Beyond the Menu: A Personal Journey to Mastering the Starbucks Drink Universe

For years, I was trapped. As a coffee lover, a former barista, and a loyal Starbucks customer for over a decade, you’d think I’d have been a master of the menu. The reality was the opposite. I was a prisoner of it. My world was a Venti Pike Place, black, or on a daring day, a standard Iced Latte. I’d stand in line, my eyes glazing over the familiar green and white menu board, feeling a low-grade anxiety I call the “tyranny of the menu.” The list of drinks felt less like a field of possibilities and more like a set of rigid, unchangeable rules.

I saw the same paralysis in the eyes of countless others. The hesitant pointing, the mumbled questions, the quick retreat to a “regular” order for fear of holding up the line. This feeling is only amplified by corporate moves to simplify the menu, which, to the uninitiated, can feel like options are disappearing rather than being streamlined.¹ The menu, designed for operational speed, creates a psychological wall, hiding the universe of customization that is the true heart of Starbucks.²

My breaking point was a moment of fumbled ambition. I had a vague idea for a custom drink—something chocolatey but different. I tried to explain it to the barista, tripping over my words, unsure of the right terminology. The result was a muddy, expensive, and deeply unpleasant concoction that I nursed with shame. That failure sent me scurrying back to the safety of my plain old latte, convinced that the world of creative coffee was not for me.

Then came the epiphany, and it arrived from the most unexpected place: a conversation with a friend who is a sound engineer. He was passionately describing his mixing board, a sprawling console of faders, knobs, and lights. He spoke of “tracks”—the foundational bassline, the driving drumbeat, the lead vocals, the shimmering synths. He explained how he layered them, adjusted their levels, and added effects like reverb and delay to create a finished song.

Suddenly, it clicked. The Starbucks counter isn’t a kitchen; it’s a beverage mixing board. The barista is the engineer. The syrups, milks, espresso types, and toppings aren’t just ingredients; they are individual tracks. And I, the customer, could be the producer, directing the entire session. This single reframing didn’t just give me an answer; it gave me a whole new system. It was the key to unlocking the staggering potential of over 87,000 drink combinations that Starbucks itself boasts about.³ I was no longer a passive consumer choosing from a list; I was an active creator with a palette of components. This guide is the story of that journey and the framework I discovered. It’s your map to escaping the tyranny of the menu and becoming the producer of your perfect drink.

The Foundational Tracks: Mastering Your Drink’s Bass and Rhythm

Every great song starts with a foundational rhythm and bassline. It defines the genre, the tempo, and the entire mood of the piece. Is it a driving rock anthem or a mellow acoustic ballad? In the world of Starbucks, this is your base ingredient. Your choice of Espresso, Tea, or a Refresher base is the most critical decision you’ll make. It’s the “genre” of your drink, and every other component you add will be in harmony—or dissonance—with this choice.

The Espresso Engine: The Beat of Your Drink

For the majority of coffee-based drinks, espresso is the heart, the driving beat. But not all beats are the same. Understanding your options here is the first step to becoming a true drink architect.

• Signature Espresso: This is the default, the classic Starbucks sound. It’s a dark roast with a robust, bold flavor and rich, caramelly notes.⁴ It’s the espresso that has defined the brand for decades and stands up well to milk and strong flavors.
• Blonde Espresso: This is the lighter, more modern beat. It’s a smoother, softer, and subtly sweet espresso roast.⁵ It’s perfect for drinks where you want the coffee flavor to be less assertive, allowing other notes like vanilla or hazelnut to shine through. It’s an excellent choice for those who find the Signature roast too bitter.

Beyond the roast, you can control the “mix” of the shot itself:

• Ristretto: Italian for “restricted,” this is a “short shot.” The barista pulls only the first, most concentrated part of the espresso extraction. The result is a sweeter, richer, and less bitter shot than a standard pull.⁶ It’s the standard for the Flat White and Cortado and can be requested in any espresso drink to add richness without adding bitterness.
• Long Shot: The opposite of a ristretto, a long shot uses more water pulled through the same amount of coffee grounds. This results in a higher caffeine content and a more bitter, watery flavor profile.⁷ It’s a less common choice but available for those seeking maximum caffeine with a lighter body.

