Bean There, Done That? Try These 15 Starbucks Secret Menu Delights

Coffee lovers and Starbucks enthusiasts welcome back to my corner of caffeine bliss! If you’re anything like me, the daily grind isn’t complete without a trip to Starbucks. I know we fans love both their caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, but did you know Starbucks offers far more than their main menu suggests? Beyond the classic lattes and beloved Frappuccinos lies a hidden world of delicious flavors and customized beverages – the Starbucks Secret Menu.

Starbucks’ secret menu is not just a myth whispered among baristas and die-hard fans; it’s a treasure trove of unique creations waiting to be discovered. These off-the-menu delights are perfect for those days when you want to spice up your usual order. If you are looking for sugar-free drinks at Starbucks, go through my complete guide to order sugar-free coffees and teas effortlessly. Then, sit back, sip on your favorite brew, and let’s explore these 15 hidden gems that will take your Starbucks experience to the next level.

15 Best Secret Starbucks Drinks to Try Today

Starbucks’ secret menu is a list of customized drinks made by modifying main menu items. An unofficial list of drinks created by customers makes up the secret menu, which isn’t an official menu. The secret menu items are not officially recognized; however, they are popular among customers. You can create your own custom drinks by adding syrups, toppings, and other ingredients to existing menu items. Take a look at these 15 top picks from the secret menu that are sure to delight and add a personal touch to your favorite drinks.

#15 Strawberries and Cream Refresher

The Strawberries and Cream Refresher from Starbucks secret menu is a delightful and refreshing twist on the classic Strawberry Acai Refresher. This drink combines the sweet and tangy flavors of the Strawberry Acai Refresher with the creamy goodness of coconut milk, creating a vibrant pink beverage that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

You can upgrade your Starbucks Pink Drink to taste like Creme Saver hard candy by swapping out the coconut milk for vanilla sweet cream foam, and add a few pumps of white mocha sauce. These changes will give you that hard candy flavor but without the dairy-free status of a typical Pink Drink. If you want to enjoy an enhanced strawberry flavor in your Pink Drink add strawberry puree, vanilla syrup, and heavy cream instead of the vanilla cream to the drink.

#14 Peach Cobbler Frappuccino

The Peach Cobbler Frappuccino from Starbucks’ secret menu is a heavenly blend that brings the comforting flavors of a classic peach cobbler into a refreshing, on-the-go beverage. This delightful drink starts with a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino as its base, enhanced with a splash of peach juice and swapped out the regular milk for vanilla sweet cream. The result is a rich and creamy Frappuccino with a perfect balance of sweet vanilla and juicy peach flavors, reminiscent of a freshly baked cobbler.

Ideal for a warm summer day, this peachy customization on a vanilla bean frappuccino provides a sweet escape from the heat. While you can’t order this delight through the app, a quick visit to your local Starbucks or a drive-thru stop will do the trick. This drink is a must-try for its unique flavor profile and indulgent twist on a beloved dessert.

#13 Strawberry Shortcake Latte

The Strawberry Shortcake Latte from Starbucks’ secret menu is a delightful beverage that perfectly captures the essence of the beloved dessert in a drinkable form. This indulgent treat starts with a Venti Iced Latte, blended with rich strawberry puree to create a rich, fruity base. To enhance the sweetness, it features three pumps of brown sugar syrup and one pump of classic syrup, balanced beautifully with the addition of vanilla sweet cream cold foam also blended with strawberry puree. Finally, the drink is topped off with strawberry inclusions and a sprinkle of salted brown butter topping.

The result is a harmonious blend of tangy strawberries and sweet vanilla, with a creamy texture and a hint of buttery richness. To order this dessert-inspired latte, request a Venti Iced Latte with the aforementioned customizations at your local Starbucks. This drink is a must-try for those looking to enjoy the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a refreshing, cold beverage.

#12 Twix Frappuccino

The Twix Frappuccino from Starbucks’ secret menu is a rich blend that brings the iconic flavors of the Twix candy bar to your favorite coffeehouse. This fan-favorite drink, which gained popularity long before the days of TikTok, combines the best of chocolate, caramel, hazelnut, and coffee for a frothy and indulgent treat. Starting with a Caramel Frappuccino as the base, this drink is elevated with two pumps of hazelnut syrup and loads of java chips and topped off with extra caramel sauce and a mocha drizzle.

The result is a harmonious blend of rich caramel and chocolate, complemented by the nutty sweetness of hazelnut and the refreshing taste of coffee. This beverage is perfect for anyone looking for a deliciously sweet pick-me-up that captures the essence of their favorite candy bar.

