Starbucks’ Secret Menu
posted by Dan Filler
Everyone has a different perspective on Starbucks. In a place like San Francisco, with a strong independent cafe culture, it’s seen as Corporate Joe. In Birmingham, though, Starbucks helped balloon the city’s tiny pre-existing cafe community. Enough cultural commentary. My main goal with this post is to alert interested Starbucks consumers to a few attractive menu items that have inexplicably been left off the menu. (I speak primarily for the Birmingham stores, but in my experience these items are generally available nationally.)
For for the frugal and/or low intenisty addict: the Short coffee. It’s served in the same cup as the kid’s hot chocolate. And you always thought that it was nonsensical that Starbuck’s small was called tall. It isn’t; they just don’t want to explain matters to you.
For cafe au lait lovers: the Misto. Cafe au lait fans will love the Misto because, well, it is a cafe au lait. Half cup of coffee, topped with steamed milk. Ask for it extra foamy.
For people who have strong coffee preferences: the French Press. They don’t tell you this, but for 3 or 4 bucks, they’ll serve you up a french press made of any coffee in stock. So when the coffee of the day is House, and you just gotta have Sumatra…it’s your choice. And you’ll have enough to share with a friend.
Take control of your Starbucks experience. Order off menu.
February 25, 2006 at 9:53 pm
Posted in: Culture
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Responses (109)
T - February 26, 2006 at 8:24 am
Here’s some Starbuck’s cultural commentary:
To feed my Pacific NW-bred addiction, I used to carry two good thermoses and a well-insulated cup for any fair-sized road trip, especially out west (I used to travel trans-nationally a few times a year, plus shorter – though still long – trips). THis is so that I could stock up on good coffee at a few known places en route (Coal Creek coffee co. in Laramie, WY and some little place that roasted their own beans in Lincoln, NE were my favorite finds). I had had to search out those places by divining rod, more or less.
But now I can find a very good cup of coffee most anywhere: look for the exurbs of any medium-sized city and you’ll at least find a Barnes-and-Noble Starbuck’s, and generally a stand-alone. And like you noted, the independent cafes have grown to meet the society’s greater demand for and higher expectations of coffee. So there are more Coal Creeks to be found out there as well. But the biggest benefit are the Starbucks at the various midwestern turnpike plazas. Thank goodness they got the truckers addicted to a stronger, better brew.
And that’s not even getting to the fact that I can now buy not only Starbuck’s, but locally produced high-quality coffee at the grocery store in my small, when I visit the family in my small southern hometown. JFG from the A&P had been the previous staple.
Drive By Poster - February 26, 2006 at 10:49 am
The “Short” also works for cappucino:
See this Slate article: http://www.slate.com/id/2133754/?nav=ais
Amy - February 26, 2006 at 3:36 pm
I’ve been ordering mistos at Starbucks for over ten years, in cities large and small, all over the country. I’ve never seen them on the menu, and I’ve never encountered a Starbucks employee who didn’t know what they were. (I’d say they’re more like 3/4 coffee, 1/4 milk, whereas a cafe au lait is half and half.)
Marisa - February 26, 2006 at 5:16 pm
Having worked at a Starbucks for 4 years, I would just like to make one comment: Yes, you can order off menu, but please don’t correct or argue with the baristas when they convert your order into the Starbucks lingo. Even though they couldn’t care less what the drink is called, they have to use the official, market-tested Starbucks lingo.
Jack - February 26, 2006 at 11:33 pm
They will make you a Whopper with Cheese if you ask.
Dan Filler - February 27, 2006 at 1:06 am
I only wonder what the official Starbucks term for Whopper with Cheese would be. A Venti Grasso?
Walton - March 6, 2006 at 12:40 pm
In case any of you are cheap and like to drink Iced Lattes (which is essentially espresso and milk over ice) you might want to consider ordering a dopio on ice which is two shots of espresso on ice. Then add your own milk at the milke station in Starbucks and you just saved almost 2 dollars everytime you visit Starbucks which if you are my wife is multiple times a day.
Khay - March 24, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Cafe au lait is NOT made with steamed milk. It is made with scalded milk. Huge difference.
Latinarab81 - April 6, 2006 at 6:17 pm
If anyone has worked at Starbucks before..plz email me and would make a good deal for some info …thanxs!!
Josiane Rheault - April 15, 2006 at 9:35 pm
I would like menu Starbucs in french and English if possible! THANK YOU!
Luu Meng - September 16, 2006 at 8:34 am
Hi All,
We love your Coffee was the best coffee in the world
Luu meng
Kerry Johns - October 6, 2006 at 1:36 pm
They have a latte drink called “white elephant” is like a venti-venti drink or a big gulp from 7-11, its a cold frappicino drink that eventually becomes hot. It’s a “wow” and it works in every Starbucks, even in Europe!
Cristie - October 25, 2006 at 11:05 pm
I love my coffee, I go daily and my local starbucks guys even know my drink now. I’m a Quad, Venti, 3 pump toffee nut, non fat, no whip at 130 degrees…
Syl - February 13, 2007 at 4:14 am
Are there any special names for the drinks made with soy milk? Do ALL Starbucks carry soy milk? The 2 I go to do, but haven’t asked out of town.
lili ming - February 13, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Peet’s Coffee is much better than Starbucks!
