About a month ago, I started training to become a certified barista at Starbucks. Since then, I've learned to make more drinks than I can count, made a few big coffee messes, and have found all kinds of delicious drinks to order. As a barista, I've made mental notes of the yummiest drinks on the Starbucks menu to recommend to anyone wanting to try something new this summer. Here are 12 cold drinks I think you should definitely try the next time you visit Starbucks.
1. Iced Caramel Macchiato
The perfect combination of pretty and yummy. Making these drinks is so much fun, and they're absolutely delicious. If you like coffee and caramel, this drink is right up your alley. Ask for extra caramel sauce if you want to go all out.
2. S'mores Frappuccino
One time at work I swear I made about 10 of these in a row. The S'mores Frappuccino is one of the featured drinks at Starbucks this summer, and for good reason. Though you can order it creme-based, it's usually coffee-based and is extra yummy if you ask for a shot of espresso.
3. Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
If you're not much of a coffee person, the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher might pique your interest. Get it with lemonade instead of water to switch things up a bit.
4. Iced White Chocolate Mocha
My long-time favorite is a venti iced white chocolate mocha, no whip. One of the most popular drinks on the menu, the iced white chocolate mocha is great for people with a sweet tooth who also like that coffee taste.
5. Strawberry Acai Refresher with Lemonade
A Strawberry Acai Refresher is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. I make a lot of these delicious drinks, and they're even better when they're made with lemonade.
6. Iced Café Mocha with Raspberry Syrup
If you like rich, dark drinks, mochas may be your cup of tea (cup of coffee ... you know what I mean). Ask for a few pumps of raspberry syrup, and you have yourself a raspberry mocha! Y.U.M.
7. Green Tea Frappuccino
The Green Tea Frappuccino is a great drink to order if you're not wanting coffee but you're still wanting that frappuccino-y, milkshake-y texture. Made with matcha powder, it's a yummy treat for the summer months.
8. Iced Caramel Latte with Caramel Sauce
When I started working at Starbucks, I quickly discovered how delicious their caramel sauce is. If you're more of a latte kinda girl (or guy), order a caramel latte with caramel sauce on top. One of my favs, and oh-so-good.
9. Puppuccino
I had to include this one for all the dog moms (and dads) out there! A Puppuccino is literally a cup of whipped cream, a treat your dog is guaranteed to love.
10. Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino
Wanting something fruity but not feeling a Refresher? The Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino is a fruity frap that will hit the spot for the summertime.
11. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
If you want something stronger than iced coffee, cold brew is the way to go. You can order regular cold brew, but a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is the perfect combo of sweet and strong. Not to mention, it's absolutely gorgeous!
12. Iced Chai Tea Latte
Iced Chai Tea Lattes are great for people not wanting coffee or a fruity drink. Milk, water, and chai come together to create a spiced drink to sip by the pool.
Working at Starbucks has been so much fun and has made me realize how versatile the menu is. I'm confident that 1 of these 12 drinks could be your new go-to drink. If all else fails, ask your local Starbucks baristas to recommend a drink for you, and they'll be happy to help. Happy summer!