#11 Churro Frappuccino

The Churro Frappuccino from Starbucks’ secret menu is a delightful drink that brings the classic flavors of the beloved Spanish pastry into a refreshing beverage. This indulgent Frappuccino starts with a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino or Caramel Frappuccino as its base, enhanced with cinnamon dolce syrup and white mocha syrup to mimic the sweet, spiced notes of a churro. The drink is then topped with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon powder for that authentic churro finish.

The Churro Frappuccino offers a creamy, cinnamon-sweet flavor profile that feels like biting into a warm churro, making it the perfect drink for those who crave a taste of this beloved dessert in a cool, sippable form.

#10 Thin Mint Frappuccino

Are you also one of those who crave the irresistible combination of chocolate and mint year-round? The Thin Mint Frappuccino from Starbucks’ secret menu is a delightful nod to the beloved Girl Scout cookie, perfect for those who love chocolate mint combination. This refreshing treat starts with a Chocolate Chip Crème Frappuccino as its base, enhanced with an extra pump of mocha sauce and two pumps of peppermint syrup, then topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

In the end, you get a creamy, indulgent beverage that perfectly balances the rich, smooth taste of chocolate with the refreshing zing of mint. This flavor combination tends to be polarizing – people usually either love it or hate it – but this Frappuccino is definitely worth a try for everyone. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the nostalgic taste of Thin Mint cookies in a cool, sippable form.

#9 Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

If you wish for a little extra sweetness in your cold brew – this Starbucks secret menu item is for you! The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks’ secret menu is a subtly enhanced version of the popular main menu item, offering an extra layer of deliciousness. While the standard Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew features a smooth, cold brew coffee sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with a splash of vanilla sweet cream, this secret menu variation takes it up a notch.

To further enhance Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, ask for extra pumps of vanilla syrup, a pump of hazelnut syrup, and a light drizzle of caramel on top. This creates a more complex flavor profile where the robust, slightly bitter notes of the cold brew are perfectly balanced by the creamy sweetness of the vanilla and the nutty undertones of hazelnut, all complemented by a hint of caramel.

#8 Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frappuccino

The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frappuccino from Starbucks’ secret menu is a nostalgic delight that captures the beloved flavors of the classic breakfast cereal in a creamy, icy treat. This indulgent Frappuccino starts with a White Mocha Frappuccino base, infused with one pump of cinnamon dolce syrup and one pump of hazelnut syrup, then blended with a generous amount of cinnamon powder. It’s finished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.

The taste is a harmonious blend of sweet and spiced, with the rich white mocha providing a creamy backdrop to the warm, toasty notes of cinnamon and hazelnut. Each sip offers the comforting taste of cinnamon toast crunch cereal, making it a perfect dessert drink for those craving a sweet, nostalgic flavor.

#7 Toasted Pumpkin Marshmallow Latte

In a cup, Starbucks’ secret menu Toasted Pumpkin Marshmallow Latte perfectly captures the cozy essence of autumn. This tasty beverage starts with a Pumpkin Spice Latte base, enhanced by adding two pumps of marshmallow syrup and one pump of white mocha syrup, then topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.

The result is a rich and creamy latte with a delightful balance of pumpkin spice and sweet, toasted marshmallow, rounded out by the subtle, buttery notes of white mocha. Its flavor profile resembles the marshmallow toast and the Pumpkin Pie Frappuccino another perfect Starbucks drink to savor during the pumpkin season.

#6 Betty White Frappuccino

The Betty White Frappuccino from Starbucks’ secret menu is a tribute to the beloved actress, offering a delightfully sweet and creamy treat that feels more like a dessert than a traditional coffee drink. To order this creamy concoction, start with a White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino in either the coffee or crème format. Enhance its flavor by adding a pump of hazelnut syrup and a pump of vanilla syrup. Top with whipped cream or a generous sprinkling of caramel crunchies, which can be added directly onto the drink if you opt out of whipped cream.

As a result, you get a delicious combination of white chocolate, rich hazelnut, and sweet vanilla, with a satisfying crunch from the caramel topping. Its taste is similar to a heavy milkshake, making it an ideal choice for those with a sweet tooth and a love for dessert-like drinks.

#5 Apple Martini Refresher

The alcohol-free Starbucks secret menu drink Apple Martini Refresher is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for a crisp fall day or as a late summer treat. This invigorating drink begins with a Kiwi Starfruit Lemonade base, elevated with the addition of three pumps of apple syrup. The combination of kiwi, starfruit, and apple flavors creates a vibrant and tart profile, similar to a real apple martini but with a delightful fruity twist. You can also add cinnamon dolce syrup for enhanced flavor.

Overall, with this recipe you will get a well-balanced, refreshing beverage that delights the taste buds with its blend of sweet and tangy notes, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a sophisticated, mocktail-like experience in their Starbucks cup.