Arlo - February 15, 2007 at 4:03 pm
You can also order a Tuxedo Mocha at Starbucks — half mocha, half white chocolate mocha. They’re AWESOME.
Jim Stoney - February 19, 2007 at 12:25 am
You can order a Caramel Appaccino which is basically a caramel capaccino with a hint of of apple. If you have ever had a caramel apple, yeah, it’s kinda like that.
Danielle - February 21, 2007 at 3:36 am
I’ve worked at a Starbucks in Canada, and was surprised to hear how ‘hush hush’ the short cup is in the states. People ask for it fairly regularly up here and it’s listed on menus and clearly visible on the counter.
The soy dilemna, all you ask for is ‘Tall Soy Latte’ and bada bing, its made with soy. Nothing else needed.
There’s no real ‘secret’ stuff at Starbucks, just so many combinations it cant be kept track of.
My favourite was a Toffee Nut Cappuchino, perfectly roasty.
Jim Stoney - March 2, 2007 at 1:50 am
Last summer, I vacationed in Riverside, CA and went to a Starbucks with my cousin. She introduced me to the best drink ever. Leche de Cocoa. It was awesome. You can get it hot or cold. It was very nostalgic.
mindy - March 6, 2007 at 11:59 pm
who “vacations” in River-tucky, CA??
Kate - March 14, 2007 at 4:06 pm
You can also order a Tuxedo Mocha at Starbucks — half mocha, half white chocolate mocha. They’re AWESOME.
Posted by: Arlo at February 15, 2007 04:03 PM
————————–
It’s Called a Zebra or a Black and White. i work at a Starbucks in Target.
Some more awesome drinks to try-
Passion Tea Lemonaid amde with apple juice instead of Lemonaide.
Mocha with Ras. a.k.a. the “Truffle” as a frappe or hot!
Vanillia Bean with Java chips – “Cookies n Cream”
Favorite Frappe with Whip blended in it- makes it more ricker and creamier…just dont double blend it!
Also i know a lot of people ask what a black/red eye is- All it is is the The Coffee of the Day/Drip of your choice with either 1 shot or 2 shots, just to enhance the flavor.
I made one up by myself which my customers like and thats the Dalmation, which is White Chocolate and Java Chips, and i love it!
Any comments? send them to Kateths@gmail.com
lydia - April 5, 2007 at 3:11 am
hey try the Zebra its white chocolate and dark chocolate hot or cold! its good!
julian - April 11, 2007 at 2:11 pm
has any1 heardof a gummie bear juice. its a passion ice tea with half the sweetener melon amd half of it rassberry. for example you could get a grande passion iced tea sweetened with 2 pumps melon ad 2 pumps rassberry. it tastes like melted gummie bears over ice. it is pretty good.
denise - April 16, 2007 at 12:11 pm
What about the lite frappachinos? Can you get anything different thats not on the menu?
denise - April 16, 2007 at 12:11 pm
What about the lite frappachinos? Can you get anything different thats not on the menu?
Jahon - April 16, 2007 at 3:01 pm
At starbucks their is a drink that’s not on the menu that we call a Captain Crunch. It’s a strawberry n creme with three shots toffee nut and 2 to 3 scoops of chocolate chips. It taste just like the berries in the cereal.
Mike - May 18, 2007 at 12:22 am
other lesser known beverages are the Red Eye and Black Eye. The Red Eye is a cup of coffee (your choice of size) with one shot of espresso added in. The Black Eye is with two shots of espresso. Good Morning!!!
Elana Joy - May 23, 2007 at 12:11 am
Hey! You can get ANY hot drink in a short size. (at least at the starbucks around the bay area)
Elana Joy - May 23, 2007 at 12:11 am
Hey! You can get ANY hot drink in a short size. (at least at the starbucks around the bay area)
robyn - July 10, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Anyone who actually orders their coffee at a certain temperature needs a hobby. George Carlin puts it perfectly:
“The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the asshole.”
Just an FYI, the barisatas will mock you when you leave with your 1/2 decaf-2 pump-extra shot-1/4 pack of Splenda-no whip-soy-132 degree-sugar free mocha.
Zman - July 22, 2007 at 12:35 am
Try a drink called the “Chai Bomb” . Their Chai with a shot of espresso.
Kasey W. - August 1, 2007 at 1:03 pm
One of the best drink ever. Marble Mocha Macchiato: white chocolate, milk chocolate, esspresso, milk
Sherwin - August 6, 2007 at 1:49 pm
They have a latte drink called “white elephant” is like a venti-venti drink or a big gulp from 7-11, its a cold frappicino drink that eventually becomes hot. It’s a “wow” and it works in every Starbucks, even in Europe!
