Coffee is a key component of the Starbucks culture and is a drink of choice for many in the morning. But what if you’re not a coffee lover? As the coffee chain expands its portfolio to meet the unique needs of its customers, a range of coffee-free Starbucks alternatives are also available. Whether you’re a fan of hot drinks or cold beverages, there is something for everyone.
For a hot cup of comforting excellence, try an Empress of Earl Grey Tea Latte. This vintage-style beverage is made with Empress of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and blonde espresso roast. Together, these ingredients create an ideal balance of sweet and earthy flavours. To dress it up, ask for an added shot of oat milk, flower ‘crisps’, or to top it off with any of the floral foams.
For something spicy, there is the Gingerbread Latte. Rich, comforting, and bursting with seasonal spices, this exotic beverage combiines brewed espresso, autumnal spices, and real gingerbread pieces topped with whip cream. It’s a sweet, savory treat that celebrates the season.
Those wanting something cold and creamy should try the Refreshers lineup. Bright, light, and tasty, this icy drink is one of Starbucks most popular creations. Made from natural flavoured juices and B-vitamins, the Refreshers are a great source of refreshment. The two best-selling flavours are black cherry and mocha strawberry.
Another cold favourite is the Cold Foam Cold Brew. An upgrade to the usual cold brew, this drink has all the smoothness of the dark-roasted flavour with a bit of extra sweetness. Served over ice, this drink is made of a mix of heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and cold-pressed espresso, then cold-foamed and topped with caramel drizzle.
If you’re a chocolate lover, try the Chilli Mocha. This spicy twist on the traditional chocolate mocha delightfully combines mocha sauce, dark choclate oat milk, espresso, and a pinch of chilli, thus making for an intense and unique flavour. Those feeling creative can top it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a special touch.
For a lighter option, try the Iced Shaken Green Tea. A mix of brewed green tea, sweetener, and a hint of Fuji apples for a hint of tartness, this drink is sure to please. Plus, caffeine-shy drinkers don’t have to worry as it’s very low in caffeine.
Whatever your taste buds call for, there’s sure to be a non-coffee option that can be found at Starbucks. From earthy to sweet, hot to cold, these coffee-free drinks offer something to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Hot Teas
Unlike coffee, which can vary in strength and bitterness, hot teas have a consistent flavour profile and are often indicative of the region in which they were grown. For example, Japanese tea tends to be light and vegetal, while Indian tea is more robust and earthy. There’s something to please every palate. Examples of hot tea options from Starbucks include Rooibos Tea Latte, Chai Tea Latte, and White Chocolate Snickerdoodle Tea Latte.
If you love the matcha powder trend, Starbucks’ Matcha Latte is a must-try. It’s creamy and sweet, complete with a generous helping of nutty, grassy, vibrant matcha flavour. Don’t forget to try it with an oatmilk swap or a shot of protein powder for extra nourishment.
When considering a tea, try the Emperor’s Cloud and Mist Green Tea. Accented with honey and fragrant jasmine blossoms, this beverage is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s also suitable for vegans, as the ingredients are sourced from sustainable farms in China.
For those who prefer something sweet, the Sweet As Honey Cinnamon Tea Latte is the perfect drink. Made with espresso, freshly brewed tea, spicy cinnamon and nutmeg, creamy steamed milk, and authentic honey, it’s a delicious blend of flavours that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Smoothies and Juices
Starbucks also has an array of smoothies and juices to choose from that don’t contain coffee. The Orange Mango Smoothie is a great option if you’re looking for a sunny and energising pick-me-up. Blended with a silky mix of mango, pineapple, orange, and banana, and topped with orange slices, it’s a thirst quencher like no other.
For something a little bit more exotic, try the Tropical Sunrise Kale Blended Juice. This vibrant elixir combines freshly squeezed juices of pineapple, orange, and lemon, plus spinach and apple for a vitamin-packed boost. If you’re seeking an afternoon energy hit, this is your go-to.
If you’re looking for a chilled, grab-and-go option, Starbucks has plenty of delicious cold-pressed juices. Flavours like Green Goodness, Beet Health, and Pomegranate Renewal are sure to please.
For a dairy-free refresher, the Matcha Coconut Frappuccino Blended Beverage is the perfect choice. This icy and delicious beverage combines premium matcha green tea with a hint of sweetness and a splash of coconutmilk.
Others
If you’re a fan of plant-based drinks, Starbucks has something for you too. The Mango Dragonfruit Refresher is a fruity twist on the classic Refreshers beverage, while the Dairy-Free Almondmilk Honey Flat White is perfect if you’re missing your classic coffee drink.
For those who like sweet treats, the Strawberry Crème Frappuccino, Cinnamon Dolce Creme Frappuccino, and the Caramel Frappuccino Blended Beverage – all without coffee – can all satisfy your cravings.
Finally, if you want something totally unique, you can opt for the Nitro Cold Brew with Salted Honey Syrup. This smooth and creamy beverage is infused with nitrogen, giving it a silky texture and a delightful salty-sweet balance of flavours.
Hot Chocolate
What better way to show off winter than with hot chocolate? Starbucks’ signature Hot Chocolate is a decadent blend of melted chocolate and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with a mocha sauce. For a special twist, ask for a shot of rooibos syrup and a bit of cinnamon.
Those looking for something a bit more adventurous should try the Pistachio Hot Chocolate. This mellow and nutty beverage is made with dark chocolate and cocoa powder, and is topped with a frothy pistachio-almond cream. Its subtle sweetness is sure to warm the soul.
Finally, for those who love the classics, the Signature Hot Chocolate is a must-try. A mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolates combined with hot milk, this delectable beverage brings back childhood memories and is sure to please even the most refined palates.
Speciality Drinks
Some of Starbucks’ most unique offerings come in the form of its specialty drinks. These beverages, although not containing coffee, make for a refreshing way to break up the routine of the day.
Take the Iced Lemon Loaf Tea, for example. This delightfully tart drink is made with brewed Iced Black Tea and lemonade, which is sweetened with natural cane sugar and finished with a slice of lemon loaf. It’s a great choice for those hot summer days.
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, the White Chocolate Pepita Mocha is the perfect drink. This luscious beverage consists of espresso, white mocha sauce, steamed milk, and toasted pepitas, topped with a sprinkle of crunchy pepitas and cocoa powder. It’s a fun and creamy treat that won’t disappoint.
For something frankly delightful, the Spiced Apricot Tea Latte is the one. This creamy latte is made with freshly brewed Iced Spiced apricot tea and steamed milk and finished with a topping of nutmeg and cinnamon. Be sure to ask for it extra hot – there’s nothing quite like it.
