Starbucks is known for its wide variety of delicious coffee drinks that have gained cult followings over the years. From classic espresso beverages to blended Frappuccinos, Starbucks has something for every coffee lover.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the 15 most popular Starbucks drinks that should be on your must-try list on your next visit. Whether you prefer sweet, cold blended creations or hot, creamy coffee classics, we’ve got you covered.
A Breakdown of Starbucks’ Most Popular Drinks
Before diving into the list, let’s do a quick overview of the main Starbucks drink categories so you know what you’re getting into:
Hot Coffees
This includes all the classic hot coffee drinks ranging from straight black coffee to lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos and more. Starbucks has an extensive selection of coffees sourced from around the world. Popular options include Pike Place, Veranda Blend, Blonde Roast or dark roasts like Espresso Roast.
Iced Coffees
Iced versions of lattes, americanos, mochas and other coffee drinks. Typically made with chilled espresso poured over ice with milk and flavored syrups. Customizable with your choice of milk.
Frappuccinos
Starbucks’ famous line of blended icy drinks. Available in coffee and cream-based options with mix-ins like fruit, syrups and sauces. Thick and smooth like a milkshake.
Teas
Ranging from traditional hot black, green or herbal teas to chilled tea lemonades and tea infusions. Completely customizable with milk, sweeteners and flavors.
Refreshers
Fruit-infused iced drinks containing green coffee extract for a boost of natural caffeine. Light and refreshing options.
With the basics covered, let’s get into the list! Here are the 15 most popular drinks you should try on your next Starbucks run:
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
| Category | Hot Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin sauce, cinnamon |
| Taste Profile | Warm, sweet, pumpkin spice flavor |
| Customizations | Milk type, number of pumps of sauce, whipped cream |
Easily Starbucks’ most famous drink, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cult favorite during the fall season. This comforting, creamy latte features espresso, steamed milk and the signature pumpkin spice sauce. It’s finished with delicious spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. This drink basically screams fall in a cup!
Pros: Warm, nostalgic, pumpkin pie-like flavor. Limited availability fuels demand.
Cons: High in sugar. Not available year-round. Polarizing – some love it, others don’t.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte has achieved legendary status and is a must-try, especially if you love fall flavors. Grab it topped with whipped cream for the full experience!
2. Caramel Macchiato
| Category | Hot Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Espresso, vanilla-flavored steamed milk, caramel sauce |
| Taste Profile | Sweet, creamy, layers of caramel and espresso flavors |
| Customizations | Number of shots, milk type, caramel drizzle |
This layered beauty combines rich espresso with velvety steamed milk and sweet vanilla and caramel flavors for a treat for your tastebuds. The espresso floats on top of the foamed milk to create the “macchiato” effect. The contrast between bitter espresso and sweet caramel is delightful. Fully customizable to your preferences.
Pros: Complex, sweet and creamy. Possible to make “skinny” by requesting nonfat milk.
Cons: High in sugar from the vanilla and caramel. Can be overly sweet for some.
A Starbucks classic, this is a go-to drink for caramel lovers looking for an elevated coffee experience. Add an extra shot for stronger espresso flavor if you wish.
3. Iced Caramel Macchiato
| Category | Iced Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Espresso, milk, vanilla, caramel sauce |
| Taste Profile | Cold, sweet, creamy, layered caramel and espresso |
| Customizations | Milk type, sweetener, number of shots, caramel drizzle |
The summer version of the Caramel Macchiato maintains the same delicious layered flavor profile while delivering sweet cold refreshment. Espresso is poured over ice then layered with cold milk and velvety foam. The multi-dimensional combination of bitter, creamy and sweet is further enhanced by the cold factor.
Pros: Cooling iced option for warm weather. Still has complex flavors.
Cons: Ice dilutes the espresso. Condensation makes the cup wet.
Skip the hot version and go for the iced Caramel Macchiato for the perfect summer treat. The cold helps cut the sweetness too. Add an extra shot if you like stronger coffee.
