A former Starbucks barista shares 11 of the best things to order, from secret drinks to desserts

Monica MacDonaldJul 18, 2020, 00:22 IST

Many Starbucks drinks can be customized.Shutterstock

After working as a Starbucks barista for two years, I've learned a lot of great drink recipes and ordering hacks.
Some of my favorite drinks to order are strawberry-shortcake-style Frappuccinos and a mint chocolate chip Frappuccino, which can be made using simple recipes.
I think blonde Americanos and London fogs are easy to order and delicious.
For something sweet, I suggest ordering a Starbucks brownie, toasted, with whipped cream and mocha drizzle.

I really enjoyed working as a Starbucks barista for two years — and the best perk, by far, was getting to taste so many menu items.

Eventually, I even started to deviate from the standard offerings and customize drinks and desserts, resulting in some new favorites. Because of this, I have plenty of recommendations for anyone looking to change up their go-to order.

Here are some of my favorite things to get at Starbucks, plus how to order them.

With the right recipe, you can order a snickerdoodle hot chocolate (or latte) any time of year.

You can order this hot chocolate with whipped cream. Robert Z./ Yelp

For a unique drink, try this recipe for a "watermelon" cold-foam Refresher.

This drink starts with a strawberry Refresher sans inclusions. Shutterstock

This mint chocolate chip Frappuccino is refreshing and sweet.

The base of this drink is a double chocolate chip Frappuccino. Shutterstock

Next time you order the brownie, asked for whipped cream and a drizzle of mocha syrup.

You can also order your Starbucks brownie warmed. Shutterstock

Although it's no longer on some menus, the mango black tea is still a great choice.

The mango black tea can be made with a few substitutions. Ann S/Yelp

Blonde Americanos are smooth and packed with caffeine.

You can also add milk and sugar to customize your blonde Americano. Shutterstock

Try a Double Shot on Ice paired with 2% milk and your favorite syrup.

This drink is sort of like a fun spin on a latte. Shutterstock

Most baristas should know how to make a London fog, which is perfect for tea drinkers.

A London fog is a type of tea latte. Jessica E./Yelp

You can't go wrong with a shot of espresso with whipped cream and a flavored drizzle.

You can add a mocha drizzle if you'd like. Shutterstock

An iced green-tea apple juice is sweet and refreshing.

This drink can be made with many substitutions and customizations, too. Shutterstock

This strawberry-shortcake-style Frappuccino is one of my favorites.

The drink's base is a vanilla-bean Frappuccino. Shutterstock

I tried the breakfast smoothie that Reese Witherspoon has made every day for the last 9 years and it kept me full for hours

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