Starbucks, for me as well as many people across the globe, is a tiny cup of happiness. It’s a quick way to recharge and break up the hours of sitting at a desk, starting at a screen. It’s something to look forward to. It’s a heartwarming treat to brighten your day. In honor of National Coffee Day, I wanted to share 8 Starbucks drinks you absolutely must try.
This isn’t one of those posts where I’m going to tell you a million different customizations that you can make to provide you with a secret menu item or make your drink “low fat.” Here, I am sharing my all time, go-to favorites that exist on the menu and are always consistently delicious.
I have a huge sweet tooth that is reflected in my tastes so you won’t be finding black coffee on this list. You also won’t be finding cold brews as I don’t handle my caffeine well and always order decaf if it’s an option. I typically go for a Grande size, which is equivalent to 16 oz.
I’ve experimented with almond milk; however, I find that I like the 2% milk (standard) far better, particularly in reference to hot drinks. I have never found almond milk to steam well, and have had validation on this point while expressing my frustrations to various friends and baristas during a period of testing out dairy free. Lucky for us, Starbucks jumped on the oat milk train (#betterlatethannever), which is known for its creaminess and is great hot or iced.
Starbucks Drinks
1. Caramel Macchiato
Hot or iced, this drink is a classic and a constant favorite of mine. I loveeee caramel and this drink couldn’t be any better. It’s made with two espresso shots, the milk of your choice, vanilla syrup, and caramel drizzle- a glorious combination. My obsession dates way back to college when I would order a “grande Caramel Macchiato with a single shot of espresso and whip” at the Starbucks kiosk.
2. Iced Matcha Lemonade
I honestly don’t know what it is that made me want to try this. Previously, I had only ever had matcha in Japan, and it was the authentic, earthy, and very bitter kind. As you may remember, I have a very prominent sweet tooth, so bitter is not my vibe. However, I am aware of the matcha craze (and figured Starbucks had something figured out to make it yummy) so one day I asked my barista about the Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink to which she recommended the Matcha Lemonade.
I decided to trust her and ordered it using 150 of my stars. I walked out of the Starbucks that day with big regret as I looked down and saw the putrid green drink in my hand thinking, “oh no, what did I do”? 😅 To my surprise, the drink was sweet, smooth, and is now a repeat purchase of mine!
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Okay, Okay, we all know the hype here and this is no surprise to anyone. However, since PSL season is in full swing, I feel compelled to present to you the ever-so-popular Pumpkin Spice Latte as #3 on my list. My non-pumpkin liking husband (mostly because he’s picky and has never tried it) stole a sip of my PSL last year and reported that it was *shockingly* delicious. I personally only like this drink hot, but lots of others like it iced as well!
4. Honey Citrus Mint Tea a.k.a. Medicine Ball
This drink is made using one each of Teavana’s Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility tea bags, hot water, steamed lemonade, and is sweetened with honey. I like to leave the bags in for approx. 15 min. for optimal flavor (this is longer than recommended on the tea bags). This drink is low in caffeine as the only source comes from the Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea (16-25 MG).
As for its nickname, the Medicine Ball, people swear by this drink for helping them fight oncoming colds. Whether or not it lives up to the hype, the warmth and honey to coat your throat certainly make you feel like you’re making good choices when you feel a sore throat or cough coming on. Also, did I mention that it’s comforting and tasty?
5. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
The Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a special winter treat. Although not out yet this season, it will be soon! I love mixing up my order during the holiday months with one of these seasonal delights. It’s the perfect subtle sweet and just the right thing to get you in the holiday spirit. I recently got my mom really loving this one. I prefer it hot, she prefers it iced, but either way it’s a win.
6. Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink
This drink is smooth, sweet, and refreshing. The description boasts coconut milk and guava juice with notes of passionfruit, pineapple, and ginger, but all I can say is that it’s delectable. This is probably tied with the Pink Drink for me, but since that one is so popular, I decided to feature this beauty.
Another seasonal delight. I love pistachios, but I was hesitant on this one when it was released. I figured it was either going to be really good or really bad and had a feeling it would have a cherry flavor like almond extract.
Prior to ordering, I asked the barista how it was. Per her recommendation, I ordered it with a shot of hazelnut. It was warm, nutty, and felt like something you’d drink by a fireplace. However, it left me wondering what it is like in its true form. Looking to save myself the additional cost of the syrup, I ordered it later au naturel and think I liked it even better. I did taste hints of the almond extract flavor, not saying that’s what’s in it, but just warning anyone that’s not into that. I myself liked it and will order it again.
8. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Latte
This isn’t technically on the menu; however, it is my hot rendition of the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. It is a more understated, cozy latte and it’s delicious. I have to get this with normal espresso because the blonde that is standard can’t be made decaf. If it’s the season for it, I also love adding the pumpkin cold foam on top because it gives it that extra boost of sweet without being overbearing. I highly, highly recommend you try it.
Starbucks Food
This is like the little bonus round you weren’t expecting when clicking on a post about drinks.
I don’t order food from Starbucks often (although I’m starting to get in the habit), but in a pinch at work the egg bites are a good low-carb option. Their Sprouted Grain Vegan Bagel is delicious toasted with butter and the Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg sandwich is hands-down my favorite “fast food” breakfast sandwich.
For a sweet treat, the cake pops are yummy and fun.
Did you discover any new drinks that you didn’t know about before and are dying to try? Do you have any favorites of your own that were not on this list? Share them in the comments below. I love hearing other people’s orders!