Posted by: Kerry Johns at October 6, 2006 01:36 PM
__________________________________________________
i tried ordering the white elephant at to different starbucks in my area and both dont know what it is do u know what makes up a white elephant
Lydia - August 7, 2007 at 11:55 pm
okay is there any other drinks beside the zebra ? i keepm getting the same drink i want something different i usually get the passion tea lemonade or the white chocolate mocha with 5 shots and soymilk i get that hot or iced.. so yeah anysuggestions?
sherri - October 5, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Does anyone know what is in a “snickers”?
paul - October 21, 2007 at 5:04 pm
YOUR COFFEE IS OVER PRICED AND BITTER….IT……..SUCKS…SUCKS….SUCKS
paul - October 21, 2007 at 5:04 pm
YOUR COFFEE IS OVER PRICED AND BITTER….IT……..SUCKS…SUCKS….SUCKS
jossmary - October 22, 2007 at 6:21 pm
when i’m not in the mood for coffee, i order a strawberry apple juice frapp, with 2 shots of rasberry. it is so good, very refreshing! i call it R(asberry)A(apple)S(trawberry) medley.
Dianne - October 24, 2007 at 1:52 pm
venti passion tea lemonade with 2 pumps melon, 2 pumps rasp, 2 pumps orange is awesome (but be wary of the baristas making fun of you behind your back unless you actually work at starbucks =)
Deiter - December 17, 2007 at 2:21 pm
A sexy april. Cofee with chocolate lemonade and raspberry syrup.
jonathan - April 23, 2008 at 11:51 pm
I had this one drink it was called “winter wonderland” not a lot of people know it and i dunno what’s in it but it looked like a mix of caramel, vanilla bean, and peppermint. but there’s more in the drink.
Tara - April 25, 2008 at 10:24 am
7 pump triple venti mocha with whole milk and extra whip…yummmm
jamama - May 4, 2008 at 6:50 pm
a better name for a “chai bomb” is a “dirty chai”. and a better name for it than that is a “dirty hippie”
Alyssa - May 16, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Hey I was wondering if you knew a starbucks drink called Chuck Norris? it has like white mocha, tofee nut, & hazel nut.
celbee - May 23, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Some yummy and cheap drinks:
Iced coffee with white mocha – delicious! Whipped cream on top for extra yum.
Iced doppio with 1 pump hazelnut or 2 pumps honey syrup…add splash of half n half at the counter…mmm
celbee - May 23, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Some yummy and cheap drinks:
Iced coffee with white mocha – delicious! Whipped cream on top for extra yum.
Iced doppio with 1 pump hazelnut or 2 pumps honey syrup…add splash of half n half at the counter…mmm
PS I used to work at sbux and there is no such thing as a white elephant. Most of the other names listed don’t make any sense…just order what you want and they will make it – so don’t order a ‘zebra,’ just ask for a mocha with a mix of white and regular syrups…
jamama - June 5, 2008 at 4:33 am
um i work at starbucks too and everyone knows what a zebra/tux/mocha white mocha is
but you’re right, there is no such thing as a white elephant
Jason - June 21, 2008 at 2:17 am
I’m boring as far as drinks go: black coffee. But I have really grown to love the Starbucks brew. Plus I will honestly say that I’ve never run into a rude barista, and quite frankly, I love it that they’re corporate!
John - July 5, 2008 at 3:20 pm
ok order this it is the latest to the secret menu it is a snickers frapp. Ask for it it is the best.
John - July 5, 2008 at 3:21 pm
ok order this it is the latest to the secret menu it is a snickers frapp. Ask for it it is the best.
Adam Fred - July 22, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Starbucks is a bloodsucking entity, which destroys small, independent coffee retailers, with its shareholder-driven, global business approach.
What chance has a small retailer have against Starbucks, if one were to set up across the road, in any city in the world?
Given that it is the small shops and cafes that truly make the personality of a city (take Paris for example), we should try and protect the endeavors of small business, not crush it with the might and pillage of a tsunami, which is what Starbucks and its ilk really is.
Starbucks’ owner is also a major financier of the Israeli military machine.
Adam
Megan - August 4, 2008 at 12:01 am
Does anyonelse have a Peet’s Coffee in their area?Or is it just Berkeley?
Megan - August 4, 2008 at 12:01 am
Does anyonelse have a Peet’s Coffee in their area?Or is it just Berkeley?
Megan - August 4, 2008 at 12:01 am
Does anyonelse have a Peet’s Coffee in their area?Or is it just Berkeley?
megan - September 4, 2008 at 8:15 pm
has one ever had a captain crunch??
Sarah - November 9, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I work at a Starbucks and I have never or seen any of my co-wokers mock someone for ordering a complex drink….where did you get that info from?
And the issue with the small coffee business owners..make better coffee then.
And there is no such thing as a white elephant.
And yes, there are tons of Peet’s Coffee in my area and people are still packed into my Starbucks.
Briana - December 29, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I need to know how to make a snickers frapp.
Ashley - January 27, 2009 at 1:30 am
Can you get a zebra mocha with soy milk?
Ashley - January 27, 2009 at 1:30 am
Can you get a zebra mocha with soy milk?
Ashley - January 27, 2009 at 1:30 am
Can you get a zebra mocha with soy milk?
Ashley - January 27, 2009 at 1:30 am
Can you get a zebra mocha with soy milk?
