As an active coffee drinker, some of you may think you are professionals when it comes to ordering your Starbucks drinks. I am here to offer guidance with tips on how to order those fancy drinks you love so much while saving money.
Caffeine
Contrary to popular belief, light roast coffees actually have more caffeine in them than dark roasts. So next time you need a big caffeine fix try getting the light roast coffee and add a shot if you really need the boost.
Shots
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking… more shots means ordering a larger size? At Starbucks, a tall drink has one shot in it, while the grande and venti size both have just two shots in them. Ordering the larger size just means more sugar, and more milk for the extra cost. Next time try adding an extra shot to your grande and save yourself the money and the calories. Adding a shot to your coffee will go a longer way than upgrading to the bigger size.
Frappuccino’s
Frappuccino’s actually do not have any actual coffee or shots in them unless you ask. Frappuccino’s are made with a special coffee base to give it its caffeine and coffee taste. The base gives the drink a thicker consistency. If you do add shots to the drink it will become more runny, so add extra ice if you do choose to swap shots for Frappuccino roast.
Secret menu
If the employee does know the drink on this so called “secret menu” they hate making it, or chances are they don’t know the recipe. Have the recipe in hand so that you can tell them what to add to your drink instead of saying that it’s a drink from the “secret menu.” Drinks like this often add a ton of extra sugar to your beverage; if you add two flavors, tell your barista to add half the amount of pumps. Same great taste, less sugar.
Tea
Teas are made with half water and half tea. If you like your tea stronger, ask for no water on your next order.
Temperature
Find yourself constantly getting your drink too hot or two cold? At Starbucks you can order your drink at 3 temperatures. 140° (kids temp) if you like your drink more warm then hot. 145-165° is the normal temperature for an average drink. But some like it hot, or in this case extra hot which is around 180-190°, which, fair warning, this will probably burn your tongue.
Ice
If it feels like you’ve only taken a few sips of your over priced $6.00 drink and it’s already gone, it’s because ice fills almost half of your cup. The bottom line on your cup marks how much is supposed to be filled with ice before the milk or water is supposed to be added to your drink. Ask for light ice on your next order to get the most drink for your money.
Smoothies
The only real fruit in the chocolate and strawberry banana smoothies is 1 banana. The other half of these delicious smoothies is a fruit base or chocolate for taste. If you want some fresh fruit I would lean toward the evolution juices they keep in the drink case.
Iced coffee
For those of you who like the bitter taste of iced coffee, the classic iced coffee is for you. But the latest and greatest in iced coffee is cold brew. Cold brew is usually made overnight and is steeped into the coffee. This fancy way of brewing takes away the normal bitter taste that ice coffee usually has. You might not even need to add sugar.
Here’s to everyone from the “starbucks lovers” – shoutout to Taylor Swift – to the typical white girl, the black coffee drinker and beyond.