Secrets from a former barista
The ins and outs of your favorite Starbucks drinks
By Bailey Gilliam
Embark on a caffeinated journey to uncover the secrets behind your cherished Starbucks beverages. Whether you’re aspiring to recreate these delightful drinks at home or simply seeking to deepen your understanding of Starbucks’ iconic offerings, you’re in for a treat.
Brew basics
Starbucks consistently offers a range of brewed coffees, including a blonde roast, the signature medium roast Pike Place and a dark roast. Contrary to popular belief, the blonde roast packs the most caffeine, not the dark roast. The less processed beans in blonde roast retain more of their natural caffeine content.
Grinding gist
Achieving the perfect cup starts with the grind. Be sure to grind your coffee beans according to your brewing method, and don’t hesitate to ask your barista to do it for you. For instance, a French press requires a coarse grind, while espresso necessitates a fine grind.
Dairy details
Starbucks’ secret to its creamy drinks? Regular milk and creamer. In fact, staff has been known to make grocery runs for milk when supplies run low. No half and half? No problem. Mix 3/4 cup of whole milk with 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Remember, Starbucks defaults to 2% milk unless otherwise specified.
Espresso explained
At the heart of most Starbucks specialties is espresso. Here’s a quick guide to how many shots go into each size:
- Short (8 ounces): 1 shot
- Tall (12 ounces): 1 shot
- Grande (16 ounces): 2 shots
- Venti (20 ounces): 2 shots
- Trenta (31 ounces): 3 shots (iced)
Craving an extra kick? Opt for a Venti iced, or simply ask for an additional shot.
Syrup secrets
Starbucks’ flavor magic lies in its syrups, and the good news is you can buy them directly from the store. Although some specialty syrups like pumpkin spice or mocha aren’t available, you can still get close with our copycat recipes on the next page. Here’s a quick guide to syrup pumps per size:
- Short (8 ounces): 2 pumps
- Tall (12 ounces): 3 pumps
- Grande (16 ounces): 4 pumps
- Venti (20 ounces): 5 pumps (6 if iced)
- Trenta (31 ounces): 7 pumps (iced only)
Recipe ratios
Unlocking the mysteries behind your cherished coffee drinks involves deeply understanding their compositions and the delicate balance of their ingredients. These beverages adhere to specific recipes yet provide room for personalization through interchangeable components. Let’s explore the nuanced complexities and unique characteristics of several beloved coffee beverages:
Latte layers: The latte, a blend of espresso, steamed milk and a whisper of foam, offers a creamy and comforting experience. Adding various flavored syrups transforms this classic into a customizable delight. For a chocolaty twist a splash of chocolate syrup converts it into a mocha. Though you can experiment with different milk alternatives, the foundational balance of espresso, milk and foam remains a constant, ensuring a consistent and satisfying drink every time.
Cappuccino composition: Cappuccinos stand out with their equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and frothy foam, creating a luxurious and velvety texture. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy a stronger coffee flavor, balanced by the lightness of foam.
Macchiato magic: The macchiato flips the script with its unique layering of milk, foam and a final touch of espresso on top. This inverted structure allows the boldness of the espresso to shine, while still providing a creamy base.
Americano alchemy: The Americano offers a diluted espresso experience, blending rich espresso shots with hot water, resulting in a smoother and more mellow flavor. For those who prefer a stronger brew, adding an extra shot of espresso enhances the robustness.
Espresso elegance: Espresso in its purest form is a concentrated coffee shot that packs a punch with its intense flavor and aroma. A doppio, or double espresso, doubles down on the boldness for an even richer experience.
Revved-up red eye: The red eye offers a caffeinated kick with its combination of a shot of espresso and 6 ounces of drip coffee, perfect for those long days when an extra boost is needed. The black eye takes it up a notch with two espresso shots, ensuring you’re ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
Copycat creations
Craving those hard-to-find flavors? Try your hand at these homemade renditions of Starbucks classics.
Mocha
Ingredients
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
2 ounces espresso
Directions
[1] If you have an espresso machine with a steamer attachment, steam the milk to 150 degrees. If not, heat the milk in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, until it reaches 150 degrees. Or heat it in a small saucepan on the stovetop, stirring constantly. Be careful not to scald or boil the milk. [2] Place the chocolate syrup in a coffee mug. Add espresso. Add the heated milk. [3] Top with vanilla whipped cream. Optional: Drizzle chocolate syrup on top of the whipped cream.
Pro tip: To make it a peppermint mocha, add a few pumps of peppermint syrup, which is available for purchase at Starbucks. Add a crushed candy cane for fun.
Caramel Frappucino
Ingredients
1 cup coffee, cold or room temperature
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons caramel syrup
1-2 cups ice
2 tablespoons vanilla whipped cream
1 tablespoon caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
Directions
[1] Place coffee and milk in a blender. Add caramel syrup and ice. Blend until smooth. [2] Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of a glass if desired. Pour the blended frappuccino into the glass. [3] Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Pro tip: For a salted caramel taste, add a few pumps of toffee nut syrup, which is available for purchase at your local Starbucks. For any other flavor frappucino, just use a different syrup – everything else stays the same.
Vanilla whipped cream
Ingredients
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
[1] In a chilled bowl, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. [2] Add sugar and vanilla extract. [3] Beat for an additional minute or until stiff peaks form.
