There's more to making your selections and ordering your drinks than meets the eye, especially if you're looking to make the most of your Starbucks experience. From understanding the subtle differences between various drinks to finding ways to save money or maximize your caffeine intake, having some insider knowledge can enhance your relationship with this beloved coffee chain.
While there may be no real Starbucks secret menu, from secrets to scoring free drinks to the best way to order for two, there are plenty of little-known facts and tricks. More for Starbucks fans. We'd venture to say that demystifying Starbucks pricing, learning how to unlock birthday rewards, and even understanding how to order discounted drinks could make a significant difference in cash. You spend it on this coffee siren. Whether you're a Starbucks regular or a regular, knowing a few tips will help you order like a pro, save money, and help enjoy the Starbucks experience.
1. Join the rewards program
One of the most effective ways to save money at Starbucks is to join the rewards program. By signing up for Starbucks Rewards, you accumulate stars with every purchase, whether it's at a standalone store, inside Target, or even around Walt Disney World. To earn more stars through the program, make sure to make purchases with gift cards that you continually reload on the app. This will help you earn double stars compared to other payment methods. These stars can then be redeemed for free food, drinks and merchandise. Depending on the type of drink or food, you may need more or less stars.
The process to join the Starbucks rewards program is simple. Start by downloading the Starbucks app on your phone, followed by creating an account by filling in the required information, such as your name and email. You will also need to set up a password and your date of birth will be required during registration.
Once your account is active, present your scannable barcode to the barista during each visit to ensure your purchases are credited to your account. The app also allows you to add money or gift cards, simplifying your coffee buying process. The great thing about Starbucks Rewards is the flexibility it offers; You can also use it for in-store purchases and for mobile orders.
2. Use free deposit privileges
In addition to earning stars, your Starbucks Rewards account also offers the benefit of free refills, but only on certain drinks. Once you're done with your initial purchase of brewed coffee, iced tea or iced coffee, simply return to the counter with the receipt displayed on your app for your free refill. If you're in the mood for something different, you can also choose another drink. For example, if your first drink is iced coffee but you prefer something lighter, drinking iced tea is an option.
Our favorite way to enjoy this perk as a rewards member is to use the reload feature while shopping at Target. To get the most out of this feature, start your time at Target with a stop at Starbucks. Complete your shopping trip and drinks, then return to the in-store Starbucks location and present your app just like you would at a regular coffee shop. Since you're still technically on-site, it will work more like you're enjoying a drink from an independent coffee shop instead of one inside Target.
3. Add caffeine with an iced Americano
An iced Americano and iced coffee seem similar: Both are customizable, available unflavored and without cream, for the same price. However, a significant difference lies in their caffeine content - iced Americano packs a much larger amount of caffeine.
While a Starbucks Iced Coffee venti contains 235 milligrams of caffeine, an Iced Americano venti boasts 300 milligrams. This significant difference makes Iced Americano a stronger alternative to iced coffee. Although the flavor is stronger than that of an Americano, with a little creativity you can tweak it to achieve the right flavor.
However, it is essential to consider that the formulation of Iced Americano is different from Iced Coffee. Americano is a blend of espresso and cold water, chilled with ice cubes, providing a distinct flavor. So as you customize your drink, remember that these two drinks, despite their similarities, offer unique flavors due to their distinct ingredients. But you can't deny that Iced Americano has more bang for your buck.
4. Upgrade steamed apple juice for a delicious drink
For those who want to enjoy a fun, caffeine-free drink, we recommend Caramel Apple Spice. This scrumptious concoction of steamed apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream and caramel drizzle is not only flavorful but also affordable.
To save even more, order steamed apple juice, then add cinnamon dolce syrup and whipped cream. Finish it off with a caramel drizzle. All of these adjustments, except the caramel drizzle, can be made through the app. For that final touch, you'll need to order in person, but once you do, you'll essentially have the same drink.
Caramel Apple Spice is a perfect choice for late afternoons when you don't want too much caffeine, for those looking for a comforting warm drink, or even for kids who like apple juice. Despite its fall vibe, this drink is available year-round, extending its cozy charm beyond Starbucks' fall menu season. Even still, we like this as a fall compliment to pumpkin spice lattes. Plus, if you have a kid who wants to be exactly like their Starbucks-loving parents, ordering this kid-friendly fall drink is just the best compromise at Starbucks.
5. Ask for a glass of ice water
For the ultimate savings option at Starbucks, consider ordering venti ice. Surprisingly, even though it is processed through the register, this refreshment is free. This tip is helpful because it eliminates the need to buy bottled water at Starbucks, saving you a bit of money.
