The weather hit 90 degrees here in Boston today, so I have summer on the brain. Anyone else SO ready for warmer days? (Maybe not this warm…) While we’re thinking about warmer weather, let’s talk about refreshing Starbucks drinks. Ordering from Starbucks can be intimidating sometimes, especially when you’re trying something new. I can never remember what order to go in: Is it Grande first then “light ice” then the syrups or does that come after I ask for the coconut milk?
This is my list of the 10 best drinks in Starbucks and exactly how to order them so the barista knows what to make you. Some of them have notes for a fun twist on the original! And not all are coffee drinks – some are fun fruity drinks!
P.S. Here’s my recipe for scones that taste just like Starbucks vanilla scones!
I usually order a tall drink size when I’m trying something new, just to make sure I like it. But under each drink I’m sharing exactly how I order it and any notes you need to know if you change the size.
Another note and Starbucks hack: Always, always ask for light ice. If you don’t, it looks like they fill half the cup with ice before any of the drink goes in! If it’s too much for you to drink, just save the rest for later. And if you need it with more ice, just get ice from home. Starbucks drinks aren’t cheap!
Alright, let’s start out with some drinks from Starbucks that have no caffeine.
Refreshing Starbucks drinks without caffeine
Starbucks Pink Drink
The original Starbucks “refresher” in pink, this is one of my favorites on a hot day, or in the afternoon when I don’t drink caffeine. For a twist on the original Starbucks refresher which then became known as the “pink drink”, try it with peach juice added. My kids love this one, too!
How to order it: Tall iced pink drink with splash of peach juice, light ice.
Cotton Candy Pink Drink
Another twist on the original Starbucks pink drink, this one has tasty strawberry cold foam (pureed strawberries in cold foam) on top PLUS a pump of unsweetened raspberry syrup. It’s sweet but not too sweet. Definitely something you’d want to drink poolside! My barista didn’t know what it was when I said “cotton candy pink drink,” so in case yours doesn’t either…
How to order it: Ask for a pink drink with light ice, a pump of raspberry (if you’re getting a tall… 3 pumps if you’re going venti!), and strawberry cold foam on top.
Dragon Fruit Refresher
A new favorite for when I need a sweet afternoon pick me up!
How to order it: Ask for a dragon fruit refresher with sweet vanilla cold foam. A new favorite for Summer 2024!
Dole Whip
It tastes like the Dole Whip from Disney World (SO GOOD). Whenever I try a new drink I go for a tall to make sure I like it. But for this I do a tall always (because it’s sweet!)
How to order it: Ask for a vanilla bean frappucino with sweet cream instead of milk, and add pineapple base.
Mango Passion Fruit Refresher
How to order it: Tall mango passion fruit refresher with coconut milk (no water)
Best Starbucks drinks with caffeine
If you’re looking for some caffeine added to your drink, here are my favorite Starbucks drinks with caffeine in them!
Iced Vanilla/raspberry Latte aka Raspberry Cupcake
Okay, we need to talk about this… Starbucks recently retired the raspberry pump and I’m not happy about it. I’m leaving this one on the list just in case your Starbucks for some magical reason has the raspberry, but mine no longer carries it!
No, that’s not an official name, but it’s what I think this tastes like! It’s a caffeinated latte (espresso in your milk of choice- I like coconut milk), but you add in unsweetened raspberry syrup as well as unsweetened vanilla syrup. THIS is my go-to about 99% of the time if I’m at Starbucks before 11am!
How to order it: Grande iced blonde vanilla latte with 2 pumps of raspberry and coconut milk. So tasty!
Note: I almost always get a grande. If you’re getting a tall, just do 1 pump raspberry. If you don’t like coconut milk, try it with whatever your favorite is!
Caramel Pumpkin Macchiato
With PSL (pumpkin spice latte) season right around the corner, this espresso drink is a good one to know! This drink can be pretty sweet so be prepared. But it’s delicious!
How to order it: Grande caramel macchiato, substitute vanilla syrup for pumpkin spice sauce. Add pumpkin spice topping.
Starbucks Medicine Ball
Aka the Cold Buster, this is a popular drink in the wintertime. It’s actually on the menu as Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Here’s what’s in it: Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea, hot water, steamed lemonade, and a hint of honey. For extra mint, order a pump of peppermint syrup.
How to order it: Grande Honey Citrus Mint Tea
You might also like my recipe for Starbucks vanilla bean scones! They’re SO good.
Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
For when you need espresso! I like the oat milk because it gives it a nice little added flavor, but if you prefer regular dairy you can get your choice of milk instead.
How to order it: Grande iced brown sugar shaken espresso with oat milk
Passion Tango Tea
How to order it: Grande passion tango tea, no sweetener, 2 pumps of sugar free vanilla and a splash of coconut milk
Note: It sounds like Starbucks discontinued peach juice and hibiscus (aka violet drink), so unfortunately those aren’t available anymore!
Best Starbucks drinks with coconut milk (my go-to instead of regular milk)
- Pink Drink
- Iced vanilla/raspberry latte
- Dragon Drink
- Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte
- Coconut Milk Frappuccino with Vanilla Bean
What’s your favorite refreshing Starbucks drinks for summertime?
There you have it- my list of the best Starbucks drinks, with and without caffeine! What’s your go-to order?
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