Customizing your Starbucks order goes way beyond choosing a size or deciding between hot and iced. From secret menu hacks to mastering milk alternatives, learning how to personalize your drink can turn an average cup of coffee into your daily masterpiece.
Whether you’re fueling up for work or relaxing with Highroller, the exclusive, high-end online casino, knowing how to order your drink just the way you like it makes all the difference.
Here’s everything you need to know to customize your Starbucks order like a true pro.
1. Start With the Base: Coffee, Tea, or Crème
Your base determines the entire flavor profile of your drink. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Espresso: Strong and bold — ideal for lattes, macchiatos, and Americanos.
- Brewed Coffee: Perfect for those who enjoy classic hot coffee.
- Cold Brew or Nitro Cold Brew: Smooth and less acidic, great for iced drinks.
- Tea: Includes black, green, and herbal teas — all customizable with sweeteners or milk.
- Crème-Based: Typically used for Frappuccinos without coffee; great for a caffeine-free treat.
If you’re looking to avoid caffeine altogether, Starbucks offers many caffeine-free options including herbal teas and steamed milk drinks.
2. Choose the Right Milk or Milk Alternative
Dairy or dairy-free? Starbucks gives you a wide range of choices to tailor your drink to your taste and dietary needs:
- Whole Milk: Creamy and rich, used by default in many drinks.
- 2% Milk: The standard for most espresso drinks.
- Nonfat Milk: A lighter option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Almond, Oat, Soy, or Coconut Milk: Great dairy-free options that add unique flavor and texture.
Pro tip: Oat milk adds natural sweetness and works well in lattes and macchiatos.
3. Adjust the Sweetness Level
Starbucks lets you completely control your sweetness level, whether you want a sugary treat or a low-sugar beverage.
Sweetener Options:
- Classic Syrup (used in iced coffee/tea by default)
- Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, etc. (flavored syrups)
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
- Honey or Stevia (upon request)
You can ask for half pumps of syrup if you want just a touch of flavor without it being too sweet.
4. Customize the Temperature
Yes — even your drink temperature can be personalized.
- Extra Hot: Keeps your drink warmer for longer.
- Warm: Less hot, ideal for kids or those sensitive to heat.
- Iced: You can order almost any drink iced — even espresso drinks or teas.
Don’t forget: You can also request light ice or no ice for cold drinks to avoid dilution.
5. Add or Modify Toppings
Toppings can transform the texture and presentation of your drink. Here are some you can add or adjust:
- Whipped Cream: Can be added or removed from any drink.
- Cold Foam: A frothy, creamy topping available in multiple flavors like vanilla or salted caramel.
- Drizzles: Caramel or mocha drizzle adds sweetness and visual appeal.
- Cinnamon Powder, Chocolate Curls, or Nutmeg: Add subtle flavor notes and aroma.
You can even request extra toppings or get them on the side if you want more control.
6. Go Beyond the Menu With Modifiers
Starbucks baristas are trained to handle a wide range of customizations, including:
- Ristretto Shots: Shorter, more concentrated espresso shots.
- Blonde Espresso: Milder and slightly sweeter than the original.
- Upside Down: Reverses the order ingredients are poured (especially popular in caramel macchiatos).
- Extra or Light Everything: Adjust the amount of any ingredient (ice, syrup, milk, espresso).
These small tweaks can make a major difference in flavor and experience.
7. Try Secret Menu Hacks (But Be Specific)
While the Starbucks “secret menu” isn’t officially supported, many custom drinks have gone viral on social media. Popular examples include:
- Pink Drink: Strawberry Açaí Refresher with coconut milk and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Butterbeer Frappuccino: A caramel and toffee nut combo inspired by Harry Potter fans.
Important tip: Always provide the full custom recipe instead of just the name — baristas won’t know unofficial drinks by name alone.
8. Save Your Favorite Custom Drink in the App
The Starbucks app allows you to save your fully customized drink, so you never forget the formula. You can also earn rewards, find store locations, and order ahead — a major time-saver during busy hours.
This is especially handy if your ideal drink involves more than two or three modifications.
9. Know When to Customize
Customization is great, but overloading your drink can lead to unexpected results — especially if ingredients don’t complement each other. Try experimenting with one or two changes at a time to find your perfect mix.
Looking to unwind while you enjoy your beverage? Pair your custom Starbucks order with a relaxing experience like reading, journaling, or visiting a trusted resource on caffeine and sleep to better understand how your order might affect your evening routine.
By mastering these customization tips, you’ll elevate your Starbucks experience and make every drink your own — whether you’re kickstarting your day or winding down in the evening.
