This holiday season, Starbucks is helping spread holiday cheer with its latest lineup of festive seasonal beverages and limited-edition reusable red cups. As Christmas approaches, loyal Starbucks patrons eagerly await the annual launch of the coffee chain’s holiday menu and signature holiday cups, which have become a beloved tradition signaling the most wonderful time of the year for so many.
Read on to learn more about what Starbucks has in store for the 2022 holiday season to delight customers and make spirits bright, including the highly anticipated return of peppermint mochas, new festive reusable cup designs released each holiday season, and tips to save money on your Starbucks holiday favorites. With indulgent new seasonal flavors and gift-worthy drinkware, Starbucks has everything needed to fully embrace the holiday spirit this Christmas.
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Sizing Up Hot Coffees at Starbucks
When it comes to hot coffee beverages like lattes, americanos, and drip coffee, Starbucks offers four main sizes:
Short (8 oz) – The smallest hot coffee, the Short contains just 8 ounces of liquid. Ideal for those wanting less caffeine or sweetness, it comes with 1 espresso shot and 2 pumps of syrup. This site isn’t listed on menus, so request it by name.
Tall (12 oz) – Next up is the 12-ounce Tall, great for a moderate amount of coffee. The Tall gets 1 shot of espresso and 3 pumps of syrup added to drinks. It provides a robust, quality taste.
Grande (16 oz) – For more java, there’s the popular Grande at 16 ounces. This site hosts 2 shots of espresso and 4 pumps of syrup to let the flavors shine.
Venti (20 oz) – The maximum hot size is the Venti at 20 ounces. With 2 shots and 5 pumps, this satisfies serious coffee cravings. Note it holds 4 more ounces than the largest iced cup.
Understanding Iced Drink Sizes
When it comes to chilled drinks like iced coffee, tea, and cold brew, Starbucks again offers four main sizes:
Tall (12 oz) – The entry-level cold cup is the 12-ounce Tall. It comes with 1 shot of espresso and 3 pumps of flavored syrup. The tall iced glass deceivingly appears bigger.
Grande (16 oz) – Next is the Grande, which contains 16 ounces of chilled drink. Expect 2 espresso shots and 4 syrup pumps for flavors like caramel and mocha.
Venti (24 oz) – The Venti cold cup measures 24 ounces, the only iced size larger than its hot twin. Cold Venti drinks get 3 shots of espresso and 6 pumps of syrup for maximum taste.
Trenta (30 oz) – Exclusive to iced coffees, teas, and refreshers, the Trenta clocks in at a whopping 30 ounces. You can get up to 7 pumps of syrup to customize your extra-large Trenta beverage.
Bonus Customization Tips
Add an extra shot for more caffeine anytime
Substitute brewed coffee for espresso to maximize caffeine
Order a larger size but ask for less liquid to minimize calories
Request light or no ice to get more actual drink volume
Syrup Pumps and Espresso Shots by Drink
Most Starbucks beverages follow standard syrup and shot guidelines. But specialty drinks shake up the formulas:
Flat whites, americanos, and shaken espressos get an extra shot per size
Caramel macchiatos receive 1 less pump of syrup than other espresso drinks
Frappuccinos call for extra pumps of syrup or sauce vs. hot lattes
To prevent surprises, ask your barista to confirm syrup pumps and shot counts. Feel free to customize it to your preferences!
Reviews of Starbucks’ Best Coffee Drinks
Once you’ve figured out sizes, it’s time for the best part – sipping your favorite Starbucks coffee drinks! Here are reviews of popular menu choices:
Peppermint Mocha – This holiday favorite blends espresso, steamed milk, and mint chocolate syrup. It earns rave reviews for its cool, refreshing minty flavor balanced by rich mocha. Whipped cream and candy cane pieces provide the perfect finish.
Iced Caramel Macchiato – Layers of espresso, chilled milk, and velvety caramel sauce shine through in this iced treat. The caramel drizzle on top adds extra indulgence. Customers call it a sweet caffeinated dessert in a cup.
Pumpkin Spice Latte – Beloved for its blend of fall flavors, this latté combines espresso, steamed milk, and pumpkin sauce with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The sweet whipped cream topping earns applause.
Cold Brew Coffee – Slow-steeped in cool water for 20 hours, Starbucks’ Cold Brew earns acclaim for its ultra-smooth, less acidic taste. Fans rave it’s the best way to enjoy their delicious coffeehouse roast flavors chilled.
White Chocolate Mocha – This popular twist on the classic mocha espresso drink replaces chocolate with melty white chocolate sauce. The creamy sweetness perfectly complements the espresso shot. Topped with whipped cream and white chocolate bits, it’s a customer favorite.
Based on glowing reviews, these Starbucks specialty coffee drinks delight patrons with their indulgent flavors, quality ingredients, and a blend of caffeinated kick and sweet satisfaction.
Tips for Saving Money on Starbucks Orders
Starbucks drinks offer a premium coffeehouse experience. But the costs can add up, especially for larger, more customized orders. Use these strategies to enjoy Starbucks on a budget:
Order by size, not name – Prices are based on cup size, not fancy names like “venti.” Stick to the smallest size you need.
Substitute brewed coffee – It’s significantly cheaper than ordering multiple espresso shots for caffeine.
Request less water or no ice – Maximizes the amount of actual coffee or tea in your cup.
Use cash-back apps – Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Dosh offer cash back on Starbucks orders.
Sign up for rewards – The Starbucks Rewards program offers birthday treats, free drinks, and other member perks.
Order and pay ahead on the app – Avoid spending extra on impulse pastries or drinks when you order in-store.
Buy gift cards on sale – Watch for discounted gift card deals around the holidays to save on future orders.
With price checks, strategic ordering, and rewards programs, you can fit Starbucks into your daily caffeine routine on a budget. Follow these tips to get your fix for less.
Understanding Starbucks’ sizes, knowing the difference in shots and pumps per drink, and maximizing each order with reviews and savings tips help demystify the entire Starbucks ordering process. While the vast options seem confusing at first glance, customers ultimately find the drink customization incredibly rewarding. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of baristas to ensure your purchased cup of coffee or tea suits your personal preferences. Soon, ordering “venti” and “grande” sizes will feel natural as you make Starbucks your go-to coffee spot.
