Last Updated on April 24, 2023 by brewthatcoffee
We taste-tested and ranked the best hot drinks at Starbucks, including some secret menu items. Enjoy!
So, you are a Starbucks fanatic; welcome to the family. If you are like us and can’t resist a good cup of joe and enjoy the rejuvenating feeling from a freshly brewed cup, then we have 15 of the best hot drinks at Starbucks that you have to try.
The 15 best hot coffees at Starbucks:
- Cappuccino
- Americano
- Flat White
- Peppermint Mocha
- PSL Charlie Brown
- Chestnut Praline Latte
- Pistachio Latte
- Cinderella Latte
- Espresso Macchiato
- Caffe Mocha
- Caramel Macchiato
- The Nutella
- The Three Cs Latte
- And More …
Best Hot Drinks at Starbucks, Ranked (Regular & Secret Menu)
Some of the best hot Starbucks coffees you have to try this year include popular main titles on the regular menu. Still, for those who aren’t sure of the secret menu options, we include some of the top contenders that keep coming back year after year.
1. Cappuccino
The classic cappuccino, when simple, is better.
You will find this classic cappuccino on the regular menu.
It’s made with 2% milk by default with regular foam made of half steamed milk and half milk foam, topping a signature 2 shots brewed espresso roast that offers notes of rich molasses with bold caramel sweetness.
It is not sweetened, so you will have to request additional brown sugar, or you could ask for flavored syrup.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 140
Sugar: 12g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
A quick modification of the default cappuccino you get at Starbucks, ask for a wet or dry cappuccino. Simply put, a wet cappuccino is made with more milk and less foam, whereas a dry cappuccino is made with less milk and more foam.
2. Americano
A robust Caffe Americano is perfect if you want a plain cup of joe to start the day with an invigorating jolt.
The Caffe Americano is found on the regular menu.
3 shots of signature roast espresso coffee grinds are used for the Grande cup. For the perfect American, hot water is placed into the cup, followed by the 3 shots of espresso poured on top of the hot water.
It is not sweetened, and there is no milk by default. You can opt for your choice of sugar, sweeteners, or syrups to sweeten your coffee. With your choice of milk, you can also ask for steamed milk to add a slight texture to the coffee.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 15
Sugar: 0g
Caffeine: 225mg
Modification tip:
A quick modification is to ask your Barista for an Iced Americano. Hot espresso is poured into cold water with ice added. You can then ask for the flavoring of your choice or add a soft top to give your earthy, full-bodied coffee a creamy texture.
3. Flat White
To keep things updated and provide clients with more options, Starbucks constantly updates its menu. Still, Flat White is a popular smooth coffee drink highlighting the espresso flavors that keep its spot on the menu.
Flat White is found on the regular menu.
The Flat White comes standard in a tall cup consisting of 12 fluid ounces, made from two shots of espresso made in a short prep ristretto style, using less water during the brewing process to enhance the strength and flavor of the coffee.
Ristretto espresso reduces the smokiness of the signature espresso roast blend, providing a smoother finish with a sweeter and stronger note to the coffee flavors.
By default, they use whole milk steamed to a microfoam consistency and free-poured from six inches above the espresso shots in the cup.
Nutritional values are based on the tall cup containing 12 fluid ounces.
Calories: 170
Sugar: 13g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
A tasty modification to a Flat white is adding caramel syrup to the light milk foam. If you’re after a cold cup of refreshing coffee for a hot day, ask for an Iced Flat made with cold milk poured over ice.
4. Peppermint Mocha
The Peppermint Mocha has become so popular that clients petitioned to add it to the menu full-time.
The peppermint Mocha can be found on Starbucks’ regular menu.
Ranked as a trendy drink, the Peppermint Mocha uses 2 shots of signature roast brewed espresso with 2% steamed hot milk and milk foam.
As a default, the Grande cup has 4 pumps of peppermint syrup and 4 pumps of mocha sauce, creating a festive favorite. At the same time, whipped cream tops the cup with sprinkles of chocolate curls.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 440
Sugar: 54g
Caffeine: 175mg
Modification tip:
Try a simple modification of adding caramel drizzle and keeping it festive with red and green sprinkle toppings. If it’s too rich and sweet, you can reduce the peppermint and mocha pumps from 4 to 2.
