The Best Drinks at Starbucks Ranked: Recommendations for Top Beverages

Jonathan Kao

white and brown starbucks cup

Finding the best drink at Starbucks can be a daunting task with their extensive menu. From hot classics like the Earl Grey Tea Latte to refreshing cold beverages like the Iced Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte, there’s a drink for every palate. Hot beverages like the Peppermint Mocha and the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew are top favorites because of their rich flavors and seasonal appeal.

One of the unique elements of Starbucks is their secret menu, which offers drinks like the Orange Lemon Smoothie. This choice combines lemonade, orange juice, vanilla syrup, and cold foam for a unique twist on traditional flavors. Each seasonal drink and secret menu item adds to the diverse offerings at Starbucks.

Starbucks isn’t just about coffee. Their range of teas, refreshers, and blended drinks also shines. Items like the Strawberry Acai Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers are popular for those seeking a fruity, caffeine-free option. With so many choices, there’s always a new drink to discover.

Sip, Savor, and Satisfy: Your Ultimate Guide to Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks, the global coffeehouse giant, boasts a menu overflowing with enticing beverages. But with so many options, choosing your perfect drink can feel like an overwhelming task. Fear not, dear coffee aficionado! We’ve enlisted the help of seasoned baristas and coffee connoisseurs to curate a list of the top Starbucks drinks. Let’s dive in and discover your next caffeine (or non-caffeine) fix.

Hot Drinks to Warm Your Soul

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm, comforting beverage. Starbucks offers a plethora of options to cozy up with:

  • White Chocolate Mocha: Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of white chocolate, blended with espresso and steamed milk. Topped with whipped cream, this drink is pure decadence in a cup.
  • Chestnut Praline Latte: A festive favorite, this latte features flavors of caramelized chestnuts, spices, and a hint of praline. It’s a cozy companion for those chilly winter days.
  • Peppermint Mocha: Embrace the holiday spirit with this classic blend of peppermint, chocolate, and espresso. It’s a refreshing and invigorating drink that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

Iced Drinks for a Refreshing Treat

When the mercury rises, cool down with Starbucks’ refreshing iced beverages:

  • Iced White Chocolate Mocha: The same delicious flavors as its hot counterpart, but served over ice for a cool and refreshing twist.
  • Pink Drink: A vibrant and Instagram-worthy beverage, this refreshing concoction combines Strawberry Acai Refreshers with coconut milk and freeze-dried strawberries.
  • Iced Caramel Macchiato: A layered masterpiece of espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, and a drizzle of caramel. It’s a sweet and satisfying drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

Frappuccinos: A Blend of Coffee and Fun

For those who prefer a blended treat, Starbucks’ Frappuccinos offer a delicious combination of coffee, milk, and ice:

  • Caramel Frappuccino: A classic favorite, this creamy blend features caramel syrup, coffee, milk, and ice, topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.
  • Java Chip Frappuccino: Indulge in this chocolatey delight, made with coffee, milk, chocolate chips, and ice, blended to perfection and topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
  • Strawberry Crème Frappuccino: A non-coffee option, this sweet and creamy drink is made with strawberry puree, milk, and ice, topped with whipped cream.

Expert Recommendations and Hidden Gems

While the aforementioned drinks are popular for a reason, don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Some lesser-known gems include:

  • Cold Brew with Cold Foam: A smooth and mellow cold brew coffee, topped with a light and airy cold foam. It’s a refreshing and satisfying way to enjoy your daily dose of caffeine.
  • Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream: A velvety-smooth cold brew infused with nitrogen, creating a cascading effect and a rich, creamy texture. It’s topped with a dollop of sweet cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
  • Honey Almondmilk Flat White: A comforting and flavorful espresso drink made with steamed almond milk and a touch of honey. It’s a delicious alternative for those who prefer a dairy-free option.

Top Starbucks Drinks at a Glance (Ranked By Category)

RankingCategoryDrinkDescription
1HotWhite Chocolate MochaRich, creamy white chocolate blended with espresso and steamed milk.
2HotChestnut Praline LatteFestive flavors of caramelized chestnuts, spices, and a hint of praline.
3HotPeppermint MochaRefreshing blend of peppermint, chocolate, and espresso.
1IcedIced White Chocolate MochaCool and refreshing version of the classic White Chocolate Mocha.
2IcedPink DrinkVibrant concoction of Strawberry Acai Refreshers, coconut milk, and freeze-dried strawberries.
3IcedIced Caramel MacchiatoLayered masterpiece of espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, and caramel.
1FrappuccinoCaramel FrappuccinoCreamy blend of caramel syrup, coffee, milk, and ice.
2FrappuccinoJava Chip FrappuccinoChocolatey delight with coffee, milk, chocolate chips, and ice.
3FrappuccinoStrawberry Crème FrappuccinoSweet and creamy blend of strawberry puree, milk, and ice.
1Expert PicksCold Brew with Cold FoamSmooth and mellow cold brew topped with light and airy cold foam.
2Expert PicksNitro Cold Brew with Sweet CreamVelvety-smooth cold brew infused with nitrogen and topped with sweet cream.
3Expert PicksHoney Almondmilk Flat WhiteComforting espresso drink made with steamed almond milk and honey.

Key Takeaways

  • Hot and cold drinks at Starbucks offer diverse flavors.
  • Secret menu items provide unique combinations.
  • Non-coffee options like refreshers and teas are also popular.

Comprehensive Ranking of Hot and Cold Starbucks Beverages

Starbucks offers a wide variety of both hot and cold beverages. This guide ranks some of the most popular choices based on their taste, unique aspects, and consumer favorites.

Top Hot Drinks at Starbucks

Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)
A seasonal favorite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte combines espresso, steamed milk, and pumpkin flavors. It’s topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.

Peppermint Mocha
This drink is perfect for winter, featuring espresso, steamed milk, and mint chocolate syrup. It’s often topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

Chestnut Praline Latte
Introduced as a holiday option, this latte mixes chestnut and praline flavors with espresso and steamed milk. It has become a year-round favorite.

Caramel Brulée Latte
Espresso combined with steamed milk and rich caramel brulée sauce, topped with whipped cream and crispy caramel pieces, creates a comforting taste experience.

Chai Latte
Aromatic spices blend with black tea and steamed milk, making the Chai Latte a perfect warm, spicy drink.

Top Cold and Iced Beverages

Iced Caramel Macchiato
Espresso combined with vanilla-flavored syrup, milk, and ice, topped with caramel drizzle, offers a sweet yet bold taste.

Cold Brew
This smooth, rich coffee is steeped in cool water for 20 hours, resulting in a naturally sweet flavor without bitterness.

Nitro Cold Brew
Infused with nitrogen for a creamy texture, this cold brew is velvety and slightly fizzy, providing a unique coffee experience.

Pink Drink
A fruity combination of Strawberry Açaí Refresher, coconut milk, and freeze-dried strawberries creates a visually appealing, Instagram-worthy beverage.

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee sweetened with vanilla syrup, topped with a float of house-made vanilla sweet cream, balances sweetness with the boldness of coffee.