Best Starbucks Iced Tea: A Barista’s Guide

Best Starbucks Iced Tea A Barista’s Guide

Hot summer weather increases the desire for an ice-cold beverage to quench thirst and keep the body hydrated. Iced tea is an excellent refreshment to have during the sweltering season.

Check with Starbucks as the go-to spot for a host of beverages, including iced tea.

Best Starbucks Iced Tea A Barista’s Guide

When ordering Starbucks’ iced tea for the first time, you may need help navigating the franchise’s rich beverage menu.

Below is a drink guide put together with the input of a Starbucks barista describing the popular Starbucks iced teas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Starbucks offers a rich menu with a variety of iced teas that are ideal for hot weather.
  • It is essential to know the ingredients that make delightful customized iced tea.
  • Starbucks most popular ice teas are chai tea latte, jade citrus mint brewed tea, peach green tea lemonade, iced passion tango tea, and iced tango tea, and iced pineapple green tea infusion.
  • You can use spices, syrups, sweeteners, and milk substitutes to flavor or sweeten your tailor-made iced tea.

12 Popular Starbucks Iced Teas

Starbucks is famous for exceptional coffee beverages and is also known for the variety of iced teas worth a try.

The list is compiled from a trial of the most popular Starbucks drinks with high reviews to find out what makes the drinks exceptional.

Below are the 12 most popular iced teas including the calories and caffeine in a Grande size;


Iced Chai Tea Latte

Nutrition: Calories 240; Caffeine 95mg

Starbucks iced chai tea latte is popular for its creamy, and sweet flavor. The beverage is a mixture of black tea, aromatic spices, and milk. Tea lovers enjoy the tea when topped with sweet cream foam.

The iced chai tea latte is spiced with cloves, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon giving the drink an exotic and one unique flavor.

The iced drink is an ideal refreshment on a hot summer day.

Tea enthusiasts praise the chai tea for the balanced flavors and smooth texture derived when you combine milk and tea.

You can also customize the drink to your taste by adding extra pumps of syrups or by use of different milk substitutes.

Iced chai tea latte Starbucks
Source: Starbucks

Honey Citrus Mint Tea

Nutrition: Calories 130; Caffeine 16mg

If you have been to Starbucks, it is likely you have heard of the Medicine Ball Tea. The tea’s official name is honey citrus tea.

The beverage is a mixture of peach tranquility herbal tea and jade citrus mint green tea steamed in hot lemonade. Honey Syrup is used to flavor the tangy drink.

You get a pleasant aroma stemming from the mint and citrus syrups in the tea.

Enjoy the bold and tastes from the mixture of sweet honey taste of honey and the lemonade tangy flavor.

Add a pump of peppermint syrup to your drink if you would like to have mint-flavored tea.

The sweet and fruity taste drink has an exceptionally versatile nature since you can have it in any season, at any time.

Honey citrus mint tea Starbucks
Source: Starbucks

You can take the tea as an icy cold refreshment in hot seasons. The refreshment is also a wonderful beverage when served steaming hot during the cold seasons.


Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade

Nutrition: Calories 80; Caffeine 25 mg

It takes only one sip of the Starbucks iced peach green tea lemonade to discover why it’s one of the franchise’s most popular iced teas.

The beverage is a combination of crispy green tea, peach juice, and tangy lemonade. You can add some liquid sugarcane for extra sweetness.

You brew a mixture of peach juice and green tea to create a beverage with balanced flavors.

The lemonade adds a sour flavor while the peachy taste produces a tangy taste.

Serve the tea over ice to make it an ideal summer beverage.

Iced peach green tea lemonade is an excellent beverage for any occasion.

Iced peach green tea lemonade Starbucks
Source: Pinterest

You can have it as a midday treat, take it while at the beach, as or as a hot weather refreshment.

If you are a fan of peach, green tea, and lemon, try the beverage. Its sweet, tangy, and crisp taste is a burst of flavors you will definitely enjoy.


Iced London Fog Tea Latte Starbucks

Nutrition: Calories 140; Caffeine 40mg

Starbucks iced London fog tea latte is one variant of the traditional Earl Grey tea with an icy twist.

The cool and creamy beverage is a blend of lavender and citrus bergamot flavors, vanilla syrup, and milk, and poured over ice.