5. PSL Charlie Brown
The PSL Charlie Brown is a modified version of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. This favorite fall-season drink makes a limited appearance between October and November.
The PSL Charlie Brown is a Starbucks’ secret menu drink.
Also known to some as the Great Pumpkin Latte, it’s a traditional drink for many when the autumn season shifts into gear. It’s a comforting drink filled with delicious autumn-warming spice flavors.
Order a base Pumpkin Spice Latte. This comes standard with 2% steamed milk, 2 shots of signature espresso, and 4 pumps of pumpkin spice sauce, covered with whipped cream and pumpkin spices, which include cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove spices dusted over the top.
Ask your Barista to half the pumpkin sauce and add 2 pumps of toffee nut syrup. You can ask for an additional pumpkin spice topping on your whipped cream if you crave that extra spice flavor.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 390
Sugar: 50g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
A simple modification for a year-round PSL Charlie Brown is to order a Cinnamon Dolce Latte, add an extra 2 pumps of toffee nut syrup, and an extra dusting of Dolce Cinnamon spice.
6. Chestnut Praline Latte
The Chestnut Praline Latte was part of the holiday menu but has become a regular at Starbucks.
The Chestnut Praline Latte can be found on Starbucks’ regular menu.
It’s a nutty latte with default 2% steamed velvety milk mixed with 2 shots of signature blend espresso and 4 pumps of chestnut praline syrup, offering a dark caramelized nutty profile with earthy, buttery hints of oatmeal.
The toppings include a cap of whipped cream sprinkled with spices and sweet chestnut praline crumbs for a cozy warm holiday drink that you can enjoy year-round.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 330
Sugar: 38g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
Changing the espresso in the Chestnut Praline Latte to a chai tea is a simple modification if you want something different from coffee.
7. Pistachio Latte
The Pistachio Latte is another one for the nutty fanatics.
The Pistachio Latte is one of Starbucks’ regular menu items.
Made with a double shot of signature roast espresso topped with 2% steamed milk, a decent serving of 4 pumps of pistachio sauce is added for a nutty profile that is not overpowering.
The foamy top is decorated with salted brown butter toppings offering the latte a contrasting salty aftertaste. It’s a comforting warm favorite with just the right balance of nut, salt, sweet, and creamy.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 320
Sugar: 45g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
If you are looking for a slight caffeine boost, swap the signature roast for a double shot of blonde espresso, which contains 85mg of caffeine per shot. Made from Latin American and East African coffee beans, it offers a sweeter flavor with a smoother and creamier palate. You can also kick the flavors around and order them upside down.
8. Cinderella Latte
The Cinderella Latte is what fairy tales are made of, and the white chocolate and pumpkin flavors are reminiscent of Cinderella’s white pumpkin carriage.
The Cinderella Latte can be found as one of Starbucks’ secret menu items.
A delicious treat that’s more of a dessert than a coffee, the Cinderella Latte is a hybrid between a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a White Chocolate Mocha.
It is made with 2% steamed milk and the same delicious double-shot signature roast espresso. It has 2 pumps of pumpkin spice and 2 pumps of white mocha, topped with velvety whipped cream.
It’s not as heavy as a PSL on the pumpkin spice but allows just the right amount of spice to shine through the sweet white chocolate flavors, creating a smooth, rich, and decadent dessert drink.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 390
Sugar: 50g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
If you need to watch those calories but can’t resist trying the Cinderella Latte, a simple modification for lower calories and sugar is to opt for skimmed milk instead of 2% milk, skip the whipped cream, and reduce the syrup pumps to 1 pumpkin spice sauce and 1 white mocha sauce.
9. Espresso Macchiato
The classic European drink that remains a popular item, the Espresso Macchiato makes for an interesting alternative to a regular shot of espresso.
The Espresso Macchiato is easily ordered from Starbucks’ regular menu.
A classic and simplistic coffee for when you need to bring the sugar rush down a notch. Ordered in the number of shots you want; the standard comes by default as a doppio (double shot of espresso) with 2% milk foam.
The espresso shots are poured over the milk foam marking the espresso, with flavors of rich roasted coffee and sweet, nutty nuance shining through.
Nutritional values are based on the default doppio 1.6 fluid ounces.
