Starbucks has a drink for every taste and preference this Winter and we’ve tested them all to deliver you the definitive ranking this Winter. The menu features everything from classic coffee drinks to seasonal specialties, ensuring options for both coffee enthusiasts and non-coffee drinkers.
Popular choices include a range of hot and cold drinks, with flavors that vary from rich and bold to sweet and refreshing. From the year-long classics like the Caramel Macchiato and Mocha Frappuccino to the seasonal favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte – treat yourself to one (or more) of these each time you go into Starbucks and knock it out this Winter.
Remember, as with every Starbucks drink you can customize it however you want (including things like going no-caffeine on certain drinks, subbing milk for alternatives, hot/cold, etc.) The coffee chain frequently updates its menu with new creations while also keeping beloved favorites available throughout the year.
This variety allows customers to explore new flavors or stick to their regular orders. Additionally, Starbucks provides customization options, enabling customers to adjust ingredients and create their perfect drink.
Be sure to use the app to take advantage of any points and offers and save the most money at your local Starbucks!
1) Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks’ iconic fall beverage. It combines espresso, steamed milk, and pumpkin spice sauce. The drink is topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.
This seasonal favorite has a creamy texture and a warm, spicy flavor profile. The pumpkin spice sauce blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with real pumpkin. These flavors complement the rich espresso perfectly.
Customers can customize their Pumpkin Spice Latte. Options include choosing the milk type and adjusting the sweetness level. The drink is available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte has become synonymous with autumn. Its annual return to the menu often marks the unofficial start of fall for many coffee lovers. The drink’s popularity has inspired numerous imitators and pumpkin-flavored products across various industries.
For those watching their caffeine intake, a grande Pumpkin Spice Latte contains about 150 mg of caffeine. This makes it a moderately caffeinated option compared to other espresso-based drinks on the Starbucks menu.
2) Caramel Macchiato
The Caramel Macchiato is a beloved Starbucks beverage that combines espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel drizzle. This drink offers a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor. Customers can order it hot or iced, making it suitable for any season.
A standard Caramel Macchiato is crafted from the bottom up. Baristas start with vanilla syrup, add steamed milk, pour espresso shots on top, and finish with a caramel drizzle. This layering creates a visually appealing and delicious drink.
For those looking to customize their Caramel Macchiato, Starbucks offers several options. Customers can request different milk types, adjust the number of espresso shots, or modify the sweetness level. Some popular variations include using alternative syrups like hazelnut or toffee nut.
During the fall season, pumpkin enthusiasts can try a secret menu item: the Caramel Pumpkin Macchiato. This seasonal twist replaces the vanilla syrup with pumpkin sauce, creating a festive autumn beverage.
For a unique flavor experience, customers can ask for a “upside-down” Caramel Macchiato. This modification mixes the syrup with the espresso before adding milk, resulting in a latte-like drink with a caramel drizzle topping.
3) Mocha Frappuccino
The Mocha Frappuccino is a popular Starbucks drink that combines coffee, milk, ice, and chocolate flavors. This beverage offers a refreshing and indulgent experience for coffee and chocolate lovers alike.
Starbucks blends coffee Frappuccino syrup, mocha sauce, milk, and ice to create the base of this drink. The result is a smooth, creamy texture with a rich chocolate taste and a hint of coffee.
Whipped cream tops the Mocha Frappuccino, adding an extra layer of decadence. A drizzle of mocha sauce finishes the drink, enhancing its chocolate profile and visual appeal.
For those seeking a twist on the classic, Starbucks offers variations like the Java Chip Frappuccino. This version includes chocolate chips blended into the drink for added texture and flavor.
Customers can customize their Mocha Frappuccino by adjusting the sweetness level or choosing alternative milk options. This flexibility allows individuals to tailor the drink to their preferences.
The Mocha Frappuccino serves as a satisfying treat for warm days or as a dessert-like beverage. Its popularity stems from its ability to balance coffee and chocolate flavors in a cold, refreshing format.
