Do you already know everything about Starbucks drinks? Well, think again! The most famous coffeehouse in the world has much to offer! It is certainly not just about you mulling over your particular desired order that you’re about to place. One could even consider writing an encyclopedia of information on Starbucks alone!
Besides the diverse drinks menu, Starbucks provides a wealth of information, such as its ethical sourcing practices, waste reduction initiatives, exceptional roasting processes, consistent brewing techniques, famous collaborations and partnerships with other brands, and interesting history.
It is also refreshing to know that replicating a Starbucks drink at home is easier than you think. Let’s dig deeper into all things regarding Starbucks, from best drinks to sustainability efforts and some super interesting facts and trivia about this giant coffee chain.
What Coffee Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks uses 100% Arabica beans. After all, the most essential ingredient in your cuppa joe is the beans, right?
The Starbucks Coffee Engagement Manager, Aaron Robinson, once said, “Arabica can be elegant. It can be complex. It can have body and acidity that is interesting and can be used and played with and blended into new, interesting tastes”.
And this is why arabica beans are used. It is a high-quality bean that delivers a delicious, pure taste and a pleasing aroma, igniting your senses each time.
The Sourcing And Roasting Process
Starbucks buys coffee from approximately 30 countries out of 70 that manufacture coffee. The sourced coffee beans are mainly from:
- Latin America
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
Each region has its unique way of harvesting coffee beans, which results in each type’s unique flavor.
Starbucks also ensures sustainability in their coffee by initiating several other practices, such as:
- Committing to reducing their carbon, water, and waste footprints by half by 2030.
- The donation of 50 million climate-resistant coffee trees to farmers as part of a 10-year commitment.
- Starbucks also offers farmer loans as part of community development.
Sustainability Efforts And Ethical Sourcing Practices
Starbucks is renowned for supporting the sustainable sourcing and growing of coffee beans. Starbucks coffee has been confirmed as ethically sourced since 2015 and hopes to push just that much further to a complete 100%.
Starbucks is committed to offering ethnically purchased goods and generating high-quality eco-friendly products.
Starbucks purchases verified coffee by the C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices. This verification program considers the following benchmarks:
- Environmental factors: The C.A.F.E. ensures that practices are in place for agricultural sustainability, waste management, water quality and conservation, a reduction of agrochemical waste, and the safeguarding of biodiversity.
- Quality of sourced coffee beans: Tasting processes are initiated to source only the highest quality green coffee beans.
- Economic criteria: Purchase evidence must be readily available to review. In doing so, the names of farms, farmers, and purchase prices are clarified.
Starbucks ensures consistency of taste and flavor in its coffee through its consistent roasting processes. A roasting process entailing the perfect time, ideal water temperature, the same equipment, and the same roasting methods delivers a flavourful cuppa each time.
The History And Evolution Of Starbucks
Starbucks opened a store in 1971 in Seattle, founded by Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl. These founders based their business model on selling top-quality coffee beans and equipment. They never intended it to be a coffee café of any sort.
In 1980 Siegl broke away from the group, and in 1987, Baldwin and Bowker sold Starbucks to Howard Schultz. In only four years, Starbucks grew from fewer than 20 stores to more than 100 stores under the guidance of Schultz.
By 2007 there were more than 15 000 stores worldwide, and Starbucks began selling “Café style” food in 2003.
Famous Collaborations And Partnerships
Brand collaborations are the “in thing” nowadays, and Starbucks is no exception.
Starbucks has joined hands and has come up with some great ideas by partnering up and combining efforts with several well-known names, such as:
- Nestle
- Spotify
- Samsung
- DoorDash
Starbucks and Nestle teamed up to bring ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverages to select stores. Nestle is undoubtedly the best possible partner to help develop and offer these packaged beverages.
“My Starbucks Rewards” users can now curate playlists thanks to Spotify’s streaming capabilities combined with Starbucks’ popular mobile loyalty program.
Starbucks and Samsung have created several modern coffee-themed accessories such as Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultras, and Galaxy Buds protective phone cases. One of the phone cases boasts an ultra-stylish image that looks like a receipt from Starbucks.
The partnership with DoorDash was announced on 17 January 2023. The goal is to expand delivery service across the U.S., hoping to provide a delivery platform to customers by offering increased convenience of enjoying Starbucks wherever you are.
Starbucks Drinks: Our Top Picks For Cold Weather
There’s no denying that the Starbucks Drinks menu offers a vast array of hot and cold coffee drinks. There is most definitely something for everyone! Starbucks aims to invite your taste buds to experience something new, exciting, or familiar, if you prefer.
Here are our Top 10 picks for the best Starbucks drinks for cold weather, in no particular order:
1. Caramel Macchiato
An espresso loaded with freshly steamed milk and vanilla-flavored syrup with a drizzle of caramel on top.
2. Honey Almond Flat White
A combination of blonde espresso roast and almond milk with a touch of sweet honey.
3. White Chocolate Mocha
Espresso and steamed milk, along with decadent white chocolate sauce. It is topped off with whipped cream.
4. Caffé Americano
A rich cup of espresso shots topped with hot water to form a light, delicate crema on top.
5. Blonde Vanilla Latte
A mixture of lightly-roasted blonde espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.
6. Regular Cappuccino
An all-time classic of rich espresso topped with a generous layer of thick milk foam or cream.
7. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
A classic espresso together with steamed milk and dolce-flavored syrup. It is topped with whipped cream and a delicious cinnamon dolce.
8. Honey Citrus Mint Tea
A soothing combination of fresh citrus, peach herbal tea, mint green tea, hot water, steamed lemonade, and a hint of honey.
9. Caffe’ Mocha
A classic drink of rich espresso combined with mocha sauce and steamed milk, topped with sweet whipped cream.