The lavender flavor creates a beverage with a subtle sweetness and a floral aroma.

When you take the drink, you will enjoy the rich, creamy, and comforting flavor of the milk and vanilla.

Iced London fog tea latte Starbucks
Source: Starbucks

The hint of citrus and bergamot balances the flavors in the tea. If you are a fan of the traditional Earl Grey tea latte, you will enjoy the Iced London fog tea latte in the summer. The variant frozen beverage is a perfect refreshment for the searing weather.


Iced Green Tea Lemonade

Nutrition: Calories 50; Caffeine 25mg

Iced green tea lemonade is a favorite green tea of Starbucks clients. The beverage blends the tarty taste of lemonade and the crisp flavor of green tea.

To make the drink, you brew green tea, then blend it with real lemonade to have a balance of sweet and sour flavors.

Shake the mixture of ice and green tea to create a cold drink. The subtle earthy taste complements the lemonade tarty flavor to make a satiating texture. Iced green tea is an excellent beverage for hot weather.

Iced Green Tea Lemonade
Source: Starbucks

A lemonade fan will definitely enjoy iced green tea for quenching thirst in the scorching season. The blend of green tea and lemonade makes a drink suitable for cooling the body during the sweltering period.


Matcha Green Tea Latte

Nutrition: Calories 240; Caffeine 80mg

Matcha green tea lattes is a common beverage that is available in most Starbucks stores. The drink is a mixture of steamed milk, matcha powder, and ice shaken together.

The green matcha powder used in the tea is a blend of ground green tea and sugar.

The iced matcha tea is more popular than the hot version of the beverage.

However, you cannot order the beverage as sugar-free since the match powder has sugar.

Matcha green tea lattes is an excellent alternative to coffee-based drinks.

The drink has a frothy and creamy texture from the steamed milk. Take the tea for the unique and flavored taste of matcha green tea.

Matcha green tea latte
Source: Pexels

You will enjoy the rich, soothing, and energizing beverage during the searing summer days.


Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea

Nutrition: Calories 0; Caffeine 0mg

Starbucks iced passion tango tea is the only herbal tea without lemonade.

When making the beverage, you use passion tea bags, hibiscus flowers, lemongrass, and ice to brew a fruity and tart-flavored tea with a sweet and sour profile.

The fresh tea brew is poured over ice to make a cold refreshment.

The iced beautiful red, sugar-free, and caffeine-free drink is an ideal drink for the summer-searing weather.

Iced passion tango tea
Source: Pinterest

If you would like to flavor the tea, you can add any of the Starbucks syrups, or sweeteners.

Iced passion tango tea is an excellent choice for any tea enthusiasts who enjoy vibrant and flavored tea. The drink also suits tea fans who like caffeine-free beverages.

The hibiscus eye-catching color is a plus as it gives the refreshment a burst of beauty.


Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Starbucks Tea

Nutrition: Calories 0; Caffeine 40mg

Starbucks has a rich menu of tea beverages. Regardless, jade citrus mint brewed tea takes the lead as an exceptional drink.

You use high-quality green tea leaves, spearmint, and lemon verbena to make a reputable brew. The cold, light, and refreshing tea has a flavored kink perfect for the summer season.   

The blended ingredients produce a zest of citrus flavor from the lemongrass and the cool mint taste from peppermint.

Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Starbucks Tea
Source: Starbucks

To make the drink ideal for the sweltering season, it is poured over ice.

You will enjoy the drink if your preference is beverages that are smooth and caffeine-free.

Jade citrus mint tea has a unique profile of flavors that make it an exceptional beverage. The sweet flavors balance the citrus tarty taste to produce a well-balanced satiating texture.


Iced Mango Black Starbucks Tea

Nutrition: Calories 120; Caffeine 55mg

Do you want a refreshing and fruity kink with your standard – classic iced black tea? Starbucks iced mango black tea will impress you.

You mix mango syrup, black tea, and a splash of lemonade to brew the rich-flavored beverage. The ingredients create a sweet and tangy array of flavors. After you brew the tea, then you blend it with mango notes mixed with ice.

The beverage has a rich blend of tropical rich drinks with a taste of strong black tea. The black tea gives the tea a familiar base, while the mango flavor and lemonade add a tropical twist.