4) Caffe Americano
The Caffe Americano stands out as a popular choice among Starbucks patrons. This beverage combines espresso shots with hot water, creating a drink similar to drip coffee but with a richer flavor profile.
Starbucks offers the Caffe Americano in both hot and iced versions. The hot variant features freshly pulled espresso shots topped with hot water, resulting in a light layer of crema on the surface.
For those seeking a refreshing option, the Iced Caffè Americano provides a cool alternative. It consists of espresso shots mixed with cold water and served over ice, delivering a crisp and invigorating experience.
Customers can customize their Americano by adjusting the number of espresso shots or adding flavor syrups. This flexibility allows for personalization based on individual taste preferences and desired caffeine levels.
The Caffè Americano appeals to coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a bold, straightforward coffee flavor. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to choice for many Starbucks visitors throughout the day.
5) Chai Latte
The Chai Latte is a popular Starbucks drink that blends black tea with aromatic Indian spices. It offers a warm, comforting flavor profile that appeals to many coffee shop patrons.
Starbucks uses a chai tea concentrate mixed with steamed milk to create their signature Chai Latte. The standard recipe includes 2% milk, but customers can customize their drink with alternative milk options.
For those seeking a lower calorie option, ordering the Chai Latte with almond milk is a good choice. This substitution reduces the calorie content while maintaining the drink’s distinctive taste.
Customers can further personalize their Chai Latte by adjusting the sweetness level. Adding pumps of flavored syrups, such as vanilla or brown sugar, can enhance the drink’s taste to suit individual preferences.
The Iced Chai Tea Latte is a refreshing alternative for warm weather. This version combines the chai concentrate with cold milk and ice, providing a cool and invigorating beverage.
Secret menu variations offer creative twists on the classic Chai Latte. One popular option is the Pumpkin Chai, which combines chai concentrate with pumpkin spice sauce for a seasonal flavor.
6) Flat White
The Flat White is a popular espresso-based drink at Starbucks. It features ristretto shots of espresso combined with steamed whole milk. The result is a balanced beverage with a smooth, velvety texture.
Starbucks introduced the Flat White to its permanent menu in 2015. However, the drink originated in Australia and New Zealand, where it has long been a coffee shop staple.
A key difference between a Flat White and a latte is the milk-to-espresso ratio. Flat Whites contain more espresso and less milk than lattes. This creates a stronger coffee flavor profile.
The standard size for a Starbucks Flat White is a 12-ounce Tall. In contrast, lattes typically come in a 16-ounce Grande size. Flat Whites are also usually made with whole milk, while lattes often use 2% milk.
Some baristas consider the Flat White a go-to choice. Chris, a Texas-based Starbucks employee of nearly 20 years, favors the Flat White as his regular order. He also enjoys the Honey Almondmilk Flat White for variety.
For coffee lovers seeking a well-balanced drink with pronounced espresso notes, the Flat White offers an excellent option. Its popularity stems from its rich flavor and creamy consistency.
7) Iced Caramel Brulée Latte
The Iced Caramel Brulée Latte is a popular seasonal offering from Starbucks. This beverage combines rich espresso with milk and ice, creating a refreshing coffee drink.
The star of this latte is the caramel brulée sauce. It adds a sweet, caramelized flavor reminiscent of crème brûlée dessert. The drink is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of caramel brulée topping for extra indulgence.
A grande (16 oz) size contains 400 calories and 44 grams of sugar. It also provides 150 mg of caffeine, making it a suitable choice for those seeking an energy boost.
Customers can customize their Iced Caramel Brulée Latte by adjusting the milk type or syrup amount. For a lower-calorie option, they may request non-fat milk or fewer pumps of syrup.
This drink is typically available during the holiday season. However, some Starbucks locations may offer a similar taste year-round by combining caramel and toffee nut syrups in a standard Caramel Macchiato.
8) Pink Drink
The Pink Drink has become a Starbucks sensation. This refreshing beverage combines Strawberry Acai Refresher base with creamy coconut milk and freeze-dried strawberries. Its vibrant pink color and fruity flavor have made it a customer favorite.
