Ordering at Starbucks can be tricky for those of us who aren't true coffee connoisseurs or regular customers of this large chain. By learning about the guidelines on how coffee is made, placing your next order at Starbucks will be a breeze.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Deciding Your Drink
Step 1. Consider what your tastes are
To get a drink that you will enjoy, it is important to order something that meets your preferences and cravings. Ordering at Starbucks doesn't necessarily mean you have to ask for coffee, but you can choose from a wide variety of beverages including tea, milkshakes, and hot chocolate. Logically, you also make your decision based on the season you are in.
- If you're not sure which drink is right for you, don't hesitate to ask the bartenders who are serving you for advice. They will be able to provide you with a number of alternatives based on your tastes in terms of drinks, thus helping you to select one that is tailor-made for you.
- Remember to decide whether you want your drink to be hot, cold, or pureed, as well as the amount of caffeine and sugar you want.
Step 2. Choose a size
Starbucks is renowned for assigning a specific name to each of its beverage sizes. The "tall" is the equivalent of approximately 340ml, the "large" is 456ml, and the "twenty" is 600ml for hot drinks and 680ml for cold ones. Some stores also offer a "short" version equal to 226ml and a "thirty" version which corresponds to 878ml.
- The "tall" is usually accompanied by a single espresso, the "grande" by a double espresso as well as the "twenty", unless it is a "twenty" with a cold drink, in which case it is accompanied by a triple espresso.
- If you would like more espresso than what goes with your chosen size, you can simply ask for an additional serving. This will cost more, but will allow you to have the desired amount of espresso without the need to increase the size of the chosen drink.
Step 3. Add some flavor
No matter what kind of drink you have ordered, you will always be able to add some sugar or a variety of syrup. Adding a flavor will usually mean getting two extra sprinkles of syrup, so if you want your drink to be ultra sweet be sure to specify this and pay the extra. Sugar is free. Syrup varieties, on the other hand, are not.
- If you are not sure which flavor to add, ask to be able to browse the menu or ask the bartender what are the most popular flavors available. There is an infinite amount of flavors to choose from, so don't feel limited to simply having to decide between sugar or non-sugar.
- Most syrup varieties such as vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut also feature the "sugar-free" option. If you are trying to be more mindful of your health, then you can exercise this option for your drink.
- Always ask what the seasonal flavors are while you are ordering, as there is a wide variety of specific syrups that are only available at certain times of the year. In winter and autumn you may come across pumpkin flavored syrup, while during the summer it is not uncommon to find the coconut flavor in selected retailers.
Step 4. Choose the base liquid
Some drinks are based on milk, while others use water. If you have preferences towards one of the two options, remember to specify it when ordering. As for milk, you will usually be able to choose between skim, 2%, soy, and half and half. Some Starbucks stores also have specialties in this regard, such as almond or coconut milk.
- You can have any type of hot or cold drink, and many coffee-based smoothie products. If you decide to change the formula of your drink, you may need to change the type of base liquid as well. For example, a shaken coffee must be obtained using milk as the main ingredient instead of water, to have the right consistency.
- When the milk is frothed, a rich and abundant foam is created which will represent the top of your drink. You can decide whether to order an additional one if you are a fan, or ask to have a drink without foam if it is not to your liking.
Step 5. Assess the amount of caffeine
Espresso and American coffee both contain a natural dose of caffeine, as do green and black tea. If you want to consume a smaller amount, you can order one with half caffeine than normal, or a decaffeinated one (without caffeine). If you are looking for a boost of energy to face the day, you can request extra doses of coffee instead.
Part 2 of 2: Choosing a Drink
Step 1. Get some filtered black coffee
This is the type of coffee that you can also make at home, but prepared in many different varieties. Most Starbucks stores have plenty of infusions throughout the day, so you'll have the chance to sample different types of roasters and blends. Filtered black coffee is the simplest and cheapest option on the menu.
Step 2. Try a "latte"
It is a drink based on espresso and milk heated with the steam nozzle. It can be customized by adding any type of aroma and any type of milk, and it is possible to drink it both hot and cold.
