Learning how to order coffee at Starbucks can be intimidating, especially when you don’t know the jargon being used. Many people are unfamiliar with words like “decaf” and “venti” and don’t have a clue when it comes to ordering. But everyone belongs at Starbucks, which is why they’ve simplified their menu and make it easy to build a beverage that tastes exactly to how you want it. To order coffee at Starbucks, all you need is a basic understanding of the menu, so let’s get started!
Knowing Your Options
The first thing to do when ordering a coffee from Starbucks is to take a quick look at the menu. There are usually a range of beverages to choose from – from hot or iced drinks to Frappuccinos, Lattes, Cappuccinos and more. You can customise most of your drinks as well – for example, you can choose between regular or almond milk, or add an extra shot of espresso. It’s also worth noting that some items may be seasonal, or region-specific, so you may need to ask.
Once you’ve decided what you want, the next step is to decide what type of coffee. Starbucks offers a variety of blends that vary in intensity and flavour. From light and easy-drinking coffees to dark and bold roasts, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste buds. Now that you’ve decided on the coffee you want, let’s take a look at the other elements of your order.
Ordering the Right Size
Starbucks uses a unique sizing system for their drinks. Tall is the smallest size and is usually suitable for a single shot or one cup of coffee. Grande is a bigger size and is usually for two or three cups of coffee. Venti is the largest size and is usually for four or more cups of coffee. There’s also the M also known as “mini” size, which is small enough for a single cup.
If you’re still unsure which size is best for you, you can always ask the barista. They’ll be more than happy to help and point you in the right direction.
Adding Extras to Your Drink
Once you’ve chosen your coffee and size, it’s time to pick your extras. Do you want a flavoured syrup? Maybe a dollop of cream? Maybe you want a shot of espresso or another type of coffee? The choice is yours! Starbucks has an extensive range of extras available to add to your coffee in order to customise it and make it more enjoyable.
It’s worth remembering that adding extras usually means you’ll have to pay a bit extra – but it’s often worth it for that extra bit of specialness in your cup.
Specialty Drinks
If you want to show off your coffee-ordering skills and try something a little out of the ordinary, you can always order a specialty drink. These are drinks that the barista can whip up for you according to your exact taste preferences. You can even order them using secret menu lingo so you can impress your drink order companions!
Examples of these drinks include the Unicorn Frappuccino, the Double Rainbow Frappuccino, the Pink Drink and more. Just ask the barista what they have available and they’ll be more than happy to help whip something up for you.
Making the Order
When it comes to actually ordering your drink, the barista will usually ask “What can I get you?” The best way to respond is to sip your order like a smoothie order but use coffee terms, such as “I’d like a venti latte with an extra shot of espresso and almond milk please.” The barista will then let you know what the cost is, and you can pay for your drink.
Starbucks is also very eco-friendly and encourages customers to bring their own reusable cup, which is why they may offer you a discount when you bring your own. It’s also worth keeping in mind that Starbucks also offers loyalty programs and rewards, so you can be rewarded for your coffee purchases.
Ordering Coffee Online or via App
If you’re looking for an even more convenient way to order coffee at Starbucks, you can always order online or via the Starbucks app. This is a great way to save time and avoid queues, as you can easily order the drink you want and pick it up on the go. You can also use this service to make a one-time purchase or sign up for a subscription to get monthly coffee deliveries straight to your door.
The process is fairly simple – first you select the type of coffee you want, the size, and any extra ingredients or customisations. You can then pay online and choose when and where you would like to pick up the order. To save time, you can also opt for mobile ordering, so you can order your drink in advance and collect it when you’re ready.
Finally: Enjoying Your Coffee
Now that you know how to order your coffee at Starbucks, all that’s left to do is enjoy it. If you’ve taken the time to make sure everything is just right – the size, the extras and the coffee blend – you should have a delicious cup of coffee to enjoy.
Whatever you order, make sure to savour and appreciate your beverage. After all, there’s no better way to enjoy your coffee than to take your time and appreciate the rich flavours, delightful aromas, and memorable taste of your freshly-brewed beverage.
Drinking Coffee Responsibly
Coffee is an enjoyable and refreshing part of life, but it’s important to make sure we drink it responsibly. While a cup of coffee can be beneficial, having too much can lead to negative side-effects such as insomnia and irritability. For this reason, it’s important to keep your coffee consumption in check and be aware of your limits.
It’s also important to understand the effects of caffeine on your body and the potential health risks. If you’re left feeling jittery or anxious after drinking coffee, it may be wise to reduce your intake. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, so it’s important to be aware of your own body and how it responds to caffeine.
Making Your Own Coffee at Home
If you’re an avid coffee-drinker but can’t always afford to get a coffee every day, you may want to consider making your own coffee at home. There are some great and affordable home espresso machines out there that make excellent coffee. You can also purchase or grind your own coffee beans, which are full of flavour and freshness.
Making your own coffee can also be a great way to reduce waste. Instead of using single-use coffee cups, you can opt for a reusable mug or flask to take with you instead. Plus, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run too.
Conclusion
Ordering coffee at Starbucks doesn’t have to be a scary experience. Once you understand the menu and have a basic understanding of the size options, you’ll be able to order confidently and enjoy a cup of your favourite coffee. Whether you enjoy their signature blends or prefer to make a customised drink, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste at Starbucks.
