30 Best Hot Drinks at Starbucks – Our Top Picks

How often have you gone to Starbucks and had no idea what the heck you were doing?

I know, I’ve been there.

Starbucks drinks are countless, and to be honest, it can be a bit overwhelming for a newbie.

Regulars have no problems, but for those who don’t frequent this coffeehouse chain for their daily cup of joe, the possibilities can seem limitless.

So, in this article, we’ll let you in on the 30 best hot drinks at Starbucks so you can be well-prepared next time you visit your local shop.

Starbucks has expanded its menu to provide the customer with the drink of their choice and satisfaction. All kinds of warm beverages are available to drink.

Aside from the typical brewed hot coffee, brewed espresso, and tea-based drinks, Starbucks Coffee also features hot chocolates, juices, steamers, and numerous iced coffee, iced tea, and nitro cold brew selections. 

Starbucks is famous for its specialty coffees, not least its brewed espresso. Many of the coffee chain’s drinks begin with a shot of Starbucks Espresso Roast.

This hot caffeine hit is as simple as it gets–only a shot of classic espresso, freshly ground from Arabica coffee beans.

So why does Espresso Con Panna make this list of the best hot drinks at Starbucks?

It’s simple really; the pair of the two hot ingredients–espresso and cream–create a light and fluffy-textured drink while at the same time making the espresso taste even sweeter.

With such a unique flavor combination, you probably won’t find anything like this on your favorite Starbucks drinks menu.

The Espresso Macchiato may come in many forms (one popular variation is the Caramel Macchiato).

However, the base ingredients are always the same. Its name translates to “stained” or “marked” and refers to the drink as a whole.

A macchiato is composed of a classic espresso shot, lightly topped with a dash of hot frothy milk.

The Caramel Macchiato has been one of the best hot drinks at Starbucks since its launch in 1996. This great-tasting drink consists of steamed milk and espresso blended with a caramel drizzle, vanilla syrup, and caramel-laced whipped cream on top.

If you’re looking for something sweet (but not too sweet) to drink during the afternoon slump the Caramel Macchiato is an excellent choice.

A Caffè Latte consists of espresso and steamed milk. Baristas finish off the drink with a thin layer of foam on top. You can add various flavors to your latte to change its taste.

Up the flavor with some caramel, hazelnut, almond, or vanilla syrup. What makes this drink so popular is that it tastes great with or without flavor additives.

We love cappuccinos because they’re basically like smaller lattes—which means lots of steamed milk and espresso—but with two layers of the good stuff instead of one!

You’ll get equal parts espresso and steamed milk topped off with a rich foam perfect for sipping. If you’re feeling extra fancy, ask your Starbucks barista to add a caramel drizzle or add a vanilla bean powder dusting on top!

Coffee, chocolate, and cream? Need we say more? The Starbucks Caffè Mocha is all three of these things in one, a warm delicacy that’s perfect for the fall or holiday season.

It’s a blend of freshly brewed espresso and steamed milk with rich and creamy chocolate sauce, making it a delectable treat for those who have a sweet tooth but love the taste of coffee.

But, there’s more to it than that! The story goes that during World War II, American soldiers stationed in Italy missed the taste of their favorite hot beverage.

They knew it wasn’t going to be easy to make coffee using their rations and the available resources, so they mixed the local espresso and hot water, which is how the Caffè Americano was born.

It’s very similar to a Starbucks Latte but utilizes an espresso shot known as a ristretto (a short (restricted) espresso shot).

To make this espresso shot, the barista pulls only the first portion of a full-length espresso shot, creating a sweeter-tasting shot.

In addition, a flat white uses rich whole milk instead of the typical 2%, expertly steamed to create microfoam that elevates the espresso to the top.

If you love espresso but avoid it due to the acidity or because you’re lactose intolerant, this Honey Almondmilk Flat White is an excellent choice.

The combination of a blonde espresso shot, sweetened almond milk, and honey makes for a sweet, nutty drink that goes down easy.

A suitable secret menu variation would be to ask your barista to use coconut milk instead of almond milk.

