Be nice to your baristas, they can make you some great drinks. With the temperatures rising and the days getting longer, the time is approaching to find your summer staple to keep you cool (and caffeine-free) for the next few months.
Starbucks offers a wide variety of cold drinks that are really worth having during the summer months, from espresso drinks to fraps, smoothies, teas and refreshments. As a Starbucks barista, I’ve had the opportunity to sample most of the drinks on the menu and get customer feedback on the do’s and don’ts of cold drinks.
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1. Pink drink
Three words: Basic white girl. If you want a photogenic drink that tastes like a Starburst and makes baristas happy, the Pink Drink is for you. It’s a pretty simple drink… this Strawberry Acai Refresher paired with coconut milk is sure to satisfy your hipster needs.
2. Ice white mocha
Not only is this sinfully sweet iced espresso drink one of the most popular drinks on the menu, but it will wake you up any time of the day. Jazz it up by asking for half white chocolate, half mocha sauce, topped with a mocha drizzle, and you’ve got yourself an Iced Tuxedo Mocha!
3. Double shot on ice
This quick pick-me-up certainly looks stylish and gives you the energy boost you need to get through the day. With two shots of espresso, a little milk and classic syrup, this drink is easy to enjoy in a short time… it’s like a caffeine IV!
4. Iced Caramel Machiatto
Surprise, surprise… Caramel Machiattos are actually made with vanilla syrup. Nevertheless, these espresso-topped drinks are absolutely delicious any time of year, but summer calls for ice cream! Do you want to change things? Ask your barista to make it with half vanilla syrup, half toffee nut syrup to make an Iced Salted Caramel Machiatto!
5. Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
A sister to the Pink Drink, the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher is a combination of fruit juice and blackberry that makes for quite a chilled drink to enjoy on the go. The caffeine content is minimal, making it a great option any time of the day.
6. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Cold Brew is basically Starbucks’ version of a smoother-tasting iced coffee with more caffeine. The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a standard drink topped with vanilla flavored heavy cream to create a sweet taste and marbled appearance in the drink. Want something with flavor, but not in the mood for vanilla? Try the Toasted Coconut Cold Brew!
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7. Mango Black Tea Lemonade
The Mango Black Tea Lemonade is one of the most popular drinks on the menu. Iced Teavana tea mixed with mango syrup and lemonade makes for the perfect combination
8. Iced Chai Tea Latte
Iced Chais – sounds so sophisticated yet so easy to make. If you order this drink, there’s a 10/10 chance that your barista will love it. Milk mixed with a sweet and tangy chai syrup makes for a classy drink that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
9. Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Machiatto
The identifying feature that makes a macchiato, well, a macchiato, is that the espresso shots are poured on top of the milk and aroma. Starbucks’ Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Machiatto is a combination of cinnamon dolce syrup and almond milk topped with espresso shots, a caramel drizzle and a cinnamon dolce topping to create a delicious dairy-free option in the macchiato family.
10. Sunset Refresher Course
This secret menu drink is pretty easy to make with a cool lime base, lemonade, lime slices, and ice topped with black tea. When it’s done, the drink has an ombré look that makes it totally photo-worthy!
11. Iced coffee Americano
Calling all espresso lovers: Americanos are a Starbucks signature. The drink itself is quite simple – espresso and water with ice, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can mix things up with a flavored syrup. This drink is sure to wake you up no matter the time of day.
12. Strawberry Lemonade
Do you want something cold, but don’t feel like coffee or a frap? Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is definitely worth a try! Although this drink is not on the menu, most baristas are happy to make it on request. Just ask for a combination of strawberry flavor, lemonade and ice mixed for a slushie-like drink!
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