A quick hint: The secret menu doesn’t actually exist.
What makes a great Starbucks order? What instructions yield the best drinks? And on the other hand, what really pushes baristas’ buttons and has them rolling their eyes as you leave the store?
The key to getting creative with your morning beverage is to have some understanding of how the Starbucks brand, menu, and drink-making process works.
To provide you with everything you need to know about perfecting your Starbucks order, we consulted three star baristas from various locations across the country. They offer valuable tips on how to order a great drink and what to avoid when placing an order. Here are nine dos and don’ts to keep in mind next time you’re at Starbucks.
1. Ordering Off the Secret Menu
Spoiler: The secret menu is not a thing. In fact, it’s created by customers rather than the brand. “There is no secret menu, we don’t know how to make those drinks or what they’re called,” says Kenny Delgado, a New Jersey-based Starbucks barista.
“We are not taught these recipes, as they are customer created,” adds Veronica Gallagher, a Washington-based Starbucks barista. “Bring the recipe and a backup plan in case we can’t replicate it.”
To make it Instagram-worthy, Delgado suggests bringing clear instructions or even a sample picture.
2. Not Knowing What’s in Your Drink — or How Customizations Might Affect It
If you’re modifying a recipe, be informed — and don’t hesitate to inquire about customizations. “When someone orders a drink with four types of flavors in a grande, that’s 16 pumps of sugar going into their drink,” explains barista Natalie McInnis. “Then they wonder why it doesn’t taste good…”
Understanding how milk substitutions impact your drink is crucial too. “Don’t substitute almond milk into your pink drink (it’ll get chunky),” warns Delgado. He adds two other pro tips: “an extra foam latte is a cappuccino, and caramel macchiatos have vanilla in them.”
3. Not Trusting Your Barista
“Talk to us and let us know what you like,” suggests Delgado. “We taste everything that comes in, and we can hook you up with something delicious or fix it until you think it’s delicious.”
That said, it’s important to read the room when asking questions about ingredients and customizations. Practicing patience in the Starbucks line is always appreciated.
“Just be patient; we are friendlier when we are less stressed out from people wanting things instantly,” says McInnis. “We all do our best; we don’t want the lines to be there any more than people want to sit in them.”
4. Getting Too Attached to Seasonal Drinks
The Starbucks menu changes frequently, and that’s to be expected. “Our seasonal drinks change often, so please do not be upset with us when the promotion ends and we no longer have the product,” says Gallagher. She also reminds customers that menu items previously considered staples may be phased out, leading staff to potentially be unfamiliar with the recipes or ingredients.
5. Not Knowing the Starbucks Sizes
The equivalent of a small is a tall at Starbucks, a grande is medium, and a venti or trenta is a large. Gallagher mentions this can create confusion among customers: “Many people think a ‘tall’ is the largest size, when really our largest size is venti or trenta.”
6. Failing to Double Check Your Work
“I highly suggest having your order read back to you, especially in a drive-thru that does not have an order screen,” advises Gallagher. She also emphasizes the need to ask for decaf specifically if a caffeine-free espresso is desired. Additionally, double-checking that you’re taking your food and drink, not another customer’s, at the pickup counter is essential — it’s as easy as checking the name on the cup!
7. Forgetting There’s a Big Difference Between a Macchiato and a Caramel Macchiato
Gallagher points out that one of the most common mistakes is asking for a macchiato when what you really want is a caramel macchiato. If you simply request a straight macchiato, Gallagher explains that baristas will prepare an espresso macchiato, which “is just espresso with a light amount of foam on top.”
8. Not Trying a Blonde Espresso
Gallagher notes that Starbucks uses a dark roast espresso for their lattes, while most local shops opt for a medium roast. She recommends trying Starbucks’ blonde espresso if you’re “used to more mom-and-pop-style cafes and espresso stands.” If you generally prefer local coffee shop lattes, Starbucks blonde espresso might be a great fit for you.
9. Not Checking the Location on Your Mobile Order
“As the customer, it is your responsibility to ensure you select the correct location,” says Gallagher. She advises customers not to be upset with baristas if their order is missing, especially if it was sent to the wrong location. Additionally, Gallagher shares a pro tip: “Our staff is trained to prepare your order if you show a receipt, so keep your phone handy and be kind.”
