When I walk into a Starbucks, it is always difficult to choose what I want to get. Whether it’s trying something new, sticking with the old favorite, or testing out some add-ons to elevate my go-to, I can never decide. Starbucks has over 87,000 different drink combinations, which makes the decision even harder.
No one knows coffee like a barista, which is why we sat down with Valeria Santillan, a Starbucks barista who has been working at Starbucks for a year now. Behind the bar is her favorite place to be and where she has “gotten to know coffee on another level.” With her knowledge, we have narrowed down the options of some delicious drinks to try on your next Starbucks visit.
Santillan’s Go-To Drink
Since Santillan started working at Starbucks, she has had the opportunity to try various drinks on the menu, including different types of modifications. Out of all the drinks, she has favored the shaken espressos, specifically a grande brown sugar shaken espresso with two pumps of white mocha, light vanilla cold foam, and extra cinnamon powder. She loves that it is a strong coffee blend but without the bitter taste. Instead, it’s the perfect mix of delicious coffee that wakes you up in the morning.
S’mores Frappe
New on the menu and apparently the new favorite, this is the most made drink because “it’s reminiscent of old times,” according to Santillan. The nostalgic blend with marshmallow whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and crunchy graham cracker flavor is back and better than ever.
Modified Iced Matcha
“With all the s’mores drink ingredients, I’m able to make this.” This drink consists of an iced matcha with marshmallow syrup and milk chocolate cold foam. Because it uses ingredients from the seasonal menu, you can only get this drink now, so run to your nearest Starbucks to try.
Iced Banana Bread Matcha
This one is for all the matcha lovers out there, specifically those who love sweet matcha. This is another favorite and a great option for those who are not fans of coffee. The iced banana bread matcha has a ton of sweetness from the banana cream cold foam and the brown sugar additions. Not to mention, the banana flavor is amazing.
Caramel Macchiato
Santillan strongly disagrees with the standard version of the caramel macchiato and offers a “stronger but less bitter tasting” option. She suggests a venti caramel macchiato with extra caramel, upside down, with blonde espresso. Not just for the taste but an upside down espresso is convenient since they mix it for you.
Pink Drink
A classic for those who are not big fans of coffee, the Pink Drink is the perfect drink of the summer with its sweet fruity taste that the strawberries and the coconut milk compliments that fruity flavor. To elevate the taste of the drink, Santillan suggests adding cold foam. It’s refreshing and satisfies the need for something sweet.
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappe
Just like the name sounds, this is a drink for those who love all things sweet. The Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappe is all about the sweetness of the caramel which is topped with caramel sauce and crunchy caramel-sugar topping. If caramel is one of your favorites, then this is your sign to try this drink.
Pecan Crunch Latte Dupe
The Pecan Crunch Latte is a delicious fall flavor that everyone raves about but, unfortunately, it’s not on the menu year long. Thankfully, Santillan takes the time to “experiment behind the bar from time to time” and come up with a similar drink. All you have to do is ask for “a tall latte with two pumps of brown sugar syrup and two pumps of chestnut praline syrup with oat milk.” Whether you like it hot or cold, this is a perfect choice.