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The Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks: Names, Recipes & FAQ’s

There Are Some CRAZY Starbuck Coffee Drinks You Need to Try Once in Your Life

While Starbucks offers a universal, standardized ‘official’ drinks menu, you can always indulge in what seems like an endless assortment of off-the-menu, custom Starbucks drinks orders.

These unique beverage creations are best known as the ‘Starbuck’s Secret Menu‘.

30+ Starbucks ‘Secret’ Menu Drinks Examples

While there are literally thousands of different ways to order a specialty drink at Starbucks, the following represent some of Starbuck’s most popular ‘secrets’ speciality drinks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTET0h9ouKI
Youtube Video of Starbucks Secret Menu Items

1. Captain Crunch Berry Frappuccino

Crunch Berry Starbucks Drink

To enjoy a Frappuccino that brings back childhood memories of digging into a bowl of Captain Crunch with Crunchberries, ask for a Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino with hazelnut syrup.

Interestingly, there is an ongoing debate on whether hazelnut – or toffee nut syrup (or both) will create the perfect blend, and that just might be a matter of personal opinion.

One way to specifically request this drink is ask the barista to:

  • Add caramel syrup (½ pump for a Tall, 1 pump for a Grande, 1 ½ pumps for a Venti)
  • Add toffee syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 1 ½ pumps for a Grande, 2 pumps for a Venti)
  • Add hazelnut syrup (½ pump for a Tall, 1 pump for a Grande, 1 ½ pumps for a Venti) to a Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino.

2. Fruity Pebbles Frappuccino

Ask a barista to add vanilla syrup, raspberry syrup, and classic syrup to a Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino to create a beverage that tastes like Fruity Pebbles cereal.

A bit of orange mango juice will also enhance the overall fruity flavor.

A Tall order is made with:

  • 2 pumps of vanilla syrup
  • ½ pump of raspberry syrup
  • ½ pump of classic syrup

Increase syrup measurements by ½ a pump for each larger size

3. Caramel Cookie Bar Frappuccino

twix bar drink

Better known as a ‘Twix Bar Frappuccino,’ ask for a Caramel Frappuccino with hazelnut syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 1 ½ pumps for a Grande, and 2 pumps for a Venti); java chips, and whipped cream blended in. The cup should be coated with a caramel sauce, and the drink is lastly topped with mocha drizzle.

4. Caramel and Nut Chocolate Bar Frappuccino

  • Add toffee nut syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 2 pumps for a Grande, and 3 pumps for a Venti)
  • Add to a Java Chip Frappuccino with a caramel drizzle in the cup and as a topping is believed to taste much similar to that of a Snickers candy bar.

5. Fall-in-a-Cup Latte

Pumpkin flavors are a seasonal favorite in autumn, and it’s quite easy to overdo it on the Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

To enjoy something similar that pays the ultimate homage to fall, order a Pumpkin Spice Latte with caramel syrup and Chai Syrup topped with whipped cream, pumpkin powder, and a drizzle of caramel.

The suggested orders for a Tall, Grande, Venti, and cold Venti are as follows:

  • Tall: 1½ pumps caramel syrup + 1 pump Chai Syrup
  • Grande: 2 pumps caramel syrup + 1½ pumps Chai Syrup
  • Venti: 2½ pumps caramel syrup + 2 pumps Chai Syrup
  • Cold Venti: 3 pumps caramel syrup + 2½ pumps Chai Syrup

6. Christmas in a Cup Latte

To enjoy the festive flavors of winter holidays all year round, order a Cinnamon Dolce Latte with:

  • Add white mocha syrup (1 ½ pumps for a Tall, 2 pumps for a Grande, 2 ½ pumps for a Venti)
  • Add peppermint syrup (½ pump for a Tall, 1 pump for a Grande, 1 ½ pumps for a Venti)
  • Add whipped cream on top.

7. Thin Mint Frappuccino

When you can’t wait for Girl Scout Cookie season to arrive, satisfy a Thin Mint craving with a Tazo Green Tea Crème Frappuccino blended with:

  • Add chocolate syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 2 pumps for a Grande, and 3 pumps for a Venti)
  • Add peppermint syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 1 ½ pumps for a Grande, and two for a Venti)
  • Add java chips

8. Samoa Cookie Frappuccino

Another Girl Scout Cookie-inspired favorite is the Samoa Cookie Frappuccino, which is recreated by ordering a Mocha Coconut Frappuccino made with:

  • Add 2 pumps of caramel syrup
  • Add extra coconut flakes blended into the drink
  • Add caramel drizzle as a topping (optional)

9. Cake Batter Frappuccino

Start with a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with:

  • Add almond syrup (one pump for a Tall, 1 ½ pumps for a Grande, or two pumps for a Venti)

It is not uncommon to find that a Starbucks does not carry almond syrup, where in which case, hazelnut syrup is an acceptable substitute.

