Favourite off-menu Starbucks drink

[Deleted]

At Starbucks, I usually get a half sweet Caramel Macchiato or Vanilla Latte. I feel like branching out, though.

Does anyone here have any good drinks that aren't generally on the menu?

[lishie]

I haven't tried it, but one of my friends has started ordering butterbeer, and she loves it.

[msmerymac]

I got a grande hazelnut mocha the other day (2 pumps hazelnut, 2 pumps mocha, because extra syrup would make it too sweet, IMO).

When I worked there, we got a lot of requests for dirty chai (chai with an espresso shot), tuxedos (black and white mochas), iced passion tea with raspberry syrup (or orange syrup when they have it) and green tea lattes with vanilla (they used to use melon by default, but they got rid of melon, I think, and now use classic). You can do a lot of combos with the frappuccinos, but I dislike them.

[Deleted]

Nov 18, 2013 12:56:51 GMT -5 lishie said:

I haven't tried it, but one of my friends has started ordering butterbeer, and she loves it.

What's Butterbeer?

[redheadbaker]

Grande white chocolate mocha, with two pumps white chocolate syrup and two pumps of pumpkin spice syrup.

[catbus]

Soy chai misto. I love chai, but a regular chai latte has way more sugar than I should have, so I switched to ordering a chai misto to get the chai flavor without the sugar. Tea bag in cup, fill halfway with hot water, then fill the remainder with steamed milk. Also, it's fairly cheap because it's just rung up as tea + soy.

This time of year I also sometimes order the same thing but with Joy tea instead of chai. If I want no caffeine, I do Calm tea (which happens to be pretty much the same thing Lydia on Breaking Bad ordered whenever she'd meet Jesse or Walt in the coffee shop, LOL).

I don't drink coffee, so my other drinks are non-coffee: steamed milk with gingerbread or cinnamon dolce syrup, peppermint or gingerbread white hot chocolate (but made with about half the recipe amount of each syrup, otherwise this is too sweet), half-pumpkin spice chai latte.

[rootbeerfloat]

I also like a half-pumpkin spice chai. Or a gingerbread chai.

I saw a caramel apple chai on some list of "secret" Starbucks drinks and want to try that, too.

[Deleted]

Nov 18, 2013 13:35:35 GMT -5 chilerellanos said:

Breebirdy ordered a butterbeer from Starbucks the other day and I know she said it was too sweet to consume. They put 3 pumps of 3 syrups in it.

Too sweet to consume?! Does not compute

This thread was worth it just for the Butterbeer insight!! What a killer secret

[catbus]

Nov 18, 2013 13:33:13 GMT -5 rootbeerfloat said:

I also like a half-pumpkin spice chai. Or a gingerbread chai.

I saw a caramel apple chai on some list of "secret" Starbucks drinks and want to try that, too.

Oh, I forgot--when I worked there I'd sometimes make myself a chai cider, which was just steamed cider with a bit of chai concentrate, or a chai teabag steeped in steamed cider. 

[catbus]

Nov 18, 2013 13:37:49 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

Nov 18, 2013 13:35:35 GMT -5 chilerellanos said:

Breebirdy ordered a butterbeer from Starbucks the other day and I know she said it was too sweet to consume. They put 3 pumps of 3 syrups in it.

Too sweet to consume?! Does not compute

This thread was worth it just for the Butterbeer insight!! What a killer secret

Yeah, the butterbeer "recipe" I've seen floating around is wayyyy too sweet. I've seen it with anywhere from 1.5-2x the standard recipe amounts of syrups. 

[lishie]

Supposedly this is their butterbeer recipe.

Cold Butterbeer Frappucino:

A Creme Frappuccino base. "Don't skimp on the fat by asking for skim or 2% milk as whole milk is required for the right consistency."
Add 3 pumps of caramel syrup.
Add 3 pumps of toffee nut syrup.
Top with caramel drizzle.

Hot Butterbeer Latte:

Whole milk steamer
Add caramel syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add toffee nut syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add cinnamon dolce syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Whipped cream and salted caramel bits on top
Optional: Add a shot of espresso (2 for a grande or venti)

[emilyinchile]

jolt24.com/2013/09/04/35-secret-starbucks-drinks-you-didnt-know-you-could-order/

I just saw this posted on FB over the weekend. My main thought on most of them is how they must be SO sweet (to say nothing of the calories!). I am boring and usually just get a latte - and even get my mochas with one pump less of chocolate since otherwise they're too much - so I have nothing more to contribute here

[catbus]

Nov 18, 2013 13:41:49 GMT -5 lishie said:

Supposedly this is their butterbeer recipe.