Iced Mango Black Starbucks Tea
Source: Tripadvisor

Regardless, the flavor depends on the individual. Some people find the drink sour, whereas others review it as sweet.

The iced tea has a fresh mango flavor and a silky texture. You pour the drink over ice to make it an ideal brew for the scorching summer months.

If you are a tea enthusiast who enjoys tropical fruity refreshments, you will like iced mango black tea.


Mint Majesty Starbucks Teas

Nutrition: Calories 0; Caffeine 0mg

The Starbucks mint majesty iced tea is a simple yet classic drink with a peppery and sweet taste.

To make the refreshment, you blend the herbal beverage mixed with peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, and a hint of lemon verbena.

The tea has a strong and refreshing mint flavor with lemon verbena grass with a subtle citrusy note as a complement.

Mint Majesty Starbucks Teas
Source: Starbucks

The caffeine-free herbal beverage is an excellent option for people who do not like caffeine.

Health-wise, the beverage is a good choice since it’s sugar-free and without flavors or sweeteners.

If you want to relax on a summer day with a flavored iced drink, have the mint majesty tea. You can take the versatile tea at any time of the day, in any season.

It is delicious when served ice cold during summer, and comforting when steaming hot in winter.


Iced Royal English Breakfast Tea Lattes

Nutrition: Calories 140; Caffeine 40mg

The unique and flavored Starbucks Iced Royal English breakfast tea lattes blend the bold flavors of English breakfast tea, liquid sugar cane, milk, and ice.

The concentrated tea blend is brewed with hot water, then mixed with milk and ice.

The blended brew is finally sprinkled with black pepper and vanilla syrup.  

One outstanding feature of the tea is the blend of flavors. The milk blends well with the tea concentrate, while the vanilla syrup adds a subtle sweetness that does not overpower the tea.

Iced Royal English Breakfast Tea Lattes
Source: Starbucks

The black pepper sprinkle gives the breakfast tea drink a delicious and spicy flavor.

If you are looking for a unique, flavored, and iced beverage, go for the Royal English breakfast tea latte.

The blend of milk, black pepper, and vanilla syrup creates a creamy, spicy, and subtly sweet drink latte worth a try.


Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino Blended Starbucks Beverage

Nutrition: Calories 420; Caffeine 70mg

The Starbucks matcha green tea frappuccino is a delicious summer drink for any matcha fan.

Try the drink if you are a tea enthusiast interested in a fresh experience.

The healthy drink is a blend of matcha powder, whipped cream, vanilla extract, syrup or sweetener, and ice.

The mix of matcha, vanilla extract, milk, and whipped cream balances the matcha’s green tea bitter taste with a creamy and smooth flavor.

Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino Blended Starbucks Beverage
Source: Starbucks

Though matcha has a strong, distinct, and bitter taste, it is not overpowering to the sweet flavors of the other ingredients.

Matcha green tea frappuccino is an excellent choice if your priority is to have a healthy cold drink. The beverage has a high content of antioxidants that boost the metabolism, and also reduce stress.

You can enjoy the whipped cream topping as an indulgent treat.


Iced Tea Drink Combinations at Starbucks

Starbucks offers a variety of iced tea combinations that every tea enthusiast can customize to suit their individual preference.

Some of the popular blends include the options below;

  1. Iced black tea lemonade: The refreshing and slightly sweet beverage is a blend of black tea and a splash of lemonade.
  2. Iced peach green tea: The tea has a subtle sweetness and fruity flavor from a blend of green tea and peach syrup.
  3. Iced passion tango tea lemonade: Mix passion tango tea and lemonade to create a drink with a tart and slightly sweet flavor. The tea also has a hint of floral taste.
  4. Iced pineapple green tea infusion: The cool tropical drink is a mixture of green tea, pineapple ginger syrup, and coconut milk.
  5. Iced white tea: The tea is a blend of white tea bags with honey, lemon, and mint. The light subtle flavor makes a perfect cool drink for a hot summer day.
  6. Iced guava white tea lemonade: The drink is a blend of guava juice, white tea, and lemonade. It has a sweet and tangy drink with a tropical tinge.
  • Iced blueberry black tea lemonade: The beverage is a mix of black tea, blueberry syrup, and lemonade. You will find the tea sweet and fruity with a hint of tart.

