Are you sick of the same Vanilla Latte you've ordered time and time again? With Starbucks' many different ingredients to our disposal, the tasty combinations are endless. Starbucks lovers all over the world have put their creativity to the test to find the best, most delectable drinks. Part of the beauty of coffee establishments like Starbucks is they will let you make any drink you wish, as long as you are willing to pay for extra add-ins. I took advantage of this fact, as well as my status as a barista at Starbucks to try out the most talked-about secret menu drinks to see if they are worthy of our hard-earned, college student dollars.
Pink Drink
The Pink Drink, or the "Pinkity Drinkity" as named by famous YouTuber James Charles, is without a doubt the most popular drink off of the Starbucks menu, and rightfully so. This iced treat is fruity and vibrant, keeping you cool and refreshed. This drink is also a great alternative to traditional coffee drinks because it contains caffeine from Green Coffee Bean Extract. This allows you to get the boost energy you need without experiencing side effects coffee may bring. Its flavor resembles a strawberry yogurt smoothie, but less heavy and more refreshing.
How to order: order an Iced Strawberry Açaí Refresher, Sub Water with Coconut Milk
My Rating: I give this drink a well-deserved 9.5/10. It is the perfect drink to both quench your thirst and indulge your sweet tooth. Certainly one of the best drinks on the whole menu!
Iced Snickerdoodle Macchiato
The Iced Snickerdoodle Macchiato is one of the less known secret menu items, but it is worth mentioning on this list. This drink is extremely sweet, with both Cinnamon Dolce and White Chocolate Mocha Sauce in the bottom of the cup, in addition to 2% milk, ice, and is topped off with 2 espresso shots and caramel drizzle in a crosshatch pattern. This is one of the drinks that need to be mixed thoroughly, otherwise, you'll be drinking straight syrup!
How to order: order a Caramel Macchiato, substitute Cinnamon Dolce for vanilla, add white chocolate sauce.
My Rating: I give this beverage a 7/10. The three different flavors work well together to give you a satisfying, rich experience. If your sweet tooth isn't very strong, I recommend trying it with half of the syrup and with an extra shot.
Matcha Lemonade
Out of all the drinks on this list, this one is the most sophisticated. At 120 calories for a Grande, this is the perfect caffeinated drink if you're on a diet but want something that packs a powerful punch of flavor. The Matcha contains chlorophyll and amino acids, giving it a unique, complex flavor. When you first take a sip, you get a strong, yet pleasant vegetal flavor. As it lingers on your palate, it finishes with a subtle sweetness. The lemonade adds another level of complexity, giving you an initial punch of tartness and a sweet finish, complementing the Matcha perfectly.
How to order: Simply ask for a "Matcha Lemonade"
My Rating: This drink gets an 8/10. This drink is perfect for any time of the year, with its full-bodied complexity that is the perfect pick me up while staying hydrated.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Frappuccino
This list would certainly not be complete without mentioning a delicious frappuccino! This drink is a fan-favorite, giving a perfect balance of fresh, fruity flavor while providing rich, sophisticated chocolate flavor. Starbucks uses real strawberries to provide natural sweetness as well as semi-sweet mocha sauce and chocolate chips, giving it a bitter, round flavor that balances the sweetness out nicely.
How to order: For a Grande, ask for a Strawberry Frappuccino with java chips and 2 pumps of mocha sauce.
My Rating: This beverage gets a generous 9/10. This is one of the best drinks on this list for a reason. It is perfect for those that want something sweet as well as complex in flavor. The real strawberries with the chocolate make this drink taste exactly like a chocolate-covered strawberry. What more could you ask for in a drink?
Final Verdict
Out of all of the drinks on this list, the Pink Drink is the best drink off the secret menu. This drink satisfies every category most look for in a Starbucks drink: tasty, sweet, and caffeinated! This drink is creamy and satisfying, with a simple fruity flavor, with a hint of coconut. Along with being dairy-free and containing real sliced strawberries, it is a unique experience that is unparalleled. Make sure to try a Pinkity Drinkity on your next trip to Starbucks!
While the Pink Drink is my personal winner, I advise you to try these drinks out for yourself and find your favorite. After all, variety is the spice of life!