I used to work for Starbucks. That job (and a hand full of others) got me through college. I tend to be a little picky about my drinks but I'm not one of those people. You know, the ones that ask for half a sweet’n low and half a splenda in their Latte. Yeah, we used to have a lady order that in the drive-up. Really?
I like to think I am able to pick the perfect drink for someone who is in desperate need of caffeine or if someone is trying to watch their figure or even if someone is just looking for an amazing splurge. I'm going to share my list of go-to drinks and drinks that I recommend to friends and family often.
If you need caffeine-
AmericanoEspresso and water.Bold flavor. Stronger than your normal cup of joe. My favorite way to order an Americano is Iced Venti three pump Cinnamon Dolce with room.I either add cold soy or half and half, depending on my mood.An Iced Venti comes with four shots of espresso and six pumps of syrup.I used to get the full amount of syrup but I would opt for sugar-free.Now that I have eliminated aspartame from my diet I get the regular syrup, I just prefer less of it.You can definitely request sugar-free if that is what your heart desires.
Iced CoffeeCoffee poured over ice. I pretty much order my Iced Coffee the same way I order my Iced Americano. Only difference is I prefer my Iced Coffee with Caramel.
If you are trying to save calories-
MistoHalf coffee. Half milk. Mistos are better hot. If you order it iced the Barista may refer to it as an Iced Coffee with milk. They are also a great alternative to a Latte, because a Latte is mostly milk and a little espresso.I order mine with soy and 3 pumps of Caramel.During the holidays I order them with 3 pumps of Pumpkin Spice.So good. Less expensive and less calories than a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
TeaIf you love Chai, try an Iced Venti Black Tea with Vanilla. No water. Add soy milk.When you get your drink sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.Normally this drink would come with 6 pumps so in order to save calories you could cut the pumps in half or order sugar-free syrup.You could also order this drink hot.Chai Tea Misto with soy and Vanilla.Make sure the Barista knows you want the tea bag, not the Chai syrup.They may charge you for a Chai Tea Latte, which comes out to be more expensive than a Chai Tea Misto.
If you want to splurge-
FrappucinoCoffee blended with milk and ice. My all time favorite is a Cafe Vanilla Frappucino. No more explanation needed.If you like chocolate, go for the Java Chip Frappucino.If you're even more daring, add Peppermint syrup to that Java Chip.Do you want caramel?Go for the Caramel Frappucino.Do you want something very original?Order a Strawberries & Creme Frappucino and ask them to add Toffee Nut Syrup.See what happens.You can request to have your Frappucino made light or with soy milk.
Yes, my ultimate goal is to be healthy and be in great shape. So why am I talking about sugar filled drinks on my blog? Because I truly believe in splurging every now and then. Everything in moderation. I used to deprive myself of my favorite sweets and I'd end up going crazy by overeating. Don't deprive yourself. Order a Tall when you get a Frappucino.
Since I have been off the Whole 30 all I have had from this list is Iced Coffee with half and half and 3 pumps of syrup. I haven't 'splurged' at Starbucks yet. Haven't had the desire too.
This terminology is specific to Starbucks only because I am very familiar with their products. But this could easily be adapted to any other coffee shop.
This is in no way a sponsored write up or review of Starbucks. I just wanted to share the love.
Extra Java Tip- Condiment bars are always well stocked with spices. Feel free to add them to your coffee or tea for extra flavor without the guilt.
