For many customers, ordering a 'green tea' at Starbucks requires a specific name, as the brand offers several different green tea options depending on how it's prepared and served. This guide will clarify the different names so you can confidently order your favorite cup, whether it's hot, iced, or blended.
The Core Green Tea Names at Starbucks
Emperor's Clouds & Mist®: The Brewed Hot Green Tea
If you simply want a hot, brewed green tea, you should order the Emperor's Clouds & Mist®. This tea comes in a Teavana® sachet and is described by Starbucks as a gently smoky and softly sweet green tea with a delicate floral hint. It is cultivated at 3,500 feet and is a premium, full-leaf sachet option. Unlike other varieties that are automatically sweetened, this brewed tea is served unsweetened, allowing you to add sweetener to your preference.
Iced Green Tea: A Flavored Blend
The standard Iced Green Tea at Starbucks is not just a chilled version of the hot Emperor's Clouds & Mist®. Instead, it's a specific blend of green tea with spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass, which is then shaken with ice. This gives it a refreshing, zesty, and minty flavor profile that is distinct from its hot counterpart. The Iced Green Tea is often used as a base for other drinks, like the Iced Green Tea Lemonade.
Matcha Tea Blend: For Lattes and Frappuccinos
For those who love the vibrant green color and earthy taste of matcha, Starbucks uses a specific Matcha Tea Blend in its lattes and blended frappuccinos. However, it is important to note that this is a sweetened, culinary-grade matcha powder blend, not pure, unsweetened matcha. The sweetened powder is a mix of matcha and sugar, eliminating the need for additional sweetener unless requested. This makes for a creamy, slightly sweet, and energizing drink. Popular drinks using this blend include:
- Matcha Latte: A creamy mix of sweetened matcha and milk.
- Iced Matcha Latte: The chilled version, often with a milky layer on top.
- Matcha Crème Frappuccino®: A blended, dessert-like beverage.
- Iced Matcha Lemonade: A tangy and refreshing mix of matcha and lemonade.
Other Popular Starbucks Green Tea-Based Drinks
Beyond the core offerings, other popular green tea-based drinks feature blends like Jade Citrus Mint® and often have unique, customer-created origins.
Honey Citrus Mint Tea (aka "The Medicine Ball")
This is a customer-created drink that became so popular Starbucks officially added it to the menu. The recipe combines two Teavana® teas, Jade Citrus Mint® and Peach Tranquility® herbal tea, with hot water, lemonade, and a touch of honey blend. It is a comforting beverage, particularly popular during cold and flu season.
Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade
This refreshing drink starts with the standard Iced Green Tea and is combined with a peach-flavored juice blend and lemonade for a fruity and tart finish. The peach juice adds a natural sweetness, so it does not always require extra sugar.
Green Tea Options Comparison Table
| Drink Name | Type | Key Flavor Notes | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor's Clouds & Mist® | Brewed Hot Green Tea | Lightly smoky, softly sweet, delicate floral hint | Classic hot tea |
| Iced Green Tea | Brewed Iced Green Tea Blend | Spearmint, lemongrass, lemon verbena | Refreshing base for iced drinks |
| Matcha Tea Blend | Sweetened Powder | Sweet, earthy, slightly grassy | Lattes, Frappuccinos, Lemonades |
| Jade Citrus Mint® | Herbal Green Tea Blend | Spearmint, lemon verbena, lemongrass | Base for Honey Citrus Mint Tea |
How to Order Your Preferred Starbucks Green Tea
Ordering at Starbucks is easy once you know the specific names. To ensure you get the right drink, follow these tips:
- For a basic hot green tea: Order the Teavana® Emperor's Clouds & Mist®. It comes unsweetened by default.
- For a basic iced green tea: Order the Iced Green Tea. It is also unsweetened by default, but you can add liquid cane sugar or other syrups.
- For matcha drinks: Use the drink names like Matcha Latte or Iced Matcha Lemonade. Remember, the matcha blend itself is sweetened.
- For the cold-remedy favorite: Order the Honey Citrus Mint Tea by name.
- For fruity iced options: Ask for the Iced Green Tea Lemonade or a custom variation.
Conclusion
In summary, there is no single answer to what Starbucks green tea is called. The brand uses several different names, all based on the type of green tea or blend used for each beverage. For a classic hot brew, you'll want the Emperor's Clouds & Mist®. For a refreshing iced tea, a blend of mint and lemongrass is used. And for creamy lattes and blended drinks, a sweetened matcha blend is the key ingredient. By understanding these distinctions, you can navigate the menu with ease and get the exact green tea drink you’re craving. For more information on ingredients and nutrition, you can consult the official Starbucks menu.