Cold Butterbeer Frappucino:

A Creme Frappuccino base. "Don't skimp on the fat by asking for skim or 2% milk as whole milk is required for the right consistency."
Add 3 pumps of caramel syrup.
Add 3 pumps of toffee nut syrup.
Top with caramel drizzle.

Hot Butterbeer Latte:

Whole milk steamer
Add caramel syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add toffee nut syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add cinnamon dolce syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Whipped cream and salted caramel bits on top
Optional: Add a shot of espresso (2 for a grande or venti)

Just to be clear, these are not "official" at all, so please don't go into a Sbux ordering these by name and expect the barista to have any clue how to make them. Caramel and toffee nut syrups are both quite sweet already. If you're going to try the Frappuccino, I recommend going with no more than the recipe amounts of syrup, which would be *two* pumps each, not three. 

For the hot drink? Eesh, that's a SHITTON of syrup. For reference, standard recipes are four pumps in a Grande. This recipe calls for 2+ times that amount and would be very sweet. 

Moral of the story, because I could go on... you are not limited by the Starbucks menu board by any means. What it comes down to is there are tons of potential flavor combinations, but the board would be so insanely cluttered if they listed all this stuff (and people already bitch about how Sbux is "confusing," LOL), so they keep the menu basic and just list the basic categories, a few core drinks, and seasonal specials. But yes, you can dream up all kinds of combinations if you want to, and are just limited by health codes*, corporate policies, your wallet (because if you're ordering full amounts of each syrup, you will pay for each syrup added to the drink), and what you want to ask of your barista.  

*For example, when I worked for sbux we were not allowed (by health code or policy) to use any RTD/pastry case items in drinks. Parents would want us to steam the boxed Horizon organic milk they bought, but that was not allowed. Nor was the ever-popular request to blend a brownie, toffee almond bar, butterhorn, what have you into a Frappuccino. 

[Deleted]

Nov 18, 2013 13:46:19 GMT -5 catbus said:

Nov 18, 2013 13:41:49 GMT -5 lishie said:

Supposedly this is their butterbeer recipe.

Cold Butterbeer Frappucino:

A Creme Frappuccino base. "Don't skimp on the fat by asking for skim or 2% milk as whole milk is required for the right consistency."
Add 3 pumps of caramel syrup.
Add 3 pumps of toffee nut syrup.
Top with caramel drizzle.

Hot Butterbeer Latte:

Whole milk steamer
Add caramel syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add toffee nut syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add cinnamon dolce syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Whipped cream and salted caramel bits on top
Optional: Add a shot of espresso (2 for a grande or venti)

Just to be clear, these are not "official" at all, so please don't go into a Sbux ordering these by name and expect the barista to have any clue how to make them. Caramel and toffee nut syrups are both quite sweet already. If you're going to try the Frappuccino, I recommend going with no more than the recipe amounts of syrup, which would be *two* pumps each, not three. 

For the hot drink? Eesh, that's a SHITTON of syrup. For reference, standard recipes are four pumps in a Grande. This recipe calls for 2+ times that amount and would be very sweet. 

Moral of the story, because I could go on... you are not limited by the Starbucks menu board by any means. What it comes down to is there are tons of potential flavor combinations, but the board would be so insanely cluttered if they listed all this stuff (and people already bitch about how Sbux is "confusing," LOL), so they keep the menu basic and just list the basic categories, a few core drinks, and seasonal specials. But yes, you can dream up all kinds of combinations if you want to, and are just limited by health codes*, corporate policies, your wallet (because if you're ordering full amounts of each syrup, you will pay for each syrup added to the drink), and what you want to ask of your barista.  

*For example, when I worked for sbux we were not allowed (by health code or policy) to use any RTD/pastry case items in drinks. Parents would want us to steam the boxed Horizon organic milk they bought, but that was not allowed. Nor was the ever-popular request to blend a brownie, toffee almond bar, butterhorn, what have you into a Frappuccino. 

Sounds like getting one pump each of the three syrups would work because, yeah, I agree that that's WAY to sweet.