There are few things cozier than a cup of classic hot chocolate on a chilly winter day, topped with whipped sweetened cream.

And, you can’t go wrong with the hot chocolate at Starbucks.

Made with steamed milk and a rich chocolate mocha sauce, Starbucks’ Hot Chocolate is rich and sippably cozy.

12. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte. Nothing screams “fall is here” like this iconic drink.

The PSL consists of the classic steamed milk over espresso shots and pumpkin spice sauce.

The fact of the matter is that Starbucks figured out how to make pumpkin spice into a drinkable experience, and they nailed it.

Blonde vanilla lattes are a staple of the Starbucks menu, almost as much as the Hot Chocolate and the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Yet, the blonde vanilla latte hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves.

I think this is because most people don’t know how to order it correctly.

The blonde vanilla latte, which consists of two shots of Blonde Espresso, whole milk, and classic syrup, is delicious and deceptively simple.

14. Caramel Apple Spice Latte

If you love the flavors of fall, this Latte will hit the spot.

It’s made with apple juice, cinnamon syrup, sweetened whipped cream, and caramel sauce, so you can enjoy a refreshing, sweet, fruity, fall-inspired drink that’s also, as a bonus, caffeine-free.

The Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks is basically a cinnamon roll in a cup. This sweet drink is made with a base of cinnamon dolce syrup and white mocha sauce topped with steamed milk, whipped cream, and cinnamon dolce sprinkles.

The steamed milk is what gives the Cinnamon Dolce Latte its sweet creamy texture. Despite the addition of cinnamon dolce syrup and a cinnamon dolce topping, it’s still a great drink for anyone who wants to avoid the super sweet desserts but still get their sweet fix.

The Honey Citrus Mint Tea was originally on Starbucks’ secret menu, but over time, made it onto the main drinks menu due to its unfailing popularity.

It consists of a freshly brewed Peach Tranquility Herbal Teabag and a Citrus Mint Green Teabag with the refreshing flavors of steamed lemonade and a honey blend sweetener to make one tasty and refreshing hot drink.

Sometimes you just want something hot and steamy during the colder months. Sometimes you just want something hot and steamy during the colder months. This drink is the answer..

With the flavors straight out of a crisp, fall harvest, this cup of steaming goodness will warm you up right away. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this juice is perfect for sipping while you wrap yourself in warm sweaters and jackets.

18. London Fog Tea Latte

This coffee alternative is a nice twist on the traditional Earl Grey.

Made with a classic English bergamot tea blend and steamed milk, it’s a favorite among many Starbucks patrons (and Star Trek fans).

The delicate flavors mix well to create just the right amount of sweetness, making it an easy drink to enjoy. Captain Jean-Luc Picard would be proud!

Matcha is a fine green tea powder (made from green tea leaves). The Japanese have drunk this tea for centuries. Starbucks’ Matcha Latte is a creamy, milky, green beverage that’s filled with antioxidants and lots of comfort. Add vanilla syrup for a sweet touch.

If you love matcha so much that you want to drink it all the time, try this variation for a comforting, lush, and perfectly green finish.

Next time you are in the Sbux, don’t miss out on one of the most popular warm drinks on their menu, the Chai Tea Latte. This is likely because of its creamy texture and warm chai tea spiced flavor that’s perfect to sip on a cold day.

If you’re looking for a light caffeine chai tea hit full of spice, this a great choice. Sprinkle it with cinnamon powder for an extra hit of spice. 

This coffee is a twist on the famous Caffè Mocha. The main difference here, besides using caramelized white chocolate (the toasted part) as opposed to the classic mocha sauce, is the sweetness factor.

This is because baristas use caramelized white chocolate and cranberry sugar sprinkles to top the drink off in place of regular mocha sauce. It’s a festive drink that will fill you with holiday spirit.

The Peppermint Mocha is Starbucks’ contribution to the winter beverage menu, joining classic beverages such as hot chocolate and eggnog. Stay warm in the cold winter months with this tried-and-true recipe, which includes mocha sauce, espresso, steamed milk, and peppermint syrup.

