Starbucks baristas are ready to be honest about your "secret menu" drink requests.
What Is Starbucks’ Secret Menu, and How Do Baristas Really Feel About It?
Updated on Oct. 31, 2023
What is Starbucks’ secret menu? Well, it’s all but secret nowadays. This unofficial collection of drinks are often new recipes created by regular, everyday customers trying to make something more with Starbucks’ core ingredients. Just mutter the words, and you’ll have everyone telling you their favorite “TikTok Starbucks hack.”
But what does this mean for your local baristas, and what can you do to make ordering easier? Here’s what Starbucks baristas want you to know before ordering off the secret menu.
Why the Secret Menu Can Create Issues
Your Barista Won’t Always Know What You’re Talking About
My good friend Stephanie Ramirez worked as a Starbucks partner for many years, and she had her grievances with the secret menu. According to her, “It’s annoying when they call it by its secret menu name. It’s annoying when they don’t know what goes into the drinks. More than half the time when they see these trending videos, people tell them how to order it, and then when they go they just say they want ‘that one TikTok drink.’ We don’t know what you’re talking about. Tell us what is in it.”
Customers Only Know the Name of the Drink
“It’s not making the drink I have a problem with, it’s customers who just give me some random name of some random drink that I’ve never heard of and expects me to know how to make it. I don’t mind making secret menu drinks, as long as they actually give the recipe for the drink.” –u/Condomonium
Customers Aren’t Always Polite
“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: if you are nice and ask me politely to make you something else, I’ll do it. Come back and get huffy with me about a drink you ordered and I’ll be sooooo mad. Even during happy hour, I will be the most pleasant person in the world if you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.” –u/kayser3207
Here are the friendly habits Starbucks employees secretly dislike.
People Become Upset with Baristas for Following Rules
“Partners don’t mind making it, but they also have to know if they’re trying to do a ‘hack’ for less. Sometimes these hacks don’t work, like when people order shots of espresso over ice and think it will come topped with milk. It’s not a latte, we aren’t allowed to top it off. Order a latte if you want that, [and] don’t get mad at the barista for doing their job to standards,” Stephanie mentioned when talking about customers trying to get pricier drinks for less.
Customers Get Upset When Ingredients Go Out of Stock
Regarding the recent shortage in drink ingredients, Stephanie said, “[Starbucks] expanded their menu and then had stores running out of items constantly which led to upset people.” If you’re ordering complicated, off-menu drinks, expect that the store might simply not be prepared with the ingredients for it.
How to Order Off the Secret Menu
Your local Starbucks baristas already have a lot to deal with, but you can make it easier. Know the exact recipe of the drink you’re aiming for—the name won’t always do the trick. Use the mobile app to create your drink so the barista can see exactly what you’re asking for, and try to avoid the drive-thru during rush hours like mornings or lunches.
And, of course, please don’t become upset when your Starbucks is out of certain ingredients or cannot make your drink. Being polite to food workers is important and incredibly easy. Follow these simple suggestions and soon, you’ll be enjoying your “secret menu” drink with no hassle at all!
Copycat Starbucks Recipes You'll Love
Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel FrappuccinoI love caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks, but they get too expensive. I now make my own, and they are just as good. If you blend the milk with all the other ingredients, it gets too foamy—instead stir it in with a spoon after all the ice is crushed. —Heather Egger, Davenport, Iowa
Inspired by: Starbucks Roasted Ham, Swiss and Egg SandwichOn a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste Recipes Senior Editor
Inspired by: Starbucks Cold Brew CoffeeCold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Or if you rather buy it at the store, our Test Kitchen team found the very best options to kick start your mornings.
Homemade BagelsOur easy bagel recipe lets you skip the store and make a dozen homemade bagels right in the comfort of your kitchen. Customize them with your favorite bagel toppings like everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds or Asiago cheese.
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel MochaIf you crave cafe-style coffees at home, here's a recipe for caramel mocha. You can make this decadent, sweet recipe within a few minutes and have a drink that rivals what you'd get at a coffeehouse.
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon LoafMy family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Honey Oatmilk LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Berry Trio ParfaitHomemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy it on a hikes or picnics.—Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, ME
Pumpkin Spice LatteYearning for a pumpkin spice latte but can’t wait for fall? It’s always PSL season with this pumpkin spice latte recipe, which uses real canned pumpkin for authentic autumnal flavor.
Inspired by: Starbucks Double Chocolate BrownieCoffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe MochaWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Inspired by: Starbucks Toasted Coconut Cold BrewCold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin BreadSkip the line and bake Starbucks's pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe is better than the original! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Hot ChocolateEach winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Special Banana Nut BreadThis extra-special banana bread makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors. The recipe makes two loaves, so I can serve one and keep the other one in the freezer to use as a last-minute gift. —Beverly Sprague, Catonsville, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Black Tea LemonadeI have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
Inspired by: Starbucks Blueberry SconeSave your precious summer blueberries for these blueberry scones! They’re so good, you’ll be thankful you get 16 scones out of the recipe.
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese MuffinI first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.
—Wendy Stenman
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
The Ultimate Chocolate Chip CookieEveryone has a favorite type of chocolate chip cookie—a little crispy, a little chewy—but they all have to begin with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This is the best place to start! —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
