Top 10 Starbucks Hacks You Need to Try
#10: Same, But Cheaper
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Is a latte your go-to Starbucks order? Well, what if we told you there was a way you could get your latte but save a little money? Now that we have your caffeine-craving attention, we can tell you that secret is to not order a latte at all. Instead, order a Caffe Misto. Now, if we are being completely honest here, the Misto is a little different in that it is half coffee/half milk as opposed to a latte which uses a shot of espresso. So, this does cause slight differences in taste and crema. However, the Misto is a pretty close facsimile to the Caffe Latte and does come at a lower price and with fewer calories. So, it’s worth trying at least.
#9: Samples
“Sesame Street” has taught us many things, including not being afraid to try new things. Because we can’t really know if we don’t like something unless we try it first. To be fair, they were talking about eating your fruit and vegetables, but the basic lesson holds true for Starbucks drinks as well. However, when you’re paying upwards of 5 bucks for a coffee, it isn’t always financially viable to just try something new. But did you know that you can try before you buy? According to an interview done with a Nashville barista, you can ask them for a sample of any drink and if the store isn’t super busy they should be happy to give you a taste.
#8: Try the Blonde Roast
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It’s been said that blondes have more fun. And for some of you, it could be said that those who drink Starbucks Blonde Roast have more fun also. Starbucks introduced their Blonde Roast back in 2012 to cater to the millions who prefer their java with a lighter flavor profile. And while it’s been on the menu for almost a decade now, there are still many folks who probably haven’t given it a try. Maybe you’re afraid to give up the caffeine hit of the darker brew? Well, allow us to break down some coffee science for ya’ll. The facts are that roasting beans burns off caffeine. So, the longer roasted dark beans actually have less caffeine by volume than the lighter roasted ones.
#7: Pretty Much All the Hot Drinks Can Be Ordered Iced
To paraphrase our favorite Golden Girl, Sophia, “picture it. You’re home town, 2021…” It’s a hot summer day and you’re craving your favorite beverage from Starbucks. However, your go-to order from the “Bucks” is a hot coffee drink and it’s a smoldering day. What are you to do? Just get it iced! That’s right, almost any hot beverage can be made iced if you ask for it. Although, if you will allow us to drop a little more science on you. If it’s a hot, DRY day and conditions are right, a hot drink will actually cool you down better than a cold one. Just saying.
#6: French Press Pot
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If you plan on hanging out at Starbucks with a few friends - and you all enjoy the same brew - then getting a pot of French press coffee for the table is a great idea. It will take a little longer to get the pot brewed for you, but it ends up being cheaper than each of you ordering individual cups. Think of it as the Starbucks version of ordering a pitcher of beer or sangria for the table at a bar. And it’s French pressed, which many people will tell you, provides a richer flavored coffee. On that note, you can always ask for your individual cup of coffee to be brewed via French press on any visit - not just when ordering a large pot.
#5: For Extra Caffeine, Order a Red Eye
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While too much caffeine isn’t healthy, we totally understand that sometimes you need that extra hit of the good stuff and a simple cup of coffee just isn’t enough. For those times may we suggest taking the “Red Eye.” This shot to the senses is a cup of brewed coffee with an added shot of espresso thrown in. And for those unimpressed by that caffeine kick, try asking your Starbucks barista for a “Black Eye.” No fisticuffs involved here folks. Just a brewed coffee with TWO added shots of espresso. And yes, there’s a THREE shot option as well. We guess the “Green Eye” could come in handy if, for example, you needed to marathon all 15 seasons of “Supernatural” from the beginning.
#4: No Water / Light Ice
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Has this happened to you? You order a delicious iced drink from Starbucks, take a few sips through the straw, and faster than you can say, “Moby Dick,” you’re sucking air and looking at a cup full of ice. Yes, we want it cold, but we paid for the drink, not the ice right? Well, next time ask for “light ice.” Or, better yet, “none” and just ask for a separate cup with ice - which you can then pour your drink into as you go. Also, for those that want to get maximum taste from their iced tea, ordering it with “no water” will give it a stronger flavor profile.
#3: Join “Rewards” Program
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Not all “rewards” programs are created equal. But if you didn’t know about the Starbucks one - or have been hesitating to sign up - this one is well worth it. First off, it’s free to join. Second, when you pay using the Starbucks Card on the app you get 2 stars for every dollar you spend (you only get one if you pay with your credit or debit cards). Third, stars can be used to get everything from an extra espresso shot to a bag of coffee beans. The app also lets you know about specials like double-star days and happy hours. And you get a free drink or food item on your birthday. And who doesn’t like free stuff on their birthday, right?
#2: Order “Short”
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What’s the smallest cup size on the Starbucks menu? If you answered “tall,” you’re right. However, that isn’t the smallest cup size they have. Those in the know, which now include you, know that Starbucks also offers a “short” size; they just don’t list it on the menu. The “short” is an 8-ounce cup - which is a totally respectable amount of coffee. In fact, 8 fluid ounces is literally One cup! So, you still get a very satisfying taste and caffeine experience, and you save a little cash as well. Now, that’s what we call “short and sweet!”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Fewer Pumps [aka Order It Half-Sweet]
Less Pumps Means Less Calories & Less Sugar, But Pretty Much the Same Taste
Mixed Bags
If You Order a Grande or a Venti, You Can Ask for 2 Different Tea Bag Flavors in 1 Cup
“Medicine Ball”
Made with Emperor’s Cloud, Jade Citrus Mint, & More, This Is a Great Drink for a Sore Throat
Latte with Chai Syrup
Same as a “Dirty Chai,” But Without the Added Cost of an Added Espresso Shot
Bring Your Own Cup
Save 10 Cents & Do a Little Something for the Environment at the Same Time
#1: 50 Cent Refills
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You don’t have to be Curtis Jackson to take advantage of this one. This awesome offer is open to any Starbucks customer big or small. It’s very simple: Purchase any drink at Starbucks and during that same visit you can refill that cup with either brewed coffee or tea (hot or iced) for just 50 cents. And in case you needed yet another reason to join the Starbucks Rewards program. Members In Da Club also get same-visit refills. But leave the two quarters in your pocket because for Starbucks Members the refill is FREE! Now that’s P.I.M.P!