Calories: 15
Sugar: 0
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
Suppose a plain Espresso Macchiato is too basic. You can easily modify this with a white mocha sauce and mocha drizzle crisscrossing the foam top. It may be easier to ask for a Marbled Mocha Macchiato, not on the menu but popular enough that it’s still being ordered.
10. Caffe Mocha
Caffe Mocha combines two prevalent ingredients that always stay in style.
Caffe Mocha remains a regular and can be ordered from Starbucks’ regular menu.
A sophisticated coffee brew that is simple yet deliciously wicked using 2 shots of the signature espresso roast brewed and mixed with hot steamed milk topped with milk foam.
The bittersweet flavors of 4 pumps of mocha sauce add to the profile. Then, finish it with a cap of sweetened whipped cream to create a sinfully delicious coffee.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 370
Sugar: 35g
Caffeine: 175mg
Modification tip:
If you are looking for that same wicked delicious flavor for a hot day, then a simple modification is to ask for an Iced Caffe Mocha. The same delicious flavors but in a cold version to beat the heat.
11. Caramel Macchiato
A crowd pleaser for something sweeter than the Espresso Macchiato.
Caramel Macchiato can be ordered from Starbucks’ regular menu.
The Caramel Macchiato is a layered mix of 3 pumps of vanilla syrup topped with 2% steamed milk and foam. The double shot of signature roast espresso is poured over the foam. A crosshatch pattern of drizzled caramel adorns the foam head.
The layers provide an initial strong coffee profile. The bitterness is cut by the foam and sweetness of the caramel. As you drink and reach the end, you are met with a sweet blend of vanilla milk bottom dotted with drops of caramel.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 250
Sugar: 33g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
Simply asking for 1 pump of Cinnamon Dolce syrup creates a totally new flavor profile of churro fried pastries.
12. The Nutella
Now I am biased here as Nutella is my all-time indulgence, so The Nutella is one of those go-to drinks for the perfect chocolate fix.
The Nutella is a secret; shhhh, you can order this from the secret menu.
Like most secret menu drinks, they come from a base drink. The Nutella is based on a Caffe Misto made from a double shot of espresso with steamed milk and foam.
The magic happens when you add 1 pump of mocha sauce with 1 pump of hazelnut syrup and a drizzle of caramel.
The concoction creates a Nutella-flavored drink with a thick, creamy, decadent chocolaty flavor with hints of hazelnut essences.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 175
Sugar: 24g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
For a real dessert, treat modify The Nutella to frappuccino with 2 pump mocha sauce and 1 pump hazelnut syrup, blend in an extra serving of whipped cream, and top the decadent dessert drink with whipped cream. You can add a drizzle of caramel as an optional extra.
13. The Three Cs Latte
The power of three, The Three Cs Latte is a mix of delicious different flavor profiles that just fit.
The Three Cs is a Starbucks’ secret menu order based on a regular menu item.
Start with a base latte with the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, a freshly brewed double shot of roast espresso blended with default 2% steamed milk and milk foam with the usual 4 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup.
Add 2 pumps of mocha sauce and 1 pump of caramel syrup. The standard whipped cream is garnished off with Cinnamon Dolce sprinkles.
The initial flavors of sweet, mild creamy milk and the combination of spicy cinnamon, rich buttery notes, and sweet chocolate vanilla flavors are an explosion of tastes in your mouth, while the end increases in coffee intensity.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 385
Sugar: 50g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
Who wants to mess with perfection? However, if the Cinnamon Dolce sprinkles are too much, swap them out for a drizzle of mocha sauce for an extra chocolatey note.
14. Butterbeer Latte
The famous Butterbeer Latte popularised by the Harry Potter films is a treat.
Another Starbucks’ secret menu item.
This one starts with ordering a Grande steamed whole milk, adding 2 shots of signature espresso, or you can try your favorite blend of espresso.
Then comes the magic, add 2 pumps of caramel syrup, 3 pumps of toffee nut, 3 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, an extra drizzle of caramel around the cup, and then top it off with a serving of whipped cream topped with salted caramel bits.
A delicious, unexpected burst of creamy butterscotch soda flavor offers a warm and comforting feeling as winter creeps in, with the warming spice of cinnamon hitting the spot.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 480
Sugar: 65g
Caffeine: 150mg
Modification tip:
If you want a virgin Butterbeer latte, you can opt for no espresso, and to add a twist, get some caramel brulèe topping sprinkled on your whipped cream.