The Tea Library: The Acoustic Track

If coffee isn’t your style, tea provides a sophisticated, nuanced foundation. Think of these as the acoustic guitars and pianos of the mixing board. Starbucks offers three main categories of brewed tea, which serve as the base for many hot and iced creations.

• Black Tea: This is your bold, full-bodied acoustic track. Options like Royal English Breakfast (a blend of Indian and Sri Lankan teas) and Earl Grey (black tea infused with bergamot and lavender) provide a strong, tannic base.⁸
• Green Tea: This is a lighter, more delicate melody. Emperor’s Clouds & Mist offers a gently sweet, roasted flavor, while Jade Citrus Mint is a vibrant blend of green tea, spearmint, and lemon verbena.⁸
• Herbal Tea: These are your caffeine-free, ambient tracks. Options like the soothing Mint Majesty or the fruity Peach Tranquility provide flavor without the jolt.⁸
• Chai Concentrate: This is a special case. It’s not brewed tea leaves but a pre-sweetened, spiced black tea concentrate. All Chai Lattes, hot or iced, are made using this potent, flavorful base.⁸

The Refresher Core: The Synth Pop Track

Refreshers are the bright, poppy, electronic synth tracks of the Starbucks world. They are fundamentally different from coffee or tea. The base is a concentrate composed primarily of water, sugar, white grape juice concentrate, natural flavors, and a touch of caffeine from green coffee extract.¹¹ This gives them a light, energizing kick without any coffee flavor. The primary year-round bases are:

• Strawberry Açaí: Sweet strawberry flavors with notes of passionfruit and açaí.¹²
• Mango Dragonfruit: A sweet and tropical blend of mango and dragonfruit flavors.¹³
• Seasonal Varieties: Starbucks frequently introduces limited-time bases, such as the popular Summer-Berry (a mix of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors).¹⁵

Choosing your foundational track is about setting the genre. An espresso base calls for rich, creamy harmonies. A delicate green tea base calls for lighter, complementary notes. A fruity Refresher base calls for more fruit, citrus, or a creamy counterpoint. Trying to add a heavy, dark chocolate mocha sauce to a green tea would be like adding a distorted heavy metal guitar riff to a lullaby—it just doesn’t work. Understanding this “genre theory” is the first step to creating a masterpiece instead of a mess.

To truly become the producer, you need the engineer’s notes. The following table breaks down the standard formulas baristas use. This is your blueprint. Knowing that a Venti Iced Latte gets six pumps of syrup by default empowers you to ask for three, instantly cutting the sugar in half and taking control of your creation.¹⁷

Table 1: The Drink Architect’s Blueprint: Standard Starbucks Formulas

Drink Size	Espresso Shots (Hot)	Espresso Shots (Iced)	Syrup Pumps (Hot)	Syrup Pumps (Iced)	Frappuccino Roast Pumps	Frappuccino Syrup Pumps
Short (8 oz)	1	N/A	2	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tall (12 oz)	1	2	3	3	2	2
Grande (16 oz)	2	2	4	4	3	3
Venti (20 oz)	2	3	5	6	4	4
Trenta (30 oz)	N/A	N/A	N/A	7	N/A	N/A
Source: 17

Layering the Harmony: A Guide to Milks, Syrups, and Sauces

With your foundational track laid down, it’s time to add the melody and harmony. These are the components that build the primary flavor profile and, just as importantly, the texture of your drink. An expert producer knows that the final mix is about more than just notes; it’s about feel. The choice of milk and the type of sweetener are your primary tools for controlling the body and mouthfeel of your beverage.

The Milk & Cream Spectrum: Controlling Texture and Creaminess

The milk you choose is arguably the most significant textural decision you’ll make. It can transform a drink from light and crisp to rich and decadent.

