Ordering at Starbucks can be intimidating for those of us who aren't regular Starbucks customers or coffee lovers. With some basic understanding of coffee brewing guidelines, your next order at Starbucks will be a pleasant one.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Customizing Your Drink
Step 1. Think about what kind of drink you like
To really enjoy a drink, order your favorite drink. Ordering a drink at Starbucks doesn't mean you have to order coffee. In fact, there are many other types of drinks such as tea, smoothies, and hot chocolate. Adjust your choice with the weather and season to determine the right one.
- If you are confused about choosing a drink, don't hesitate to ask the barista there. They can give you a choice based on your preferences or make a drink that is specially tailored for you.
- Remember to consider whether you want the drink hot, ice cold, or blended, as well as sweetness and caffeine levels.
Step 2. Choose the size
Starbucks is known to have had a name for a certain measure. Don't be afraid, choosing the size is very easy. A tall glass is equivalent to 12oz (354 ml), a grande glass is equivalent to 16oz (473 ml), and a venti is equivalent to 20oz (591 ml). Some Starbucks also offer drinks in short sizes, which are 8oz (236 ml), or trenta - in a size of 31oz (916 ml).
- A tall usually includes a single shot of espresso, a grande includes a double shot of espresso, and a venti is the same, except for a venti-sized ice drink, which contains a triple shot of espresso.
- If you want more espresso than the size you ordered, ask. You have to pay an additional fee, but you can get the amount of espresso you want without increasing the overall size of the drink.
Step 3. Add a little flavor
Whether in coffee, tea, or other beverages, you can add sugar or syrup. Usually two pumps of syrup are added, so be specific about the amount you want, and be prepared to pay more. Sugar is free, but flavored syrup is not.
- If you're not sure which flavor you'd like to add, ask for the flavor menu or ask the barista about the popular flavors available. There are dozens of flavors to choose from, so don't think you're limited to just “sugar” or “no sugar.”
- Most popular syrup flavors like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut have sugar-free options. If you're trying to be healthier, order a sugar-free flavored syrup for your drink.
- Ask about seasonal flavors when you order, as there are many specialty syrups available at different times of the year. In autumn and winter, there is usually pumpkin, while in summer, coconut is often served in certain locations.
Step 4. Select the base fluid
Some drinks are made with milk, while others have water as the main liquid. If you choose one, tell the barista when you order. Typically, the milk options available are nonfat, 2%, soy milk, and half cream. Some Starbucks outlets also provide special milk such as coconut or almond milk.
- You can buy any drink hot or with ice, and lots of coffee blends. If you change the shape of your drink, you may also need to change the base fluid. For example, coffee blends must be made with milk as the base, not water, to get the right consistency.
- When the milk is heated, the milk will produce foam. This foam will cover the top of your glass. If you like the foam, you can order with extra foam, if not, order your drink without the foam.
Step 5. Consider the caffeine element
Espresso and coffee generally contain caffeine, as does green tea. If you don't like caffeine, you can order a drink with moderate (half) or no caffeine. You can also ask for an additional level of coffee if you want to increase energy.
Part 2 of 2: Choosing Drinks
Step 1. Buy cooked coffee
It may taste similar to the coffee you usually make at home, but remember that Starbucks has a lot of flavor in its drinks. You can also mix different flavors in one drink. Cooked coffee is the cheapest and easiest thing to order.
Step 2. Try a latte
Latte is a standard espresso drink made from hot milk and espresso content. Latte can be mixed with any flavor and type of milk, and can be served warm or cold.
Step 3. Try the americano
Americano is a popular drink among coffee enthusiasts due to its strong espresso taste. Americano is made of espresso and water, and usually the ingredients are overdone to create a strong flavor. You can add cream and sugar to taste.
Step 4. Try a cappuccino
A cappuccino is similar to a latte in that a cappuccino is made from heated milk and espresso, but a cappuccino contains more foam, so your drink will be very light. When ordering a cappuccino, you should order it "wet" (not too much foam) or "dry" (mostly foam). You can add flavor or adjust the sugar content according to taste.
Step 5. Order the caramel macchiato
The word macchiato comes from Italian, which means "marked". This word is used to describe espresso that is on the top of the drink, not mixed with the drink. Caramel macchiato is made of vanilla syrup, heated milk and foam, and a touch of caramel.
Step 6. Order the mocha
Mocha is a latte (milk and espresso) with added chocolate. The variations are white chocolate and milk chocolate. White chocolate has a slightly richer taste than sweeter milk chocolate. Usually this drink is made without foam, so you'll have to ask the barista to add it if you want.
Step 7. Try specialty espresso
If you are a true espresso lover, order it right away! Ask for espresso with one shot or double shot, then mix it with other ingredients you want. Usually, espresso is served macchiato style, with foam, or con panna style, with a little whipped cream.
Step 8. Order tea
If you are not a coffee lover, try one of the tea variants available. Most teas are made with hot water, but there are some tea lattes made with milk. These include the very popular chai tea (a tea with a crunchy cinnamon flavour) and London fog tea (a blend of earl gray tea and sweet vanilla). You can order any tea to be made with milk or water, and hot or with ice.
Step 9. Order the frappuccino
Frappucino is a mixed drink, usually made with coffee. Starbucks offers many Frappucino specials, so ask your barista what's on offer if you don't see it on the menu. Some types of Frappucino, such as the strawberry and cream flavors, are not made with coffee. These frapuccinos are usually served with a hint of chocolate or caramel.
Step 10. Try other non-coffee drinks
If you're not into coffee or tea, don't worry - there are several non-coffee drinks available at Starbucks. For hot drinks, you can order hot chocolate, steamer (milk with flavored syrup), or apple cider. You can also order lemonade or a variety of smoothies if you like a cold, coffee-free drink.
Step 11. Order your drink
Once you've determined your coffee and all the other possible variations, place an order. Start with the size of the drink, then the name, then any additions you want. For example, order a “grande chai tea latte with extra foam.” Don't be afraid to order something specific!
Tips
- Don't be afraid to ask for help if you don't understand something.
- Avoid using a mobile phone when you order; this is disrespectful.
- If you want to order something you don't recognize, ask if you can taste it.
- Double-check your drink to make sure it's what you wanted "after" you got it. Waiting at the bar and bothering the baristas with tips for doing their job will reduce your chances of getting a quality drink.
- Are you planning on drinking on the spot? They will serve your drink in real glasses and cups - not paper ones - if you ask. Say, "Drink here" when ordering (This only applies in some stores, not all.)
- When ordering a drink containing whipped cream, such as a Mocha, and requesting fat-free milk, don't forget to state whether or not you want whipped cream.
- Beware, because people will take whatever drink is shouted at. Save your receipts in case your drink has to be remade. Again, be aware that more than one person may order the same drink as you (example: "My Grand Cafe Latte is being made at the bar!"). Grande latte is the most ordered drink at Starbucks.
- Don't forget to tip your barista!
- If the barista doesn't speak your language as fluently as you'd like, avoid yelling and being impatient. This can give the impression that you are rude. Speak clearly and slowly.
- Check out the pastry section and the foods offered to accompany your drink.
- Usually bottled drinks and juices are also offered, and are placed on the refrigerator shelf under the pastry display rack.
- Be friendly! Order coffee for the person behind you if he wants it!
