How to Order Off the Starbucks "Secret" Menu

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 22, 2022 References

While the Starbucks Secret Menu isn’t a real menu that Starbucks employees are required to learn, they’re almost always happy to create your unique drink if you’re able to tell them the ingredients and steps involved. Know the details of your order ahead of time and be able to give some quick, concise directions to your barista. With tons of secret menu items to choose from, you’re sure to find a drink that’s perfect for your taste buds.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Placing Your Order

1
Know the recipe, not just the name. When it’s your turn to order, you need to be able to tell the barista exactly what is in your secret menu item drink. Visit websites like https://starbuckssecretmenu.net/ or http://hackthemenu.com/starbucks/secret-menu/ to pick a drink and get the information on how to create it.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- It’s a good idea to pull the recipe up on your phone so that you can refer to it if needed when ordering.
- The Starbucks employees probably won't know about the drink. The Starbucks secret menu is maintained by fans, not by Starbucks, so the employees are not trained to make these drinks.
2
Start with the base drink. Most secret menu drinks will be an alteration of a drink that already exists, so be sure to tell your barista what the base drink is to make their job much easier.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For example, the base drink for a Twix Frappuccino is a Caramel Frappuccino.
Advertisement
3
Request any substitutions. Once you’ve stated your base drink, specify whether you’d like any substitutions in the liquid. For example, maybe your secret menu item asks for milk instead of water.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Ask for the type and number of pumps of additions. Most secret menu drinks will have an additional type of syrup or specific number of pumps that should be used. When you go to order, don’t just say you’d like caramel syrup, but know the number of pumps that your drink requires.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Know the specific toppings on your drink as well, such as mocha drizzle, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.
- Be prepared to pay for the extra additions.
5
Order the drink as a custom order in 1 sentence. Instead of requesting the secret menu item’s name, ask for the base drink, substitutions, and additions all in 1 swift sentence.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- For example, if you’re ordering a Red Velvet Frappuccino, you’d say “a half White Chocolate Mocha and half Regular Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino with 2 pumps of raspberry syrup topped with whipped cream, please.”^{[6]
  X
  Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Choosing a Drink

1
Order a Pink Drink for a colorful refresher. The base drink for a Pink Drink is a Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk, strawberries, and blackberries.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- This drink is well-known, so the barista may already know how to make it.
2
Pick a Nutella Frappuccino for a chocolate treat. Order a Coffee Frappuccino with 2 pumps of mocha syrup and 1 pump of hazelnut syrup, all blended with whipped cream. Ask for a whipped cream topping and a caramel drizzle on top.^{[8]
X
Research source}
3
Try out a Peach Ring Tea for a sweet, fruity drink. Ask for half Valencia Orange Refresher and half Passion Tea without water. Add 1-3 pumps of peach syrup.^{[9]
X
Research source}
4
Opt for the Three C’s for a classic. The Three C’s consists of a Cinnamon Dolce Latte with a pump of caramel and a pump of chocolate mocha syrup.^{[10]
X
Research source}
5
Choose the Captain Crunch for a drink that tastes like the cereal. Order a Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino with a pump of caramel, 2 pumps of toffee, 1 pump of hazelnut, and 2 scoops of chocolate chips.^{[11]
X
Research source}
6
Drink a Citrus Berry Passion Refresher to cool you down. This drink is equal parts of Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher, Cool Lime Refresher, and Lemonade. Finish it off with a splash of Passion Tango Tea.^{[12]
X
Research source}
7
Ask for a Cotton Candy Frappuccino for a pink concoction. Order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with 1-2 extra pumps of raspberry syrup.^{[13]
X
Research source}
8
Request Raspberry Milk Tea for a soothing thirst-quencher. This drink consists of Iced Black Tea using half and half instead of water. Ask for an extra pump of classic syrup, 1-2 pumps of toffee nut syrup, and 1-2 pumps of raspberry syrup.^{[14]
X
Research source}
9
Enjoy a Thin Mint Frappuccino for a minty drink. Ask for a Tazo Green Tea Frappuccino with 2 pumps of chocolate syrup, 1 pump of mint syrup, java chips, and honey.^{[15]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

Is it okay to show them the recipe on my phone so they can make the drink?

Community Answer

It would probably be easier for everyone, and safer for your phone, if you wrote it down and either read them the ingredients, or just handed them the piece of paper.
Question

Is there a birthday cake frappuccino?

Community Answer

Yes, it's also called a "Cake Batter Frappuccino." Ask the barista for a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with hazelnut syrup (one pump tall, 1.5 pumps grande, two pumps venti).
Question

Should I just ask, "Do you have a secret menu?"

Community Answer

No, as many baristas don't know what's in the drink. Just know the recipe and order that.