10. Matcha Tea Latte
A creamy, sweetened green matcha drink served with steamed milk.
Starbucks Drinks: Our Top Picks Warm Weather
There is certainly no shortage of refreshing ice-cold beverage options either. Summer is a great time to see which drink tickles your fancy. From decadently sweet to fruity or zesty, your perfect summer’s day fix is just an order away.
These are our Top 10 best Starbucks drinks choices for hot weather, in no particular order.
1. Pink Drink Starbucks Refresher
The ever so popular Strawberry Acai Refresher combined with creamy coconut milk.
2. Iced Matcha Tea Latte
Creamy sweetened matcha served with milk over ice.
3. Mocha Frappuccino
A combination of Frappuccino roast coffee, mocha sauce, milk, and ice.
4. Iced Caramel Macchiato
Rich espresso, vanilla-flavored syrup, milk, and ice topped with a delightful caramel drizzle.
5. Cinnamon Caramel Cream Nitro Cold Brew
Starbucks nitro full of cinnamon caramel and topped with vanilla cream foam.
6. Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk
Blonde espresso together with caramelized vanilla and topped with oat milk.
7. Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher
An exquisite tropical combination of lemonade, mango, and refreshing dragon fruit flavors on ice.
8. Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade
A peachy green tea with added mint, lemon, and lemonade over ice.
9. Iced White Chocolate Mocha
An espresso with dreamy white chocolate sauce, milk, and ice. It is topped with whipped cream.
10. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
The ultimate indulgence of espresso, caramel syrup, milk, and ice. It is topped with a layer of dark caramel sauce, whipped cream, sweet caramel drizzle, and a delicious crunchy caramel sugar topping.
Fun Facts About Starbucks Drinks
Starbucks sports some interesting, fun facts and trivia, which are pretty entertaining. Here are some facts worth a mention. Are you familiar with any of the following facts?
- If you see a barista wearing a black apron, they’re a certified coffee master. Ask them as many questions as you wish!
- Starbucks has its own record label known as “Hear Music.” Sir Paul McCartney was one of the performers.
- The original Starbucks label was controversial as the original mermaid (siren) was designed topless.
- The name “Starbucks” was inspired by “Moby Dick.” It was almost named “Pequod.”
- Starbucks has a 10-minute rule they have to follow. The employees are still obligated to serve customers by opening and closing 10 minutes before and after the posted operating times.
- There are over 87 000 possible drink combinations. Search for the Starbucks “secret menu” online. You’ll thank us later.
- Coffee connoisseurs didn’t invent Starbucks. The three founders were just three ordinary guys: one writer and two teachers.
- Starbucks tables are designed with single people in mind. Ever noticed the round tables? They are there to prevent loneliness!
Tips For Making Starbucks-Style Drinks At Home
Replicating Starbucks drinks at home is easier than it sounds, and the equipment and ingredients needed are basic. All the major kitchen equipment you should need would be the following:
- A milk frother or a regular whisk.
- A blender.
- Cocktail shaker.
Everything needed for a typical Starbucks drink (coffee, milk, sugar, ice) is already in your house. You may want to purchase other items at the store, such as:
- Simple syrup
- Sauces: caramel, chocolate, etc.
- Whipped cream or ordinary cream to whip it up yourself quickly.
- Vanilla essence.
- Fresh fruit pieces if desired.
- Any drink toppings of your choice, such as crushed biscuits, cinnamon spice, etc.
Simple syrup is ideal as it dissolves well compared to ordinary sugar crystals. Espresso coffee would replicate your Starbucks best, but instant coffee will work just as well.
A vital tip to remember when making iced coffee drinks is that one can’t just casually pour coffee over ice. This will result in a very unpalatable watery brew. Starbucks brews iced coffee at double the coffee strength, so it’s sensible to follow suit.
A quick online search will guide you to an array of at-home recipes. The most popular drinks to replicate seem to be the following great choices:
- Caramel Macchiatos
- Lattes or Mochas
- Frappuccino’s
- Starbucks Refreshers
- Chai Tea Lattes
- Starbucks Pink Drink
The possibilities are endless. You could even consider trying out a unique drink combination of your own!
Hop over to this page for some fabulous at-home crafting recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Drinks
As with anything in life, there might always be some questions that you may have been pondering. Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Starbucks.
Can You Take Your Own Cup To Starbucks?
Yes, you most certainly can! But, only clean cups will be accepted, and the Baristas at Starbucks will not be able to clean them for you, so be sure to take care of that before your purchase. You may bring your reusable cup or the Starbucks branded reusable cup, which usually entitles you to some discount on your drink too.
What’s Different Between A Latte And A Cappuccino?
A traditional cappuccino has distinctive espresso, steamed, and foamed milk layers. In contrast, the steamed milk and espresso are mixed in a latte, and the drink is topped with a light foam layer. Cappuccinos have a more robust, distinct flavor than the creamier, more subtle latte.
How Much Caffeine Is In Starbucks Coffee?
A standard, plain 8-oz Starbucks coffee contains 180mg of caffeine. A single espresso contains 75mg, and an 8-oz cup of decaf coffee contains approximately 15 mg of caffeine.
Is Starbucks Coffee Gluten-Free?
Most regular, plain coffees at Starbucks are gluten-free. However, many drinks on the menu risk cross-contamination with gluten during the blending methods. The more flavors you add to your drink, the greater the risk of contamination.
Conclusion
There is no better place for a quick coffee break or a decadent treat than Starbucks. From an array of drinks to choose from, a rich history to be inspired by, and the peace of mind that you are supporting a coffee chain that prioritizes sustainability, it is easy to see why Starbucks leaves you with no other option but to place an order and indulge in the satisfying, delightful aromas.
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