What are the best drinks to order at Starbucks? From the classic latte to the eye-opening Refreshers, Starbucks offers something for everyone. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy coffee, so it can be hard to choose. Let’s take a look at some of the best coffee drinks at Starbucks, with a nod to their customization options.
Espresso Drinks
Espresso drinks are a great way to get your daily dose of caffeine. Starbucks has created a line of signature espresso drinks, such as Classic Espresso, the Latte, and the Caramel Macchiato. Starbucks allows you to customize each of these drinks with a variety of milk options, syrups, and other flavorings.
Espresso itself is an intense, concentrated coffee shot that is made with finely-ground coffee beans. When mixed with other ingredients, it creates a unique flavor and a pleasing presentation. Whether you’re looking for a light and sweet espresso drink or a creamy and indulgent one, Starbucks espresso drinks provide the boost you need to get through the day.
This line of drinks uses a two-step process. First, they start with steaming milk and adding the appropriate amount of espresso to it. Then they add flavorings or syrups to suit their customer’s preference. The end result? A unique twist to a classic Italian favorite.
Brewed Coffee
Brewed coffee is a great option for those who prefer an easy-drinking cup of joe. Consider the Pike Place Roast, Starbucks’ house blend. This drink is mild and smooth and won’t overpower your senses. Starbucks crafted this blend to luxuriate in the flavor of coffee in its purest form. If you’re looking for something more exotic, Starbucks also offers Veranda Blend, their lightest-roasted coffee that highlights notes of soft cocoa and lightly toasted nuts.
Brewed coffee-making is an art form in and of itself. When making this drink, you must use freshly-ground coffee beans, hot water, and proper technique. Starbucks coaches its baristas to ensure that each cup of coffee is perfection every single time. From the grind of the beans to the timing of the brewing process, all skillful steps must be taken in order to attain the perfect cup.
Brewed coffee is an ideal way to start your day. Whether you’re craving a light and fruity blend or a full-bodied and complex roast, Starbucks’ brewed coffee selections will have something for you.
Frappuccinos
Frappuccinos are a fan favorite! These delicious iced treats are made with coffee, milk, ice, and flavorings. Their creamy, dreamy texture makes them a perfect pick-me-up in any season. Frappuccinos are one of the most customizable drinks at Starbucks. You can choose to add a variety of syrups, beans, and even mix-ins to give your Frappuccino an extra kick.
Frappuccinos can range from sweet and fruity, such as the Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino, to decadent and creamy, such as the Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino. Some of the other popular Frappuccino flavors that you can find at Starbucks include Cookies & Cream, Banana Split, and Mocha. Whatever flavor you choose, Starbucks Frappuccinos are sure to delight.
Iced Drinks
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter and more refreshing, try out one of Starbucks’ iced drinks. These drinks are perfect for hot days or when you want a quick, chilled pick-me-up. Iced drinks such as Iced Coffee and Iced Americano can be customized with a variety of milks, syrups, and flavorings.
If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, try Starbucks’ popular Iced Tea Lemonade or Iced Golden Ginger Drink. These drinks offer a refreshing, fruity flavor that won’t overpower your palate. And if you’re a fan of tea, Starbucks also offers a variety of Teavana Iced Teas, made with real tea leaves.
Iced drinks are a great way to get your daily dose of caffeine without the heavy aftertaste. For those looking for something a bit more hydrating, Starbucks also offers a variety of sparkling water options.
Hot Drinks
Finally, if it’s a hot cup of joe that you’re after, Starbucks has options for you. From the Classic Coffee to the Vanilla Latte, Starbucks has something for every palate. Hot drinks are especially popular during the colder months, as they provide a warmth and comfort that can help lift your spirits.
Perhaps the most classic hot drink on the menu is the Hot Chocolate. This indulgent treat is made with creamy, steamed milk and decadent chocolate syrup. If you’re looking for something lighter or healthier, try the Chai Latte or the Oatmilk Honey Latte. Both of these drinks are rich in flavor and can be customized with additional syrups or spices.
No matter if you prefer light and sweet espresso drinks, classic brewed coffee, decadent Frappuccinos, refreshing iced drinks, or indulgent hot beverages, Starbucks has something for everyone. With a wide variety of customization options, you’re sure to find the perfect cup of joe.
