Starbucks is one of the most popular coffee chains in the world, known for its extensive menu and delicious beverages.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide what to order.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate Starbucks drink guide, featuring 15 must-try beverages for all seasons.
Whether you’re a fan of hot drinks in the winter or refreshing iced beverages in the summer, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So grab your favorite mug or tumbler and get ready to discover your new go-to Starbucks drink!
Warm up with Winter favorites
During the chilly winter months, a hot beverage can warm you up from the inside out. Here are five must-try Starbucks drinks to keep you cozy
Peppermint Mocha
Ingredients
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: 1 shot (or 1/2 cup if using strong brewed coffee)
- Milk: 1 cup (can use any type like whole, skim, almond, soy, etc.)
- Chocolate Syrup: 2 tablespoons (or more for a richer taste)
- Peppermint Syrup: 1 tablespoon (adjust according to taste)
- Whipped Cream: for topping
- Peppermint Candies or Chocolate Shavings: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee or an espresso shot. If you’re using a coffee machine, prepare the espresso as per the machine’s instructions.
- Heat the Milk: In a saucepan or using a microwave, heat the milk until it’s hot but not boiling. For a frothier texture, you can use a milk frother.
- Mix in Flavors: Add the chocolate syrup and peppermint syrup to the hot milk. Stir well until both syrups are fully incorporated.
- Combine with Coffee: Pour the espresso or strong coffee into a large mug. Then add the flavored milk mixture into the coffee.
- Top and Serve: Top your peppermint mocha with a generous amount of whipped cream. If you like, garnish with crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings for an extra festive touch.
- Enjoy: Stir gently before sipping and enjoy your homemade peppermint mocha!
Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate and peppermint syrup based on your preference for sweetness and minty flavor. This recipe offers a cozy, festive beverage perfect for the holiday season or whenever you crave a Starbucks-style treat at home!
Caramel Brulée Latte
Ingredients:
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee
- Milk (of your choice)
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Caramel brulée topping (you can use crushed caramel candy as a substitute)
Instructions:
- Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing a strong espresso or coffee. If you’re using a coffee machine, pull a shot of espresso. For a regular coffee maker, make the coffee stronger than usual.
- Heat and Froth the Milk: While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk. You can use a stovetop or a microwave. If you have a frother, froth the milk until it’s creamy and has a good amount of foam. If you don’t have a frother, a whisk or shaking in a jar can work.
- Add Caramel Sauce: In your serving cup, add caramel sauce to taste. The amount depends on how sweet you like your latte.
- Combine Coffee and Milk: Pour the brewed espresso or coffee over the caramel sauce in the cup. Stir well to blend the coffee with the caramel. Then, add the heated and frothed milk.
- Top it Off: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired. Sprinkle with caramel brulée topping or crushed caramel candy for that extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give it a final stir and your homemade Caramel Brulée Latte is ready to be enjoyed!
Remember, you can adjust the amount of caramel and milk to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade latte!
Chestnut Praline Latte
Ingredients:
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: 1-2 shots (or about 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)
- Milk: 1 cup (whole milk for creaminess, but any variety will work)
- Chestnut Praline Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons (available online or in some stores; you can also use a hazelnut syrup as a substitute)
- Whipped Cream: for topping
- Praline Crumbs: for garnish (you can use crushed candied pecans or similar)
Instructions:
- Brew Espresso/Coffee: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong brew from a regular coffee maker will work.
- Heat and Froth Milk: While your coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. If you have a frother, froth the milk until it’s creamy and has a bit of foam. If you don’t have a frother, a whisk or a blender can work to create some froth.
- Combine Coffee and Syrup: In your serving mug, combine the hot espresso or coffee with the chestnut praline syrup. Stir well to mix the syrup evenly.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour the hot, frothed milk into the mug with the coffee and syrup mixture.
- Top and Garnish: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with praline crumbs or crushed candied pecans for that authentic Starbucks touch.
- Enjoy: Give it a gentle stir, and your homemade Chestnut Praline Latte is ready to enjoy!
White Chocolate Mocha
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup of milk (any type you prefer)
- ¼ cup of white chocolate chips or white chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Espresso/Coffee: Brew two shots of espresso or a half cup of strong coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a regular coffee maker or even a French press.