Interestingly, the water you get from a Starbucks location, even the free ones, is of high quality. It is the same water used in preparing iced drinks and to make both iced tea and coffee. Considering how important water quality is to the taste of tea and coffee, you can rest assured that Starbucks water is top-notch.
Even if your local tap water doesn't hit the mark on taste, water from Starbucks still stands out. With the company's commitment to providing delicious beverages, the company ensures the water used meets the same high standards, resulting in a refreshing, flavorful drink even in its simplest form. That said, on behalf of Starbucks baristas everywhere, please make sure to order your venti ice at the counter with the rest of your coffee order. If you just remember to make this request at the end of the bar while you're getting your drink, you run the risk of really disrupting the flow and efficiency of the bartenders behind the counter.
6. Don't forget your birthday perks
Providing your birthday when signing up for a Starbucks Rewards account entitles you to a special birthday reward. This reward gives you a free drink or food at any Starbucks location. The important point to note is that you need to sign up for a rewards account at least seven days before your birthday. On your special day, you'll find a reward waiting in your app. Just show it to your barista after ordering and one of your items will be free. We recommend you indulge a little by adding customizations or extra shots of espresso to make your birthday party even more special.
7. Order a Tuxedo hot chocolate instead of white hot chocolate
Starbucks offers two main types of hot chocolate on its menu: traditional hot chocolate and white hot chocolate. The difference lies in the chocolate used in preparing the drink. For standard hot chocolate, baristas use the same mocha sauce used in mocha lattes. In contrast, white chocolate mocha sauce is used for white hot chocolate.
Each variety provides a distinct flavor experience. Regular hot chocolate leans toward a mildly bitter taste, like dark chocolate, while white chocolate mocha offers a smoother, sweeter flavor. Interestingly, prices also vary between these two options, with the white hot chocolate being more expensive.
However, there's a clever trick to enjoy sweeter drinks without paying more. We suggest using the app to order a regular hot chocolate and then customize it by making half white chocolate and the other half regular mocha. This modification results in "tuxedo" hot chocolate at no additional charge. It blends the sweetness of white chocolate with the slight bitterness of regular chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced hot chocolate.
8. Order espresso instead of latte
Prices for espresso shots can be a bit unusual at Starbucks. Adding an extra shot to a drink costs an extra dollar per shot. However, when you order espresso yourself, the cost is significantly higher. Interestingly, it's only when you order a four-shot espresso, which includes four shots, that it becomes more cost-effective than ordering a latte. So for those craving a high-caffeine drink like venti latte, you should order it as a quadruple espresso. This way, you'll pay less for more shots of espresso and still have the option to customize your drink.
Feel free to add a splash of your favorite milk, sweetener, or even flavored syrup. These espresso shots can be customized just like any latte but at a more reasonable price. If you order enough espresso, it's a savvy way to enjoy an extra cup of coffee without paying a hefty price. Embrace this approach to get the most value and enjoyment from your Starbucks experience.
9. Pay attention to promotions on the app
Once you've downloaded the Starbucks app and joined the rewards program, don't limit using it to simply scanning your barcode and earning stars. Make sure to turn on push notifications to stay informed about free or discounted food and beverage deals. Every so often, you'll receive notifications about happy hour events or opportunities to earn extra stars. Notably, Starbucks often adjusts these stars' income promotions to match the drinks you regularly order. As long as you activate these offers, it's like earning free money.
Starbucks also hosts contests and giveaways throughout the year, offering the chance to win a lifetime supply of Starbucks products or participate in activities that reward you with more loyalty points. Furthermore, the app features music playlists inspired by the ambient tunes played in its cafes, adding another dimension to your Starbucks experience. So it's not just about the prospect of getting a free drink or snack; it's about immersing yourself in the Starbucks culture and reaping the rewards that come with it.
10. Share with a friend
When enjoying Starbucks with a friend, it's sometimes more economical to order an extra-large drink to share rather than ordering it individually. This strategy will not work for every drink due to the specific brewing style, but it is viable for drinks such as iced coffee, iced tea, soft drinks, or any other beverage that is not layered or decorated with a special coating.
If you both want a refresher, order a trenta size at 30 ounces with two tall cups. At about $6.25 for a trenta refresher compared to $4.95 for a tall 12-ounce size, you're getting more for less when separating trenta. You'll each get 15 ounces for just over $3, saving a few bucks in the process. So if you and your friend can agree on drinks, this strategy can be quite beneficial.
However, keep in mind that this approach will not be successful with Frappuccinos topped with whipped cream, cold beer with cold foam, or lattes with foam on top. The drink needs to be consistent and not dependent on specific ingredients stacked on top of other ingredients.
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