuances.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ah! The nostalgic scent of cinnamon will transcend you to a land of hayrides and haunted houses. Pumpkin Spice Latte is a seasonal favorite among coffee and non-coffee lovers alike.
There's something about the mixture of fall spice flavors, espresso, steamed milk, and whipped cream in a cup that evokes positive feelings, often associated with the fall season.
The company first introduced the drink in the fall of 2003, and it has since remained popular. Year after year, Starbucks brings a new variation of the drink on a seasonal basis. While some versions leave out the whipped cream on top, others call for additional ingredients like cinnamon dolce syrup, brown sugar syrup, caramel drizzle, and white mocha sauce.
Nitro Cold Brew
Nitro Cold Brew was first introduced in July 2015. In just a short time, the drink was made available in more than 500 stores in the US. The drink uses a unique technique that infuses nitrogen with the company's signature slow-steeped Cold Brew.
The process results in a creamy and fluffy coffee drink with micro-bubbles. And since it's infused with nitrogen, the drink typically contains no ice cubes. Nevertheless, there are several flavoring and customization options.
A go-to option among most coffee drinks is adding flavored cold foam or syrup such as vanilla, toffee nut, and caramel.
Salted Caramel Cold Brew
Summer is here, and so is iced coffee season! Made with the classic cold brew base, caramel, and a salted cold foam (whipped non-fat milk), this drink didn't disappoint.
It's perfect for beating the summer heat while treating your taste buds to a candy delight. The unique thing about this drink is its perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors.
You can experiment with different extras like caramel sauce and cinnamon dolce to make it taste even better.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
If your morning alarm isn't doing its job, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew will. The drink is a popular variation in Starbucks' cold brew line and contains enough coffee to kickstart your day. Furthermore, it's also ideal as an afternoon pick-me-up to recharge your batteries for the rest of the day. After all, it contains 185mg of caffeine.
Customization options are limitless with this one. You can go for multiple flavored syrups and sauces like brown sugar, toffee nut, peppermint, hazelnut, raspberry, pistachio, or mocha. There's also the sugar-free vanilla syrup option for those watching their calorie intake.
Besides, hardcore espresso drinkers can add extra shots of espresso and even choose your espresso roast type from signature, decaf, or blonde.
Caramel Brulée Latte
Another seasonal hit, the Caramel Brulée Latte, is the second most popular drink in the Starbucks Holiday Collection. The drink pairs espresso, dark caramel sauce, milk, caramel brulée bits, vanilla syrup, and whipped cream. Evidently, it tastes rich and sweet with a pleasant, caramelized sugar flavor.
Watching your weight this holiday season? No worries! You can order a no-whip version of this drink. Adding extra espresso shots, opting for non-dairy milk like coconut and oat, or requesting extra caramel to double the sweetness are all possible with this drink.
Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino
Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino is one of Starbucks' treasured drinks that not many know of. That's because it doesn't appear on the company's standard menu. Moreover, the classic version is non-caffeinated, so most coffee drinkers overlook it.
However, those brave enough to try this drink claim it tastes like a cinnamon roll. There's also the caffeinated version which we personally love. The drink mixes a coffee base with vanilla bean powder, cinnamon dolce syrup, white chocolate sauce, cinnamon dolce powder, and whipped cream.
Caramel Macchiato
This one's our personal favorite. And most sweet-toothed coffee drinkers would agree! Caramel Macchiato is a luxurious, dessert-worthy coffee beverage made with espresso, vanilla syrup, frothed milk, and caramel drizzle. It's served either hot or chilled.
Unlike other drinks, this beverage isn't stirred. Instead, it is layered with the milk foam resting on top of the espresso. There also tends to be some syrup at the bottom of the drink. So, as you sip through each layer in order, there won't be a bitter aftertaste mostly associated with espresso-based drinks.
On the flip side, if you enjoy a strong coffee instead of a sweet one, you can request the drink be made "upside down." Meaning the espresso shots will be the bottommost layer!
Caramel Frappuccino
Caramel Frappuccino is a rendezvous between coffee, milk, and ice. Three simple ingredients in the blender create a delectable drink that's sweet and salty. Wondering where the "caramel" in the name comes from? Well, the drink is topped off with whipped cream and caramel sauce, adding a nice caramel flavor to it.
It's one of the oldest drinks on Starbucks' menu but remains ever popular among coffee and non-coffee drinks. While some enjoy its evident coffee flavor, the rest can't resist its sweet caramel flavor.
As for customization, the sky is the limit:
- Call for extra espresso shots for a stronger coffee taste.
- Try the affogato style with a hot espresso shot poured on top.
- Add chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Add mocha drizzle for a candy-like taste.
- Go for other flavors like vanilla or cinnamon dolce.
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Yes, we know you've seen a lot of caramel on our list. But there's just something so irresistible about Starbucks' caramel line, and the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is no exception. In fact, this drink takes the company's take on caramel to another level. How? By incorporating different types and textures of the orange-brown confectionery into one frozen drink.
The recipe calls for milk, Frappuccino roast coffee, caramel sauce, ice, dark caramel sauce, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and crunchy caramel toppings. The drink contains quite a high amount of sugar. But hey, a little occasional indulgence doesn't hurt!
