Did you know Starbucks has a secret menu? Beyond the official listings, baristas and customers have created many custom beverages you can order if you know how to ask.
These secret items are not official menu offerings but rather popular custom recipes shared online and between customers and baristas. Availability varies by location and by the ingredients on hand, so some shops may not be able to make every version you find.
Tips for ordering
Knowing the standard Starbucks menu helps when requesting secret items—understand what syrups, milk options, espresso shots, and bases like Frappuccino or macchiato are commonly used. Familiarize yourself with popular family items so you can mix and match confidently.
When ordering a custom or secret menu drink, give clear, concise instructions about the base drink and exactly which additions you want. Specify milk type, syrup pumps, extra espresso shots, or foam preferences. If you don’t like a syrup in the recipe, request an alternative. Be prepared for custom drinks to take a little longer to prepare.
Not every store will make secret menu drinks. If a barista declines, respond politely and consider ordering a simplified version of the drink. Respect and patience go a long way.
“I’m a hardcore Starbucks fan, and I implore you NOT to forget about their toffee nut syrup! Since most drinks on the menu don’t include it, so many people forget that it’s there! It is ahh-mazing. Add a few pumps of toffee nut to your Caramel Macchiato (iced is my favorite, but hot is good too). Or get a chocolate cream cold brew with a few pumps of toffee nut added in.”
– Nicole, Everyday Thrifty
Popular Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks
Below are many well-known secret menu creations with simple instructions you can use as a guide. Remember to state the base drink first and then list the modifications.
1. White Chocolate Pink Drink
- Order a venti Pink Drink.
- Add 4 pumps white chocolate mocha sauce.
- Add 1 pump vanilla sweet cream.
2. Orange Creamsicle Frappuccino
- Choose your milk.
- Add orange mango or Valencia orange refresher juice.
- Add classic syrup (2 pumps tall, 3 pumps grande, 4 pumps venti).
- Add Frappuccino creme base (2 pumps tall, 3 pumps grande, 4 pumps venti).
- Top with whipped cream if desired.
3. Nutella Frappuccino
- Ask for a venti Coffee Frappuccino.
- Add 2 pumps mocha sauce and 1 pump hazelnut syrup.
- Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle if you like.
4. Butterbeer Frappuccino
- Order a venti Crème Frappuccino.
- Add 3 pumps caramel syrup and 3 pumps toffee nut syrup.
- Top with whipped cream and dark caramel drizzle.
5. Medicine Ball Tea (Cold Buster)
- Order a venti Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
- Ask for half hot water and half steamed lemonade.
- Add one bag of Jade Citrus Mint tea and one bag of Peach Tranquility tea.
- Sweeten with a pump or packet of honey; add extra tea bags or honey if desired.
6. Chocolate Mousse Cold Brew
- Order a venti Sweet Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew with two pumps vanilla.
- Add 2 pumps mocha in the drink and 2 pumps in the foam.
- Top with mocha cookie crumble.
7. Thin Mint Frappuccino
- Order a venti Java Chip Frappuccino.
- Add 4 pumps peppermint syrup.
- Top with whipped cream and mocha cookie crumble if wanted.
8. Oatmeal Cookie Latte
- Order a caffè latte.
- Add cinnamon dolce syrup to taste.
- Optional: sprinkle cinnamon on top.
9. Purple Drink
- Order an iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade.
- Request coconut milk instead of water.
- Add a pump of vanilla syrup for sweetness if desired.
10. Captain Crunch Frappuccino
- Order a Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino.
- Add 1–2 pumps caramel syrup and 1–2 pumps toffee nut syrup.
- Optional: add a scoop of Java chips for crunch.
11. Nutty Caramel Macchiato
- Order a Caramel Macchiato.
- Add 1 pump hazelnut syrup.
- Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle if you like.
12. Snickers Frappuccino
- Order a Java Chip Frappuccino.
- Add 1–2 pumps toffee nut syrup and 1–2 pumps caramel syrup.
- Top with whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and caramel drizzle.
13. Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino
- Order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino.
- Add white mocha syrup and cinnamon dolce syrup (1 pump tall, 2 pumps grande, 3 pumps venti).
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon dolce powder.
14. Neapolitan Frappuccino
- Order a Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino.
- Add 1–1.5 scoops vanilla bean powder depending on size.
- Add mocha syrup (1 pump tall, 2 pumps grande, 3 pumps venti) and top with whipped cream and mocha drizzle.
15. Twix Frappuccino
- Order a Caramel Frappuccino.
- Add hazelnut syrup and Java chips.
- Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and mocha drizzle.
16. S’mores Frappuccino
- Order a Java Chip Frappuccino.
- Add 1 pump cinnamon dolce syrup and 1 pump toffee nut syrup.
- Request whipped cream blended in and extra whipped cream on top, finished with cinnamon dolce powder.
17. White Chocolate Caramel Mocha Frappuccino
- Order a venti Iced White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino made with blonde espresso.
- Add 3 pumps white mocha and 3 pumps caramel syrup.
- Request no whip and top with vanilla sweet cream cold foam.
Creating custom drinks at Starbucks
Part of the fun of the secret menu is experimenting. Start with a familiar base—an iced Americano, latte, or Frappuccino—and layer syrups, milk choices, toppings, and extra shots until you find a flavor combination you love. Keep requests realistic for the store, and be clear about portions and pumps when ordering.
Custom drinks are a great way to try new flavor combinations. Next time you visit Starbucks, don’t be afraid to ask for a tweak or to build your own drink—just be polite, specific, and flexible.