Raw Materials
Iced coffee is a large part of Starbucks’ brand – and a hot weather favorite for coffee drinkers around the world. To make Starbucks’ signature iced coffee, baristas need to obtain the raw materials. They begin by getting fresh coffee beans from around the world. The coffee beans need to be ground and blended to a specific consistency, just like Starbucks’ hot coffee. Then they add cold, filtered water and ice cubes. Finally, they use their signature syrups to give their iced coffee its special taste.
Brewing the Coffee
Brewing is the process of extracting the flavor and aroma of the coffee beans and adding that to the cold water and ice. To make the process easier, Starbucks uses an automated brewing machine. This machine cooks the beans at an exact temperature. It then combines the beans and hot water and mixes it with the ice in a glass. The result is a full-flavored iced coffee that’s ready to be poured into to-go cups.
Syrups
Starbucks offers a variety of flavored syrups for their iced coffee. Vanilla, caramel and mocha are among the most popular. Baristas use a special pump to measure the syrup and dispense it into the iced coffee glass. The syrup is then stirred until it is evenly distributed. This process is repeated until the desired flavor is achieved. The syrups are made with high-quality ingredients and are essential to capturing the famous Starbucks flavor.
Iced Drinks
Once the iced coffee and syrup have been mixed, the next step is to create the specialty iced drinks. Starbucks offers a range of iced drinks to choose from, including iced latte, iced cappuccino, iced tea, iced mocha and iced Americano. These drinks are made by combining iced coffee with a variety of different ingredients, such as espresso, milk, sugar and flavoring. The final step is adding whipped cream, chocolate shavings or other toppings to the top of the drink.
Serving
Baristas have to be careful when pouring the finished iced coffee into to-go cups. If there isn’t enough room, the cup can overflow and make a mess. But if there is too much room, the cup can seem empty. To avoid this, they measure the amount of liquid they pour into each cup and make sure there is enough room for ice to melt. Once the cups are filled, they are sealed with lids and are ready to be served.
Brew Ratios
Brew ratios are an important part of making iced coffee at Starbucks. These ratios determine how much coffee and water is used for each drink. Lastly, baristas use scales to ensure accurate measurements and make sure each drink is consistent. With the right mixture of coffee, water, ice, and syrups, baristas can create the perfect cup of iced coffee.
Ice
To produce the perfect cold cup of iced coffee, the ice used must be of a certain quality. Starbucks uses specially-crafted ice cubes in their iced coffees. These cubes are made from filtered water, which ensures that there are no impurities or off-flavors in the drink. Additionally, the cubes are designed to melt slowly, which prevents the drink from becoming too watery. The quality of the ice is a crucial factor in maintaining the flavor of the final product.
Temperature
Temperature can make or break an iced coffee. Keeping it at the right temperature is essential for enjoying the full flavor of each drink. To achieve this, Starbucks uses a special temperature-controlled equipment that keeps the cold drinks at the ideal temperature. This equipment helps maintain the flavor and the quality of the coffee in each cup.
Visuals
Visuals are an integral part of the Starbucks experience and help differentiate their coffees from other brands. Starbucks baristas are trained to focus on presentation. After filling to-go cups with iced coffee, baristas present the drinks with carefully-placed ingredients, such as coffee beans or a piece of chocolate. This adds a touch of elegance and personalization to each drink.
Preparation Time
Making the perfect cup of iced coffee takes time and precision. Starbuck’s baristas are trained to pour, mix and blend all of the elements in a timely manner. This preparation time is essential to achieving the optimal flavor and texture in the iced coffee. Starbucks baristas must balance speed and accuracy, which is no small feat.
Evaluation Quality
Once the drink has been prepared, it must be evaluated for quality. Starbucks baristas assess each drink to make sure that the flavor, texture and temperature are of the highest possible standard. They also evaluate the presentation of the drink, making sure that all ingredients are balanced and arranged in an attractive way.
Customer Service
Starbucks strives for the highest level of customer satisfaction. Barista must show kindness and courteousness to each customer. They take time to answer questions and recommend different drinks. Additionally, Starbucks uses advanced order systems to quickly fulfill orders and make sure that customers get the iced coffee they want when they want it.
Packaging and Delivery
Once the iced coffee is prepared and quality-checked, the baristas transfer them to the delivery area. Here, the drinks are securely packed in special thermally-insulated boxes that ensure the drinks stay cold during transport. This packaging also prevents spills, so that customers can enjoy their iced coffee in perfect condition.
Product Training
At Starbucks, product training is essential for maintaining high standards and customer satisfaction. Baristas are tested on their knowledge of the iced coffees, from brewing to visual presentation. They are also required to demonstrate their customer service skills on a regular basis. The aim of the product training is to make sure that each barista can make the perfect cup of iced coffee every single time.