Starbuxdude - February 13, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I work at Starbucks and there is nothing called a white elephant. For those who don’t like Starbucks coffee go drink your dirty mudd coffee at home. But for the jerks who will come in and order a white mocha with 10 shots, 1%, 5/7 of a splenda, then come back to complain…Your drink is stupid, you’re stupid, don’t talk slow because I can remember you know, and don’t act like you’re the ish because chances are you don’t have a degree and some partners including me will soon. But for those of you who are dope come in, smile, and we’ll get whatever you want. By the way when the jerks come in and leave a lot of us mimic you and call you creepy. And don’t say FRAPP…You don’t sound cool saying it, you sound dumb
Concurring Opinions Starbucks 39 Secret Menu | Best Eye Cream - June 7, 2009 at 7:50 pm
[...] Concurring Opinions Starbucks 39 Secret Menu Posted by root 2 hours 35 minutes ago (http://www.concurringopinions.com) Having worked at a starbucks for 4 years i would just like to make one comment yes you can order off menu vanillia bean with java chips cookies n cream the red eye is a cup of coffee your choice of size with one shot of espresso added in concurring opinio Discuss | Bury | News | Concurring Opinions Starbucks 39 Secret Menu [...]
bobo - June 25, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I currently work at Starbucks and we share one simple rule on the bar: BITCHES AND ASSHOLES GET DECAF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Starbucks is the best - July 14, 2009 at 1:00 am
is there really a drink called marble mocha machiato? just wondering
Sashley - July 15, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Yes there is such a drink called marble mocha macchiato…my friend was a Barista and she first told me about it. She said it’s awesome…I have yet to try it!
Don Elder - August 5, 2009 at 4:23 am
I’m a “Coffee Lover” from way, way, back!! My Personal Favorite?? Venti, 5 shot, breve’, latte. Also known as the “Killer Latte’”!! Good Stuff, ya’ll.
Kelly Smith - August 5, 2009 at 4:44 am
“BITCHES AND ASSHOLES GET DECAF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Hey bobo – so do pregnant women……. MORON
Nicole - August 5, 2009 at 5:15 am
um, kelly…he meant they get decaf even when they don’t ask for decaf…(cuz they’re bitches and assholes, see?)
j fizzle - August 5, 2009 at 5:17 am
im a barista at starbucks as well and i’ve worked at other coffee companies in the past, but i can honestly say that starbucks is by far the best one i’ve worked for. we’re VERY clean, friendly, and fast. so im sick of hearing how expensive and evil starbucks is by fuckin douchebag hippies that dont know what it means to hold a job. the reason why things are a little pricer is because you pay extra for us to treat you extra friendly (at least thats the way i look at it) and no, we dont make fun of people if they have a complicated drink, but we will however, if they are being total assholes. and the reason the other companies are going under is simple: survival of the fittest. starbucks didnt grow into a corporation overnight, it was just like any other new business, people liked it, and it grew.. end of story
j fizzle - August 5, 2009 at 5:19 am
and yes… bitches do get served decaf.
like they deserve
m - August 5, 2009 at 5:36 am
I love Starbuck, I also love lots of other small coffee houses. I can get coffee at everywhere. It is not an all or nothing thing. It is possible to buy coffee at Starbucks, order a complicated drink, or not, be nice, smile say have a great day. Then if I want another cup of coffee and am somewhere else I will stop at (in Evanston ill) one of my favs the Itlian coffee house and do the same thing..no harm no foul.. You don’t all have to be so nasty… it is only coffee…
Rhonda Lawrence - August 5, 2009 at 5:42 am
People who think that must just be purely ignorant. Have you never heard of heart arrythmias? Caffeine aggravates my condition, so I drink DECAF, pure and simple. I am certainly no bitch.
bostonmoonluva - August 5, 2009 at 5:44 am
I have to say absolutely love starbucks. Being from new england … dunkin donuts is generally the way. I drive across two towns to get my venti iced chai latte! As for comments on how starbucks is putting other companies out of business….well when your good your good. It was once a small company and guess what…folks liked it…it grew by supply and demand…hello basic economics.
Rhonda Lawrence - August 5, 2009 at 5:47 am
And, by the way, if you meant you serve decaf to people who are rude “unbeknownst” to them, it really is great coffee, so why bother doing that? That’s just plain juvenile.
jmeanne - August 5, 2009 at 11:28 am
i LOVE starbucks, and the one that i go to almost every morning is the best!!! i have never seen anyone get mocked for ordering a drink even if it’s complicated!!1
i order simple drinks: i think i do??
venti mocha frappuccino-shot blended in and no whip or a grande or venti mocha breve no whip!!
are these drinks complicated???
*just wondering*
do the ones that order decaf-is there a reason you want no caffiene?? are you just wanting the tast of coffee ??
Madison - August 5, 2009 at 10:17 pm
We’ve got a couple drinks we introduced earlier this summer that our regulars keep coming back for- the freckled redhead- a strawberry & cream frap with chocolate chips, and lemonberry dream- strawberry lemonade frap with a shot of cream base & whip cream.
