Midterms week is upon us. For those of us who have experienced it before, we know we’re in for a long week of late night study sessions, minimal sleep, and LOTS of caffeine. So here are a few Starbucks tips and tricks, brought to you by my lovely friend and Starbucks barista Emily Hoeppner, to help you get through the week.
The Salted Caramel Misto
If you’re a die-hard Salted Caramel Mocha fan like me, but sometimes the chocolatey goodness is just too overpowering, the Salted Caramel Misto is the drink for you. Order a misto (half coffee, half steamed milk) with your favorite roast (Blonde, Pike, or Dark) and add 2 pumps of mocha and 2 pumps of toffee nut syrup. You get the great taste of the classic salted caramel mocha without the overwhelming richness. Plus, it’s cheaper, saving you those valued FlexPoints!
For Frappucino Lovers
So maybe you aren’t a coffee person, but you can still treat yourself! Any hot drink on the menu can be turned into a frappucinno, so keep the pumpkin spice frappucinos coming! You can also check out the Starbuck’s secret menu online for new, tasty treats like a Nutella Frappucino. Emily’s favorite secret menu recipe is the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frappe (white mocha frappucino, with 1.5 pumps cinnamon dulce, 1.5 pumps hazelnut, and cinnamon sprinkles and whip cream blended in).
Caramel Macchiato Fun Facts
Did you know that the Caramel Macchiato is not actually caramel flavored? “Macchiato” means marked, so the drink is “marked” with caramel drizzle. The actual drink is vanilla flavored. So if you want a Caramel Macchiato Frappuccino, order a vanilla frappe with a shot of espresso on top.
Sweet Tooth
If you have a sweet tooth, try adding raspberry syrup to nearly any drink you want—raspberry tea lemonades, Black Forest Cake Frappucinos, and Vanilla Frappucinos with Raspberry, oh my!
Caffeine for Days
For those mornings that you really need an energy boost, try a Red Eye (regular coffee with a shot of espresso). Or, if you’re feeling VERY sleep deprived and extra brave, you can try the Black Eye (regular coffee with two shots of espresso).
If you’re more of a tea person, but still need that extra caffeine kick, try a Dirty Chai (Chai Latte with a shot of espresso).
Money Saving Techniques
If you need to step up your caffeine game this midterms week while keeping the cost low, bring your own cup for 25 cents off each drink! It also works with empty cold-drink cups!
Order a grande tea in a venti cup. You still get two tea bags, but at a lower price!
If you’re really in a FlexPoint crunch, try making your own. Order a double shot of espresso over ice and mix it with the free milk at the condiments station. Dump out most of the ice and you have yourself a latte for less!
And if you’re one of the lucky ones whose midterms were this past week, Starbucks now serves decaf iced coffee*!
*May or may not apply to the Starbucks on campus.
A big thank you to Emily Hoeppner (right) for all the Starbucks hacks!
Happy studies! Stay caffeinated!
HCNDXO.
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