With summer weather fast approaching, a cold refreshing beverage is a must have and Starbucks is one of many big names out there to quench that hankering thirst. However, if you’re not an Sbux aficionado, the extensive and ever changing menu can be very daunting. Luckily for you, the students at Uhart have complied a list of the best Starbucks iced beverages ranked by their taste.
For the sake of organization we’ve broken down the answers into the following categories: (Iced espresso, Iced Tea, Refreshers, Frappucinos, and Non-Espresso)
Best Iced Espresso Beverages:
1. Iced Caramel Macchiato
The iced caramel macchiato is a simple yet delicious treasure. Made with vanilla, two percent milk, espresso shots over top, and decadent caramel drizzle, this drink satisfies any coffee lover looking for a little summer sweetness.
#spoontip this drink is meant to be enjoyed from the bottom up, so don’t stir it!
2. Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte
Starbucks Blonde Espresso has been a hit since its introduction in January. Now you can essentially make any espresso drink “blonde,” (which just means using their blonde espresso shots in place of the regular). This creates a smooth balanced taste, and the Blonde iced vanilla latte is no exception to this delicious innovation.
3. Cold Foam Cappuccino
Another new addition to their summer menu is the Cold Foam Cappuccino, replacing their more traditional iced cappuccino. Starbucks Cold foam is thick and velvety, made with espresso shots, and topped with nonfat milk whipped to create a thick blanket of creamy goodness.
Best Iced Teas:
1. Passion Iced Tea
Passion Tango iced tea. The name just sounds refreshing. With a blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple it takes well deserved residency at number 1. This tea can be made sweetened or unsweetened and with or without lemonade. Because it is a hibiscus tea, it is the only iced tea offered without caffeine.
2. Strawberry Green Iced Tea Infusion
The name may be a mouthful but this summery concoction is a blend of Starbucks green tea and their strawberry infusion (another unsweetened tea). This drink can be made sweetened or unsweetened and with or without lemonade. The addition of succulent strawberry tea is a refreshing afternoon treat.
Best Refreshers:
1. Strawberry Acai Refresher
Packed with delicious slices of dried strawberries, the Strawberry Acai Refresher is a quick caffeine kick to your day without the taste of coffee. Made from green coffee extract, this fruity juice contains anywhere from 45-55mg of caffeine depending on size and potency.
2. Pink Drink
Strawberry Acai’s more delicate cousin, Pink Drink, started off as a secret menu item when costumers would request to replace recipe amount of water for coconut milk. Starbucks soon caught on to the trend and made it an official menu item last summer. This drink is for anyone with a sweet tooth, craving a smooth yet fruity sensation
3. Violet Drink
By now you should be starting to sense the trend of adding coconut milk to everything as the Violet Drink is no exception. This drink gets its unique color and flavor from the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher as its base, coconut milk instead of water, and a generous scoop of freeze dried blackberries.
Best Frappuccinos:
1. Ultra Caramel Frappuccino
The Ultra Caramel Frappuccino is one of two brand new fraps released this summer. It may just look like a normal caramel frap with a ton of added whipped cream and caramel drizzle, however what really makes this frap stand apart from all the others its new and improved ingredients. This frap contains a brand new Dark Caramel sauce used to flavor the inside as well as adorn the bottom and top of the cup. Another sweet addition is the Sweet Cold Brew Whipped cream, made with Starbucks’ own Cold Brewed Iced Coffee. Most who’ve tried it say it tastes similar to a Dunkin Donuts Coolata, but we’ll leave that up for you to decide.
2. Triple Mocha Frappuccino
The second of this summer’s two new fraps is the Triple Mocha Frappuccino. This blended beverage is only slightly different than the OG Mocha Frap, as it still gets the regular mocha sauce, but with the new addition of Dark Mocha sauce and the Sweet Cold Brew Whipped Cream.
3. Java Chip Frappuccino
Ah the classics, there’s something satisfying about sticking to the basics. For anyone who is a coffee and chocolate lover, the Java Chip Frap is drink for you. Blended with mocha sauce, crunch caffeinated chocolate chips, and topped with mocha drizzle, it is a decadent pick me up to your week.
Best Non-Espresso Drinks:
1. Iced Chai Tea Latte
With almost a unanimous decision, the iced Chai Tea Latte stands at number one for the best iced non-espresso drinks. Made with a concentrated chai tea base and any milk of your choice, its the perfect way to get your spiced caffeine intake without the coffee taste. Starbucks also offers a Lightly Sweetened Chai tea, allowing costumers to customize the amount of added sugar in their drink.
2. Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
Pulverized green tea leaves mixed with milk and ice to create a smooth and earthy flavor is what makes the green tea latte decadent and delicious.
3. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Rich cold brew flavors steeped for 20 hours, combined with velvety sweet cream and an accent of vanilla is practically dessert in a cup!