IMMABARISTA - September 4, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I’ve worked at Starbucks for 2 years now (as a part time job). If you’ve noticed they have raised their prices recently. The drinks that went up in price are the ones that are the most complicated. The drink that went down are the easier ones to make. I work with many baristas who could careless if they make your drink right. Don’t be a jerk, you wont get what you ask for. Also quit complaining about how slow service is if your ordering a complicated drink!
LD Barista - September 5, 2009 at 10:23 am
I, too, am a barista at Starbucks. I do not think it is juvenile to give a person decaf instead of regular when they are being a douchbag. I can honestly tell you that the people who come in early in the morning who are mean just to be mean because they are unhappy with their own life, typically are the ones who are addicted to the caffiene and they need to learn not to bite the hand that feeds them.
At my store:
We like to make a “grasshopper.” Peppermint, white mocha green tea latte. If you do it as a frappuccino add the Java chips, yummy.
We also make a Banana Split. A Strawberries and Cream frappuccino with a banana, java chips, a pump of white mocha and a pump of mocha.
My favorite is, what I call, a Matcha Monkey Madness. Tall size whole milk in the Frappuccino blender, four scoops of Matcha powder, 2 scoops of protien powder, a banana and a Venti scoop of ice. My breakfast every morning.
PS: If I could leave you with one word of advice. DO NOT stand on the other side of the counter and stare at the barista making your drink. We do not like being watched. It’s creepy, imagine if someone you didn’t know was standing over your shoulder watching you work. YOUR drink is not the most important drink to us. There is an order as to how things work at Starbucks. DEAL WITH IT!
Kitty - September 18, 2009 at 12:24 am
i worked at starbucks for a while, and my fave off-menu item was the “trinity”
in a shot cup:
1 pump each toffeenut and cinnamon dolce
half and half
espresso shot
key is to layer them in that order (syrup on the bottom) and shoot it. the cold half and half keeps the espresso from burning, and all you taste is sweet, creamy deliciousness
there’s also the dirty chai which is a chai latte with an espresso shot
Zirphex - October 1, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Anybody every order a Captain Crunch?
it tastes just like the cereal.
It’s somethin’ like a strawberries and cream with toffee nut.
Then there’s also a drink called an Undertoe.
I won’t tell you what it is, but it’s for somebody that needs energy.
And don’t sip it.
Just drink the whole thing.
NorCalShift - October 9, 2009 at 6:30 pm
as a shift supervisor at a NorCal high-volume Starbucks (aka: we’re busy) i can say this: working at Starbucks is a tough job. if youve ever stood back and watched the team of partners working behind the counter, you’ve noticed that they’re working very hard, and are doing the best they can. this cannot be said for all Starbucks, but applies to many ive been to in my area.
we are expected to maintain the highest quality product while providing legendary service at top speed 100% of the time. in other words, we are expected to be perfect, and if you didnt know, nobody’s perfect! we make mistakes but, for the most part, we’re doing the best we can.
we’ve all had a bad experience at a Starbucks. ive watched MY baristas treat customers very poorly. please understand that for some people, no amount of training or continued coaching will turn them into the stellar barista behind the counter that everyone expects. we cant fire these partners unless they do something to deserve it, so what do we do? the best we can with what we’ve got.
there are a lot of haters out there, and, occasionally, i get extremely frustrated myself. but, during those times i remember this: its just coffee.
Lexis Deeterson - December 1, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Those are some really great drinks. Though there this website
http://deetfin.net/?page_id=965
with some other really great secret Starbucks drinks.
Btw, anyone remember Diedrich’s Coffee in Southern California. They had some great drinks. like the Mayan Mochas and all that jazz.
Arielle - December 8, 2009 at 4:50 pm
The “trinity” and the “undertoe” are basically the same thing. Maybe, minus the syrup or add a different flavor. Everyone i’ve made it for loves it, but they were right when they said don’t sip it. Just chug it down and you’ve got energy my friend.
Teach - January 21, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Wow. Starbucks funds the Israeli army? Whoda thunk it.
That smacks of Proctor/Gamble having made a deal with the devil hence the crescent moon on their products. SNOPES.COM, people!!!! Check before smearing!
It’s just coffee, as someone said, and if you don’t like Starbucks then Seattle’s Best, Peet’s, or whoever will happily make you a drink.
Sometimes I get a decaf latte because I want the taste but don’t want to be up until the wee hours of the morning. Most of the time I get the caffeinated to help manage my migraines.
And I can honestly say I’ve met more rude customers at Starbucks than rude barristas. Really, people–settle down and think about how you’re acting–we all want our coffee as quickly as possible but it’s not going to just glurg out of a machine like the vending machines in the library at the Univ of Idaho. Thank God for that. So take it easy, relax, enjoy your coffee and try to enjoy your day.
(I need a grande skinny cinnamon dulce latte–stat.)
ajason495 - January 21, 2010 at 10:52 pm
I’m not super fond of coffee, but I love their mixed drinks. They used to have chantico, and I would order them all the time, but they discontinued them. So I get a hot chocolate, 5 pump, breve (sp?). Its amazing, I’m sure it has like 1000 calories, but I don’t care! They are true chocolate lovers drink.
