21 Best Starbucks Drinks of 2023: Ranked & Reviewed (With Pictures)
Starbucks is the undisputed champion of mainstream coffee. You can scarcely walk a block in any major city without bumping into one of Starbucks’ many shops. Their reputation is well-deserved since their coffee is high-quality and virtually the same everywhere you go. They also have an extensive menu and even offer some niche drinks that aren’t actually on the menu at all.
If you’re a Starbucks regular, you probably already have your favorites, but if you’re new to the Starbucks universe, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which drinks to try. Even if you are familiar with the menu, it can be nice to try something new every once in a while. If you’re wondering what to order at Starbucks, this is the guide for you! Whether you’re a veteran looking to change things up or a rookie looking for some recommendations, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a closer look at the best Starbucks drinks.
The 10 Best Starbucks Drinks for Coffee Drinkers:
Let’s start the show with the best coffee drinks. Not everyone is a coffee drinker, so if that’s you, skip to the next section for the best Starbucks drinks for non-coffee drinkers.
1. Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream
Starbucks regular nitro cold brew is smooth and creamy, but the version with sweet cream added is even smoother and creamier, which we didn’t think was possible. It is very sweet, so you might want to choose something else if you’re on a low sugar diet.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte
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Pumpkin spice is quickly becoming something Starbucks is known for, and the pumpkin spice latte is the flagship drink in the pumpkin spice lineup. This drink is a modern classic. The pumpkin flavor is strong without tasting artificial, and it balances the coffee flavor nicely. If you’re a Starbucks aficionado and haven’t tried this drink yet, what are you waiting for?
3. Caffé Mocha
Image credit: Coffee Affection
This drink isn’t anything fancy, but boy is it good. It’s a quintessential mocha packed with chocolate and coffee blended in just the right amount. If you can’t decide whether you want to order coffee or hot chocolate, a caffé mocha is a great choice.
4. Caramel Brulée Latte
Image credit: Coffee Affection
There are many caramel drinks on the Starbucks menu, and this one is our favorite. The caramel is not overpowering, and the flavor evokes a brulée as advertised. It’s a little on the sweet side but not sickly, and it’s an excellent choice for caramel lovers.
5. Caffé Americano
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This has been our standard go-to drink at Starbucks for years. It’s simple – just coffee and water – and some might even call it boring, but its no-frills approach to coffee is why we love it.
6. Medium Roast Coffee
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Another extremely simple drink, Pike’s Place, the regular old medium roast, is what most people mean when they say “Starbucks coffee.” This coffee is their workhorse and is largely responsible for building the Starbucks empire.
7. Nitro Cold Brew
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We love Starbucks cold brew, and the nitro variety is even better. It’s smooth, unbelievably creamy, and has the characteristic cold brew sweetness and low acidity. It’s a testament to the idea that something simple can still be great.
8. Dark Roast Coffee
Image Credit: Marina Sirazetdinova, Pexels
Starbucks dark roast is not for everyone, but people who love bold, in-your-face dark roasts love it. It’s robust and flavorful and holds up exceptionally well to milk.
9. Caramel Macchiato
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Another caramel drink, the caramel macchiato, is less well-balanced than the caramel brulée latte. It’s still good, but it is very sweet. You can ask for one without the vanilla syrup, which helps reduce the sweetness to a more palatable level.
10. Blonde Roast
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Starbucks blonde roast is our least favorite of the “regular” coffee options. It’s not bad, but it isn’t outstanding either. Still, if you prefer light roasts, it’s the best option they have. It’s light without being sour and is overflowing with caffeine.
The 11 Best Starbucks Drinks for Non-Coffee Drinkers:
Starbucks might have grown into the behemoth it is on the back of its coffee, but there are plenty of non-coffee drinks available on their ever-growing menu. If you don’t drink coffee or are looking for something with less caffeine, here’s what to order at Starbucks.
11. Matcha Green Tea Latte
Matcha is naturally thick and foamy, so it is the perfect base for a latte. The Starbucks version is a home run, in our opinion, and it is a great substitute for an ordinary latte. It’s filled with earthy tasting notes from the matcha and has a smooth texture. Matcha lovers will enjoy it as will coffee drinkers looking to change things up.