#4 Butterbeer Frappuccino

The Butterbeer Frappuccino from Starbucks’ secret menu is a magical treat that transports you straight to the wizarding world with its rich, buttery flavor. To craft this enchanting beverage, start with a Vanilla Crème Frappuccino base and add three pumps of caramel syrup and three pumps of toffee nut syrup, then top it off with a generous caramel drizzle.

You will get a decadent, creamy Frappuccino that perfectly mimics the beloved Butterbeer from the Harry Potter series. Its taste is a heavenly blend of sweet caramel and nutty toffee, creating a buttery, smooth, and satisfyingly sweet drink that’s perfect for fans of the series and anyone with a sweet tooth.

#3 Squid Game Frappuccino

The Squid Game Frappuccino from Starbucks’ secret menu is a visually striking and flavorful tribute to the popular Netflix show. Creatively imagined to evoke an intense and colorful symbolism of its characters and logo. To craft this thematic beverage, begin with a Strawberry Crème Frappuccino base, add a scoop of dragonfruit inclusion for an extra pop of color and texture, and mix in two pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce. Finish it off with a generous mocha drizzle on top.

The resulting drink offers a delightful taste profile reminiscent of a chocolate-covered strawberry, combining the fruity sweetness of strawberries and dragonfruit with the creamy richness of white chocolate and a hint of mocha. This Frappuccino is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious treat that fans of the show and adventurous drinkers alike will appreciate.

#2 Hipster Chai Latte

The Hipster Chai Latte, a standout among Starbucks’ secret menu drinks, offers a unique twist that may not appeal to those with a preference for traditional chai-based beverages. Despite its name, this secret menu item requires starting with a different type of beverage, resulting in a highly personalized drink. To order, request a venti latte made with Blonde Espresso Roast, as the subtle flavors of the blonde roast complement the chai well. Add four pumps of chai concentrate and two pumps of white mocha syrup to your order.

For optimal flavor, ask the barista to blend the white mocha and espresso before adding milk and chai. Finish off by requesting Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and cinnamon dolce sprinkles for an extra touch of spice to elevate the chai experience.

#1 Medicine Ball

While the secret menu includes numerous sweet Frappuccino variations, my top pick on the Starbucks secret menu drink list is this delicious beverage designed to boost your health. The Medicine Ball is a hot, tea-based beverage featuring cold-fighting ingredients like citrus, honey, and mint. Honey and lemon help soothe sore throats, spearmint opens nasal passages and reduces nausea, and green tea offers numerous health benefits.

Ordering this secret menu item is simple, as the Medicine Ball is now essentially on the Starbucks main menu as Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Initially crafted by customers seeking relief from cold symptoms, this drink has become known for its delicious taste and nutritional benefits.

Expert Tips for Secret Menu Success

Here are my expert tips to help you master the art of ordering from the Starbucks secret menu. The purpose of this article is to ensure that after reading it – your next Starbucks visit becomes a delicious and personalized experience. Read on, these tips and make sure to try them next time:

• Know Your Base Drinks: Familiarize yourself with the base drinks that form the foundation of many secret menu items. Popular choices include the Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino, Cinnamon dolce crème frappuccino, Strawberry Crème Frappuccino, and the classic Caramel Frappuccino. Understanding these bases will help you customize your drinks more effectively.
• Master the Syrup Game: Syrups are key to achieving the desired flavor profile in your secret menu drink. Popular syrups include cinnamon dolce syrup for a warm, spiced flavor, caramel syrup or brown sugar syrup for a rich sweetness, and hazelnut syrup for a nutty undertone. Don’t be afraid to mix and match syrups to create unique combinations.
• Get Familiar with Toppings: Enhance your drinks with various toppings available at Starbucks. Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, mocha drizzle, and cinnamon powder are common choices. For added texture, try java chips or caramel crunchies. These additions can take your drink to the next level.
• Communicate Clearly: When ordering a secret menu item, it’s crucial to provide the barista with detailed instructions. Instead of asking for the drink by its unofficial name, list the base drink and the specific customizations, such as syrups, toppings, and milk choices.
• Explore Seasonal Ingredients: Take advantage of seasonal ingredients and limited-time offerings. For instance, during the fall, incorporate pumpkin spice syrup into your drinks, or use peppermint syrup during the holiday season. These additions can create festive, seasonal flavors.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, Starbucks offers a variety of alternatives. For vegan options, substitute dairy with soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Ensure to skip whipped cream and choose plant-based syrups like vanilla or hazelnut.
• Ask for Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sugary drink, request fewer pumps of syrup or ask for sugar-free versions of syrups when available. This can help you enjoy your custom drink without it being overly sweet.
• Experiment with Tea Bases: Secret menu drinks aren’t limited to Frappuccinos and lattes. Experiment with tea-based beverages like the Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea) or create your own custom iced tea blend by mixing different tea bases and syrups.
• Try Cold Foam Toppings: Enhance your cold drinks with flavored cold foam. For example, add vanilla sweet cream cold foam or cinnamon dolce cold foam to your iced beverages for a creamy, flavorful twist.
• Leverage Starbucks Rewards: Utilize your Starbucks Rewards to try new secret menu items. By earning points on your purchases, you can redeem free drinks and experiment with different customizations without extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Secret Menu Available Year-Round?