How to Order Iced Tea at Starbucks

The process of placing an iced tea order at Starbucks is easy and straightforward.

Follow the steps below;

  1. Select your tea: Starbucks offers a variety of iced tea that include black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and white tea.
  2. Choose the size of the tea: Starbucks’ beverage sizes range includes; Demi, 3 oz.; Short, 8 oz.; Tall,12 oz.; Grande, 16 oz.; Venti, 24 oz.; and Trenta, 30 oz.
  3. Decide if you want flavored or unflavored tea: You can choose to have flavored or unflavored or unsweetened. If you desire to have a touch of an extra touch of flavor, add syrup or sweetener.
  4. Add ice: Request for ice since your order is of an iced tea.
  5. Customize your order: You can customize your order by adding a variety of syrups or sweeteners such as peach, raspberry, or honey. The tailor-made tea may also have light or extra ice.
  6. Place your order: Once the details of your order are complete, request the barista to make the tailor-made drink for you.

For instance, you may place an order for a” Grande iced green tea with light ice, flavored with two pumps of peach syrup.” It is always wise to confirm your order is correct before you leave the store.


Flavored Juices Available to Mix in Iced Tea

Starbucks has a variety of flavored syrups and juice mixes you can add to your ice for an extra burst of taste. Adding flavored syrups and juice mixes to your iced tea transforms a regular beverage into a delicious tailor-made drink.

Below are popular syrups and juice mixes you can add to your iced tea:

  • Blueberry syrup: The syrup will give your iced tea a sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Guava juice: You can add guava juice to your iced tea to make it sweet and with a tropical flavor.
  • Lemonade: Iced tea with lemonade has a tart and refreshing flavor.
  • Passion tango tea: The beverage is a blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple giving it a floral and fruity flavor to your iced tea.
  • Peach syrup: Peach syrups will give your iced tea a sweet and fruity flavor.
  • Pineapple ginger syrup: Use the syrup for a tropical and spicy flavored iced tea.
  • Raspberry syrup: Raspberry syrups will add a tart and sweet flavor to your iced tea.

Final Thoughts

Starbucks teas offer various iced drinks that can be customized to suit individual preferences. There is something for everyone, black – from classic black tea to fruity green tea infusions.

You can create unique flavor combinations by adding syrups, juice mixes, or lemonade.

Overall, the best Starbucks iced tea is the one you enjoy the most; it could be a classic iced black tea, a fruity green tea infusion, or something in between.

Trying out new combinations and experimenting with different flavors to find your perfect iced tea is always recommended.

Enough said! Head to your nearest Starbucks and try one of the refreshing iced drinks reviewed here. Please share your favorite combinations with us.

We can’t wait to see what toothsome creations you come up with!


FAQs

Is Iced Tea at Starbucks Sweetened?

Normally, Starbucks iced teas are not sweetened. Regardless, you have the freedom to order a tailor-made drink with flavors or sweetener.

What Syrups Does Starbucks Use for Tea Drinks?

Starbucks has a variety of flavored syrups to add to iced teas. Some of the flavors you can add to your iced tea drinks include; vanilla, peach, raspberry, blueberry, pineapple, and ginger. The availability of the syrups depends on the location of the store and the season. Before you place an order for a flavored, sweetened, or mixed juice iced tea, it is wise to first check with the barista the varieties available on the menu.

What’s the Best Tea at the Starbucks menu to Get if I’m on a Special Diet Like Dairy-Free, Low or No Carb, or Keto?

If you are on a special diet such as dairy-free, low or no carb, or keto, the best Starbucks iced tea to have is the unflavored or sugar-free variety. It is essential you also check if the nutritional content of the beverage aligns with your special dietary requirements.

What’s the Best Caffeine-Free Starbucks Iced Tea?

The best Starbucks caffeine-free iced tea is the Peach Tranquility herbal tea or Mint Majesty herbal tea. Both Starbucks drink refreshments are delicious, added flavor, and an excellent choice for anyone who does not like caffeine.

In a Large Iced Tea, How Much Ice Is There?

Starbucks’ general guidelines recommend the amount of ice in tea iced be ½ or ⅓ of the cup so as to leave room for additional ingredients such as syrups, sweetener, and juice mixes. The quantity of ice in a large iced tea may also vary depending on the barista making the beverage.

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