Alright folks so I'm going to give you the real tea, haha see what I did there. Okay, down to business. So being a barista for about a year now I have learned so much working from Starbucks. It really is such a wonderful company to work for because I have met so many people and skills that I can carry into my career path. But... one of the most fun things to do as a worker is to make all different kinds of drinks, whether they're on the menu or creation of our own imagination. Anything you can think of, my coworkers and I have probably tried it. So here's a little insight on some of my personal favorites at Starbucks.
1. Vanilla Latte
This is an absolute classic and one of my all-time-favorites. It's really easy to make so most of the time it doesn't take that long to make (so you can get it faster). Whether it's hot or cold you can't really go wrong. Firstly, theres espresso shots so you will definitely get energy from that caffeine. And because of the vanilla sweetener it hits the sweet craving spot you might be having in the morning. It's an easy drink to customize too for all you calorie conscious and caffeine addicted people.
2. Raspberry Limeade
So this one has recently become a favorite for the spring and summer. The classic Strawberry Acai Refresher with Lemonade is one of the most popular drinks but sometimes it's too sweet and sugary for me. But the combination of this drink hits the spot for that. It was created by a coworker/friend of mine who I work with and it's truly genius. It's really refreshing because of the lime but sweet because of the raspberry sweetener and just the right amount of tangy and sourness due to the lemonade.
Here's the recipe so you all can try:
Raspberry Limeade
-Cool Lime Refresher
-Sub H2O for lemonade
-1/2/2/3 (tall/grande/venti/trenta) pumps of raspberry
*Lime wheels are optional
3. Green Tea Frappccino with Coconut Milk
Now I really am not a frappe kind of girl but if I had to pick one, this would be it. And I'm personally not a fan of matcha but the combination of the tea-tasting matcha, sweetness of the coconut milk makes it a great combination for a cold slush of goodness. Sometimes I get classic sweetener in it if I'm craving some sugar. I usually do not get whip cream either because the texture of the whip cream just clashes with the cool smoothness of the frappe. I would definitely suggest this to anyone who wants to try something new and spunky.
4. Chestnut Praline Latte
Personally this is my fall/winter drink. I am just not a big fan of most girls' Pumpkin Spice Latte, so this is my go to. I love it because it has that nutty flavor that makes your body just warm and feel cozy. It's my favorite to grab one of these and walk around campus in the fall right when the cool weather is starting up, the leaves are all turning, and there's that crisp feeling in the air. The sweetness from the syrup is a perfect combination with the bitter espresso shots and the smoothness of the milk makes you just take a deep breath and relax.
5. Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate
Okay, so here is the non-espresso drink that I would definitely suggest to all who haven't tried. Warning: it contains a lot of sugar. So when white flurries are falling from the sky, the cold breeze chills you to the bone and you have a long night ahead studying for an exam, this is you non-caffeinated study buddy. The super sweet white mocha syrup combined with the milk makes it almost impossible to drink because it is too sweet, BUT with the cinnamon dolce syrup it equals the perfect taste to resemble literally a snickerdoodle cookie. This is one of my best friends favorite drinks and always puts a smile on her face when I bring her one, so I am certain it will do the same for you.
6. Honey Citrus Mint Tea
Better known as the 'Medicine Ball' or 'Cold Buster', it's formal name is Honey Citrus Mint Tea. I really enjoy this because it the freshness of the mint tea and the sweetness of the peach tea clears your nasal passage and freshens your throat. Put some peppermint syrup in that baby and it's good to go. Another drink that is perfect for the winter and college colds, now I'm not actually sure if it cures your cold but I can promise it will make you feel better.
7. Cold Brew Smoothie
This is a creation of a coworker/friend as well. She likes to call it 'coffee and breakfast' at the same time. If you like cold brew and a little sweetness then this is the drink for you. It'll definitely hit the spot for those people who like it more bitter than sweet. Cold brew is an acquired taste but this might turn you onto it. It also contains protein so that you can feel full as well and a banana so there's substance that will fill you up. It's very addicting and you will be hooked after one sip, trust me.
Here's the recipe, so go try it before it gets cold outside:
-1/2 cold brew
-1/2 soymilk
-1 scoop of protein
-1 banana
-Ice