Additionally, some consumers have heightened the drink’s appeal by asking a barista to add a cake pop (if available) into the mix before blending the ingredients.

10. Candy Cane Frappuccino

Order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with:

  • Add peppermint syrup (1 pump for a Tall drink, 1 ½ pumps for a Grande, and 2 pumps for a Venti)

11. Biscotti Frappuccino

Out of all the Starbucks Secret Menu drinks, the one with the most controversy surrounding it is probably the Biscotti Frappuccino.

This off-the-menu item is made by purchasing a package of biscotti cookies separately and requesting the barista to blend them into a Frappe.

The question arises whether or not baristas are actually permitted to add biscotti to the blender, and an even deeper assessment has been that using biscotti with nuts poses an allergy risk for other customers.

Therefore, don’t be surprised if this request is ultimately denied.

12. Banana Cream Pie Frappuccino

slice of banana cream pie

Order a Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino with:

  • Add vanilla syrup
  • Add hazelnut syrup
  • Add whipped cream
  • Add a whole banana (a separate expense)

This will create a taste experience similar to eating a slice of banana cream pie.

13. Apple Pie Frappuccino

Prefer apples? Your barista can create an Apple Pie Frappuccino:

  • Start with a cream base filled to the first line
  • Add apple juice filled to the second line
  • Add Cinnamon Dolce syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 1 ½ for a Grande and two for a Venti)
  • Add caramel syrup (1 pump for a Tall (1 ½ for a Grande and two for a Venti)
  • Add whipped cream on top
  • Add a drizzle of caramel.

If allowed, request ground-up biscotti as a crunchy topping.

14. Hot Butterbeer Latte

In order to truly appreciate the meaning behind this whimsical drink creation, you’d have to brush up on your Harry Potter. Butterbeer is a special, non-alcoholic drink (for humans) mentioned throughout the Harry Potter book/movie series.

To enjoy a Starbucks version, tell the barista:

  • Order a Tall whole milk steamer
  • Add Cinnamon Dolce syrup
  • Add caramel syrup (2 pump for a Tall, 3 pumps for a Grande, 4 for a Venti)
  • Add toffee nut syrup (2 pump for a Tall, 3 pumps for a Grande, 4 for a Venti)
  • Add whipped cream and salted caramel bits on top.

Also, in order to achieve just the right consistency for this drink recipe, it is highly recommended to opt for whole milk instead of swapping for skim or 2% milk.

15. Grasshopper Frappuccino

If your favorite ice cream flavor is mint chip, or you’re a fan of Grasshopper cookies.

  • Order a Mocha Frappuccino
  • Ask for blended with java chips
  • Add peppermint syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 2 pumps for a Grande, and 3 pumps of a Venti)

16. Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino

To satisfy a cinnamon roll craving without actually eating one, ask your Starbucks barista:

  • Order a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino
  • Add white mocha syrup
  • Add Cinnamon Dolce syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 2 pumps for a Grande, and 3 pumps for a Venti)
  • Add Cinnamon Dolce powder on top

17. Zebra Mocha

The combination of a White Chocolate Mocha and a regular mocha is often referred to as a ‘Zebra Mocha.’

This Starbucks drink has many other names, such as, ‘Penguin Mocha,’ ‘Marble Mocha, and ‘ Black and White Mocha’.

18. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Frappuccino

Ideal for a Valentine’s Day idea.

Ask your barista:

  • Order a Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino
  • Ask for with added java chips and a topping of mocha drizzle

19. Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino

slice of strawberry cheesecake

Ask your barista:

  • Order a Tall drink
  • Add strawberries and milk to the bottom line with a crème base (2 pumps)
  • Add vanilla bean powder (1 scoop)
  • Add white mocha syrup (1 pump)
  • Add Cinnamon Dolce syrup (1 pump)

20. Raspberry Cheesecake Frappuccino

Adding raspberry syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 1 ½ pumps for a Grande, and 2 pumps for a Venti) to a White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino will create a drink with a raspberry cheesecake flavor. To satisfy a sweet tooth, up the syrup amount by ½ a pump for each increase in size.

21. Triple C’s

Aptly named for various reasons, a Triple C’s consists of a Cinnamon Dolce Latte with added caramel syrup and chocolate mocha syrup – ( ½ pump each for a Tall, 1 pump for a Grande, and 1 ½ pumps for a Venti). However, as with every Starbucks Secret Menu Drink, being able to direct your barista on what goes into making the drink will most likely save you both a lot of time, energy, and frustration.