- Melt the White Chocolate: If using white chocolate chips, melt them gently in a saucepan or in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. If using white chocolate syrup, this step is not necessary.
- Heat the Milk: Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. You can also froth the milk if you like a foamier texture.
- Combine and Mix: Add the melted white chocolate to the hot milk and stir well until fully combined. If using white chocolate syrup, mix it directly with the hot milk.
- Assemble the Drink: Pour the brewed espresso or coffee into a large mug. Add the white chocolate milk mixture. Stir well to combine everything.
- Add Toppings: Top with a generous amount of whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch.
- Enjoy! Your homemade White Chocolate Mocha is ready. Adjust the sweetness by adding more white chocolate or a bit of sugar if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, Starbucks-style White Chocolate Mocha!
Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup of milk (any kind you prefer)
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat Water: In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer.
- Mix in Cocoa: Add the dry ingredients to the saucepan and stir until the mixture becomes a smooth chocolate syrup.
- Add Milk: Slowly add the milk to the saucepan while continuing to stir. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the milk.
- Warm Through: Keep stirring and heat the mixture until hot, but not boiling. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. If you like, you can top it with whipped cream or marshmallows for an extra treat.
Enjoy your homemade Starbucks-style hot chocolate!
Summer Sips: Cool Down with iced drinks
When the temperatures rise, cool down with a refreshing iced beverage from Starbucks. Here are five must-try options for the summertime:
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Ingredients:
- Espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- Vanilla syrup
- Milk (any kind, according to preference)
- Ice cubes
- Caramel sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Espresso: Brew a shot of espresso or a small cup of strong coffee. Let it cool slightly.
- Vanilla Syrup: In a tall glass, add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup, depending on how sweet you like your drink.
- Milk and Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes, and pour milk over the ice, leaving some space at the top for the espresso.
- Add Espresso: Gently pour the espresso or coffee over the milk. This creates the distinct marbled look of a macchiato.
- Caramel Drizzle: Finally, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top.
- Mix and Enjoy: Before drinking, stir the macchiato to mix the flavors, or enjoy it layered for a stronger coffee taste at the first sip.
That’s it! Your homemade Iced Caramel Macchiato is ready to be enjoyed. Feel free to adjust the amount of syrup, milk, and caramel to suit your taste.
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
Ingredients:
- Frozen Dragonfruit: A small pack (about 1 cup) of frozen dragonfruit chunks. You can find these in the frozen section of many grocery stores.
- Mango Juice: About 1 cup of mango juice. Preferably, choose one without added sugar to mimic the natural sweetness of Starbucks’ version.
- White Grape Juice: Half a cup of white grape juice. This adds a slight tanginess and sweetness.
- Green Coffee Extract: This is optional, but it gives that caffeine kick that the original drink has. You can buy green coffee extract online or at health food stores.
- Water: About 1 cup.
- Ice: As needed.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dragonfruit: Thaw the frozen dragonfruit chunks at room temperature for a few minutes so they’re easy to blend.
- Blend: In a blender, combine the thawed dragonfruit, mango juice, white grape juice, and green coffee extract (if using). Blend until smooth.
- Strain: Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture into a large pitcher to remove dragonfruit seeds and any pulp, ensuring a smooth drink.
- Dilute: Add 1 cup of water to the strained mixture in the pitcher and stir well.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the Mango Dragonfruit mixture over it.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a slice of dragonfruit or mango on the rim of the glass for an extra touch.
Enjoy your homemade Mango Dragonfruit Refresher! Remember, you can adjust the sweetness or intensity of flavors by altering the amount of mango juice or dragonfruit.
Pink Drink
Ingredients:
- Strawberry Acai Refresher mix (You can buy a premade mix or use a similar berry-flavored tea as a substitute)
- Coconut milk (Preferably chilled)
- Fresh strawberries (Sliced)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Acai Tea: Brew the Strawberry Acai tea according to the package instructions. If you’re using a different berry-flavored tea, brew it stronger than usual for a more intense flavor.
- Chill the Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until it’s cold. This could take about an hour, or you can prepare it in advance.
- Slice Strawberries: While the tea is chilling, slice fresh strawberries into thin pieces.
- Assemble the Drink: In a large cup or glass, fill about half with ice cubes. Add the sliced strawberries on top of the ice.