You can personalize the drink by swapping salted caramel syrup or substituting whole milk with non-dairy or non-fat options. Adding extra espresso or trying out different flavors is also possible.
Dirty Chai Latte
Torn between tea and coffee? Why not enjoy both?
Dirty Chai Latte isn't everyone's cup of tea. But once you taste its flavor nuances and actually start enjoying it, there's no going back. While many customers enjoy its spiced chai flavor and intense espresso, there's always a way to tone it down.
Adding vanilla syrup or brown sugar is a famous way of making the drink more favorable for light coffee drinkers. You could also order an iced Chai Latte with sweet cream cold foam and a caramel drizzle on top.
Iced White Chocolate Mocha
This is where Starbucks' in-house espresso mixes with milk, ice, and white chocolate sauce. It is then finished off with sweetened whipped cream. No doubt, the drink is for coffee lovers with a love for confectionery. And mind you; a typical cup contains around 300 calories, 15g fat, and 36g sugar.
The good news is you can reduce the calories by customizing your order. Options include using non-fat milk, leaving out the whipped cream, or requesting sugar-free syrups.
As for people who can handle its sweetness, add strawberry puree, raspberry syrup, or fruits like freeze-dried strawberries for further customization. Need a jolt of energy? Ask for extra shots of espresso.
Peppermint Mocha
Although it's available year-round, Peppermint Mocha turns many heads during the holiday season. As a matter of fact, it quickly became the most popular holiday drink in Starbucks' history since its introduction in 2002. Whether it's the warm and cozy feelings it evokes, or the sight of candy sprinkles on top, the drink surely hits the spot!
Peppermint Mocha blends caffe mocha syrup, peppermint syrup, and whipped cream. Yes, it takes just three ingredients to conjure up the festive spirit worldwide. It doesn't end here, though.
Customization options are almost endless. Popular choices include adding 1-2 pumps of vanilla or white mocha to balance out the dark chocolaty flavor of the drink and extra shots of espresso for a kick.
How To Order At Starbucks Like A Regular?
Most Starbucks stores have a very fast-paced working culture. Hence, to make things easier for you and your barista, here's the standard sequence for ordering your drink like a pro:
Hot or Iced?
First, choose the temperature of your drink- hot or cold. This allows the barista to choose the right kind of cup for making your order.
Cup Size
Starbucks drinks don't come in your usual small, medium, and large sizes. The company uses certain terms to name its different-sized cups, such as:
- Short – 8 oz
- Tall – 12 oz
- Grande – 16 oz
- Venti (Hot drinks) – 20 oz
- Venti (Cold drinks) – 24 oz
- Trenta – 30 oz.
Syrups and Milk
The main purpose of syrups is to add sweetness to your drinks. Popular flavors include caramel, praline, vanilla, and hazelnut. Just mention the syrup and the number of pumps you'd like.
For milk, there’s dairy and non-dairy versions. Milk options include 1% fat, non-fat, whole, heavy cream, and half and half. Non-dairy versions include soy, almond, and coconut milk.
Customizations
For customizations, you can add or leave out any ingredients and make special adjustments as per your health issues, diet, preferences, or lifestyle. For example, if the standard recipe of your preferred drink uses dairy milk, you can ask for a non-dairy one. Or you can increase or decrease the amount of espresso, sweetness, and syrups in your drink.
Type Of Drink
Specify the type of drink you'd like, such as mocha, tea, latte, or macchiato. When you follow this sequence, your order should sound something like "Hot Tall Vanilla Latte with soy milk and no whip," or "Iced Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte."
The Best Starbucks Coffee Of 2023- Final Thoughts
If you gather a thousand people and ask, "what's the best Starbucks coffee drink?" You'll probably end up with a thousand different answers. So, picking a single best drink from the inconstant menu seems unfair and nearly impossible.
Having said that, a few classic drinks have stood the test of time and will continue to do so, irrespective of the changes to the menu. After all, what's Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Spiced Latte or a cold winter evening without Peppermint Mocha?
These 15 drinks we've reviewed above are all-time favorites among Starbucks patrons. And with unlimited possibilities for customization, we're confident you'll definitely find something up your alley. So, what are you waiting for? Head to your nearest Starbucks kiosk and try one out today!
FAQs
What makes Starbucks coffee the best?
There are several reasons that make Starbucks coffee the best. For one, they only use the highest quality Arabica coffee beans. They offer unlimited customization options to accommodate all customers' tastes, lifestyles, and preferences. Last but not least, they also use a unique brewing process to bring out the rich flavor of their coffee beans. And, of course, there's the plethora of flavorings and syrups to create their signature drinks.
What is the tastiest coffee in Starbucks?
If we were to pick, we'd say the tastiest coffee in Starbucks is the Caramel Macchiato. In its simplest form, it has a well-balanced flavor of strong espresso, caramel, and cream. Apart from that, drinks like Vanilla Latte, Honey Almond Milk Flat White, Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino, and Peppermint Mocha often fall under the category of the tastiest Starbucks coffee of all time.
Does Starbucks offer free refills?
Yes, Starbucks offers free refills. However, it comes under the company's Starbucks Rewards program, allowing members to enjoy free and unlimited refills at participating stores. Do note there are certain conditions, such as purchasing a barista-made drink using your Starbucks card or app. For more information, you can check out Starbucks' official website.