When visiting a Starbucks cafe, customers are often confused by the unusual Italian-inspired cup size names like tall, grande, and venti instead of small, medium, and large. But there is an interesting history behind Starbucks’ secret menu of distinctive cup sizes. Understanding the origins and meanings of Starbucks cup sizes like Venti and Grande can help demystify the ordering process so you get the perfect custom drink to match your caffeine needs.
Where do these curious Italian names come from and what distinguishes a venti from a grande? Understanding the origins and meanings behind the Starbucks secret menu of cup sizes can ensure you get exactly the right amount of coffee, espresso, or tea to fit your preferences. Read on for an in-depth guide to the method behind the Starbucks madness.
A Brief History of Starbucks’ Cup Sizes
Starbucks opened in 1971 in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. In the early years, the company referred to drink sizes using traditional terms like small, medium, and large. The distinctive Italian size names were not introduced until the 1980s when Howard Schultz, future CEO, became inspired by the coffee culture he observed on a trip to Italy.
In 1983, Schultz visited Italy and was captivated by the ambiance and community spirit of the country’s espresso bars. He was determined to recreate a similar romantic European cafe experience back home at Starbucks. To do so, Schultz launched his shop called Il Giornale, modeled after his memories abroad.
Il Giornale differentiated itself by using exotic Italian names like “tall” and “grande” for drink sizes. This created an air of sophistication consistent with the atmosphere of Italian espresso bars. Starbucks acquired Il Giornale in 1987 and adopted the Italian size names across all locations as the company expanded nationwide throughout the 1990s.
According to Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, the foreign terms were intended to “convey an image that was far more European than most American coffeehouses.” The unusual words helped transport customers to the cafe culture Schultz fell in love with in Italy.
Today, the tradition of using Italian size names endures as core to Starbucks’ identity and customer experience. While uncommon compared to other coffee shops, they add an element of discovery and personal connection to every cup.
Demystifying Starbucks’ Cup Sizes
Starbucks has added various sizes over the years, but “short,” “tall,” “grande,” “venti” and “trenta” remain the primary options you’ll encounter:
Although not promoted on menus anymore, the short 8-ounce cup was originally standard at Starbucks but phased out as larger sizes gained popularity. Most locations will still prepare a short drink if specifically requested. The petite size is great for a double espresso or for those desiring less volume.
The tall 12-ounce cup is now the smallest hot coffee size regularly offered at Starbucks. With about two 6-ounce cups worth of coffee, the tall satisfies middling caffeine needs. Latte and mocha tall orders come with 1 espresso shot.
The medium grande contains 16 ounces or approximately 2.5 cups of coffee. This is Starbucks’ default go-to size for most hot and cold beverage orders. Hot and iced grande lattes and mochas come with 2 shots of espresso.
Venti means “twenty” in Italian. A venti equates to around 3 cups of brewed coffee. Size up to a chilled venti beverage and you’ll get 24 ounces instead of 20 to allow for extra ice.
Exclusive to cold drinks like iced coffees, the Trenta clocks in at a whopping 31 ounces. Despite the massive capacity, the typical amount of actual liquid and ice fills about 26 ounces of the Trenta cup.
Not-So-Secret Menu Specialty Sizes
While Starbucks primarily uses the above Italian names, they occasionally offer specialty sizes not listed on menus that can be requested at select locations:
Demi – 3 ounces. Perfect for a single espresso shot.
Solo – 4-ounce mini-size.
Mini – 8 fluid ounces. Same as a short cup.
Doppio – Double cup size to pack extra espresso.
Quad – Four times the size for mega caffeine lovers.
The availability of these under-the-radar sizes varies by location. Feel free to ask your barista if they can accommodate an off-menu solo, quad, or other custom size.
Cold Drink Sizes Explained – Why Iced Cups Have More Ounces
You may have noticed iced venti and Trenta cups contain 4 to 8 more ounces than their hot-size counterparts. Why is that? The extra capacity accounts for the added volume of ice cubes in cold Starbucks beverages.
The 20 ounces in a hot venti cup suffices to fill the cup with steaming liquid. However, a cold venti beverage requires 24 ounces to achieve the ideal coffee/tea to ice ratio after ice is added. This guarantees customers get a quality drinking experience without over-diluted iced coffee or tea.
Likewise, the trenta’s 31 ounces provides room for a refreshing amount of icy refreshment at around 26 ounces. So next time you’re debating hot versus iced, remember the size difference is purely to compensate for the ice!
Expert Tips for Ordering Your Preferred Starbucks Size
Here are some tips to guide you in ordering your perfect Starbucks drink size every time:
Know your caffeine tolerance if you prefer less buzz. Stick with short, tall or grande sizes which have less coffee and shots.
Customize your espresso! Don’t be shy asking for an extra shot or less shots in any Starbucks drink.
If you have a smaller appetite, order a mini 8-ounce cup for lighter coffee or espresso.
A “regular” coffee gets you a tall 12-ounce cup with 1 shot of espresso.
The grande 16-ounce drink is Starbucks’ quintessential medium beverage for lattes, cappuccinos and more.
Iced venti with 24 ounces and ice is ideal for most cold beverages. Hot venti equals 20 ounces.
A trenta contains up to 26 ounces to quench icy thirst. Feel free to share!
Cracking the Code: Why Starbucks Sizes in Italian
Starbucks could have labeled drink sizes normally as small, medium and large. However, adopting exotic Italian names aligned perfectly with Starbucks’ mission to evoke the cafe ambiance Schultz discovered abroad. According to CEO Schultz, they wanted drink sizes to “convey an image that was far more European than most American coffeehouses.”
Additionally, the unconventional foreign size terms help distinguish Starbucks from other coffee chains. They enable customers to participate in a one-of-a-kind experience reminiscent of authentic Italian espresso bars. The unique drink names like venti add an element of discovery to every new customer’s first Starbucks visit.
In summary, while the cup size terminology appears non-traditional at first glance, the Italian words tie deeply into Starbucks’ brand identity and culture. Consider the unusual vocabulary part of the joy in savoring Starbucks’ drinks and community.
Key Takeaways on Starbucks’ Cup Sizing System
In the 1980s, Starbucks introduced Italian size names, adding short, tall and grande followed by venti and trenta.
Although not on menus, short 8-ounce drinks can still be ordered at most locations.
Secret menu sizes like solo and doppio can also be requested based on barista availability.
Iced venti and Trenta cups contain extra ounces to make room for additional ice.
Kids temperature is available for any hot drink to cool faster for children.
In the UK, Starbucks’ small = tall and large = grande diverging from U.S. names.
By unraveling the mystery around Starbucks’ signature cup sizes, you can now confidently order the perfect custom drink from your morning Joe to your evening Frappuccino. Never again will you have to wonder what exactly a venti contains! Your next delicious Starbucks beverage awaits.