12. Chai Latte
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Sticking with the tea theme, the chai latte is another one of our favorites. This has more caffeine than the matcha latte but still far less than a regular latte. If you are a fan of chai tea, you’ll love it.
13. Hot Chocolate
Image credit: Juli Kosolapova, Unsplash
We feel silly ordering hot chocolate at Starbucks since it’s so easy to make at home, but any misgivings we had quickly evaporate after the first sip. It’s perfect for a cold winter’s day curled up by a fire reading your favorite book. Ah, the comforts of home.
14. Honey Citrus Mint Tea
Image credit: Coffee Affection
That’s a lot of ingredients that you might think don’t go together, but they totally do. We were skeptical before we tried this one, but it’s surprisingly good. It isn’t overly sweet, and the citrus’ acidity balances out the honey.
15. Matcha Frappuccino
This drink really hits the spot in any season. Earthy matcha blends perfectly with your favorite milk (oat milk and coconut milk are popular substitutions for classic cow’s milk). Top it off with decadent whipped cream and even a few chocolate curls for a not-too-sweet treat!
16. Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
Another drink from the Starbucks refreshers line, this one is also great in warm weather. Sometimes mango drinks can have a funny taste, but this one doesn’t.
17. Royal English Breakfast Tea
Image Credit: Pixabay
Much like the standard roasts from the coffee section, this is just plain old tea. But it’s good plain old tea, and we appreciate that. It’s black tea and – depending on how long you let it steep – you might want to add milk…even if you’re not British.
18. Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino
This is essentially Starbucks’ version of a milkshake, and it’s delicious. It is ridiculously sweet, and we think of it more like a dessert than a drink. It has tons of chocolate chips in rich blended chocolate milk topped with whipped cream. Yum.
19. Pink Drink
We ordered this one just because of the silly-sounding name, but thankfully it’s quite good. The cryptic name refers to the strawberry acai refreshers that give the drink its color. It also contains coconut milk for some added thickness and flavor.
20. Dragon Drink
This is only for people with serious sweet tooths. It’s extremely sweet, but you can detect the mango flavor if you can get past the sugar blast. It isn’t bad but will definitely turn some people away due to its sugar content.
21. Bonus: The Pup Cup!
That’s right: the last Starbucks drink on our list isn’t for people. Next time you’re at Starbucks with a furry friend, ask for a “pup cup.” The barista will hand you a tiny cup filled with whipped cream — for free! We can say from experience that dogs go wild for this fun little treat.
Conclusion
We’ve only scratched the surface of Starbucks’ extensive menu here, but hopefully this has given you an overview of the best Starbucks drinks currently on the menu. We tried to include something for everyone, whether you’re an old pro or a new Starbucks convert.
The Starbucks menu is constantly in flux, and new drinks get added seemingly by the day. Nevertheless, many of these drinks are Starbucks staples and are sure to be around for a long time. Next time you visit one of the many Starbucks locations that are probably “fairly close to you,” give one of these a try!
The 25 Best Starbucks Drinks for First-Timers (2023)
Between the regular and secret menus, Starbucks has a lot of drinks. So which ones are the best Starbucks drinks? Here is a list of the best drinks by category and a top 25 ranking of Starbucks beverages.
In today’s world, Starbucks is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a lifestyle. A culture. A community. And for many people, it’s become an addiction.
There are over 32,000 Starbucks locations in 80 countries worldwide, and each one offers something unique. But what all of those locations have in common is a wide selection of coffee drinks, from espresso and mocha to frappuccino and macchiato.
So which Starbucks drinks are the best? We’ve compiled a list of our top 25 favorites to answer that question, organized by category. Whether you’re looking for an energizing caffeine fix or a refreshing treat, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Table of Contents
Best Starbucks Drinks, by Category
Here are the best drinks from Starbucks, categorized to meet your specific tastes and needs.
Best Iced Coffee: Iced Caramel Macchiato
Best TikTok Drink: TikTok Pink Drink (How to Order: Replace the coconut milk with heavy cream.)
