Discover the Most Popular Starbucks Drinks (Including Secret Menu Delights)

11 min read APR 08, 2023

With health as our top priority, we try to indulge in sweet coffee drinks or chain coffee brands, which aren’t as health-conscious as Lifeboost in their roasting and growing processes, only in moderation.

But sometimes the sweet, sugary caramel macchiato or the frappuccino calls to us on our cheat day and we allow ourselves a little self-indulgence. If you opt to head to a conveniently located chain, such as Starbucks, to curb that sweet tooth craving, the vast number of options on the menu can be overwhelming.

Deciding on the perfect beverage from Starbucks doesn't have to be a challenge. To make your selection easier, here is a list of their 27 most popular drinks, starting with the least favorite and ending with the top choice.

HOW TO ORDER STARBUCKS DRINKS

1. Iced or Hot

The first step in ordering a delicious Starbucks drink is deciding whether you want it hot or cold. Whether you're looking for a refreshing iced beverage or a warm and comforting hot beverage, this should be among your first considerations when placing an order. This detail will then be written on the cup, helping your barista immediately know which mug to grab.

2. Drink size

At Starbucks, customers can choose from four different sizes of drinks - Short, Tall, Grande, and Venti.

  • The Short size is only available for hot drinks and contains 8 ounces.
  • For both hot or iced drinks, the Tall size has 12 ounces,
  • The Grande size also offers 16 ounces of beverage.
  • Hot drinks can be ordered in a 20-ounce Venti size, and
  • iced drinks have an additional option with 24 ounces.
  • The Trenta size is exclusive to iced beverages and comes in at 30 ounces.

3. Syrups and Sauces

Syrups and sauces are crucial additions to a wide range of drinks. Customers can specify the number of pumps they want for their drink to customize its flavor according to their taste. If you want even more syrup or sauce in your beverage, simply let your barista know; they will be happy to provide it.

4. Milk

At Starbucks, customers can personalize their drinks with various milk options. If none is selected, it will be made with 2% milk. Frappucinos are ever-consistent and always made from full cream - but for those looking to customize further, there are nonfat, oat milk, soy heavy almond cream, and coconut alternatives available too. With these choices, you can create your unique beverage experience every single time.

Regular customization

Skinny


If you opt for a "skinny" latte, the barista will use nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup to make your drink. It ensures the beverage has fewer calories than a regular latte but offers plenty of flavors.

No foam, bone dry, or extra foam


Drinks made with steamed milk can be customized in several ways regarding foam. The options range from no foam, extra foam, or bone dry - meaning without steamed milk and only the foam itself. By changing the amount of foam, you can tailor your drink to meet your individual preferences.

Extra hot

Starbucks typically serves its drinks at 160°F, but they will gladly take your order to heat it even further upon request.

Kid's temperature


For those concerned about their drinks' hotness, requesting a "kid's temperature" of 130°F is an ideal solution. This lower temperature prevents scalding and makes the drink more suitable for children. It is also perfect for those who dislike consuming overly hot beverages.

Extra ice or light ice


When ordering a beverage, you can ask for extra ice if you want your drink to be iced and refreshing. Alternately, you can request light ice if you only want a few pieces of chilled cubes in your cup. Whatever your preference, both options are available to enjoy your perfect cold drink.

BEST STARBUCKS DRINKS

Secret Menu Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Chai Latte

A delightful, iced beverage that is beloved by all and available year-round.
How to order: May I have a (drink size) refreshing Iced Chai Latte with the added deliciousness of oat milk and brown sugar syrup?

Cold Brew


Whether searching for a morning coffee or an afternoon refresher, cold brew coffee is the perfect go-to beverage. This delicious and energizing drink is made with freshly ground beans steeped overnight and strained in the morning; it pairs perfectly with any dairy or non-dairy milk.

Seasonal Secret Menu Item: Iced Pumpkin Chai


This delightful Iced Chai Latte is the perfect indulgence for pumpkin spice aficionados during fall. It's crafted with velvety cold foam that will tease your palate, leaving you craving another sip. Ideal as an afternoon coffee or a sweet dessert, this dreamy drink will please even the most discerning taste buds.