Originally a secret menu item, the Pink Drink’s popularity soared on social media. Starbucks officially added it to their menu in 2017. The drink offers a light caffeine boost with only 45 mg in a grande size.
Customers can customize their Pink Drink in various ways. Popular modifications include adding vanilla cold foam for a strawberry shortcake-like taste. Some opt to swap coconut milk for another milk option or mix in flavored syrups.
For those seeking a twist, Starbucks offers variations like the Dragon Drink. This version incorporates mango and dragonfruit flavors for a tropical spin on the original. The Pink Drink’s versatility has inspired numerous secret menu creations.
With 140 calories and 24 grams of sugar in a grande, the Pink Drink provides a relatively light treat. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile appeals to those looking for a fruity alternative to traditional coffee drinks.
9) Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Starbucks’ Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew offers a perfect balance of bold flavor and smooth sweetness. This popular drink combines cold brew coffee with vanilla-flavored sweet cream for a refreshing and indulgent experience.
The cold brew base is steeped for 20 hours, resulting in a smooth, rich coffee with low acidity. This slow extraction process brings out subtle chocolate notes in the coffee.
A layer of house-made vanilla sweet cream floats on top of the cold brew. The cream adds a velvety texture and gentle sweetness that complements the coffee’s natural flavors.
The drink is customizable, allowing customers to adjust the amount of cream or sweetness to their liking. For those watching their calorie intake, a grande size contains 110 calories.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew provides a significant caffeine boost. A grande serving contains about 185 mg of caffeine, making it an excellent choice for those needing an energy lift.
This beverage is served over ice, making it ideal for warm days or as a cool pick-me-up any time of year. Its popularity has led to variations like the Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew for those seeking an even smoother texture.
10) White Chocolate Mocha
The White Chocolate Mocha is a popular Starbucks drink that combines espresso, steamed milk, and white chocolate mocha sauce. This beverage offers a sweet and creamy flavor profile that appeals to those with a sweet tooth.
The drink contains more sugar than its regular mocha counterpart. Each pump of white chocolate mocha sauce adds 11 grams of sugar, compared to 5 grams in the standard mocha sauce.
Customers can enjoy this drink hot or iced. The hot version comes topped with whipped cream, while the iced variant is served over ice. Both options provide a rich, indulgent experience.
For those seeking a festive twist, Starbucks offers a seasonal Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha. This holiday drink adds peppermint flavor to the classic recipe, creating a taste reminiscent of peppermint bark candy.
The White Chocolate Mocha is highly customizable. Customers can adjust the sweetness by requesting fewer pumps of syrup or opting for sugar-free alternatives. They can also choose different milk options to suit their preferences or dietary needs.
Understanding Starbucks Drink Categories
Starbucks offers a diverse menu of beverages, catering to various tastes and preferences. The drink categories range from classic coffee-based options to refreshing teas and blended creations.
Espresso Beverages
Espresso forms the base of many popular Starbucks drinks. The menu includes classics like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. Lattes combine espresso with steamed milk and a layer of foam. Cappuccinos have equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Americanos mix espresso with hot water.
Starbucks also offers flavor variations. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a seasonal favorite. For a less sweet option, the Flat White provides a smooth espresso experience. Customers can customize their drinks with different milk options and flavored syrups.
Blended Beverages
Frappuccinos lead Starbucks’ blended drink lineup. These cold, creamy beverages blend ice, milk, and various flavors. The Caramel Frappuccino remains a top choice. Other popular options include Mocha, Java Chip, and Strawberry Crème Frappuccinos.
Starbucks regularly introduces new Frappuccino flavors. Some become part of the permanent menu, while others appear as limited-time offers. Customers can modify their Frappuccinos by adjusting the amount of syrup, choosing different milk types, or adding extra toppings.
Teas and Refreshers
Starbucks’ tea selection caters to non-coffee drinkers. Hot teas include classic black, green, and herbal options. Iced teas come in various flavors, with popular choices like Peach Green Tea and Passion Tango Tea.