- Mix the Drink: Pour the chilled strawberry acai tea over the ice and strawberries until the cup is about three-quarters full. Then, top it off with coconut milk. The coconut milk should create a beautiful pink hue as it mixes with the tea.
- Stir and Serve: Gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors. Add a straw, and your homemade Pink Drink is ready to enjoy!
This recipe is a simple version of the Starbucks Pink Drink and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with the amount of coconut milk or strawberries to find your perfect balance!
Iced Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
- Matcha Powder: 1-2 teaspoons (depending on your taste preference)
- Hot Water: 2 tablespoons (to dissolve the matcha)
- Milk: About 1 cup (you can use any milk of your choice, including dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk)
- Ice Cubes
- Sweetener (optional): Sugar, honey, or any sweetener of choice, to taste
Instructions:
- Dissolve Matcha: In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with the hot water until it becomes a smooth paste. This helps to prevent lumps in your latte.
- Add Milk: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the milk over the ice, leaving some space at the top for the matcha mixture.
- Combine: Pour the dissolved matcha over the milk. If you like your latte sweet, add your preferred sweetener to the matcha before adding it to the milk.
- Mix and Enjoy: Stir well to combine the matcha with the milk. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Enjoy your refreshing Iced Matcha Latte!
This recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust the amount of matcha or sweetener to suit your taste. You can also add flavors like vanilla or coconut for a twist. Enjoy your homemade Iced Matcha Latte!
Iced Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients:
- Chai tea concentrate (You can find this at most grocery stores or make your own with black tea and chai spices)
- Milk (You can use any kind of milk you prefer, such as whole, skim, almond, or soy)
- Ice cubes
- Sweetener (optional, such as sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chai: Begin by brewing your chai tea concentrate. If you’re using store-bought concentrate, follow the instructions on the package. For homemade, steep your chai tea in hot water, then strain.
- Cool the Chai: Allow the chai tea concentrate to cool to room temperature. You can speed up this process by placing it in the refrigerator.
- Mix the Drink: In a glass, add ice cubes to fill about half the glass.
- Add Chai Concentrate: Pour the cooled chai tea concentrate over the ice. The amount of chai you use depends on how strong you want the flavor. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of chai concentrate to milk.
- Add Milk: Pour your choice of milk over the chai concentrate and ice.
- Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter latte, add your desired sweetener and stir well.
- Serve: Give the mixture a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. Your homemade Iced Chai Tea Latte is now ready to enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the proportions of chai, milk, and sweetener to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is very flexible and can be easily customized!
Indulge in seasonal specials
Throughout the year, Starbucks releases limited-time seasonal specials that are worth trying. Here are five must-try seasonal drinks:
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
- Espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- Vanilla syrup
- Milk (any kind, according to preference)
- Ice cubes
- Caramel sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Espresso: Brew a shot of espresso or a small cup of strong coffee. Let it cool slightly.
- Vanilla Syrup: In a tall glass, add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup, depending on how sweet you like your drink.
- Milk and Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes, and pour milk over the ice, leaving some space at the top for the espresso.
- Add Espresso: Gently pour the espresso or coffee over the milk. This creates the distinct marbled look of a macchiato.
- Caramel Drizzle: Finally, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top.
- Mix and Enjoy: Before drinking, stir the macchiato to mix the flavors, or enjoy it layered for a stronger coffee taste at the first sip.
That’s it! Your homemade Iced Caramel Macchiato is ready to be enjoyed. Feel free to adjust the amount of syrup, milk, and caramel to suit your taste.
Caramel Apple Spice
Ingredients:
- Frozen Dragonfruit: A small pack (about 1 cup) of frozen dragonfruit chunks. You can find these in the frozen section of many grocery stores.
- Mango Juice: About 1 cup of mango juice. Preferably, choose one without added sugar to mimic the natural sweetness of Starbucks’ version.
- White Grape Juice: Half a cup of white grape juice. This adds a slight tanginess and sweetness.
- Green Coffee Extract: This is optional, but it gives that caffeine kick that the original drink has. You can buy green coffee extract online or at health food stores.
- Water: About 1 cup.
- Ice: As needed.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dragonfruit: Thaw the frozen dragonfruit chunks at room temperature for a few minutes so they’re easy to blend.