• Dairy Options: Starbucks offers a full range from nonfat to heavy cream. Nonfat (Skim) provides the lightest body. 2% is the standard for most lattes. Whole Milk adds more creaminess and is essential for a traditional Flat White or Cappuccino. For ultimate richness, Breve (a mix of half-and-half) and Heavy Cream create a dessert-like texture.¹⁸
• Non-Dairy Alternatives: The plant-based selection is robust and, in many regions, offered at no extra charge.²⁰ Each has a distinct personality:

• Oat Milk: The undisputed champion of creaminess. It steams beautifully, creating a stable, velvety microfoam that comes closest to dairy milk. Its flavor is relatively neutral with a slight cereal note, making it the best all-around substitute for creating a classic latte texture.²¹
• Soy Milk: The original plant-based option. It’s important to know that Starbucks’ soy milk is vanilla-flavored and sweetened.²¹ This makes it delicious in its own right and a great pairing for espresso, but it’s not a neutral choice.
• Almond Milk: A lighter, lower-calorie option with a distinct nutty flavor. It doesn’t steam as richly as oat or soy milk, making it better suited for iced drinks where its flavor can complement the coffee.²¹
• Coconut Milk: The thinnest of the non-dairy options, with a subtle tropical flavor. It’s an excellent choice for iced drinks and Refreshers, like the famous “Pink Drink,” where it adds a creamy element without being heavy.²⁰

The Syrup & Sauce Library: Your Flavor Palette

This is where you paint with flavor. Understanding the difference between a syrup and a sauce is critical to controlling both taste and texture.

• Syrups: These are thin, water-based sweeteners designed to dissolve easily and add direct flavor. They change the taste without significantly altering the drink’s viscosity.
• Sauces: These are thicker, richer, and often dairy-based. They add both flavor and a heavier, more decadent body to the drink. A mocha made with mocha sauce will always have a thicker mouthfeel than a latte with vanilla syrup.²³

Mastering this library allows for intentional creation. You can move beyond simple requests to strategic flavor building. The table below is your complete inventory.

Table 2: The Flavor Palette: A Comprehensive Guide to Starbucks Components

Component	Type	Flavor Profile	Availability	Pairs Well With
Milks & Creams
2% Milk	Dairy	Standard, neutral	Year-Round	Everything
Whole Milk	Dairy	Creamier, richer	Year-Round	Espresso, Hot Chocolate
Nonfat Milk	Dairy	Lighter body, less rich	Year-Round	Iced drinks, lighter options
Breve (Half & Half)	Dairy	Very creamy, rich	Year-Round	Espresso, indulgent drinks
Heavy Cream	Dairy	Extremely rich, thick	Year-Round	Cold Brew, Frappuccinos
Oat Milk	Non-Dairy	Creamiest non-dairy, neutral, slightly cereal-like	Year-Round	Espresso (hot/iced), Chai
Soy Milk	Non-Dairy	Creamy, sweetened with vanilla flavor	Year-Round	Espresso, Matcha
Almond Milk	Non-Dairy	Lighter body, distinct nutty flavor	Year-Round	Iced Coffee, Cold Brew
Coconut Milk	Non-Dairy	Thinner body, subtle tropical sweetness	Year-Round	Refreshers, Iced Teas, Matcha
Syrups & Sauces
Vanilla Syrup	Syrup	Classic, sweet, smooth vanilla	Year-Round	Everything (especially lattes)
Caramel Syrup	Syrup	Buttery, smooth caramel	Year-Round	Espresso, Apple flavors
Cinnamon Dolce Syrup	Syrup	Sweet cinnamon and brown sugar	Year-Round	Espresso, Chai, Apple
Hazelnut Syrup	Syrup	Toasty, nutty	Year-Round	Espresso, Chocolate
Toffee Nut Syrup	Syrup	Buttery toffee and toasted nuts	Year-Round	Espresso, Chocolate, Caramel
Raspberry Syrup	Syrup	Bright, sweet, and tart berry	Year-Round (Varies)	White Mocha, Lemonade, Tea
Classic Syrup	Syrup	Neutral sweetener (liquid sugar)	Year-Round	Iced Teas, Iced Coffees
White Chocolate Mocha	Sauce	Rich, creamy, buttery white chocolate	Year-Round	Espresso, Raspberry, Peppermint
Dark Caramel Sauce	Sauce	Deep, rich, slightly smoky caramel	Year-Round	Espresso, Frappuccinos
Caramel Sauce	Sauce	Classic buttery caramel drizzle	Year-Round	Macchiatos, Frappuccinos
Mocha Sauce	Sauce	Classic rich, dark chocolate	Year-Round	Espresso, Peppermint, Hazelnut
Brown Sugar Syrup	Syrup	Molasses, deep brown sugar notes	Seasonal (Often)	Espresso, Chai, Oat Milk
Pumpkin Spice Sauce	Sauce	Pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove	Seasonal (Fall)	Espresso, Chai
Peppermint Syrup	Syrup	Bright, crisp mint	Seasonal (Winter)	Mocha, White Mocha, Hot Chocolate
Horchata Syrup	Syrup	Cinnamon and vanilla notes	Seasonal (Summer 2025)	Blonde Espresso, Oat Milk
Source: 15

