Thanks to Instagram, the Starbucks secret menu isn’t so secret anymore. We’ve all seen the gorgeous photos of rainbow unicorn drinks, peanut butter cup Frappuccinos and butterbeer lattes. And who could forget the viral Pink Drink?! But actually ordering those pretty drinks in real life can be intimidating. What do you ask the barista for? What if the barista has no idea what’s in a piña colada Frappuccino?
Fear not, fellow coffee addicts—below is everything you need to know about how to order from the Starbucks secret menu (without annoying your barista).
Order the Base Drink First
Sure, your drink is from the secret menu. But it most likely starts with something from the regular menu. For instance, the Twix Frappuccino is made with a Caramel Frappuccino base while the Pink Drink is made with a Strawberry Acai Refresher.
Letting your barista know this right away makes it easier for them to whip up your drink. (The secret menu is actually created by fans, so baristas might not know how to make the drinks by name alone.)
Here’s how baristas really feel about secret menu orders.
Request Any Substitutions
Once you know the base drink, figure out what substitutions need to be made. Maybe it’s milk instead of water or white mocha instead of regular mocha. You can also choose your own substitutions based on dietary preferences (like almond milk instead of dairy milk).
Ask for Additions and Toppings
You’ve saved the best for last: all of the things that make your secret menu drink worth the complicated order. This is where you ask for syrups (how many pumps and what kind, like raspberry or pumpkin pie) and mix-ins (like cookie crumbles, fresh fruit or java chips).
And if you really want to treat yourself with your concoction? Don’t forget the whipped cream and a few drizzles of your favorite flavor sauce on top.
It’s time to put this method to the test. Head to the Starbucks drive-thru for a Cookies and Cream Frappuccino!
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Amanda Tarlton