Step 3. Taste an "American"
For coffee enthusiasts this is the most popular drink of all, thanks to its strong espresso flavor. Its composition is very simple, consisting only of espresso coffee and water, but with a higher concentration of espresso than all other drinks. Of course you can add sugar and milk, as well as any flavorings you might want to combine with them.
Step 4. Taste a "cappuccino"
It is a drink very similar to "milk" being composed of the same two basic ingredients, but differentiated by the presence of a greater quantity of foam. To get an idea, your drink will have a light and fluffy texture rather than liquid like "milk". When you order a cappuccino, remember to specify if you prefer "wet" (without too much foam) or "dry" (almost all foam). Finally, add whatever sugar or flavoring variety you prefer.
Step 5. Order a "caramel macchiato"
The name borrowed from the Italian language means the presence of espresso stains on the surface of the drink, rather than mixed with the other ingredients. Caramel macchiato consist of vanilla syrup, warmed milk with foam, espresso, and a sprinkle of caramel.
Step 6. Try a "mocha"
Mochas are the equivalent of "milk" (espresso and milk) with the addition of chocolate. The two variants are in fact represented by milk chocolate or white chocolate. The former has a thicker and creamier texture, while the latter has a sweeter and more sugary flavor. Normally this drink does not include foam, but if you feel like it you can always ask the bartender to have some on top.
Step 7. Enjoy the "espresso" specialty
If you consider yourself a true lover of espresso, don't think twice and order one now! Choose between single and double, and then make the variations you want most. They are usually served with a pinch of "macchiato" style foam, or with a little whipped cream.
Step 8. Order tea
If coffee isn't your thing, try one of the many tea varieties available at Starbucks. Most of it is made with the use of hot water, but there are numerous milk-based "latte teas". Among these we can include the evergreen "chai tea" (spicy cinnamon flavored tea) and the "London fog" (A blend of sweet vanilla and bergamot tea). You can still decide whether to order your tea based on hot water or milk, and decide whether to take it hot or cold.
Step 9. Have a "frappuccino"
These are pureed drinks, usually made with coffee. Starbucks has plenty of frappuccino specialties on the menu, and if you can't see them you can always ask the barista to list them verbally. Although most are coffee-based, there are some such as those with strawberries and milk, which confirm the exception to the rule, and are also served with sprinkles of chocolate and caramel.
Step 10. Try other drinks with a base other than coffee
If you are not interested in coffee or tea, do not lose heart because at Starbucks you can choose from a wide selection of caffeine-free drinks. If you prefer something hot you can opt for hot chocolate, a "steamer" (milk with a syrup flavor of your choice), or apple cider. If, on the other hand, you are more for refreshing drinks, you can have a lemonade or choose from the wide variety of "smoothies" (frappé).
Step 11. Order your drink
Once you have decided on the coffee to take with all the possible variations of the case, you are ready to place your order. Start by indicating the size you have chosen, then communicate the name of the drink, and finally any changes you want to make. Ask something like, "A large chai tea latte with extra foam." Don't be afraid to be specific in your request!
Advice
- Don't be afraid to ask for help if you don't understand something.
- Do you stop in the cafeteria? Then, if you request it, your drink will be served in a glass cup or glass instead of plastic ones. You just say "eat here" when you order (this, however, does not happen in all Starbucks).
- Try adding a cup of espresso or a protein powder to the "Frappuccino" (they cost an additional 75 and 60 cents respectively).
- Pay attention to how they prepare your drink because you may not get exactly what you ordered. Bartender tip: Before leaving, double check your drink to make sure it's actually what you want. Either way, walking around the bar and telling the bartender how to do his job will lower your chances of sipping a quality drink.
- Be aware that someone may mistakenly take your order. Do not throw away your receipt and keep your ears open because, perhaps, a person who was in line with you ordered the same drink as you, especially if you requested a common Starbucks product such as, for example, a "Latte".
- Avoid using your cell phone while placing an order so as not to appear rude.
- If you order a drink that includes whipped cream as a basic ingredient such as "Mocha", for example, and ask for skim milk, don't forget to specify whether you want it or not.
- Typically, a variety of drinks and bottled juices are also offered, placed in the refrigerated counter next to the cash register. Here, you will also find sweets and other things to eat.
- If you want to try something but aren't sure, ask for a taste.
- Don't forget to leave a tip!
