As a Starbucks barista, I can confirm that there are definitely some amazing parts of our job where we get to have a lot of fun experimenting with and trying new drinks. The bar is a magical place where anything is possible and there are endless recipes and combinations of flavours to be discovered. Here are my top 10 personal favourite creations that you have to try!
1. Birthday Cake Frappuccino
This treat is the perfect way to satisfy a hungry sweet tooth! The recipe will get you close to the classic vanilla birthday cake taste – but with a chilled twist.
How to order: Ask for a vanilla bean Frappuccino made with coconut milk and half the pumps of hazelnut syrup (BONUS: ask the barista if they are willing to blend a birthday cake pop into your Frappuccino – minus the stick of course!).
2. White Chocolate Chip Frappuccino
This drink can be made with a simple twist of a Starbucks childhood favourite! Everyone loves the double chocolate chip frappuccino, especially because of the chocolate chucks you get in between sips. You can spice up this classic by keeping the chocolate chunks and switching for white mocha instead of regular mocha.
How to order: Ask for a double chocolate chip frappuccino with white mocha substituted for the regular mocha.
3. Strawberry Limeade Refresher
If you’re not in the mood for coffee, but need a boost of caffeine, or if you’re just looking for a fruity thirst quencher, this is the drink for you! Combining the Starbucks cool lime refresher with the new strawberry infusion is the ultimate way to brighten up your day with new flavours.
How to order: Ask for a cool lime refresher made with strawberry infusion and light water (you can also try this with the peach or pineapple infusions too!).
4. White Mocha Starbucks Blonde Double Shot on Ice
This drink is the absolute perfect cure if you’re exhausted and in need of a heavy dose of caffeine. A venti size of the original Starbucks double shot on ice already carries a hefty 5 shots of espresso, so substituting for blonde espresso will only increase the already impressive amount of caffeine in the drink. Adding white mocha is the secret to taking this already delicious drink to the next level.
How to order: Ask for a blonde Starbucks double shot on ice with white mocha instead of the classic syrup sweetener.
5. Steamed Youthberry Tea Lemonade
Not many people know anyone can ask for steamed lemonade in their Starbucks drink. This is a game changer for brewed teas. Herbal teas and steamed lemonade go hand in hand and the youthberry tea compliments the citrusy flavors the best.
How to order: Ask for a youthberry tea with half water and half steamed lemonade (for grande and venti sizes, ask for both tea bags in the tea, this will make your tea stronger and more flavorful).
6. White Peppermint Hot Chocolate
White chocolate and peppermint is by far my personal favourite combination of flavours around the winter months. Many people don’t realize they can actually ask for peppermint flavoured drinks year-round, not just during the winter when they are heavily advertised. This drink is a simple switch up of the classic Starbucks hot chocolate that will be perfect for cuddling up with some blankets and enjoying the frosty weather to come.
How to order: Ask for a classic white hot chocolate with peppermint syrup added in.
7. Coconut Raspberry Lime Refresher
If you’re getting tired of the “pink drink” and are starting to find that the very berry hibiscus refresher with coconut milk is too basic, try switching things up with the cool lime refresher instead. This is a unique drink that I know sounds really strange, but I can assure you is absolutely delicious.
How to order: Ask for a cool lime refresher made with coconut milk instead of water, with only 1 pump of raspberry syrup (the raspberry can become overpowering).
8. Coconut Vanilla Chai
Asking for no water in any chai latte makes it approximately 3x creamier and more delicious. For this rendition of the classic drink, coconut milk gives a lighter and sweeter taste, while the vanilla balances out the spice of the syrup. This drink will hit the spot whether you try it iced or hot!
How to order: Ask for a chai latte made with coconut milk and no water, with 1 extra pump of vanilla.
9. Blonde Vanilla Bean Espresso Frappuccino
The best way to get a coffee-based frappuccino is to substitute the frap-roast for delicious and freshly poured shots of espresso. My absolute favourite coffee-based frap is a blonde espresso frap with vanilla bean powder for added sweetness. This is the perfect frappuccino for an afternoon of studying and concentration.
How to order: Ask for a venti double blonde no frap-roast espresso frap with 3 scoops of vanilla bean powder, double blended for extra smoothness.
10. Toasted Cinnamon Mocha
Our last drink is based off your typical café mocha, except with hints of delicious cinnamon dolce. This café latte will taste like snickerdoodle cookies and warm hugs – guaranteed.
How to order: Ask for a café mocha with half the amount of cinnamon dolce syrup pumps (substitute for blonde espresso for a lighter coffee taste).