AmandaJade - January 26, 2010 at 9:24 pm
try the captain crunch. its yummy, I get it everytime, tastes just like captain crunch cereal!
Mysty - February 11, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I’m essentially a Starbucks virgin… was very intimidated to go there the first time just because of how it’s portrayed on tv/movies. I was like WTH do I order, it all sounds so complicated. But I really like the Tuxedo. Today, I went through and asked for a decaf whatever goes best with Kahlua, because today is an alcohol day but I need to sleep. I ended up with the Tuxedo YUM.
Kat - March 22, 2010 at 9:43 pm
I work for a local Starbucks in the SF Bay Area, and I love coming up with fun, crazy combos, which is actually why I came to this website. Here are a few I know of:
Captain Crunch:
Strawberries & Cream with either
Toffee Nut or Caramel syrup.
Cake Batter: (Grande size)
Creme base, 4 scoops of Vanilla Bean powder,
3 pumps of Vanilla syrup, 3 scoops of Protein Powder.
[Try adding Mocha Syrup/Chocolate Chips for a different
cake batter flavour]
Banana Split: (Venti size)
Creme Base, fresh banana,
2 pumps of Mocha, 2 pumps of Caramel,
Whipped Cream (blended and/or on top)
Caramel sauce & Mocha sauce in cup and on top.
Neopolitan Ice Cream: (Grande size)
Strawberries & Cream with 1 pump of mocha,
and Mocha sauce in cup and on top.
*Absolutely delicious!
Also, try:
Passion Tea Apple Juice
instead of Lemonade
[try half pumps of Raspberry syrup, and half pumps of Classic]
Iced Coffee with Toffee Nut and Breve
[probably my favourite drink]
Passion Tea [Lemonade/Apple Juice]
with Dark Cherry/Classic syrup, so good !
Pikes Place Roast with either
Mocha (to compliment the subtle cocoa flavours in the coffee), or even Dark Cherry!
Let me know if you know of anything else, please. I’d love to try. I get bored at work sometimes heh. <3 Enjoy!!
Kat - March 22, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Oh ! I forgot one more, which is one of my favourites.
The Snickerdoodle: [Grande Size]
3 pumps White Mocha,
3 pumps Cinnamon Dolce,
Soy Milk, Whipped Cream with
Cinnamon Dolce sprinkles.
BEST hot !!
& it\’s amazing!
Johanna - April 3, 2010 at 9:38 pm
try this
venti iced coffee, sweetened, with half and half, 3 pumps classic 3 scoops vanilla bean…shaken =]]]
yuuummmm one of my faves!
Ian - April 10, 2010 at 11:27 am
The Apple Pie:
Half soy milk/Half apple juice to appropriate size line in pitcher, steamed together (this is the important part, and makes a creamy, apple-y, nutty amazing blend with delicious foam)
Sugar-free caramel pumps for size
Top with cinnamon dolce powder
Anglwngss - April 29, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Grande Fried Ice Cream Frappuccino
(tastes like it anyway)
Start with the cream base.
Add one shot each of cinnamon dolce, caramel and vanilla. Mix, add whipped cream and caramel sauce on top.
Very sweet, but that’s how I like them!
cmdh - June 17, 2010 at 4:18 am
This has been a very entertaining thread. I love my starbucks! Quite the guilty pleasure on a budget with a family of five, but I never begrudge the price…it’s darn good coffee. There have been a number of small coffee houses that have come and gone in the last 10 years in our area, two of which I knew the owners. Out of a desire to promote local businesses I tried to go there often. It wasn’t as good. They used after school help that just wasn’t well trained and the outcome was hit or miss. It’s hard to argue with a brand that trains their baristas well. You expect, and generally receive consistent service and quality. Very rarely I have received a drink I thought wasn’t the best…I have NEVER complained. I’m 2 miles down the road before I realize. Then I wonder if I ordered right. There are two people involved in that communication of an order. If you don’t let them know what you want, you’re not going to get what you want.
I do get frustrated when I am tired or scattered and I stumble when ordering my venti skinny carmel macchiato and a barista will interrupt me to correct how I’m ordering it. I’m not on my cel phone or talking to my friend, I’m just not spitting it out at light speed. Someone complained about people watching you work. I’ll be mindful of that. I have done that sometimes because I’m interested in what you do, and I’m usually having a conversation with the barista about something…I talk to everyone. If it’s busy I just talk to another person waiting if they don’t have the death stare into space that says ‘Do NOT talk to me under any circumstances’. I REALLY hope I have not been given decaf without knowing it. If it ever makes up for it, there is another place a few doors down my girlfriends like to go for breakfast. Their food is good, but their coffee is bland. I have nooo problems buying my coffee at starbucks and taking it in the other shop to get my breakfast with the gals. If they made better coffee I wouldn’t have to.
The only different drink I get is during the holiday season you can get carmel apple cider w/ whipped cream. It’s very yummy in the evening. Also, if I’m not paying very close attention the 8yo rug rat will try to order a coffee base frappuccino instead of cream based. Stinker! They are really good at catching that on the fly if I have to yell over the counter to ‘please make monkey’s without the buzz’. They usually laugh, she pouts.