Adding the Sparkle: Mastering Toppings, Foams, and ‘Audio Effects’

Your song now has its rhythm, melody, and harmony. The structure is solid. Now it’s time for the final mix—the shimmering high-hats, the polished vocal effects, and the little flourishes that make a track memorable. In the Starbucks universe, these are your foams, toppings, and add-ins. A novice sees them as mere garnish; a producer understands they are a distinct experiential layer that can fundamentally change how a drink is consumed.

The Science of Foam: A Temporal Experience

The rise of cold foam is one of the most significant innovations in modern coffee. It transforms a static beverage into a dynamic, evolving experience. A standard iced latte is homogenous; the first sip tastes much like the last. An iced latte topped with cold foam is a narrative. The first sip is mostly the sweet, airy foam. As you continue to drink, the foam slowly cascades into the coffee below, altering its flavor and texture over time. You are creating a drink with a beginning, middle, and end.

• Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam: This is the flagship. It’s a blend of vanilla syrup, 2% milk, and heavy cream, whipped into a frothy, pourable topping.²⁴ It sits majestically atop cold brews and iced lattes, creating that signature layered effect.
• Custom & Seasonal Foams: The possibilities here are vast. Baristas can blend almost any syrup or sauce into the foam. This has led to popular creations like Salted Caramel Cold Foam ²⁵,
  Chocolate Cream Cold Foam, and seasonal favorites like Lavender Cream Cold Foam or Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam.²⁶

The Finishing Touches: A Library of Textures and Flavors

These are the final flourishes that add visual appeal, texture, and a final burst of flavor.

• Drizzles: The two workhorses are Caramel Drizzle (the thick, buttery sauce for macchiatos) and Mocha Drizzle (the same sauce used to make a mocha).¹⁷
• Crumbles, Crunches, and Powders: These add texture and flavor that sit on top of foam or whipped cream. Popular options include the sandy Caramel Crunch Topping, the festive red Cherry Crunch, and the classic Mocha Cookie Crumble.²⁴ Simple powders like
  Cinnamon or Nutmeg offer a classic finish.¹⁷
• Inclusions: These are ingredients mixed directly into the drink. They include Freeze-Dried Fruits (like strawberries in a Pink Drink or dragonfruit pieces), Java Chips (chocolate chips designed for blending), and innovative new textures like the Raspberry Flavored Pearls introduced with the Summer-Berry Refresher.¹¹

These final touches are your signature as a producer. They show a level of care and intention that elevates a simple drink into a personalized creation.

Mastering the Mix: Deconstructing the Hits and Creating Your Own

Armed with a full understanding of the “mixing board,” you are now ready to move from theory to practice. This is where we apply the framework to deconstruct existing hits—both from the official menu and the vibrant “underground” scene—to understand not just what they are, but why they work. This will give you the tools and confidence to create your own signature drinks.

Reverse-Engineering the Menu

Let’s look at a menu classic, the Caramel Macchiato, through the eyes of a producer. A consumer sees a single item. A producer sees a specific assembly of components ³²:

• Genre: Espresso-based.
• Harmony (Syrup): Vanilla Syrup on the bottom of the cup (3 pumps for a Grande).
• Harmony (Milk): Steamed 2% milk.
• Beat (Espresso): 2 shots of Signature Espresso, poured over the top of the milk (this creates the “marked” or macchiato effect).
• Effects (Topping): Caramel Drizzle in a signature crosshatch pattern.

By deconstructing it, you immediately see how to modify it. Want it less sweet? Ask for 2 pumps of vanilla. Want it creamier? Sub oat milk. Want a smoother coffee flavor? Sub blonde espresso. You’re no longer ordering a fixed product; you’re editing the recipe.

