Many people around the world have come to love and enjoy the delicious beverages Starbucks has to offer, especially their variety of flavorful iced coffee drinks. From cappuccinos and cold brews to frappuccinos and skinny lattes, Starbucks has something to please any coffee drinker. It’s worth mentioning that when it comes to iced coffee, any one of the coffee brewers or baristas at Starbucks can make any of the popular coffee drinks, from iced Americanos to double shots. But when it comes down to deciding what iced coffee drinks are the best for getting you through the day or for a special treat, some coffee afficionados may be left bewildered. This article tries to answer the question: what are the best iced coffee drinks at Starbucks?
When selecting an iced coffee from Starbucks, baristas recommend considering the different types of iced coffee bases that are available. The most common types are hot brewed (a French press or other model that uses either air or metal to produce a rich, concentrated coffee that is later cooled) and cold brew (which takes a lot longer and relies on the slow extraction of coffee grounds in cold water to produce a smooth, low-acidity brew). A great option is Cold Brew with Salted Cream Cold Foam which is a creamy, frothy blend of cold brew and lightly salted cream that’s topped with cold foam and a dash of caramel caf-creme. This advanced choice packs an intense, bold flavor with a smooth finish.
Go-to options for Starbucks enthusiasts include the Iced Caffè Americano, which is a simple, traditional espresso drink. It is made by adding cold water to two espresso shots and served over ice. This drink offers a bold and intense flavor without the added sweetness of flavored syrups. To keep it from becoming too bitter, baristas recommend adding a splash of cream.
Another popular choice are the Iced Coffee Frappuccinos. These are delicious variations on Starbucks’ classic frappuccino with a cold coffee base. Frappuccino flavors range from the ultra-sweet Caramel Frappuccino to the delicious and comforting Mocha Frappuccino. Frappuccinos are perfect for those who are looking for something sweet and delicious to sip on while they are on the go.
For those looking for a light version, Starbucks has a variety of iced lattes, including the incredibly smooth and not too sweet Tall Skinny Latte. These are made with a shot of espresso over ice and then finished with non-fat milk. The skinny lattes are a great choice for those wanting a tasty iced coffee without using a lot of calories.
For an even lighter drink, the Blonde Flat White pairs a double shot of their signature Blonde espresso with steamed, non-fat milk. This drink has a smooth, creamy flavor and is ideal for those who want a boost of energy with but don’t want the sweetness of a frappuccino.
At the same time, when it comes to customizing one’s own drinks, baristas suggest opting for drinks with fewer ingredients, such as iced honey latte, a twist on a classic latte that combines espresso, honey, and non-fat cold milk to create a delicious and smooth drink. Additionally, customers can also opt for iced chai tea latte, a blended and lightly sweetened combination of chai tea concentrates and hot milk over ice.
With the variety of iced coffee drinks that Starbucks has to offer, customers can choose from a carefully crafted selection to enjoy a different kind of iced coffee experience with every visit. Whether it’s a traditional caffé Americano or frappuccino, there’s sure to be something to please anyone’s taste buds.
1. Add-Ons:
For added flavor, baristas suggest adding flavors such as mint and hazelnut syrups. Additionally, adding a bit of cream and sugar to one’s iced coffee is also a popular option. For those wanting to stay away from dairy, soy or almond milks can also be used as alternative milk options as well. For extra indulgence, some customers may opt for a shot of mocha or caramel sauce, which can be added to the coffee. And finally, toppings such as chocolate shavings, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream can further add to the flavors of one’s own custom iced coffee.
2. Milk Alternatives:
Those looking for a vegan alternative for their coffee, Starbucks has an option for non-dairy milk. Customers can order LaT Cafe Almondmilk which is made from almondmilk and blended with espresso. Additionally, for those looking for a fruity twist, Starbucks’ Iced Stawberry Acai Lime Refresher is a light, slightly sweet, and tart drink with flavours of strawberry, acai and lime. The strawberry Acai Lime Refresher can be made with almond milk, adding to its flavour profile.
3. Blended Drinks:
When looking for something more substantial and filling, Starbucks’ blended iced coffee drinks are an excellent choice. Made with ice, coffee, Frappuccino syrups, and topped with whipped cream, these drinks offer a creamy indulgence. Among the more popular choices are the Caramel Frappuccino and the Mocha Frappuccino. Both of these drinks have a sweet, indulgent flavor and offer a nice break in the day.
4. Espresso Drinks:
For coffee enthusiasts looking for a deeper coffee experience, espresso drinks are the way to go. A great choice for this kind of coffee is Starbucks’ Iced Espresso Macchiato. This drink is made with espresso shots topped with cold milk and foam, and is served over ice. It is a great drink for those who are looking for something more intense than a standard iced coffee.
5. Cold Brews:
For those who want to enjoy a cold and smooth coffee, cold brews are the way to go. Starbucks offers a number of cold brew options, including the Nitro Cold Brew and the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. Both of these drinks offer a fresh, bold flavor that is smooth and easy to drink. Additionally, Starbucks’ Signature Cold Brew is a great option for those who want to experience the freshness of cold brew without adding any extra flavors.
6. Flavored Syrups:
For those looking for an extra kick in their iced coffee drinks, Starbucks has a wide selection of flavored syrups. Customers can choose from classic flavors such as Mocha and Vanilla or try one of the unique and unique flavors such as Toasted Coconut, Cinnamon Dolce, and White Chocolate Mocha. Baristas suggest trying a few and experimenting to find their perfect flavor combination.
7. Iced Tea:
Finally, those who are looking for a more refreshing iced coffee experience can try Starbucks’ iced tea beverages. Among the more popular iced teas are the Peach Green Tea Lemonade and the Iced Red Passion Tea Lemonade. Both drinks offer a light and refreshing caffeine boost with a fruity and slightly sweet flavor.