Michael - July 5, 2010 at 11:50 pm
As a barista, here’s what secrets I have learned:
Tea Mistos = a tea bag, half steeped in water, with half steamed milk. Doesn’t get foam unless you ask. (Cafe mistos, a.k.a. cafe au laits, also don’t get foam unless you ask. I’m a foamie, so I -always- ask for delicious velvety foam)
1 bag refresh + 1 bag calm = really good for nausea, and tasty. Chai tea (the teabag with water) is good for a sore throat. Chai tea lattes also work well. Half and half is good for saving your mouth from anything spicy.
Earl Grey/ Vanilla Roibos/Awake Tea Latte = Any of those teas as a misto. The Roibos and Awake (English Breakfast) tea lattes are sweetened with classic syrup, while the Earl Gray Tea Latte, also known as a London Fog, gets vanilla.
Cap’n Crunch = Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino + Toffee Nut Syrup (and sometimes Java Chips, depending on the barista)
Swamp Juice = Green Tea Lemonade + Matcha Powder (I like mine with sweetener)
Passion Tea + Apple Juice (instead of lemonade) = divine.
Marble Mocha Macchiato = (1 pump less than usual of white mocha sauce, steamed milk with foam, espresso, mocha drizzle in a crosshatch pattern, in that order)
Zebra/Tuxedo/Penguin Mocha = Half of the syrup is white mocha, and the other half, mocha. I’ve also heard this called the Michael Jackson. (Too soon?)
Green Tea Frappuccino + banana = delicious.
Oreo Milk Shake = Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino with white mocha sauce instead of the usual mocha sauce.
Apple Chai Infusion = Chai syrup with steamed apple juice
No-Water Chai = Normally, a chai is built from the following: Pumps of chai concentrate, water to the siren’s eye (the woman on the logo), and steamed milk the rest of the way. Without water, a chai is a lot creamier. The water is usually there because chai is steeped black tea plus milk. Water is always included in the recipe unless you ask for no water (except for the stores in Texas I worked at whose baristas were legitimately stupid)
Dirty chai = espresso over a chai.
Upside-down Caramel Macchiato = Normally, a caramel macchiato (NOT to be confused with an espresso macchiato) is built in the following manner: 1 pump less of vanilla syrup that the size would normally get, steamed milk and a little extra foam, shots of espresso, caramel drizzle in a cross-hatching pattern. These are dynamic drinks in that you get more espresso at the top and more milk and syrup and caramel drizzle at the bottom. An upside-down caramel macchiato is built in the following manner: 1 pump less of vanilla syrup, caramel drizzle, espresso to melt the caramel, and steamed milk to distribute the espresso and caramel evenly throughout the drink.
Try getting caramel macchiatos in a for-here mug, or bring your own coffee cup. If you do, the caramel will distribute over the foam and make this delicious pad of caramel foam that sits on top like butter. Otherwise it would get stuck on the lid.
Protein Latte = a formerly featured drink. Add protein powder to the milk before steaming. Slight vanilla flavor to it.
Vanilla bean cappuccino = a personal favorite of mine. Add vanilla bean powder to the milk before steaming.
Iced cappuccino = not allowed in some districts due to health code restrictions, but there IS a recipe card all stores should have access to. Espresso, milk to the bottom of the logo, ice to the top of the logo, steamed milk the rest of the way. Add 1 pump less of vanilla than the size would normally get, and caramel drizzle on top of the foam, and you get the bastard love child of an iced cappuccino and a caramel macchiato. Another personal favorite.
Adding whip to your frappuccinos before blending = much fluffier texture, many more calories.
Try adding whole espresso beans to any frappuccino. You’ll get a tasty caffeinated crunch.
Vanilla bean frappuccino + caramel drizzle is fairly popular. No secret name.
Shots of espresso can be added on top of a frappuccino. This is called affogato style (taken from espresso over ice cream).
Caramel Macchiato Frappuccino = Vanilla bean frappuccino with 1 scoop less of vanilla bean powder, an affogato shot, and caramel drizzle.
There is whey-based protein powder in all vivanno drinks. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can order vivannos with soy, but PLEASE remember to also get that without protein powder.
In a similar vein, there is gluten in the frappuccino beverage bases. If you have celiac spruce, avoid frappuccinos or suffer the consequences.
All hot drinks can be ordered as a short. Our milks are 2% as a standard for all milk-based drinks except the frappuccinos, which get whole milk, or the skinny lattes or light frappuccinos, which get nonfat. You can also order soy, breve (fancy-talk for half and half), and heavy whipping cream.
We hate it when someone orders an iced doppio and then fills their cup with condiment bar creamer. Besides the fact that the espresso expires in ten seconds and you’re making yourself a crappy drink and will probably complain about it online, you’re using up our creamer. We don’t mind complicated orders, so long as you treat us with respect. Should we make a mistake, we understand it’s unfortunate and will do our best to correct it quickly, but yelling at us, being rude, or making a stink makes you an asshole and you -will- get decaf from some of us.