[mfluder]

Nov 18, 2013 13:17:23 GMT -5 catbus said:

Soy chai misto. I love chai, but a regular chai latte has way more sugar than I should have, so I switched to ordering a chai misto to get the chai flavor without the sugar. Tea bag in cup, fill halfway with hot water, then fill the remainder with steamed milk. Also, it's fairly cheap because it's just rung up as tea + soy.

this is brilliant. I like the chai but like to limit the sugar. I'm ordering this next. Maybe need to go try now.

[stretchad]

Nov 18, 2013 13:46:19 GMT -5 catbus said:

Nov 18, 2013 13:41:49 GMT -5 lishie said:

Supposedly this is their butterbeer recipe.

Cold Butterbeer Frappucino:

A Creme Frappuccino base. "Don't skimp on the fat by asking for skim or 2% milk as whole milk is required for the right consistency."
Add 3 pumps of caramel syrup.
Add 3 pumps of toffee nut syrup.
Top with caramel drizzle.

Hot Butterbeer Latte:

Whole milk steamer
Add caramel syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add toffee nut syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add cinnamon dolce syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Whipped cream and salted caramel bits on top
Optional: Add a shot of espresso (2 for a grande or venti)

Just to be clear, these are not "official" at all, so please don't go into a Sbux ordering these by name and expect the barista to have any clue how to make them. Caramel and toffee nut syrups are both quite sweet already. If you're going to try the Frappuccino, I recommend going with no more than the recipe amounts of syrup, which would be *two* pumps each, not three. 

For the hot drink? Eesh, that's a SHITTON of syrup. For reference, standard recipes are four pumps in a Grande. This recipe calls for 2+ times that amount and would be very sweet. 

Moral of the story, because I could go on... you are not limited by the Starbucks menu board by any means. What it comes down to is there are tons of potential flavor combinations, but the board would be so insanely cluttered if they listed all this stuff (and people already bitch about how Sbux is "confusing," LOL), so they keep the menu basic and just list the basic categories, a few core drinks, and seasonal specials. But yes, you can dream up all kinds of combinations if you want to, and are just limited by health codes*, corporate policies, your wallet (because if you're ordering full amounts of each syrup, you will pay for each syrup added to the drink), and what you want to ask of your barista.  

*For example, when I worked for sbux we were not allowed (by health code or policy) to use any RTD/pastry case items in drinks. Parents would want us to steam the boxed Horizon organic milk they bought, but that was not allowed. Nor was the ever-popular request to blend a brownie, toffee almond bar, butterhorn, what have you into a Frappuccino. 

There is now a standard for blending RTD Evolution Fresh behind the bar :-)
I haven't heard too many requests for other RTD to be added or modified behind the bar.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using proboards

[roseflower]

Nov 18, 2013 13:37:49 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

Nov 18, 2013 13:35:35 GMT -5 chilerellanos said:

Breebirdy ordered a butterbeer from Starbucks the other day and I know she said it was too sweet to consume. They put 3 pumps of 3 syrups in it.

Too sweet to consume?! Does not compute

This thread was worth it just for the Butterbeer insight!! What a killer secret

They.serve.butterbeer?!?!?!

Omffffxgharrypotternerdalertsaywhhhhat!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using proboards

[mfluder]

Nov 18, 2013 16:10:06 GMT -5 mfluder said:

Nov 18, 2013 13:17:23 GMT -5 catbus said:

Soy chai misto. I love chai, but a regular chai latte has way more sugar than I should have, so I switched to ordering a chai misto to get the chai flavor without the sugar. Tea bag in cup, fill halfway with hot water, then fill the remainder with steamed milk. Also, it's fairly cheap because it's just rung up as tea + soy.

this is brilliant. I like the chai but like to limit the sugar. I'm ordering this next. Maybe need to go try now.

yup. It's official. Brilliant. You have made my winter afternoon drink, thank you.

[redheadk]

Stupid question: I love peppermint white mochas but want half the amount of syrup. Do I just order it half-sweet? So, "venti non-fat no-whip half-sweet peppermint white mocha?"

[Deleted]

Nov 18, 2013 17:03:47 GMT -5 redheadk said:

Stupid question: I love peppermint white mochas but want half the amount of syrup. Do I just order it half-sweet? So, "venti non-fat no-whip half-sweet peppermint white mocha?"