Refreshers offer a fruity alternative. These drinks combine fruit juice with green coffee extract for a light caffeine boost. The Strawberry Açaí Refresher and Mango Dragonfruit Refresher are fan favorites. Starbucks also created the “Pink Drink” by swapping water for coconut milk in the Strawberry Açaí Refresher.
Customizing Your Starbucks Drink
Starbucks offers many options to personalize drinks. Customers can choose different milk types and add flavor shots to create unique beverages.
Selecting Milk and Creamers
Starbucks provides several milk options for customizing drinks. Whole milk is the standard choice, but 2% milk, nonfat milk, and soy milk are also available. For those seeking dairy-free alternatives, almond milk and coconut milk are popular picks.
Oat milk has become a favorite among many customers due to its creamy texture. Heavy cream or half-and-half can be added for a richer taste. Some locations even offer lactose-free milk.
Customers can ask baristas to adjust the amount of milk in their drinks. Less milk creates a stronger coffee flavor, while more milk results in a milder taste.
Flavor Shots and Syrups
Starbucks offers a wide range of syrups and sauces to enhance drink flavors. Popular options include vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and mocha. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and peppermint are available during specific times of the year.
Sugar-free versions of some syrups cater to those watching their sugar intake. Customers can request extra pumps for a stronger flavor or fewer pumps for a subtler taste.
Flavor combinations allow for creative drink customizations. Popular pairings include vanilla and caramel or mocha and peppermint. Baristas can offer suggestions for unique flavor profiles based on customer preferences.
Some locations also offer add-ins like chocolate chips or cookie crumbles for extra texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starbucks offers a diverse menu of popular beverages, from seasonal favorites to year-round classics. Customers often seek information about top-rated drinks, iced options, and trending beverages.
What are the top-rated Starbucks beverages for the current year?
The Pumpkin Spice Latte remains a top-rated seasonal favorite. Caramel Macchiato and Mocha Frappuccino consistently rank high among customers. Caffè Americano appeals to those who prefer a simpler coffee taste.
The Chai Latte rounds out the list of popular choices, offering a spiced alternative to traditional coffee drinks.
Which iced drinks from Starbucks come highly recommended?
Iced Caramel Macchiato is a fan favorite for its sweet and creamy profile. The Iced White Chocolate Mocha offers a rich, indulgent flavor perfect for warm days.
For fruit lovers, the Iced Passion Tango Tea provides a refreshing, caffeine-free option. The Cold Brew with Sweet Cream delivers a smooth, less acidic coffee experience.
What is the famed ‘TikTok drink’ available at Starbucks?
The ‘TikTok drink’ refers to the Strawberry Açaí Refresher with three scoops of strawberries, three scoops of blackberries, and a splash of passion tea. This customized beverage gained popularity through social media.
Customers can order this drink by requesting these specific modifications to the standard Strawberry Açaí Refresher.
Which latte selection is considered the best at Starbucks?
The Vanilla Latte is often cited as the best latte at Starbucks for its balanced flavor. The Cinnamon Dolce Latte offers a spiced twist on the classic latte formula.
For those seeking a non-dairy option, the Oat Milk Honey Latte has gained popularity. The Flat White, while not technically a latte, is praised for its strong espresso flavor and velvety texture.
What are the popular Starbucks drinks for which customers can redeem 25 stars?
Customers can redeem 25 stars for hot coffee, hot tea, or bakery items. The Pike Place Roast is a popular choice for those using stars for hot coffee.
For tea drinkers, the Green Tea or Earl Grey Tea are common selections. Pastries like the Butter Croissant or Chocolate Chip Cookie are also available for 25-star redemption.
Can you list some Starbucks drinks that are particularly popular among men?
The Caffè Americano is favored by many men for its strong, straightforward coffee flavor. The Nitro Cold Brew appeals to those seeking a smooth, highly caffeinated option.
The Espresso Con Panna, topped with whipped cream, offers a quick, potent coffee fix. For a protein boost, the Starbucks Double Shot on Ice with added protein is a popular choice among male customers.