The addition of peppermint syrup to this drink makes it feel a bit more like the holidays, like drinking your peppermint candy. If you see it on the menu, try one. You won’t be disappointed.

This drink is Starbucks’ delicious interpretation of the classic French dessert, crème brûlée.

The barista pours a shot of espresso into your cup, combines it with steamed milk, and tops it with whipped cream and a special caramel brulée topping. This special drink is one of the best hot drinks at Starbucks for the holiday season–sweet, creamy, and oh, so delicious!

Talk about dessert in a cup!

If you’ve ever wondered what makes this drink different from a regular mocha, it’s actually quite simple.

This drink contains white chocolate sauce rather than the standard bittersweet mocha sauce available for all of Starbucks’ other drinks.

This may not sound like much, but believe me, it is! Indulge in this creamy creation, reminiscent of wintry snow. 

When you feel a bit overwhelmed by the extensive menu at Starbucks, go for the brewed coffee blend Pike Place Roast. This coffee blend is named for Starbucks’ original location in Pike Place Market in Seattle and is blended from various coffees sourced from Latin America.

However, this brewed coffee is not for everyone. Despite its notes of chocolate and toasted nuts, it can be strong and bitter, as Starbucks is known for. So, if you prefer something lighter and fruitier, then this may not be the best option.

Staying warm but caffeine-free throughout the fall and winter isn’t easy, but luckily, Starbucks has come up with a delicious solution.

While the Chai and Spiced Pumpkin Lattes are popular choices, we suggest that you give the Vanilla Creme Steamer a try.

This is one of the most comforting caffeine-free drinks your barista can make, consisting of only two ingredients–steamed milk and vanilla-flavored syrup.

It was the perfect holiday drink for our nut cravings. Chestnut praline-flavored syrup, a crunchy praline topping, and whipped cream sit atop a shot of espresso with steamed milk, creating a decadent dessert-like drink.

Definitely, one we think you should try too! And, if you’re worried about nut allergies, don’t be. The syrup is merely chestnut-flavored, and you can ask your barista to leave out the praline topping.

28. Brown Sugar Oat Milk Latte

Forget the Pumpkin Spice Latte. This drink is the first-holiday drink offered dairy-free at Starbucks.

A silky oat milk beverage, it brings the traditional latte to the next level with caramelized brown sugar syrup, which complements the steamed milk perfectly. Sprinkles of Christmas colors on top make it extra festive to drink!

Looking for a kick of caffeine to open your eyes and replenish your body? Look no further than one of the best black tea-based hot drinks at Starbucks.

Every sip of this drink is smooth and silky, with a hint of delicious spiciness. It’s made with black tea from Sri Lanka and India blended with liquid cane sugar. The black tea is finished off with hot milk and a lush velvety foam.

Looking for a warm and decadent coffee drink to get you through the winter?

This holiday favorite consists of a shot of espresso, buttery toffee nut syrup, and steamed milk. It’s garnished with fluffy whipped cream and toffee nut crunch for a delectable finish. An indulgent espresso treat makes a delicious after-dinner drink, the Toffee Nut Latte is like unwrapping a present, only in every sip.

1. “Liquid Cocaine”

Get your game face on with a caffeine and sugar rush in the morning.

Try this secret menu item made with four shots of espresso and four pumps of Starbucks’ white chocolate syrup.

The combination acts as an instant pick me up!

We love this drink so much that we just had to share it. When next at Starbucks, order a Caffè Misto (equal parts brewed House coffee of choice and steamed milk). Then, the fun starts!

Ask your barista to add a pump of hazelnut and mocha syrup each to your Caffè Misto and then top it off with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Out of this world!

3. “The Chocolate Dalmatian”

The Chocolate Dalmatian is a chocolatey custom drink. It’s made with the official Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha (hot) with added java chips. 

Top with whipped cream and add more java chips.

Perfect for winter!

While each of these tea and coffee drinks has its own minor differences, we hope our list of the 30 best hot drinks at Starbucks helped you find that perfect pick for your next Starbucks fix. 

We hope you’ll be adventurous with these choices that make a welcome change from your standard hot coffee drink!