Best Hot Drink: Pumpkin Spice Latte
Best for Kids: Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage
Best According to Reddit: Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Best Non-Coffee Drink: Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade
25 Best Starbucks Drinks, Ranked
Here are our picks for the top Starbucks drinks you need to try. Each drink listed has a description, along with its calories, sugars, and caffeine content based on the grande size.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
The Iced Caramel Macchiato is the perfect pick-me-up for any occasion. Made with rich, full-bodied espresso and vanilla-flavored syrup, this refreshing drink is sure to delight your senses. Topped off with a caramel drizzle, it’s the perfect treat for any coffee lover.
Caffeine (mg): 150
Caramel Frappuccino
Looking for a delicious way to wake up in the morning? Or maybe you need an afternoon pick-me-up that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
Either way, the caramel frappuccino is the perfect drink for you! Made with rich caramel syrup, coffee, milk, and ice, this creamy beverage is blended to perfection and topped with whipped cream and buttery caramel sauce.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet and coffee flavor that will leave you wanting more. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, try it affogato-style by adding a hot espresso shot right over the top.
Coffee Frappuccino
Coffee is the best part of waking up, but sometimes you need an extra boost to get going. That’s where the Coffee Frappuccino comes in!
Made with rich, robust coffee and creamy milk, this frozen concoction is perfect for getting you out of bed in the morning – or keeping you going all afternoon.
Blended with ice and topped with whipped cream, it’s a delicious pick-me-up any time of day. So go ahead, Frapp it up!
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Welcome to fall! This season, enjoy all your favorite things with a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte. Rich espresso is combined with steamed milk and the perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors. Topped with whipped cream and real pumpkin pie spices, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the tastes of autumn.
Caffeine (mg): 150
Medium Roast Coffee
Pike Place Roast Coffee is a smooth, well-rounded blend of Latin American coffees with subtly rich flavors of chocolate and toasted nuts. It’s served fresh every day at your neighborhood Starbucks store.
Caffeine (mg): 310
Iced Vanilla Latte
Looking for a caffeine fix that’s extra creamy and delicious? Reach for a Vanilla Latte from Starbucks®. Blonde Espresso, milk, ice, and vanilla syrup come together to create an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Caffeine (mg): 170
S’mores Creme Frappuccino (Seasonal)
Introducing the S’mores Creme Frappuccino – a delicious, creamy blend of marshmallow-infused whipped cream, milk chocolate sauce, and vanilla ice cream, topped off with more marshmallowy whipped cream and a graham cracker crumble.
It’s the perfect indulgent treat for summertime fun. So gather your friends around the campfire… er, I mean, coffee shop… and enjoy a sweet s’more-inspired Frappuccino today!
Iced Caffe Latte
The Iced Caffe Latte is the perfect drink to help you cool off and recharge. The dark, rich espresso is combined with milk and served over ice, creating a refreshing and delicious beverage.
Caffeine (mg): 150
Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade
Is there anything more refreshing on a hot day than an icy cold glass of lemonade? We didn’t think so either.
This tasty drink blends together some of nature’s most thirst-quenching ingredients – hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple – to create the perfect Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade.
So whether you’re relaxing by the pool or enjoying a summer picnic in the park, this delicious drink is sure to keep you cool.
Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
The Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is the perfect pick-me-up for those mornings when you need an extra boost. Blonde espresso combined with notes of caramelized vanilla is shaken together and topped with Oatmilk for a delicious, energizing treat.
Caffeine (mg): 255
White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
Need a pick-me-up? This delicious White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino is just what you need! Made with rich, roasted coffee, creamy milk, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s the perfect way to start your day or as a refreshing afternoon treat.
Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage
The sun is shining, the birds are singing and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for a Strawberry Frappuccino Blended Creme!
This delicious drink is made with real strawberries and ice cream, making it the perfect refreshing treat on a hot summer day. So grab a straw and dive in!
Iced Caffe Mocha
Craving a sweet, refreshing pick-me-up? Look no further than the Iced Caffe Mocha. Rich espresso is perfectly blended with bittersweet mocha sauce and milk, then topped with whipped cream for an extra dose of sweetness.