4. Caffe Mocha
| Category | Hot Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce (chocolatey) |
| Taste Profile | Creamy, chocolatey, sweet |
| Customizations | Milk type, number of pumps mocha sauce, whipped cream |
Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. This indulgent mocha drink features rich espresso combined with steamed milk and chocolatey mocha sauce. The result is a creamy, chocolatey coffee concoction that will satisfy any sweet craving. It’s like a molten hot chocolate with an added espresso kick.
Pros: Decadent chocolate and coffee flavors. Can customize chocolate intensity.
Cons: High in sugar. Easy to make overly rich if you’re not a chocolate person.
Try this mocha drink if you love chocolate, coffee, or both. The smooth, creamy mocha sauce pairs perfectly with the bitterness of espresso. Add whipped cream on top if you want to gild the lily.
5. Java Chip Frappuccino
| Category | Frappuccino |
| Key Ingredients | Coffee Frappuccino base, milk, ice, mocha sauce, chocolate chips |
| Taste Profile | Cold, creamy, chocolatey, coffee undertones |
| Customizations | Coffee or cream base, milk type, whipped cream, mocha drizzle |
This fan favorite Frappuccino combines coffee blended with milk and ice then layered with mocha sauce and chocolate chips. The result is a harmonious blend of coffee and chocolate in creamy frozen form. The mocha sauce provides a chocolate fudge flavor while the chips give nice texture. Perfect if you want coffee and chocolate in one icy drink.
Pros: Delicious layered chocolate and coffee flavors. Chips add nice crunch. Customizable.
Cons: High in sugar and calories from chocolate. Can submerge the coffee taste if you add too much mocha.
If you love chocolate and coffee, the Java Chip Frappuccino harmoniously combines both flavors in one cool, energizing treat. Add some chips on top for extra chocolate with your sip.
6. White Chocolate Mocha
| Category | Hot Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Espresso, steamed milk, white chocolate mocha sauce |
| Taste Profile | Creamy, sweet white chocolate flavor with coffee undertones |
| Customizations | Milk type, number of pumps mocha sauce, whipped cream |
This signature white chocolate mocha drink is perfect for those who prefer creamy white chocolate over milk or dark chocolate. It features creamy steamed milk, rich espresso and sweet white chocolate sauce coming together for an indulgent dessert-like coffee sip. The white chocolate flavor is more prominent than the espresso.
Pros: Indulgent, creamy white chocolate taste. Highly customizable sweetness level.
Cons: Extremely high in sugar. Easy to make overly rich and sweet.
Try this for a truly dessert-like coffee drink experience. The sweet white chocolate pairs nicely with the bitter espresso. You can also make it “skinny” by choosing nonfat milk and less pumps of sauce.
7. Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino
| Category | Frappuccino |
| Key Ingredients | Coffee Frappuccino base, milk, ice, vanilla syrup |
| Taste Profile | Cold, sweet vanilla, coffee background |
| Customizations | Coffee or cream base, milk type, whipped cream, caramel drizzle |
This satisfying blended Frappuccino features Starbucks coffee blended with creamy milk and ice then topped with velvety vanilla syrup for sweetness. The vanilla provides the dominant flavor with coffee as a background complement. It’s like a vanilla milkshake with a caffeine boost!
Pros: Sweet, creamy vanilla flavors. Customizable to your desired level of sweetness.
Cons: High in sugar. Coffee flavor is subtle.
If you love the taste of vanilla, this Frappuccino is a delightful frozen treat. The coffee base prevents it from being overly sweet while delivering a touch of caffeine. Add caramel drizzle on top for extra flavor dimension.
8. Iced Coffee
| Category | Iced Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Brewed coffee, milk, ice |
| Taste Profile | Straightforward, refreshing coffee taste |
| Customizations | Milk type, sweeteners |
Sometimes you just want simple, cold coffee. Starbucks’ Iced Coffee is made from its signature medium roast brewed coffee poured over ice and diluted with a splash of milk. Straightforward, smooth and refreshing. This is for the iced coffee purists who want to taste the pure coffee flavor.
Pros: Simple, allows you to taste the nuanced coffee flavors. Easy to customize to your preferences.
Cons: Can be watery or diluted if too much ice is added. Needs sweetener or milk for some.