Coffee for Health and Wellbeing
Despite its reputation for keeping people awake, coffee has numerous positive health benefits. Coffee is packed with antioxidants, and studies have shown that drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, including cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. Coffee also contains vitamins and minerals that can provide a boost in energy and focus.
Coffee can also be beneficial to mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that coffee can help improve mood and focus, as well as reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Drinking coffee can also help reduce the risk of depression in some people. In addition, regular coffee drinking can boost alertness, focus, and concentration.
Overall, coffee is a great way to give your body a healthy boost. With its numerous health benefits, drinking coffee can be a great way to help you stay healthy and alert. By choosing the right coffee drinks at Starbucks, you can enjoy the energy and focus that comes with the perfect cup of joe.
Coffee Trends
As the third wave of coffee continues to spread across the globe, coffee trends are sure to change as well. Specialty coffee drinks have become more popular, with specialty roasters, baristas, and cafes focusing on crafting luxurious flavors. These drinks have a broader array of flavors that come from freshly-ground beans, and often feature a variety of syrups and flavorings.
These specialty coffee drinks have become increasingly popular, and Starbucks has reacted by introducing a line of craft beverages, such as the Cold Brew, which is made with precisely-ground coffee beans steeped in cold water for 20 hours. Starbucks has also created the Nitro Cold Brew, which is infused with nitrogen to give it a creamy texture, and the Nitrogen-Infused Cold Brew, which has an effervescent foam.
The convenience of ready-made coffee has taken off with the emergence of ready-to-drink coffee cans and RTD bottles. These drinks allow consumers to enjoy a freshly-brewed cup of coffee at any time, without having to wait in line. Starbucks has their own ready-to-drink coffees, many of which are available in both cans and bottles.
Finally, the use of alternative milks is becoming increasingly popular. With the growing focus on reduced antibiotic and hormone intake, many consumers are searching for plant-based milk alternatives. Starbucks provides a variety of non-dairy milks, such as oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk.
Cold Brew vs. Hot Brew Spilling the Beans
Coffee drinkers now have countless ways to fill their caffeine quota, with the classic hot brew and the increasing popularity of cold brew. Each method has its own flavor profile and advantages, so let’s dive into some of the differences between the two.
The biggest difference between hot-brewed and cold-brewed coffee is the flavor. Hot-brewed coffee tends to be more acidic with a richer flavor, while cold-brewed coffee is much smoother and more mellow. Hot-brewed coffee is also more caffeinated, so if you’re in need of an extra energy boost, hot-brewed coffee might be the way to go.
Cold-brewing also takes a bit more time, as the coffee must be steeped in cold water for up to an entire day. However, the extra effort is worth it, as cold-brewed coffee contains lower levels of acidity and bitterness. Cold-brewed coffee also generally keeps longer than hot-brewed coffee, so it’s perfect for making large batches to store in the fridge.
Making either one of these coffee types can become a bit of an art, as each person’s taste buds are different. Some people like their coffee light and sweet, while others like it dark and bold. With the wide variety of coffees available at Starbucks, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Pods, Capsules and K-Cups
One of the most convenient ways to enjoy your favorite coffee drinks is with pods, capsules, and K-Cups. These small, single-serve containers are filled with either ground coffee or espresso, and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home in just a few simple steps.
Starbucks has a line of K-Cups and pods that come in a variety of flavors. These convenient containers hold finely-ground coffees or espresso shots and are compatible with most single-serve coffee makers. Everything you need to enjoy Starbucks coffee is right in one little cup.
These convenient containers are also great for travel, allowing you to take your coffee on the go. The capsules and pods are recyclable, so you can enjoy your coffee guilt-free knowing that you’re doing your part to help the planet. With a little bit of time and the right equipment, you can create a cup of coffee that tastes exactly like it does from the store – without any of the mess or waste.
Starbucks has an impressive array of coffee drinks for every preference. Whether you like espresso drinks, hot brews, cold brews, or just need a boost of energy in the morning, Starbucks has something for everyone. With their customization options and convenient products like K-Cups, you’re sure to find a coffee that you love.