The “secret menu” at Starbucks is not an official menu, as the name suggests. However, customers can request customizations to create drinks that are not explicitly listed on the menu. Hence, the availability of these “secret menu” items depends on the ingredients that are currently in stock at the specific Starbucks location. For example, to create popular “secret menu” items like the “Cotton Candy Frappuccino” or the “Butterbeer Latte,” baristas use combinations of syrup flavors such as raspberry syrup, vanilla syrup, and cinnamon dolce syrup to achieve the unique flavors associated with these custom drinks. Since the availability of these custom ingredients can vary, the “secret menu” items may not be consistently available year-round.

Are Secret Menu Drinks More Expensive?

Drinks from the secret menu are relatively expensive than those from the regular menu. Starbucks charges extra for flavor syrups and sauces and other add-ins such as chips, caramel drizzle, fruit juice, vanilla bean powder, etc. It costs 50 – 80 cents for a pump of syrup, the rate might vary for different flavors like cinnamon dolce syrup or toffee nut syrup. For instance, Adding toffee nut syrup to a grande coffee frappuccino will be a 50 cent upcharge. Also, the price for extra pumps of syrup or other add-ins might vary from location to location. So, to sum it up, the price of secret menu drinks depends on the Starbucks store you visit and customizations.

Can I Get (Low Carb) Keto Drinks at Starbucks?

Yes, you can definitely get low-carb keto drinks at Starbucks. I’ve found numerous keto-friendly options that allow you to enjoy your Starbucks favorites without breaking your diet. Some popular choices include an Iced Coffee with sugar-free vanilla syrup and heavy cream, a Nitro Cold Brew with a splash of heavy cream, or a classic Americano with a dollop of whipped cream. For a comprehensive guide, check out my previous blog post, “20 Best (Low Carb) Keto Drinks at Starbucks (+ My Favorite),” where I detail these options and more, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious and keto-friendly Starbucks experience.

Are Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino and Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Same?

The difference between a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino and a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino lies primarily in the terminology, as both refer to the same creamy, non-caffeinated blended drink. The official name on the Starbucks menu is the Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino, which features a rich blend of vanilla bean, milk, and ice, topped with whipped cream. This deliciously smooth and sweet beverage is perfect for those who want a dessert-like treat without any coffee. Some customers might shorten the name to Vanilla Bean Frappuccino for convenience, but both terms describe the same indulgent, vanilla-flavored Frappuccino.

Can I Use My Favorite Syrup to Cutomize My Starbucks Tea?

Yes, Starbucks syrups can be added to both hot and cold drinks, including lattes, Frappuccinos, and teas. They offer a wide range of flavors that can transform your drink, adding depth and sweetness. Some of the most popular syrups include vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, hazelnut, cinnamon dolce syrup, brown sugar syrup and toffee nut syrup. Seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice syrup and peppermint syrup are also highly sought after. For instance, a pump of hazelnut syrup in your coffee can add a rich, nutty undertone, while a splash of caramel syrup can provide a sweet, buttery finish. Additionally, you can mix and match syrups to create unique combinations, such as a vanilla caramel latte or a cinnamon dolce Frappuccino.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Starbucks secret menu consists of customized drink recipes created by baristas and customers that are not listed on the official Starbucks menu. You need to know the recipe and specific ingredients to order a secret menu item. I hope after reading this complete article you have become a pro at ordering these super delicious Starbucks secret menu items.

Some baristas may be familiar with popular secret menu drinks, but not all of them will know every secret menu item. It’s best to provide the recipe when ordering – be it extra pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup or other delicious toppings. Therefore, on your next Starbucks trip provide these details to the barista rather than asking for the drink by its unofficial name.

I have mentioned the 15 best secret menu delights based on taste, texture and overall experience; however, the Starbucks secret menu is not limited to just these. Matcha Pink Drink, Nutella Frappuccino, and Harry Potter’s Pumpkin Juice are some other popular secret menu picks. I encourage you to share your personal experiences with Starbucks secret menu items and customization tips in the comments section for other Starbucks fans visiting this blog.