22. Marble Mocha Macchiato

Ask your barista to add White Mocha to the bottom of a cup (with no whip), and a shot of espresso on the top with mocha drizzle, to create this marbled drink.

23. Cookies & Cream Frappuccino

A White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino blended with java chips and a dash of peppermint syrup creates a cookies-and-cream effect.

A similar drink for cookie lovers to consider is the Oreo Frappuccino, which blends a Double Chocolate Chip Frappucino with white mocha sauce (instead of regular mocha). The drink is then topped with chocolate whipped cream. To achieve a drink with more of a crème than chocolate cookie flavor, ask a barista to blend a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with java chips, which is then topped with mocha syrup or cookie crumbles (or both).

24. Cookie Dough Frappuccino

To enjoy a guilt-free cookie dough indulgence, start with a Chai Creme Frappuccino with soy milk and 2 pumps of Cinnamon Dolce syrup for a Tall drink (2 ½ pumps for a Grande and three for a Venti). Blend the ingredients with java chips and whipped cream. Add a chocolate whipped cream topping and a drizzle of mocha syrup.

25. Red Velvet Frappuccino

Also called a ‘Red Tuxedo,’ order a half White Mocha and half regular Mocha Frappuccino blended with raspberry syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 2 pumps for a Grande, and 3 pumps for a Venti). The drink is then topped with whipped cream.

26. S’mores Frappuccino

Starbucks can recreate a campfire favorite when you order a Grande Java Chip Frappuccino (or double chocolate chip if preferred) with 1 pump of Cinnamon Dolce syrup, 1 pump of Toffee Nut syrup, and whipped cream blended in. The drink is then topped with whipped cream, and Cinnamon Dolce sprinkles.

27. The Nutella

Ask your barista:

  • Order a Café Misto
  • Ask for added mocha syrup (½ pump for a Tall, 1 pump for a Grande, 1 ½ pumps for a Venti)
  • Add hazelnut syrup (½ pump for a Tall, 1 pump for a Grande, 1 ½ pumps for a Venti)
  • Add a few drops of caramel drizzle

28. Grande Nutella Frappuccino

Ask your barista:

  • Order a regular Coffee Frappuccino
  • Add 2 pumps of mocha syrup
  • Add 1 pump hazelnut syrup
  • Add whipped cream
  • Blended it all in
  • Add whipped cream on top
  • Add a caramel drizzle (optional)

29. Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino

Ferrero rocher chocolate

Enjoy a beverage that delivers the crispy, nutty, creamy and chocolaty decadence of Ferrero Rocher candy.

Ask your barista:

  • Order a Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino, or Java Chip Frappuccino
  • Ask for added mocha syrup (2 pumps for a Tall, 3 pumps for a Grande, 3 ½ pumps for a Venti)
  • Add hazelnut syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 1 ½ pumps for a Grande, 2 pumps for a Venti)
  • Add a hazelnut drizzle
  • Top with whipped cream
  • Add nutmeg powder to enhance the nuttiness of the drink (optional)
  • Add mocha drizzle for an extra chocolate-flavored rush (optional)

30. The Coldbuster

The Coldbuster is also referred to as “The Medicine Ball”.

This is a speciality tea creation geared towards fighting the sore throats and sinus flare-ups associated with the cold and flu season.

It is recommended to sip the Coldbuster while it is as hot as you can take it without burning yourself, in order to reap the most soothing benefits.

Ask your barista:

  • Ask for a Venti Cup filled with one bag of Peach Tranquility and one bag of Jade Citrus Mint tea
  • Add half hot water and half steamed lemonade to the cup
  • Add a bit of honey for its anti-microbial and healing effects
  • Request a pump of peppermint to cap off the drink (optional)

31. The Dirty Hippy

A Dirty Chai Tea Latte is also commonly known as a ‘Dirty Hippy’.

Ask your barista:

  • Order a chai tea latte
  • Ask for it to made with soy milk instead of regular milk
  • Ask for an added shot of espresso

32. Mojito Refresher

Ask your barista:

  • Order a Cool Lime Refresher
  • Add classic syrup (1 pump for a Tall, 1 ½ pumps for a Grande, 2 pumps for a Venti)
  • Add peppermint syrup (½ pump for a Tall, 1 pump for a Grande, 1 ½ pumps for a Venti)
  • Add ice and blend ingredients to create the non-alcoholic version of this popular island drink

33. Purple Rain Refresher

Ask your barista:

  • Add Cool Lime Refresher to the first line of a cup
  • Add cold water, or lemonade, to the second line
  • Blend the ingredients
  • Slowly add raspberry syrup to the drink (3 pumps for a Tall, 4 pumps for a Grande, and 6 pumps for a Venti)
  • Top with a lime

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Secret Menu at Starbucks?