Decoding the Underground Hits: The “Secret Menu”

The “secret menu” isn’t a real menu; it’s a fan-curated library of recipes. It’s the ultimate expression of the producer mindset, where customers share their successful creations.¹⁹ These viral hits, often found on TikTok and Reddit, can seem intimidating to order, but with our framework, they become simple formulas.

This user-generated culture became so powerful that Starbucks made a brilliant strategic move: they launched an official, in-app “Secret Menu”.²⁴ This wasn’t just a fun feature. It was a way to harness the free marketing and R&D that fans were providing, while also solving an operational problem. Instead of customers fumbling through long, complex orders at the speaker box—a common source of frustration for both customers and baristas ³⁵—the order could be standardized and sent digitally. It’s a masterful adaptation, turning a potential bottleneck into a streamlined, data-rich marketing channel.

How to Talk to Your “Sound Engineer” (The Barista)

Ordering a custom drink shouldn’t be stressful. The key is to speak the barista’s language. By structuring your order logically, you make it easy for them to build your drink correctly and efficiently. Follow this syntax:

1. Size & Temperature: (e.g., “Grande Iced…”)
2. Base Drink: (e.g., “…Latte” or “…Shaken Espresso” or “…Black Tea”)
3. Substitutions: This is where you swap core components. (e.g., “…with Oat Milk and Blonde Espresso.”)
4. Additions (Syrups/Sauces): Specify the number of pumps. (e.g., “…with 2 pumps of Brown Sugar and 2 pumps of White Mocha.”)
5. Toppings & Finishes: (e.g., “…topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and Caramel Drizzle.”)

Putting it all together: “Hi, can I please get a Grande Iced Latte with Oat Milk and Blonde Espresso, with 2 pumps of Brown Sugar Syrup, topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam?” This is clear, concise, and easy for any barista to follow.

Table 3: Deconstructing the Hits: A Viral Drink Recipe Book

Drink Name	Tastes Like / Description	Base Drink to Order	Step-by-Step Modifications
Cinnamon Toast Crunch	The sweet, cinnamon-sugar milk at the bottom of the cereal bowl.	Iced White Chocolate Mocha	Add 2 pumps of Cinnamon Dolce syrup. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon powder. 34
The “Pink Drink”	A creamy, fruity, and refreshing strawberry drink.	Strawberry Açaí Refresher	Instead of water, ask for it to be made with Coconut Milk. 36
Twix Frappuccino	A blended version of the caramel, chocolate, and cookie candy bar.	Caramel Frappuccino	Add 2 pumps of Hazelnut syrup. Add Java Chips. Top with mocha drizzle. 38
Iced Chai with Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam	A perfect blend of fall spices, creamy and invigorating.	Iced Chai Tea Latte	Add Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam on top. (A popular Reddit mod). 39
Raspberry Cheesecake Latte	A rich, decadent, and fruity dessert in a cup.	Caffè Latte	Add 1-2 pumps each of Caramel, Cinnamon Dolce, and Raspberry syrup. Top with whipped cream. 33
Cookies on Top	A cookies-and-cream cold brew. Now an official “secret menu” item.	Cold Brew	Add 2 pumps of Vanilla syrup. Top with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and Cookie Crumble Topping. 24
The “Lavender Haze”	A creamy, floral, and sweet tea latte inspired by the Taylor Swift song.	Iced Passion Tango Tea	Ask for it to be made with Soy Milk instead of water. Add 5-6 pumps of Vanilla syrup. 33
Butterbeer Frappuccino	A creamy, butterscotch-like treat for Harry Potter fans.	Crème Frappuccino	Made with whole milk. Add 3 pumps of Caramel syrup and 3 pumps of Toffee Nut syrup. Top with caramel drizzle. 41
Strawberry Cobbler Refresher	A fruity, creamy, and satisfying dessert-like refresher.	Iced Green Tea	Ask for it to be shaken with coconut milk and strawberry purée. Add 2 pumps of Brown Sugar syrup. Top with brown sugar cold foam. 34
Ferrero Rocher Coffee	A nutty, chocolatey coffee that mimics the famous candy.	Iced Espresso (3 shots in a Tall cup)	Add 1 pump White Mocha, 1 pump Hazelnut, and a half-pump of Mocha. Top with a splash of sweet cream. 42

My Signature Sound: A Curated List of Mastered Drink Recipes

My journey from a timid, frustrated customer to a confident beverage producer has been transformative. The “mixing board” framework didn’t just teach me how to order; it gave me a new language for taste and texture. I’m no longer at the mercy of the menu. I can walk up to any Starbucks and create a drink that perfectly matches my mood, the weather, or a specific craving.

