Menu: Sip It Up!
What Are the Best Hot Drinks at Starbucks? Baristas’ Favorite Picks
Caramel Apple Spice, anyone?
Written by Jamie Hughes
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: March 29, 2022
When it comes to coffee, Starbucks is a beloved staple. You likely have the app on your phone, allowing you to order your go-to drinks with just a few taps. Whether you’re in line for yourself or ordering for the kids, the choices can sometimes feel overwhelming. With Starbucks’ extensive menu and seasonal offerings, you might find yourself at a loss regarding what to try next. That’s where baristas come in—they know the best hot drinks on the menu!
Choosing a new beverage can feel like a risk, especially when you have your favorites memorized. You can spot a well-made iced chai with nonfat milk from a mile away, but a new drink? That can be a gamble. Thankfully, baristas are here to help guide you in making a delicious choice.
Starbucks baristas, or “partners,” often find joy in sharing their recommendations. They love to delight customers with something special, so we asked them to share their top picks for hot drinks. Here’s what they had to say.
1. Caramel Apple Spice
This drink is a fan favorite among baristas. It combines steamed apple juice with cinnamon syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Just thinking about it makes the mouth water!
2. Hot Chocolate with a Twist
Stacy M. from Cincinnati believes hot chocolate deserves more attention. “You can add any syrup we have,” she says. Some tasty options include:
- Cinnamon Dulce
- Raspberry
- Peppermint
- Toffee Nut
- Caramel
- Hazelnut
- Irish Cream
- Dark Caramel Sauce
For a caffeinated twist, add a couple of espresso shots!
3. Seasonal Hot Drinks
Seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Peppermint Mochas are huge hits. According to baristas, these drinks are often the stars of the fall and winter menus, along with offerings like the Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte and Caramel Brulee Latte.
4. Chai Tea Latte
James A. from Palm Beach shares that his store sells a ton of chai tea lattes. This spicy drink has a strong flavor profile that tends to be polarizing; if you enjoy complex and aromatic beverages, this may become your new favorite.
5. Caramel Macchiato
“Don’t underestimate the Caramel Macchiato,” James advises. It’s a popular choice for both newbies and regulars, thanks to its sweet caramel flavor.
6. Starbucks’ House Roasts
Regular coffee drinkers aren’t forgotten! Baristas like Stacy note that many customers love the various house roasts, with Seattle’s Pike Place Market being a standout favorite.
7. Steamers
Fallon P. from Southern California encourages trying flavored steamers. “You can make one using any syrup,” she explains. For example, a Pumpkin Spice Steamer is simply steamed milk with pumpkin spice—delicious without the coffee kick!
8. Pistachio Latte
Don’t overlook this new addition! Combining steamed milk, pistachio syrup, and salted brown butter topping, it’s a lovely balance of sweet and savory.
9. Blonde Vanilla Latte
The Blonde Espresso provides a smooth boost without being overpowering.
10. Butterbeer Latte
This fun drink contains no actual beer, but it’s a treat! Order steamed milk with caramel, toffee nut, and cinnamon dolce syrup. If you want caffeine, add a shot of espresso.
11. Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa
This delightful drink combines white chocolate mocha with cinnamon dolce syrup, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles. It’s a warm hug in a cup!
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In summary, Starbucks offers a vast menu of hot drinks, and baristas have shared their top picks that range from classic favorites to creative concoctions. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or a complex flavor, there’s something for everyone at Starbucks.