The Starbucks secret menu is not an official Starbucks drinks menu, but are custom hot or cold drinks that customers can ask a Starbucks barista to make for them if they give them the recipe.

Who Created the Secret Menu?

According to previous Starbucks employee Dan Jones, the Starbucks secret menu was created by Starbucks employees who loved inventing new drinks. These Starbuck baristas wanted a way for other baristas to invent and create new drinks to share with customers.

How to Order a Secret Menu Drink

First find the recipe that you would like to drink, then show the recipe to your Starbucks barista and then the barista will try make the drink if they have stock of the ingredients.

Problems Ordering Speciality Drinks

According to Starbucks barista, Joy Sinclair, there is no official training of Starbucks baristas on any ‘secret menu’ drinks so they don’t know what the drink are.

Which means you might get an odd look when trying to order a secret menu item by name.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee you’ll get the Neapolitan Frappuccino, Biscotti Frappuccino, or “the Nutella” of your dreams when ordering by name.

Although plenty of baristas are quite capable of recommending inventive ways to enhance a particular drink, there is no real standardization when it comes to what some perceive as ‘secret’ customized drink recipes – with options that taste like your favorite candy bar, dessert, or even a childhood cereal.

Instead, the best way to enjoy something from the “Starbucks Secret Menu” is to know which ingredients (and how much) goes into making the specialty concoctions you’d like to order.

Extra Secret Menu Recipes

You can view hundreds more secret menu recipe ideas and names via an app or this fan website listed below:

Other Speciality Drinks

Although not a specialty drink, the following requests have been associated with the Starbucks Secret Menu simply because they are not as heavily marketed as other standard options:

The “Short” Drink

Choose a smaller, less expensive option to having your Starbucks coffee served by ordering a ‘Short’ drink, which some baristas will tell you is not a secret, but instead, a size not widely advertised at the chain.

The ‘Trenta’

The largest size available at Starbucks in the United States is the Trenta, which is only available for iced drinks, and provides 31 ounces of beverage. Ordering this larger size will cost you roughly $0.50 more than a Venti.

A Green Eye

Adding an extra shot of espresso to a regular drip coffee is nothing new, but for the ultimate rush, order a Green Eye (sometimes referred to as a Blue Eye), which includes three shots of espresso. A Red Eye equals one extra shot, while the Black Eye has two.

“Super Cream” Frappuccino

If you’re a fan of whipped cream, ask for a ‘Super Cream’ Frappe, and half a cup of whipped cream is blended in your drink.

French Press

If you ask, Starbucks will brew any of the coffee sold in their establishment in a French Press.

Affogato-Style Frappuccino

The chances of your barista knowing what an “affogato-style” Frappe means is greater than with any of the other requests mentioned here, which means a shot of hot espresso is added to the top of your beverage (instead of it being blended in).

How to Save at Starbucks

  1. Get a Starbucks Card. A registered card offers more perks, such as free refills and personalized offers and coupons, based upon the number of times it is used each year.
  2. Sign up for the rewards program and receive a free birthday drink.
  3. Subscribe to the store’s email list to receive 10% off a purchase and get frequent offers and coupons.
  4. Check the Facebook page and the website during the holiday shopping season for the gift of the week.
  5. To help save some money for your Starbuck secret menu drink expense, make sure to come in with a Starbuck’s reusable mug.
  6. Check for the best Starbucks coupons and deals to help reduce the price of your drink.

Summary

Know What You’re Ordering before Making a Request

It is important to remember that the above-mentioned names for ‘secret’ Starbucks drinks are not universal, and certain concoctions could be called several different things, especially from one city to the next.

Want to make life easier for both of you?

Ditch the creative names, and memorize the ingredients and ratios for specific sizes so that you can tell a barista exactly how to make a Starbucks Secret Menu drink.

One of the number-one complaints a Starbucks barista has about people coming in with ‘secret menu’ requests is that most have no clue about what they are ordering.

Additionally, even if a barista is familiar with a reference to a ‘secret’ drink, keep in mind that one barista’s understanding of what goes into something like an Oreo Cookie Frappuccino may differ from the next.

For more complicated recipes, write your request on a slip of paper to save both the barista and yourself the time and energy of going back and forth in a fog of miscommunication.

Also, expect to pay a little extra when ordering the ‘secret’ drinks at Starbucks. Don’t be surprised when a barista charges you for every syrup, sauce, and powder used to make one of the specialty beverages mentioned above.

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