The ultimate goal of this guide is not for you to memorize my recipes or the dozens of viral hits. It’s to empower you with this framework so you can invent your own. Your perfect drink is out there, waiting to be created. To show you what’s possible, here are a few of my own signature creations, built from the ground up using the principles we’ve explored.

1. The Architect’s Chai
   This was my first true success story, the drink that proved the system worked. It’s my go-to for a productive afternoon.

• The Mix: Grande Iced Chai Tea Latte with Oat Milk, 2 Blonde Espresso shots, and 2 pumps of Brown Sugar syrup (instead of the standard 4 pumps of Classic).
• The Producer’s Notes: The Chai concentrate is the spicy foundational track. I swap the default 2% for Oat Milk to add a luxurious creaminess that harmonizes with the spice. The standard Chai is sweet, so I cut the sweetness by requesting Brown Sugar syrup at half the normal pump count, which adds a deeper, molasses note instead of just plain sugar. Finally, the two Blonde Espresso shots are the “effects”—they add a smooth, clean caffeine kick without the roasty bitterness of the Signature espresso, which would clash with the chai spices.

2. The Morning Zen
   This is my drink for a calm, clear-headed start to the day. It’s light, refreshing, and subtly complex.

• The Mix: Grande Iced Green Tea, no water, made with a splash of Coconut Milk and 1 pump of Vanilla syrup.
• The Producer’s Notes: The Green Tea is a delicate, herbal base. Adding Coconut Milk instead of water gives it a creamy body without the heaviness of dairy or oat milk, and its slight tropical flavor complements the green tea beautifully. A single pump of Vanilla syrup is just enough sweetness to round out the flavor without overpowering the tea’s natural character. It’s a study in restraint.

3. The Midnight Mocha
   This is my indulgent, dessert-like creation for when I want a treat. It’s a rich, complex take on a classic mocha.

• The Mix: Grande Hot Caffè Mocha made with Breve, Blonde Espresso, and topped with Dark Caramel drizzle instead of whipped cream.
• The Producer’s Notes: The Mocha sauce provides the deep chocolate harmony. Using Breve (half-and-half) instead of 2% milk makes the texture incredibly rich and velvety. I opt for Blonde Espresso because its smoothness prevents the drink from becoming too bitter when combined with the dark chocolate. Finally, swapping the standard whipped cream for a Dark Caramel drizzle adds a smoky, slightly salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the mocha, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile.

These are my creations. They are the result of experimentation, of understanding the components, and of having the confidence to direct the mix. Now it’s your turn. Step up to the board, survey your tracks, and start producing. The menu is no longer a limit; it’s a launchpad.