With that said, for the most part, you customers are awesome and make my job worth going to. Have fun, customize the -shit- out of your drinks, and love us back. And if you happen to tip us, know that those tips become our grocery fund for the week and we love you all the more for feeding us, because lawhdy knows Starbucks pays us just under a living wage.
Peace and coffee,
Michael
Berkeley @ Ox/Cen
Harris Telemacher - July 29, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I’ll have a half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon.
SumSun - August 18, 2010 at 6:34 pm
The captain crunch over where I work (let’s say for venti) Is just you know strawberries and creme obviously. but then with 4 pumps of toffee nut and 4 scoops of vanilla bean powder. It’s yummmmmy!
I also enjoy( also venti) Passion Iced tea lemonade, half strawberry juice and half lemonade (where the juice goes obviously) Sweetened (sometimes with an extra pump) and one or two pumps of raspberry. I also like a hot tall awake one bag two pumps of classic and a shot of espresso. Oh, I also lovee a grande 7 pump chai two pump whit mocha no water whole milk chai. Mmm mmm mmm. <3
dallas - August 31, 2010 at 12:39 am
no we will not mock you when you walk away with a complicated drink i like a customer who knows what they want vice one that stairs at the menu for half an hour
Kitty - October 4, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I am a Starbucks barista and what Michael says is so true. I will make you whatever you want, I don’t care how complicated you think it is (it’s never as complicated as you like to think it is), just be a decent person. If I make a mistake I will do whatever I can to fix it, but when someone makes an honest mistake you don’t need to be an asshole. I take pride in being able to make the perfect beverage. If we’re not busy, I will make as many beverages as necessary to help you find your perfect drink; I want you to be happy. We do really appreciate tips; without them I can’t pay my rent.
P.S. Bitches get decaf.
Lisa Lee - October 6, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I love my local Starbucks. little over 3 bucks for a french press pike place black eye. i will never drink redbull again LOL
Keri - October 14, 2010 at 4:32 pm
bobo – June 25, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I currently work at Starbucks and we share one simple rule on the bar: BITCHES AND ASSHOLES GET DECAF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BOBO What about pregnant ladies????? We get decaf due to the increased risk of misscariage, so I would suggest you keep your rude comments to yourself.
Keri - October 14, 2010 at 4:33 pm
that goes for “Kitty” cat too.
Ris - October 22, 2010 at 1:45 am
Um, Keri, I believe what bobo meant was the fact that they purposely give rude customers decaf when they clearly want caffeinated drinks. It’s to reciprocate the headaches the “bitches and assholes” gave them. I should know, I worked at a coffee store too
I don’t think their intention was to insult those who do order decaf. In fact, that’s probably irrelevant. LOL
But the marble mocha macchiato sounds amazing, I’m definitely trying that next time I go to Starbucks!
giggles10 - November 10, 2010 at 2:45 pm
I keep reading how many of you give people that you think are being rude or you dont like decaf, I dont understand why? I mean all your doing is not giving them the caffein rush they want but it’s not that hard to go get a soda or even an energy drink for a pick-me-up. I used to work in a coffee shop and we used to do it the other way around if a person was rude or complained or we didn’t like them or whatever the reason was and they wanted decaf we always used regular coffee instead. Mostly we hated making the decaf since it’s not as common for people around where I’m from to get decaf but we’d always use regular coffee instead of the requested decaf for assholes. Then we’d make a joke after they left about how we probably caused they’re next heart attack because of the caffein overload they’re not expecting.
Liz - April 13, 2011 at 7:48 am
Dealing with rude people comes with the territory when you are working with the general public. This is something I know well because I am a nurse, but I believe in being professional and doing my job well and correctly NO MATTER WHAT! Sick people and people in need of their dose of caffeine can probably be equally “bitchy”, but does this mean I should give them inadequate care, treat them differently, or mess up their medications on purpose?! To those of you who work at Starbucks and mess up people’s drink orders on purpose…please grow up and take your jobs seriously, or maybe it’s time to find a new career where you don’t have have to interact with the general public.
Alex - May 9, 2011 at 7:40 pm
You can get a Cap n’ Crunch Frappuccino by ordering a strawberrys and cream frappuccino with a shot of caramel, two shots of toffee, one shot of hazelnut, and two scoops of chocolate chips
Lily - August 16, 2011 at 11:38 pm
some of my personal favs are getting a green tea-vanilla bean frappe with caramel sauce or a chai with 1 or 2 pumps of mocha (chocolate chai) or a vanilla mint frappe
Flynn - October 12, 2011 at 7:52 pm
My favorite off-menu item is the Grasshopper:
green tea frapp
with peppermint
and java chips
ryan serial barrista dater - October 19, 2011 at 11:49 pm
I am suprised no one has mentioned the demise of almond syrup some four years ago. One used to be able to add melon and almond to a passion tea and get the exact taste of Hawaiian Punch!!
If you want a secret recipe ask, ask, ask, if they can make anything that tastes like something else. There are at least a dozen recipes, some like hawaiian punch dont exist anymore.
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