Here’s 10 Starbucks Order Mistakes You’re Making (And How To Correct Them)
I know, I know…
Ordering drinks from Starbucks is already like speaking a foreign language.
You have to say things like Venti, Ristretto, Nitro, Half-Caf, Doppio, and Inclusions.
Like, what?!? I’m not even sure what I’m ordering half the time.
You definitely shouldn’t go into ordering Starbucks drinks blind.
Here are 10 things to remember and take into consideration when ordering your next Starbucks beverage.
Starbucks Ordering Mistakes
1) Not Ordering The Correct Size
You would be amazed at how many people order drinks, thinking they are actually ordering one size but getting a different size when they order.
It is important to know the Starbucks lingo:
- Short: 8 Ounce Hot Only Drink
- Tall: 12 Ounce Hot Or Cold Drink
- Grande: 16 Ounce Hot Or Cold Drink
- Venti: 20 Ounce Hot Or Cold Drink
- Trenta: 31 Ounce Cold Only Drink
2) Not Telling The Barista What Temperature You Want The Drink
Most of the Starbucks drinks (with the exception of the Frappuccino, tea-based drinks, and nitro) are available in both “Hot” and “Cold.”
You might get up to the register and order a “Grande Mocha,” thinking you are ordering a cold Frappuccino. But, what you will actually get is a hot beverage.
Is important to tell the Barista if you want your drink over ice or in a hot cup — don’t let them just guess.
Even if you think you are ordering correctly, specify “Hot” or “Cold.” This will save you getting the wrong drink, and pissing off the Barista who has to remake your drink.
3) Expecting Your Drink To Be Sweet, But It’s Not
It’s important, when ordering a beverage, that you know exactly what goes in it.
There are drinks — such as Iced Coffee, Tea, and Tea Lemonade — that don’t actually get sweetener unless you specify it.
Also, there are some drinks that don’t get the normal amount of syrup — like the Cold Brew Beverages.
Make sure you are familiar with the recipes, so you can get a drink that tastes as fantastic as you are expecting it to be.
4) Not Ordering Through The Starbucks App
If you order online through the app, the recipe for each drink will be listed on the menu.
You can customize your drink, changing anything you want — like adding more syrup, adding more espresso, or skipping the whipped cream.
And, ordering online through the app is completely easy, and will save you having to wait in line inside the store.
In most cases, you can choose to wait in the drive-thru line for your drink ordered through the app.
Just tell the Barista at the speaker that you ordered online.
You can pull right up to the window, and get your drink.
5) Expecting The Barista To Know The Recipe To Your Secret Menu Drink
Most “Secret Menu” Starbucks drinks are so secret that the Baristas will have no idea what you’re talking about when you order your drink by name.
Whenever you go into Starbucks to order a “Secret Menu” item, always have the recipe with you.
It helps the Barista if you have the recipe written down. It leaves less room for mistakes and miscommunication.
Always, always, always, 100% always have the recipe to your “Secret Menu” item with you, and know exactly how to order your drink.
6) Not Branching Out When Ordering Kids’ Drinks
Let me guess. Your child always wants a Frappuccino.
That’s all fine and dandy. They are pretty darn tasty.
BUT, they might get tired of the same ‘ol thing, and there are so many other drinks that kids can try.
- Flavored Steamers — Steamed milk and any flavor syrup you want to add. It’s like chocolate milk, but with frothy milk and maybe a different flavor.
- Apple Cider — It’s just hot apple juice and whipped cream, but it’s delicious. Try it with caramel sauce and whipped cream — a Caramel Apple Cider. It’s life changing.
- Lemonade — It’s lemonade over ice. It’s delicious and refreshing, especially on a hot day.
- Refreshers — These can vary a bit, but it’s basically water and refresher concentrate. They have different flavors. You can also get it made with lemonade instead of water.
- Iced Herbal Teas — These are unsweetened over ice — but you can add classic syrup to make it sweeter. Comes in Passion Tango or Passion Tango Tea Lemonade.
- Creme Frappuccinos — It’s the Frap without the caffeine. They come in about eleventy-hundred flavors, and they are more milkshake and less coffee beverage.
7) Only Ordering Seasonal Beverages
I get it. They are yummy. Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone?
BUT, they are only available for a limited time, and then your SOL.
Keep an open mind.
Order your seasonal drink when it’s available, but find a menu item that you like during the rest of the year.
8) Not Checking The Name On The Drink Before You Grab It
This happens all. the. time.
Someone goes up and grabs a drink, thinking it’s theirs, but it really belongs to the person who ordered before them.
The Barista now has to remake the drink, and the customer who’s drink you took now has to wait even longer for their drink.
Every drink should have a sticker, with a name, attached to the side of the cup.
Check this sticker for your name before you get grab happy.
9) Not Taking A Sip Of Your Drink Before You Leave The Store
There’s nothing worse than ordering a drink, driving away, getting down the road, and then realizing the Barista made your drink incorrectly.
If you check the drink before you leave, you can get the Barista to remake it for free if it’s incorrect or not what you thought you were getting.
10) Not Paying With The Starbucks App
Did you know that you can scan your Starbucks app, and pay through credit card or even PayPal?
Each time you do this, you will earn “Stars” for the drinks that you purchased.
These “Stars” add up, and will eventually get you free drinks or Starbucks merch.
Always, Always, Always pay through the app.
I’m not talking about mobile ordering through the app.
I mean actually scan your phone once you order, pay with the card you have on file, and earn those “Stars.
Bonus Tip: Branch out, and try new drinks. There are SO many choices, and you might just find that you have a new favorite Starbucks beverage out there.
