If you’ve ever stood in line at Starbucks staring at the endless menu options (haven’t we all), you’ve probably wondered: What do the people who work here actually drink? After all, baristas spend hours around coffee machines, syrups, teas, and blenders every single day. If anyone knows the real gems on the menu, it’s them.
And the truth is, while many of us stick to familiar favorites like lattes or caramel frappuccinos, Starbucks baristas often go for creative combos, hidden menu gems, and drinks that have the right balance. In other words, they’ve seen it all, and they know exactly what’s worth spending money on.
There’s also a growing interest in barista jobs in Miami cafes and beyond. That curiosity isn’t just about finding work as a barista. It’s also about the lifestyle, the behind-the-counter tips, and of course, the insider drink choices.
So today, let’s find out what Starbucks baristas actually order (and a few customization ideas you have to try out).
The Classics Baristas Keep Coming Back To
Even with so many customization options, many baristas still choose to stick to classics. Here are some great options:
- Iced Caramel Macchiato: A fan favorite, but baristas love it too because it’s tasty, balanced, and easy to sip during a busy shift.
- Flat White: Smooth, velvety, and a little more coffee-forward than a latte. A perfect choice if you want caffeine without too much sweetness.
- Cold Brew with Sweet Cream: Simple and refreshing. This drink has a strong caffeine punch with just enough creaminess.
The Custom Creations Only Baristas Know
Here’s where things get interesting. Baristas know how to take ordinary drinks and spice them up.
Even Starbucks loves our little ideas. Their financial release from the end of 2022 reported that 60% of customers usually customize their order, and just in the fourth quarter of 2022, those customizations brought in $1 billion in revenue.
Some common favorites are:
- Iced Chai with Espresso (Dirty Chai)
A great mix of sweet and strong. This one is a good choice on days you’re running low on energy.
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with Caramel Drizzle
This drink is basically a dessert. You can go for this one if you really have a sweet tooth.
- Iced Matcha Latte with Vanilla Syrup
A refreshing and slightly sweet option that balances a classic iced matcha and creamy vanilla.
- Blonde Vanilla Latte with Oat Milk
A lighter roast + oat milk combo that makes the drink smooth and nutty.
- Strawberry Açaí Refresher with Lemonade and Coconut Milk (the Pink Drink)
Yes, even baristas enjoy this Instagram favorite. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for warmer days (and for posting it on your story).
If you want more inspiration, you can check out this guide on how to customize your Starbucks order like a pro.
A Few Healthy Options
If you’re watching your weight or just want to know some more healthy options (ones with less sugar or syrups), you should check these drinks out. They’re a little lighter but still satisfying.
- Americano with a Splash of Oat Milk: It’s simple, customizable, and low in calories.
- Green Tea with Honey: A soothing, comforting option if you want to try out something other than coffee.
- Iced Latte with Sugar-Free Vanilla: Great for a lighter option that’s lower in sugar.
Seasonal Gems
Who doesn’t get excited for seasonal drinks at Starbucks (we know we do)? Here are some you have to try:
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: A fall must-have. It has the perfect balance of spice and smooth cold brew.
- Peppermint Mocha: The classic winter go to.
- Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte: A festive, lighter option.
What This Tells Us
The drinks baristas actually order reveal two things.
Baristas love balance. They balance out sweetness with strong coffee or creaminess with something refreshing. They usually go for drinks that are satisfying but not that overwhelming.
They’re not afraid to customize. Small changes (like switching milk or adding a shot of espresso) make all the difference. It’s all about experimenting and figuring out what’s the perfect choice for you.
And that’s the real secret: you don’t have to stick to the exact menu. The fun of Starbucks is making the drink your own.
Try Your Barista-Inspired Order
Next time you’re in line and can’t decide, ask yourself: What would a barista get? Chances are, it’s something simple, customizable, and refreshing.
You can also choose a lot when it comes to your drink. And baristas say that they don’t mind when we get specific when ordering (it actually helps them out). Here’s what you need to decide on:
- Is your drink decaf? If it’s not you don’t have to mention it.
- Do you want it iced or hot?
- What size do you want your drink to be? (Short, Tall, Grande, Venti, or Trenta)
- Syrup (vanilla, mocha, hazelnut, etc)
- Shots (for example, blonde espresso, doppio, etc)
- Milk (non-fat, almond, whole, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, and so on)
- Specific orders (do you want less ice, no whipped cream, or you can skip this step)
The Final Sip
Baristas know Starbucks better than anyone, and their go-to drinks prove that the best orders are found from getting creative and trying things out. From dirty chais to seasonal cold brews, there’s plenty of inspiration waiting to be found.
And the next time you chat with your barista, try to find out their secret favorite drink too. Just don’t be scared to ask.
