Your Guide to Deciding What to Order in Starbucks
Starbucks' extensive menu can feel overwhelming, but a systematic approach can help you discover your new favorite drink. By understanding the core categories, popular customizations, and seasonal offerings, you can confidently navigate the line and get exactly what you want.
The Foundational Favorites: Espresso-Based Drinks
These classics are the backbone of the Starbucks coffee menu and are a great starting point for any coffee enthusiast. They all begin with rich espresso shots, with variations created by milk and other additions.
Classic Espresso Drinks:
- Caffè Latte: A smooth combination of espresso, steamed milk, and a light layer of foam. It's the perfect base for adding any syrup flavor, like vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel.
- Caffè Americano: For a strong espresso flavor, the Americano adds hot water to espresso shots, creating a drink with a crema layer and a bolder taste profile. For a lighter flavor, try the Blonde Espresso version.
- Cappuccino: Similar to a latte but with a thicker, airier layer of foam, providing a lighter and fluffier texture. You can request it "wet" (more milk) or "dry" (mostly foam).
- Caramel Macchiato: A popular and visually distinct drink made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, espresso poured over the top, and finished with a crosshatch caramel drizzle.
Refreshing Alternatives: Cold Brews and Iced Coffees
If you prefer your caffeine fix chilled, Starbucks offers several options that go beyond simply pouring hot coffee over ice.
- Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cool water for an extended period, resulting in a super-smooth, low-acidity concentrate. It's often served over ice and is notably strong in flavor and caffeine.
- Iced Shaken Espresso: A newer classic, the Iced Shaken Espresso combines espresso shots with a flavored syrup (like Brown Sugar Oatmilk or Chocolate Almondmilk) and ice, all shaken together to create a foamy, chilled drink.
- Iced Coffee: For a simpler cold option, this is freshly brewed coffee that has been chilled and poured over ice. Customize it with a dash of milk and your preferred syrup.
Sweet Treats and Blended Delights: Frappuccinos and Mochas
These beverages are ideal for those who prefer a more indulgent, dessert-like experience. Frappuccinos are blended drinks, while mochas add a chocolatey twist to a standard latte.
- Frappuccinos: With many flavors like Caramel, Mocha, and Java Chip, Frappuccinos are blended drinks with a coffee or crème base. The Strawberries & Crème version is a popular non-coffee option.
- White Chocolate Mocha: A fan favorite, this drink blends espresso with white chocolate sauce and steamed milk, finished with a generous swirl of whipped cream. It's exceptionally sweet and creamy.
- Chocolate Cream Cold Brew: A cold brew topped with a silky chocolate cream cold foam. This drink offers a rich, balanced blend of bold coffee and sweet, velvety chocolate.
Non-Coffee Options: Teas and Refreshers
Starbucks caters to more than just coffee drinkers. Their menu features a wide selection of teas and fruity refreshers for a lighter, caffeine-free (or lower-caffeine) experience.
- Teavana® Teas: A diverse selection of hot and iced teas, including herbal and black tea options. Popular choices include the London Fog Tea Latte (Earl Grey with vanilla and steamed milk) and the Honey Citrus Mint Tea (aka "Medicine Ball").
- Starbucks Refreshers™: These vibrant, fruity drinks are made with real fruit juice and a green coffee extract for a natural caffeine lift. The Strawberry Açaí and Mango Dragonfruit are perennial favorites and can be ordered with lemonade or coconut milk (like the Pink Drink).
- Hot Chocolate: A classic comfort drink, Starbucks' hot chocolate is made with mocha sauce and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream.
Comparison of Popular Starbucks Drinks
| Drink Category | Caffeine Level | Key Flavor Profile | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso Classics | Medium to High | Roasted, Rich | The daily coffee ritual, customizable flavor |
| Frappuccinos | Low to Medium (or none for crème) | Sweet, Dessert-like | An indulgent, blended treat |
| Cold Brew | High | Smooth, Bold, Low Acidity | Maximum caffeine, robust coffee taste |
| Teas/Matcha | Low to Medium | Herbal, Spiced, Earthy | A comforting, lighter option |
| Refreshers | Low | Fruity, Tart, Sweet | A thirst-quenching, caffeinated alternative |
Expert Customizations and Secret Menu Hacks
For a truly personalized experience, mastering customizations is key. You can adjust milk types, sweetness levels, and toppings to your liking.
- Size: Starbucks uses unique names for sizes. From smallest to largest, you'll find Short (8oz, hot only), Tall (12oz), Grande (16oz), Venti (20oz for hot, 24oz for iced), and Trenta (30oz, for select iced drinks).
- Milk Options: Choose from a variety of dairy and non-dairy options, including 2% (standard), whole, nonfat, oat, almond, coconut, and soy milk.
- Syrups and Sweeteners: Adjust sweetness with classic syrup, or add a flavor like sugar-free vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. You can specify the number of pumps.
- Secret Menu: Many popular "secret" drinks are just customized versions of standard menu items. For example, a Pink Drink is simply a Strawberry Açaí Refresher made with coconut milk instead of water.
For a deeper dive into espresso basics, the official Starbucks blog is an excellent resource: Espresso Explained on About Starbucks.
Conclusion: The Perfect Order Awaits
Deciding what should I order in Starbucks depends entirely on your mood, your caffeine needs, and your flavor preferences. Start with a classic, play with customizations, and don’t be afraid to ask your barista for a recommendation. Whether you crave a bold, hot Americano or a sweet, cold Frappuccino, there is a perfect drink on the menu waiting for you to discover. Happy ordering!