How to order: "May I please have a [drink size] of an icy Chai Latte with creamy pumpkin foam?

Chai Latte

An iced chai latte is a perfect answer when you're searching for a quick, energizing beverage. This delicious drink combines pre-made chai concentrate with cold milk and ice, providing a flavorful treat that will satisfy your cravings in no time. It's an ideal option to traditional cups of tea without milk, creating a delightful coffee that can be enjoyed anytime.

Iced Black Tea Lemonade


Starbucks's incredible take on the Arnold Palmer classic is a delicious blend of black tea and lemonade.

Java Chip Frappuccino


The Java Chip Frappuccino is a delightful and energizing frozen drink. Made with Frappuccino chips, ice, mocha sauce, coffee, and milk, it's topped with whipped cream and drizzled with more mocha for extra flavor. The perfect balance of sweet and creamy makes this beverage irresistible - one sip will have you returning for more.

Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade

This thirst-quenching tea beverage is commonly ordered with light or lots of ice for a more intense chill.

Caramel Frappuccino


It is a decadent combination of a Frappuccino's smoothness and caramel macchiato's sweetness. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, this drink can be customized with extra caramel for an even more indulgent experience. Enjoy it as is, or add your favorite syrup to create your personalized version.

Pumpkin Spice Latte [Seasonal]


As the season arrives, so does its favorite treat - the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). It's a beverage well-known in the society to such an extent that just its initials can refer to it, and everyone will understand. The drink comprises espresso and steamed milk and is flavored with pumpkin spice sauce for a delectable fall delight.

Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino


The quintessential Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino is a favorite among Starbucks lovers of all ages. What's more, it isn't only the go-to option when concocting off-menu beverages at the coffee chain - its caffeine-free nature also makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking something sweet and revitalizing without any stimulants.

Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher

Quench your thirst and get a caffeine kick with this refreshing drink with green coffee extract complemented by scrumptious freeze-dried dragonfruit chunks.

Iced Coffee with Milk


Transform a classic iced drink into something more luxurious by replacing the milk with cream for an indulgent treat.

Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso


This delectable shaken espresso drink is taken to the next level with brown sugar and oat milk, creating an incomparable flavor combination.

Iced Passion Tango Tea


This revitalizing drink is commonly blended with lemonade for a delicious medley of lemongrass, apple juice, and hibiscus- without the need for caffeine.

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks is a delectable and refreshing choice for those looking to beat the summer heat. The unique cold-brewed coffee, which has been steeped for 20 hours, unlocks an exquisite range of flavors further enhanced by adding sweet cream and vanilla syrup.

Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino


This delicious drink combines the beloved Java Chip Frappuccino with mocha sauce. Then it gets topped off with a sumptuous drizzle of mocha syrup and an ample sprinkle of cookie crumble. Perfect for anyone who loves a sweet indulgence, this beverage will satisfy any craving.

Pink drink


The delicious taste of the Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk was so popular amongst Starbucks customers that it quickly became a staple on their permanent menu. Initially created as an exclusive secret beverage, this drink is now available to everyone who wishes to indulge in its unique flavor.

Americano

The Americano is a revitalizing blend of espresso and hot water, served in a grand size with three espresso shots. Those searching for an extra coffee can add another shot to the drink, providing a jolt of energy that will last throughout the day. Perfect as either an afternoon coffee or part of your morning routine, the Americano is sure to please.

Mocha


This indulgent beverage is made with rich and decadent mocha syrup, providing a creamy flavor that will satisfy you. Each grande size comes with four pumps of mocha syrup, but you can customize it by adding or subtracting how many pumps you want; for an extra sweet treat, try adding some white mocha sauce.

Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher


Refreshers are popular for those looking for an energizing and delicious drink. Combining the sweet, fruity flavors of strawberry and acai will satisfy even the pickiest of palates. Unfortunately, it cannot be made caffeine-free due to its naturally occurring caffeine content. Nevertheless, Refreshers proffer a unique flavor experience that can't be found elsewhere.

Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

The Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is the perfect beverage for those searching to indulge their sweet tooth. It starts with freshly brewed coffee, smooth milk, and ice blended together and flavored with dark caramel to create a refreshingly icy concoction. The drink is finished with a sprinkle of crunchy sugar topping that adds even more sweetness - an absolute must-try for anyone looking for something special.

Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte


This creamy and flavourful coffee beverage is an ideal treat for every coffee enthusiast. Blended with the sweet taste of vanilla syrup and the smooth intensity of blonde espresso, it gives a delightful flavor that satisfies all cravings. To top it off, cold milk adds a velvety texture to make each sip even more enjoyable.

Iced Caramel Macchiato


This cool and creamy beverage is sure to delight with its unique flavor. The Iced Caramel Macchiato starts as a traditional iced latte but then takes it up a notch with the addition of espresso shots just before pouring on the caramel drizzle. It creates an exciting multi-layered drink. It features vanilla as its main ingredient, combined with that delightful luscious caramel syrup for sweetness and depth of flavor.

Caramel Macchiato

The Starbucks classic Caramel Macchiato has been a staple on their menu since the beginning. This creamy and sweet beverage is made with espresso, milk, caramel and a generous proffering of vanilla syrup to enhance the flavor.

TikTok Iced White Mocha [Secret Menu]


The 'TikTok' Iced White Mocha has overtaken the world, becoming an instant hit. This decadent cold drink is carefully crafted with sweet cream cold foam and topped off with a drizzle of caramel for the perfect balance of flavors. It's no wonder why this beverage has become such a sensation.

Caffe Latte

A simple and delicious latte is a timeless classic. Starbucks proffers 2% milk for their lattes, which can be customized by choosing whole, skim, half-and-half, oat, soy, or almond milk. Add some vanilla syrup for an even sweeter treat.

Brewed coffee


The most famous drink at Starbucks is coffee, mainly Pike Place. Starbucks normally has two coffees brewing simultaneously, so ask your barista about each. (You can also ask for a sample of each if you're unsure which one you'll like better.) Usually, the difference is the roast level, but it could be coffees from different regions or a blend versus a coffee from a single origin.

Conclusion


There is nothing wrong with indulging in something sweet or something different from your usual health-conscious coffee––all in moderation. If you are like us and get overwhelmed by the menus at many of these chain coffee shops, try one of the ones above and let us know if it was worth the cheat day indulgence!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out about Starbucks' secret menu items?


You can often find out about secret menu items online or ask your barista. Many drinks on the secret menu are created by combining ingredients from Starbucks' regular menu, so it's essential to know what's available before you order. Some favorite, secret menu items include the Pink Drink, Purple Drink, and Dirty Chai.


What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?


Cappuccinos are made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Lattes are also made with espresso and steamed milk but have less foam than cappuccinos. Generally, lattes will be milky and sweeter than cappuccinos.


Are there any sugar-free options at Starbucks?


Yes! Starbucks offers a variety of sugar-free syrups and modifiers, such as almond milk and coconut milk that can be added to your favorite beverages for extra sweetness without adding any sugar. Additionally, many of their bottled drinks are sweetened with Stevia instead of sugar.​


How can I save money at Starbucks?


The best way to save money at Starbucks is by taking advantage of their rewards program. You can earn stars for every purchase through the Starbucks app and unlock exclusive discounts and offers. Additionally, many locations offer Happy Hour promotions on select days throughout the week. You can also bring your cup or mug for a discount when filling up your favorite drinks.​


What is the healthiest drink at Starbucks?


The healthiest drink at Starbucks depends on your dietary needs and preferences, but some options include unsweetened black coffee, brewed tea with no added sweeteners, or an americano with non-dairy milk. You can also add superfoods such as chia seeds or matcha powder to your drinks for a nutritional boost.​

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast.

References:
https://www.glamour.com/story/best-drinks-from-the-starbucks-secret-menu
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/starbucks-secret-menu-items/
https://coffeeatthree.com/best-starbucks-drinks/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a39692313/best-starbucks-secret-menu-drinks/

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