A Definitive Guide To The Starbucks 'Secret Menu'
"I'd like a grande vanilla bean frappuccino with a 2 pumps of hazelnut and 2 pumps of mocha, topped with whipped cream."
Okay so the first thing you need to know is that this Starbucks 'Secret Menu' doesn't exist.
Before you freak out and send me 12 articles to prove that there is a secret menu, just listen: yes, you can always order customizable drinks at Starbucks which is where this idea comes from. But if you approach a barista and ask for a Neapolitan Frappuccino, they're just going to look at you like you're dressed as the Starbucks mermaid herself.
These drinks are usually made up out of the deliciously creative minds of individual Starbucks baristas and they aren't on any secret list at every store. Baristas haven't been trained to make The Nutella the same way they have a Flat White.
What you need to do is come prepared with the directions and ingredients for your 'secret' drink and don't be an asshole about ordering it. So I'm here to help you do that, because a Butterbeer Frappuccino is worth the extra work.
To keep all the unique options straight, there are a bounty of helpful apps.
They all essentially do the same thing, but I like the layout of this one.
Once you've found the drink you want in an app or online, very specific instructions will be laid out for you:
Practice getting this information down into one concise sentence: "I'd like a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with 3 pumps caramel, 3 pumps toffee nut and a caramel drizzle, please."
And for the love of your barista, don't order something complicated during a rush hour.
If you'd rather avoid the verbal interaction completely, take advantage of the Starbucks App where you can personalize your drink to your heart's content.
Place an order with the Mobile Pickup service and the instructions will be clearly laid out for the barista on the printed order slip, so you don't have to worry about reciting off a short novel at the counter.
And note: while you can add chocolate chips or a banana to your drink without a problem, other food items that tend to show up as ingredients (biscotti, brownies etc.) probably can't be put into a Frappuccino blender.
I mean, helllllo allergies and a fierce cleaning job, come on folks. Head on over to Coldstone if you want those kinds of mixins.
'Secretly' order on with confidence, Starbucks fanatics