Yep, I always say half-sweet at that point and that's how they repeat it back, so I assume it's "correct"

[catbus]

Nov 18, 2013 17:01:19 GMT -5 mfluder said:

Nov 18, 2013 16:10:06 GMT -5 mfluder said:

this is brilliant. I like the chai but like to limit the sugar. I'm ordering this next. Maybe need to go try now.

yup. It's official. Brilliant. You have made my winter afternoon drink, thank you.

Whoo-hoo! All the chai spicy goodness with far less sugar, and for less money. EVERYONE WINS.
The only part that sucks about it is having to say "teabag" every time you order it.

[roseflower]

Butterbeer Recipe:

Hot Butterbeer Latte:

Whole milk steamer
Add caramel syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add toffee nut syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Add cinnamon dolce syrup (2 for tall, 3 for grande, 4 for venti)
Whipped cream and salted caramel bits on top
Optional: Add a shot of espresso (2 for a grande or venti)



"We put it to the test at a local Starbucks, with our own entertainment reporter Katrina Tulloch sampling the Hot Butterbeer Latte. Here's what the self-confessed "Harry Potter" fan had to say:

"J.K. Rowling once told Bon Appetit magazine she imagines Butterbeer would taste 'a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch.' Mission failure. Starbucks' Butterbeer is strong, hot and creamy as it should be, but its overwhelming toffee nut flavor is so sweet it makes me dizzy. I'm halfway through this cup and think I should get checked for diabetes."

In other words, try it only if you're a pureblood or have a really sweet tooth. Happy wizarding!"


So I wonder if I should halve all of the flavorings so it isn't so sweet?

[Deleted]

roseflower, I have a starbucks gift card that I have been waiting to use on something extra special, and I think this is it I will probably get it with 1/2 the pumps outlined in here but GOOD LORD it sounds freaking AWESOME!!!!!!

[Deleted]

Nov 18, 2013 17:03:47 GMT -5 redheadk said:

Stupid question: I love peppermint white mochas but want half the amount of syrup. Do I just order it half-sweet? So, "venti non-fat no-whip half-sweet peppermint white mocha?"

And, I am just going to order this someday (after some practice) to look badass in front of my co-workers.  They always have the best orders, and mine are all: "Ummm...vanilla latte...medium...light milk...i mean, SKIM milk..." FAIL.

[roseflower]

Nov 18, 2013 17:37:13 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

roseflower, I have a starbucks gift card that I have been waiting to use on something extra special, and I think this is it I will probably get it with 1/2 the pumps outlined in here but GOOD LORD it sounds freaking AWESOME!!!!!!

@shoegal I am on my way there now...going to try it with half pumps. Will let you know how it is =D

[ijack]

Nov 18, 2013 17:03:47 GMT -5 redheadk said:

Stupid question: I love peppermint white mochas but want half the amount of syrup. Do I just order it half-sweet? So, "venti non-fat no-whip half-sweet peppermint white mocha?"

I say "half the pumps" and that's how they call it out for me too.

[roseflower]

Nov 18, 2013 17:42:32 GMT -5 roseflower said:

Nov 18, 2013 17:37:13 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

roseflower, I have a starbucks gift card that I have been waiting to use on something extra special, and I think this is it I will probably get it with 1/2 the pumps outlined in here but GOOD LORD it sounds freaking AWESOME!!!!!!

@shoegal I am on my way there now...going to try it with half pumps. Will let you know how it is =D

I sent DH to get it for me and he had them add espresso which I did not want. So...its good, but ill be going tomorrow to get it without coffee.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using proboards

[redheadk]

Nov 18, 2013 17:38:36 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

Nov 18, 2013 17:03:47 GMT -5 redheadk said:

Stupid question: I love peppermint white mochas but want half the amount of syrup. Do I just order it half-sweet? So, "venti non-fat no-whip half-sweet peppermint white mocha?"

And, I am just going to order this someday (after some practice) to look badass in front of my co-workers.  They always have the best orders, and mine are all: "Ummm...vanilla latte...medium...light milk...i mean, SKIM milk..." FAIL.

Haha! This is just what I've picked up from how they repeat it to me. For yours, I'd order a "grande non-fat vanilla latte" or just a grande skinny vanilla latte if you can tolerate that foul sugar-free syrup.

[Deleted]

roseflower, if at first you don't succeed...try, try again!!

[magdala]

My pregnant friend gets Hazelnut Clouds - steamed milk, foam and a shot of hazelnut flavoring