Starbucks’ Iced Coffee is perfect on a hot day when you want refreshing iced coffee without frilly flavors or sweeteners. Customize it with milk and sweetener to your liking.
9. Pink Drink
| Category | Refreshers |
| Key Ingredients | Strawberry Acai Refresher, coconut milk |
| Taste Profile | Sweet, strawberry, creamy, fruity |
| Customizations | Light coconut milk |
This gorgeous pink drink combines Starbucks’ Strawberry Acai Refresher with creamy coconut milk for a fruit-forward pick-me-up. The strawberry refresher base provides a sweet, candied strawberry flavor while the coconut milk lends a tropical creaminess. One of Starbucks’ prettiest and most refreshing drinks.
Pros: Smooth, fruity, creamy. Lighter than the Frappuccinos. Instagrammable pink color.
Cons: Some find the strawberry flavor too sweet or candy-like.
The Pink Drink is adored for its beautiful color and sweet, fruity flavors. The light coconut milk makes it feel smooth. One of the lighter, more refreshing Starbucks options.
10. Iced Chai Tea Latte
| Category | Tea |
| Key Ingredients | Black tea, spices, milk, ice |
| Taste Profile | Spicy, creamy, sweet chai flavors |
| Customizations | Milk type, sweetener level, amount of chai concentrate |
This popular cold take on the chai latte combines spicy chai tea concentrate with milk over ice for a refreshing, caffeine-boosted sip. The black tea and signature chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger provide complex flavor depth. Sweetened to taste and customizable with your choice of milk.
Pros: Sweet, creamy and spicy. Caffeinated without coffee flavor. Highly customizable.
Cons: Easy to make overly sweet. Milk is harder to foam when cold.
The Iced Chai Latte delivers sweet, creamy and spicy flavors in a chilled, rejuvenating drink. Perfect for chai-lovers who want a cold, caffeinated pick-me-up without coffee flavor. Customize it to your spice and sweetness preferences.
11. Matcha Green Tea Latte
| Category | Tea |
| Key Ingredients | Matcha green tea powder, milk |
| Taste Profile | Creamy, earthy green tea flavor |
| Customizations | Hot or iced, milk type, sweetened or unsweetened |
This rich, earthy latte features concentrated powder made from finely-ground Japanese matcha green tea blended with hot milk and sweetener. The result is a luxuriously creamy latte with natural caffeine from the matcha. The flavor is robust, vegetal green tea. Fans love this drink for its smooth sipping experience. Customizable iced or hot.
Pros: Rich, creamy texture. Natural green tea flavor. Caffeinated without coffee.
Cons: Bitter, earthy taste is polarizing. Expensive compared to coffee.
The Matcha Green Tea Latte is ideal for tea aficionados looking for a smooth, caffeinated alternative to coffee with robust natural flavor. The richness depends on the quantity of matcha powder used.
12. Blonde Vanilla Latte
| Category | Hot Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Starbucks blonde espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup |
Taste Profile Smooth, subtly sweet vanilla blended with mellow espresso
Customizations Milk type, blonde roast type, number of shots, whipped cream
This latte features Starbucks’ smoother and mellower blonde espresso roast combined with steamed milk and vanilla syrup for a gently sweetened coffee taste. The blonde roast provides a lighter, nuanced coffee profile that highlights the vanilla flavor. Perfect if you find normal espresso too bitter or strong.
Pros: Smooth, lightly sweet coffee flavor. Allows you to taste vanilla and coffee notes.
Cons: Less robust coffee taste than regular espresso. Some find it lacks depth.
The Blonde Vanilla Latte is ideal for those who want a subtly sweet, mellow coffee drink. The blonde roast provides a gentle base for the vanilla without overpowering bitterness.
13. Iced Caramel Macchiato
| Category | Iced Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, caramel sauce |
| Taste Profile | Sweet layered caramel and espresso flavors |
| Customizations | Milk type, number of shots, caramel drizzle |
This iced version of the Caramel Macchiato maintains the same deliciously sweet flavor profile with espresso poured over ice and layered with cold foamed milk and velvety caramel sauce. The cold enhances the contrast between bitter espresso and sweet caramel.