15. Caramel Snickerdoodle
A cookie in a liquid form, the Snickerdoodle Latte is the perfect treat.
Snickerdoodle Latter makes up another of Starbucks’ secret menu items.
This one starts with ordering a base with a Blonde Vanilla Latte consisting of 2 shots of caffeinated espresso roast with 4 pumps of vanilla syrup with creamy steamed 2% milk and milk foam.
Add 2 pumps of white mocha sauce and 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup. Ask your Barister to steam the milk with a serving of cinnamon powder, add whipped cream, then top with a dusting of cinnamon dolce sprinkles.
It’s like eating a sugary cooky flavored with cinnamon spice. The flavors are rich, sweet, and buttery, with just the right amount of spicy cinnamon, creating a cookie in a glass.
Nutritional values are based on the Grande cup containing 16 fluid ounces.
Calories: 500
Sugar: 65g
Caffeine: 170mg
Modification tip:
A quick modification of this is ordering a cold brew and adding cinnamon syrup and white mocha sauce with a breve mixture.
Modifying Your Hot Drink
With so many different ingredients for sauces, syrups, toppings, milk, and coffee, there are over 170,000 ways you can modify your drink.
That’s how secret menu items are created. Someone modifies their favorite drink with a different ingredient or adds extra elements to the base drink. The endless possibilities make visiting Starbucks fun and tasty, as you can have a different coffee every time.
Toppings
When you look at the toppings available, you can modify your hot drink with the flavors you want.
When asking your Barista, ask for an extra serving of your favorite topping flavor, or ask them to substitute a particular topping flavor for something different.
For example, if you don’t want the added cinnamon flavor on your Three Cs Latte, you can ask your Barista to substitute the cinnamon dolce sprinkle for caramel brulèe to top your whipped cream cap.
Toppings that are available on the regular Starbucks menu excluding seasonal flavors.
- Barista cocoa powder
- Caramel brulèe
- Chestnut praline
- Chocolate curls
- Cookie crumbles
- Holiday sugar sprinkles
- Red & green sprinkles
- Salted brown butter
- Cinnamon dolce sprinkles
Syrup And Sauces
Syrups and sauces are the same. You can easily swap and change the flavors. They come ordered as pumps, so it’s essential to specify how many pumps you want to be added to your drink.
In the case of the PSL Charlie brown, the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte comes with a standard 4 pumps of pumpkin spice sauce. For some customers, the pumpkin flavor is overwhelming; in that case, you can ask your Barista to half the pumpkin spice or ask to half the pumpkin spice sauce and sub with 2 pumps of toffee nut syrup.
Syrups that are available on the regular Starbucks menu excluding seasonal flavors:
- Brown sugar
- Caramel
- Chestnut praline
- Cinnamon dolce
- Hazelnut
- Irish cream
- Peppermint
- Raspberry
- Sugar cookie
- Toasted vanilla
- Toffee nut
- Vanilla
- Sugar-free vanilla
Sauces that are available on the regular Starbucks menu excluding seasonal flavors:
- Caramel brulèe
- Mocha
- New dark caramel
- Pistachio
- Toasted white chocolate mocha
- White chocolate mocha
Espresso
Starbucks sells different beans in their shops for clients wanting to brew their coffee at home.
Their go-to brew is usually the signature espresso roast blend found in most of their drinks. However, you can easily substitute the standard brewed espresso for a decaf espresso roast or a boost of added caffeine with a blonde espresso roast.
You can also increase your caffeine intake by requesting an extra shot of espresso or even a double shot or more for when you need to be buzzing.
The number of shots per drink depends on the cup size
| Size | Fluid Ounces | Shots per Cup |
| Short | 8 fl oz | 1 |
| Tall | 12 fl oz | 1 |
| Grande | 16 fl oz | 2 |
| Venti | 20 fl oz | 2 |
Starbucks Hot Coffees FAQs
Here are some more frequently asked questions about Starbucks hot coffees.
Conclusion
If hot coffee drinks get you up in the morning, you must try these 15 best hot coffees at Starbucks. From a plain cup of joe, when choosing is just too complicated, to a complex whirlwind of ingredients that hits every craving you have. With this list, you can be transported to diverse flavors and experiences.