How to Order Drinks at Starbucks

Consider your preferences. To choose a drink you’ll enjoy, you need to order based on your own needs. You don’t have to stick to coffee at Starbucks; in fact, there are countless options, including tea, smoothies, and hot chocolate. Take into account the weather and the season to pick the perfect drink.

• If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the barista for recommendations. They can suggest options based on your preferences to help you find the right drink.
• Think about whether you prefer hot, iced, or blended drinks, as well as the level of sweetness and caffeine.

Choose your size. Starbucks is well-known for allowing customers to customize the size of their drinks. Don’t worry, it’s easy to understand the sizing options. A small (tall) is about 350 ml, a medium (grande) is around 480 ml, and a large (venti) is approximately 600 ml for hot drinks and 750 ml for iced beverages. Some Starbucks locations also offer a tiny size (about 200 ml) or an extra-large size (trenta) at around 900 ml.

• A small typically contains one shot of espresso, a medium has two shots, and a large also contains two shots, though iced drinks in the large size come with three shots.
• If you’d like more coffee than the standard amount for your drink size, simply ask the barista to add an extra shot. There may be an additional charge, but this allows you to enjoy more coffee without changing the overall size of your drink.

Add some flavor to your drink. Whether you’re ordering coffee, tea, or something else, you can always request extra sweetness or syrup. Typically, baristas add two pumps of syrup for flavor, so if you prefer a sweeter drink, be sure to specify your preference and be prepared to pay extra. Sugar is free, but flavored syrups are not.

• If you’re unsure which flavor to add, ask to see the flavor menu or consult the barista for popular recommendations. There are plenty of options, so don’t limit yourself to just “sweetened” or “unsweetened.”
• Most popular syrups like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut often come in sugar-free versions. If you’re aiming for a healthier choice, opt for sugar-free syrup flavors.
• Explore seasonal flavors when ordering, as many special syrups are only available during certain times of the year. In fall and winter, pumpkin spice is a favorite, while coconut is often featured in summer.

Choose your drink base. Some drinks are made with milk, while others use water as the base. If you have a preference, specify it when ordering. Common options include nonfat, 2% milk, soy milk, and half-and-half. Many Starbucks locations also offer specialty milks like almond or coconut milk.

• You can choose between hot or iced drinks, as well as blended options. If you change the type of coffee, you may need to adjust the base as well. For example, blended drinks require a milk base instead of water to achieve the right consistency.
• When milk is steamed, it creates a layer of fine foam, similar to adding warm whipped cream to the top of your drink. If you enjoy this foam, ask for it to be added, or if you don’t, request it to be left out.

Consider the caffeine content. Typically, espresso and coffee contain caffeine, as do black and green teas. If you prefer less caffeine, ask for half-caf (half the usual caffeine) or decaf (no caffeine). If you need an extra energy boost, you can also request an additional shot of espresso in your drink.

Try brewed coffee. This is the most basic type of coffee you can make at home, but it’s crafted with a variety of flavors. Most Starbucks locations offer multiple brewed coffee options throughout the day, allowing you to explore different roasts and blends. Brewed coffee is the most affordable and straightforward choice on the menu.

Give latte a try. A latte is a classic espresso-based drink made with steamed milk and espresso. It comes in various flavors and can be prepared with any type of milk. You can enjoy it hot or iced.

Try an americano. This is one of the most popular drinks for coffee enthusiasts, as the espresso used in this beverage is quite strong. An americano is simply a mix of espresso and water, often containing more coffee than other drinks. You can add cream and sugar, just like brewed coffee, and customize it with your preferred flavors.

Order a cappuccino. This drink is similar to a latte, as it’s made with steamed milk and espresso, but cappuccinos typically have more foam. When ordering, you can request it “wet” (less foam) or “dry” (more foam). You can also add any flavor or sweetener to suit your taste.

Try a caramel macchiato. The word “macchiato” in Italian means “marked,” referring to the espresso shot poured over the top of the drink rather than mixed in. A caramel macchiato is made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, foam, espresso, and a drizzle of caramel on top.

Try a mocha. A mocha is a latte (espresso and milk) blended with a touch of chocolate. Variations include milk chocolate or white chocolate, with the former being slightly sweeter. Typically, mochas don’t include foam, but if you enjoy extra creaminess, you can ask for whipped cream on top.

Sample a specialty espresso. If you’re a true espresso lover, go for a specialty espresso! Request one or two shots of espresso, then customize it with your preferred additions. This drink is often prepared in the style of a macchiato with plenty of foam or as a “con panna” with a dollop of whipped cream.

Drink tea. If coffee isn’t your thing, try the tea options available at Starbucks. Most teas are served hot, but some are prepared as tea lattes with milk. Popular choices include chai (a spiced cinnamon tea) and London Fog (a blend of sweet vanilla and Earl Gray tea). You can request any tea to be made with milk or water, and served hot or iced.

Order a Frappuccino. Frappuccinos are blended drinks, usually made with coffee. Starbucks offers a wide variety of Frappuccinos, so ask the barista about the current options if you don’t see them on the menu. Some, like the Strawberries and Cream, are coffee-free. These drinks often come topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel.

Explore other non-coffee drinks. If you’re not a fan of coffee or tea, don’t worry—Starbucks has plenty of non-coffee options. For hot drinks, try hot chocolate, steamed milk with flavored syrup, or apple cider. For cold, non-coffee beverages, consider lemonade or a variety of smoothies.

Place your order. Once you’ve chosen your drink and all the accompanying flavors, it’s time to order. Start with the size, then the name of the drink, and any specific requests. For example, say, “Medium chai tea latte, extra foam.” Don’t hesitate to be detailed!

• Always remember to say thank you!
• If you’re ordering a drink that typically comes with whipped cream, like a Mocha, and you’ve requested nonfat milk, make sure to specify whether you still want the whipped cream.
• After receiving your drink, double-check to ensure it’s what you ordered. Hovering around the barista station and repeatedly reminding the staff won’t help you get a quality drink.
• Wait at the end of the bar, not at the cash register.
• If the barista isn’t fluent in your language, avoid shouting or losing patience. Speak clearly, slowly, and politely.
• Starbucks offers a variety of bottled drinks and juices, usually stored in the fridge near the pastry display.
• Be vigilant, as others might accidentally take your drink. Keep your receipt in case the barista needs to remake your order. Also, be aware that many people might order the same drink as you (e.g., “I’ll have a Medium Latte!”). Medium lattes are a popular choice at Starbucks.
• If you’re hungry, check out the pastry and food display to pair with your drink.
• If you’re ordering a Frappuccino, confirm whether it contains coffee, as many Frappuccinos are coffee-free.
• Don’t forget to tip your barista!