Works cited

1. Simplifying our menu for a better Starbucks Experience, accessed August 1, 2025, https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/simplifying-our-menu-for-a-better-starbucks-experience/
2. Menu: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu
3. Espresso Beverages | Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.co.id/menu/beverage-list/espresso-beverages
4. Espresso: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/410/hot
5. Caramel Macchiato: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/413/hot
6. Starbucks espresso explained, accessed August 1, 2025, https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/espresso-explained/
7. Flat White: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/565/hot
8. Hot Tea: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/hot-tea
9. A Guide to Tea Drinks at Starbucks: Sip and Savor – Roasty Coffee, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.roastycoffee.com/tea-drinks-at-starbucks/
10. Starbucks Barista Cheat Sheet | PDF | Tea | Hot Drinks – Scribd, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.scribd.com/presentation/419148855/Starbucks-barista-cheat-sheet
11. Strawberry Açaí Refresher: Nutrition: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2121342/iced/nutrition
12. Strawberry Açaí Refresher: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2121342/iced
13. Featured menu: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/featured/
14. Refreshers: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/refreshers
15. Summer-Berry Refreshers are back alongside new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, accessed August 1, 2025, https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/summer-berry-refreshers-are-back-alongside-new-iced-horchata-oatmilk-shaken-espresso/
16. What’s on the Starbucks Summer Drinks Menu in 2025? – Cozymeal, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.cozymeal.com/magazine/starbucks-summer-drinks
17. Starbucks Drink Guide: Lattes – Delishably, accessed August 1, 2025, https://delishably.com/dining-out/Starbucks-Drink-Guide-Lattes
18. Caramel Frappuccino® Blended Beverage: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/424/iced
19. Cold Milk: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/490/iced
20. Dairy Alternatives | Starbucks, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucksslovakia.sk/en/dairy-alternatives
21. We Tried Every Non-Dairy Milk At Starbucks, And This One Paired Best With Coffee, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.tastingtable.com/1869107/starbucks-non-dairy-milks-ranked-worst-best/
22. Dairy-Free Starbucks Drinks: Full Guide to Milk Options & Best Orders, accessed August 1, 2025, https://amazingfoodanddrink.com/drink/dairy-free-starbucks-drinks/
23. 10 Sauces & Syrups From Starbucks, Taste Test & Pairings, accessed August 1, 2025, https://juliescafebakery.com/what-sauces-syrups-does-starbucks-have/
24. It’s Official. The Secret Menu is Here. – Starbucks Stories, accessed August 1, 2025, https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/introducing-the-secret-menu-in-the-starbucks-app/
25. Add-Ins – Starbucks®️ Coffee At Home, accessed August 1, 2025, https://athome.starbucks.com/recipe-overview/add-ins
26. What are your favorite Starbucks orders? – Reddit, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/1jgqd8d/what_are_your_favorite_starbucks_orders/
27. What’s your go to order?? Does anybody have a custom drink that they didn’t find on tik tok?? Baristas and customers alike. : r/starbucks – Reddit, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/1616g04/whats_your_go_to_order_does_anybody_have_a_custom/
28. what’s your favourite custom drink this spring? : r/starbucks – Reddit, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/1j8wvmt/whats_your_favourite_custom_drink_this_spring/
29. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino® Blended Beverage: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/1044/iced
30. 6 Starbucks Drink Toppings, Ranked – Tasting Table, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.tastingtable.com/1818679/starbucks-drink-toppings-ranked/
31. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino® Blended Beverage: Starbucks Coffee Company, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122724/iced
32. The Ultimate Guide to Starbucks Drinks: A Complete Breakdown – Bazan Coffee, accessed August 1, 2025, https://bazancoffee.com/blogs/news/starbucks-drinks
33. Starbucks Secret Menu 2025: 26 Drinks to Try – Cozymeal, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.cozymeal.com/magazine/starbucks-secret-menu
34. 60 Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks You Need to Try – Taste of Home, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/starbucks-secret-menu-items/
35. Explore New 2025 Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks – TikTok, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@eggbaloni/video/7454558240924241198
36. Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refreshers – Updated Copy Kat Recipe – YouTube, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frngKGBFUUk&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD
37. you heard it from @hannahkosh : the new secret menu is now available in the Starbucks app – TikTok, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@starbucks/video/7527007989400685837
38. 5 Best TikTok Starbucks Drinks to Order in 2025: How to Order Them! | Corner Coffee Store, accessed August 1, 2025, https://cornercoffeestore.com/best-tiktok-starbucks-drinks/
39. baristas, what are y’all’s favorite custom drinks? : r/starbucks – Reddit, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/peu3du/baristas_what_are_yalls_favorite_custom_drinks/
40. Starbucks Just Launched 4 New Drinks—but You Won’t Find Them on the Menu – Allrecipes, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.allrecipes.com/starbucks-new-secret-customizations-11770567
41. 180+ Drink Recipes – Starbucks Secret Menu, accessed August 1, 2025, https://starbuckssecretmenu.net/home/
42. What Is Your Favorite Drink? (Customisation Allowed!) : r/starbucks – Reddit, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/1j1akc4/what_is_your_favorite_drink_customisation_allowed/
43. Starbucks Training Drink Recipes! Flashcards | Quizlet, accessed August 1, 2025, https://quizlet.com/122685049/starbucks-training-drink-recipes-flash-cards/