The (Not-So-Secret) Secret Menu at Starbucks

Flickr.com

Flickr.com

Nihal Al Qawasmi, Opinion Editor

As you all know, I am not shy about my love for coffee. If you don’t believe me, I wrote a whole piece about why coffee is a college must-have. I have the word coffee in all my online bios, I even have pjs with coffee cups on them. Needless to say, you all saw this particular piece coming, didn’t you?

Maybe I’ll even turn it into a series – since only true coffee lovers drink more than just Starbucks. However, Starbucks is relevant, everyone knows Starbucks, and Starbucks becomes 10x more popular during Fall and Winter. So, why not start with America’s (sweetheart) coffee shop?

*All drink recipes are for a grande sized cup. 

To start off the list, I will tell you about the golden, all-star — and my personal favorite — Fall drink. Cue the drum rolls, please.

Pumpkin Spice Latte: Yep, I am totally aware this is not a part of their secret menu, but I decided to mention it anyway. Thanks, free speech. This drink is literally Fall in a cup. Summer ends for me the minute I get my hands on this warm drink during the first week of September. It’s the perfect combination of sweetness mixed with Fall spice flavors, and topped with whip cream if you’re in the mood. I usually skip the whip and ask for an extra shot of espresso!

Chile Mocha: Oops, yet another non secret menu item. Don’t worry people, I’ll get to them! I had to include the Chile Mocha drink since it is the newest addition to the Starbucks Fall family. Here’s my honest review: it’s about 2 spicy notches up from the Pumpkin Spice Latte. They claim it to be a mix of vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon and cayenne chile spices. Personally, it’s a good drink, really gives you that extra “kick,” but it’s not my favorite or go-to. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, try it and let us know how you liked (or disliked) it!

Purple Drink: Finally, an actual “secret menu” item. For those that don’t know, the famous secret menu at Starbucks is just a combination of ingredients that make different drinks that are not on their standard menu. You’re basically only making alternatives to drinks that already exist. For example, this super pretty lavender-colored drink, is a take on the Passion Iced Tea drink. Once you walk up to the Barista, order a Passion Iced Tea with either soy or coconut milk, a little vanilla syrup, and a scoop of blueberries. Refreshing!

Caramel Brulee Latte: This is another holiday drink at Starbucks that is only available between November and January. So this recipe is for those that want this drink all-year round. No one should feel limited with their coffee intake – you’re welcome. Personally, this drink was not a favorite of mine because it was more “light” on the coffee side. But to make the drink, order a grande caramel latte, with 2 pumps of white mocha syrup, and 2 pumps of toffee nut syrup.

The Roasted Chestnut: I haven’t personally tried this one, but I’ve heard about the rave and thought I would include it considering it’s the appropriate season. To get this drink, order a grande hazelnut macchiato with extra hazelnut syrup, add 1.5 pumps of toffee nut syrup, 1.5 pumps of white chocolate mocha syrup, topped with whip cream and a hazelnut drizzle. Sounds really sweet! If that’s your thing – go for it.

Spiced Apple Pie: Since not everyone is a coffee drinker, I thought I would be nice and include this seasonal secret drink. I have not tried it because it has a tea base. Not my thing. However, I’ve read great reviews! Here’s the breakdown: order a cup filled with half hot passion tango tea and half steamed apple juice, with 4 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, topped with whip cream/graham crackers, and cinnamon dolce syrup. It is said to taste somewhat like Apple cider.

That’s all for now folks. Check back in when the weather gets colder for the Winter edition of Starbucks drinks!

Some recipes are courtesy of starbuckssecretmenu.net.