Popular articles
Recent discussions on forum
How To Order Iced Coffee At Starbucks
Here are hacks on how to order your favorite iced coffee at the world's most famous coffee franchise: Starbucks.
Published October 21, 2021
Select language
Joachim Estal
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Most of us in warm climates survive a hot day with a cup of iced coffee. And Starbucks is the go-to destination for people who want a more accessible and more convenient place to do that–they're everywhere!
However, if you're a first-time customer, getting a good iced coffee from Starbucks can somehow be a challenge. The terms they use may sound different and confusing (especially the sizes) compared to other coffee shops. If this happens, you can ask for help from your barista. They will most likely guide you through the menu, depending on your preferences. If you're too shy to do that, then you can read this article instead to know how to order an iced coffee at Starbucks.
Ordering Your Starbucks Drink Like A Pro
As you would notice at the side portion of your Starbucks cup, they come with a few boxes with codes written in black marker ink. These boxes are where the baristas would write down some letters or figures once you tell them about what your order is.
Let's run through each of the questions Starbucks baristas ask before they prepare your drink.
- Hot or iced?
- Is it decaf?
- Are there any espresso shots?
- What size are you having (tall, grande, or venti)?
- Are there any syrups added?
- What is the type of milk used?
- Are there any extras or specific instructions?
- What is the name of the drink?
Now, if you want to sound pro, try practicing ordering in a single statement. This can also give the barista an easier time and wouldn't cause a long queue at the register.
Examples:
- Iced, decaf, double, tall, vanilla, soy, with light ice, latte.
- Hot, half-caff, triple, grande, hazelnut, almond milk, extra caramel, caramel macchiato.
Finally, don't forget to tell them who the drink is for. Also, spell it out if you don't want to find a misspelled or different name written on your cup.
Easiest Ways To Order Your Iced Coffee
The best iced coffee drinks at Starbucks are usually the customized ones. In fact, there are about 87,000 drink combinations available. Nevertheless, if you're not really into the whole drink-customization extravaganza, you can still get your iced coffee the simple way.
Simply Order An Iced Coffee.
This may not be the best iced coffee to get at Starbucks but this certainly is the most straightforward thing to have–a classic iced coffee. The drink basically has two main components: their freshly brewed coffee-of-the-day, and some ice.
If you're not a fan of black coffee, you can also modify your order so it can better suit your palate. Request for some sugar syrup to add some sweetness to your drink or maybe a splash of milk to lighten up the bitterness.
Try The Cold Brew.
One of the most popular Starbucks iced coffee orders nowadays is the cold brew. The two black cold options are relatively close to each other in terms of appearance. Still, there is actually a significant difference in how they taste and how they are made.
Regular iced coffee is traditionally brewed with hot water, and then ice is added right after.
On the other hand, a cold brew is made using cold or room temperature water for a more extended amount of time. This means the extraction is not dependent on the temperature but the amount of time the coffee is exposed to the water.
In the matter of the cold brew's taste, it has a richer and deeper flavor and a smoother mouthfeel. Other cold brew variations include the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, and Cold Brew with Cascara Cold Foam.
Choose From Their Menu.
Once you arrive at a Starbucks store, you will be greeted with an overwhelming menu of options. If you don't want to go for a simple black iced java, the most logical approach is to choose from their menu. There you will find the best Starbucks iced coffee combinations.
You can go from an iced latte to an iced Americano, or you may even want to try their blended coffee beverages like their Frappuccinos. Additionally, seasonal favorites can be found in their offerings board as well, such as the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte, which can also be ordered in its iced variant.
Equipped with the basics on how to order iced coffee, you will now feel less intimidated when the barista begins to ask you some order questions. And finally, you can order more confidently than ever and order the best Starbucks iced coffee without any hesitations!
About the author
Joachim Estal
8-year barista for a world-class coffee chain from the Philippines. Passionate writer and coffee champion. "Coffee has always been one of my biggest love interests in life. And I am here to share it with all of you through this platform."
Add comment
More on the coffee lab
Sign up and contribute now