Pros: Sweet caramel flavor with a coffee backbone. Customizable to taste.
Cons: High in sugar. Condensation can make the cup slippery.
One of summer’s perfect iced coffee treats. The ice provides nice cooling contrast against the hot espresso while maintaining the signature Caramel Macchiato flavor layers.
Subscribe to our list
Don't worry, we don't spam
14. Cold Brew Coffee
| Category | Iced Coffee |
| Key Ingredients | Cold brewed coffee concentrate, water, ice |
| Taste Profile | Smooth, mellow, robust coffee flavor |
| Customizations | Milk, sweeteners |
This fan favorite starts with Starbucks’ signature Cold Brew concentrate made from slowly steeping coffee grounds in cool water for 20 hours, resulting in a smooth concentrate teeming with coffee flavor. The concentrate is then poured over ice and diluted with water for a refreshing drink that highlights coffee’s natural flavors.
Pros: Smooth, naturally sweet coffee taste. Higher caffeine than regular iced coffee. Customizable.
Cons: Strong coffee flavor isn’t for everyone. Needs milk/sweetener for some.
Starbucks’ Cold Brew Coffee is all about enjoying coffee’s complex flavors in chilled liquid form. The slow cold brewing enhances the natural sweetness. Add milk and sugar to taste.
15. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
| Category | Frappuccino |
| Key Ingredients | Mocha sauce, Frappuccino base, milk, ice, chocolate cookie crumble |
| Taste Profile | Creamy, chocolatey, coffee flavors with cookie crunch |
| Customizations | Coffee or cream base, milk type, mocha drizzle, whipped cream |
This decadent Frappuccino harmoniously combines coffee, chocolate and cookies in icy blended form. The mocha sauce provides deep chocolate flavor, while the cookie crumbles add delightful crunch. It’s like enjoying cookies and cream with a mocha twist all in one. Truly the perfect sweet coffee treat.
Pros: Delicious mocha, cookie and coffee blend. Cookie crunch element. Customizable.
Cons: Extremely high in sugar and calories. Can be overly filling.
If you love coffee, chocolate and cookies, this Frappuccino ingeniously combines them into one frozen mocha cookie dessert. The coffee base helps cut the sweetness forbalanced bliss.
And there you have it – the top 15 most popular Starbucks drinks you need to try! Whatever your coffee or tea preferences, Starbucks has something delicious for you. Stop by your neighborhood store and sample something new off this list. Enjoy your caffeine-fueled adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Drinks
What’s the most popular Starbucks drink overall?
While numbers vary by region and season, the most universally popular Starbucks drink overall is the Pumpkin Spice Latte. This iconic fall seasonal drink has amassed a cult following over the years for its cozy pumpkin pie-like flavors.
Are Starbucks Frappuccinos coffee?
Yes, Frappuccinos are blended iced coffee drinks. They contain coffee as the base then are blended with milk and ice to create the signature thick, creamy frozen texture. Most Frappuccinos contain coffee except the Crème-based versions.
Is Starbucks cold brew real coffee?
Yes, Starbucks’ Cold Brew is made from real coffee grounds steeped in cool water for 20 hours then diluted with water over ice. The long cold brewing time extracts a smooth coffee concentrate teeming with robust flavor.
What is the strongest Starbucks drink?
The strongest Starbucks drink is the Quad Shot Espresso, which contains 4 full shots of espresso for a intense caffeine boost. Other strong options are the Clover brewed coffee and Cold Brew – both high in caffeine content.
What is the sweetest Starbucks Frappuccino?
The sweetest Frappuccino is the Cotton Candy Frappuccino, which uniquely contains no coffee but instead features blended raspberry syrup, milk and vanilla bean powder topped with whipped cream. Extremely sweet and dessert-like.
Can you order secret menu drinks at Starbucks?
You can order “secret” off-menu drinks at Starbucks, but you’ll need to specify exactly what you want since they don’t advertise them. Examples include the Cotton Candy Frappuccino, Funfetti Frappuccino, Cookies & Cream Frappuccino, and many more.