Caffeine (mg): 175
Strawberry Acai Lemonade Starbucks Refresher
Introducing the Strawberry Acai Lemonade Starbucks Refresher. This refreshing drink is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Made with sweet strawberry flavors, passion fruit, and açaí notes balanced with the delightful zing of lemonade, this drink is sure to energize you with its caffeine from green coffee extract.
Served over ice, this cool drink is the perfect way to beat the heat. So next time you’re looking for a little boost, reach for a Strawberry Acai Lemonade Starbucks Refresher and enjoy!
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte. This delicious drink is made with freshly steamed milk, cinnamon dolce-flavored syrup, and classic espresso. It’s then topped with sweetened whipped cream and a cinnamon dolce topping, making it the perfect treat for any time of day.
The rich espresso combined with the sweetness of the cinnamon dolce syrup makes for a truly unique flavor experience. The steamed milk adds a smooth and creamy texture, while the whipped cream and cinnamon dolce topping gives it a delightful finish.
Caffeine (mg): 150
Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
The Frappuccino® Roast coffee is blended with mocha sauce and Frappuccino® chips to create a delicious and creamy beverage. It’s layered on top of whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumble and topped with vanilla whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and even more chocolate cookie crumble.
Matcha Green Tea Latte
The Matcha Green Tea Latte is the perfect blend of smooth, creamy, and sweet. It’s the perfect drink to transport your senses to pure green delight!
Starbucks Blonde Caramel Cloud Macchiato
The Starbucks Blonde Caramel Cloud Macchiato is everything you could want in an iced coffee drink. It’s light and airy, with layers of fluffy foam and cascading Starbucks Blonde Espresso.
The vanilla-flavored syrup and caramel drizzle add a delicious sweetness that takes this drink over the top. Experience a whole new cool way to love your iced macchiato today.
Caffeine (mg): 170
Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino
The Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino is the perfect blend of vanilla and cream. The perfect beverage for a hot day, the Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino is refreshing and delicious.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Move over pumpkin spice; there’s a new flavor in town, the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. This slow-steeped custom blend of Starbucks® Cold Brew coffee is accented with vanilla and topped with a delicate float of house-made vanilla sweet cream.
It’s over-the-top and super-smooth. The perfect drink for Fall, the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is sure to become your new favorite.
Caffeine (mg): 185
Iced Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Latte
The Iced Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Latte is a refreshing drink made with real vanilla bean powder, shaken with coconutmilk and ice, and topped with Starbucks signature espresso. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for those hot summer days.
Caffeine (mg): 150
Iced Coffee
Indulge in a cup of freshly brewed Starbucks Iced Coffee Blend. Served chilled and sweetened over ice, this refreshing beverage is perfect for any time of day. Made with 100% Arabica beans, this Iced Coffee is rich and full-flavored with a hint of sweetness. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious Iced Coffee.
Caffeine (mg): 165
Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew
Introducing the Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream! Served cold and straight from the tap, this delicious coffee is topped with house-made vanilla sweet cream.
The result is a cascade of velvety coffee that is more sippable than ever. Perfect for any time of day, this coffee is sure to become your new favorite.
Caffeine (mg): 265
Pink Drink
Looking for a refreshing and fruity drink to enjoy no matter what time of year? Look no further than their Pink Drink!
Made with crisp Strawberry Açaí Refreshers® Beverage and creamy coconutmilk, this delicious drink is perfect for any occasion. And with accents of passion fruit, it’s sure to become your new go-to drink.
Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso
Is there anything better than a delicious and refreshing iced espresso on a hot day? This Starbucks® Blonde espresso combines cocoa and notes of malt, shaken together and topped with almondmilk and ice.
Whether you’re taking a break from work or running errands, this Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso is the perfect pick-me-up.
Caffeine (mg): 255
Final Thoughts
Next time you wonder what to order from Starbucks, use these recommendations of favorite drinks to guide you. And don’t forget to keep exploring and trying new things – that’s half the fun of being a Starbucks addict!
Do you have a favorite Starbucks drink that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below! As always, thanks for reading.