- Blend: In a blender, combine the thawed dragonfruit, mango juice, white grape juice, and green coffee extract (if using). Blend until smooth.
- Strain: Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture into a large pitcher to remove dragonfruit seeds and any pulp, ensuring a smooth drink.
- Dilute: Add 1 cup of water to the strained mixture in the pitcher and stir well.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the Mango Dragonfruit mixture over it.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a slice of dragonfruit or mango on the rim of the glass for an extra touch.
Enjoy your homemade Mango Dragonfruit Refresher! Remember, you can adjust the sweetness or intensity of flavors by altering the amount of mango juice or dragonfruit.
Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
Ingredients:
- Strawberry Acai Refresher mix (You can buy a premade mix or use a similar berry-flavored tea as a substitute)
- Coconut milk (Preferably chilled)
- Fresh strawberries (Sliced)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Acai Tea: Brew the Strawberry Acai tea according to the package instructions. If you’re using a different berry-flavored tea, brew it stronger than usual for a more intense flavor.
- Chill the Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until it’s cold. This could take about an hour, or you can prepare it in advance.
- Slice Strawberries: While the tea is chilling, slice fresh strawberries into thin pieces.
- Assemble the Drink: In a large cup or glass, fill about half with ice cubes. Add the sliced strawberries on top of the ice.
- Mix the Drink: Pour the chilled strawberry acai tea over the ice and strawberries until the cup is about three-quarters full. Then, top it off with coconut milk. The coconut milk should create a beautiful pink hue as it mixes with the tea.
- Stir and Serve: Gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors. Add a straw, and your homemade Pink Drink is ready to enjoy!
This recipe is a simple version of the Starbucks Pink Drink and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with the amount of coconut milk or strawberries to find your perfect balance!
Dragon Drink
Ingredients:
- Matcha Powder: 1-2 teaspoons (depending on your taste preference)
- Hot Water: 2 tablespoons (to dissolve the matcha)
- Milk: About 1 cup (you can use any milk of your choice, including dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk)
- Ice Cubes
- Sweetener (optional): Sugar, honey, or any sweetener of choice, to taste
Instructions:
- Dissolve Matcha: In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with the hot water until it becomes a smooth paste. This helps to prevent lumps in your latte.
- Add Milk: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the milk over the ice, leaving some space at the top for the matcha mixture.
- Combine: Pour the dissolved matcha over the milk. If you like your latte sweet, add your preferred sweetener to the matcha before adding it to the milk.
- Mix and Enjoy: Stir well to combine the matcha with the milk. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Enjoy your refreshing Iced Matcha Latte!
This recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust the amount of matcha or sweetener to suit your taste. You can also add flavors like vanilla or coconut for a twist. Enjoy your homemade Iced Matcha Latte!
Irish Cream Coffee
Ingredients:
- Chai tea concentrate (You can find this at most grocery stores or make your own with black tea and chai spices)
- Milk (You can use any kind of milk you prefer, such as whole, skim, almond, or soy)
- Ice cubes
- Sweetener (optional, such as sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chai: Begin by brewing your chai tea concentrate. If you’re using store-bought concentrate, follow the instructions on the package. For homemade, steep your chai tea in hot water, then strain.
- Cool the Chai: Allow the chai tea concentrate to cool to room temperature. You can speed up this process by placing it in the refrigerator.
- Mix the Drink: In a glass, add ice cubes to fill about half the glass.
- Add Chai Concentrate: Pour the cooled chai tea concentrate over the ice. The amount of chai you use depends on how strong you want the flavor. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of chai concentrate to milk.
- Add Milk: Pour your choice of milk over the chai concentrate and ice.
- Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter latte, add your desired sweetener and stir well.
- Serve: Give the mixture a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. Your homemade Iced Chai Tea Latte is now ready to enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the proportions of chai, milk, and sweetener to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is very flexible and can be easily customized!
Conclusion
With this ultimate Starbucks drink guide, you have 15 must-try beverages for all seasons at your fingertips.
Whether you prefer hot drinks to warm you up during the winter, refreshing iced beverages for the summertime, or limited-time seasonal specials, Starbucks has something for everyone.
So, the next time you visit your local Starbucks, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Who knows, you might discover your new favorite drink!