If you’ve ever stared at the Starbucks menu wondering what to order, you’re not alone. With dozens of coffee options – from creamy lattes to bold cold brews – choosing the “best” drink can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve sipped, sampled, and scanned through what’s trending in 2025 to bring you the Top 15 Best Starbucks Coffee Drinks, ranked by taste, popularity, and real customer buzz. Whether you’re a first-time Starbucks visitor or a seasoned regular looking for something new, this list is your go-to guide for what’s truly worth your bucks in 2025.
1. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This drink has exploded in popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z. It strikes the perfect balance between bold espresso and a subtle sweetness. The brown sugar adds a caramelized richness, while the oat milk brings a smooth, nutty creaminess without any dairy heaviness.
- Best Overall Pick – Smooth, Balanced & Dairy-Free Delight.
- Taste profile: Slightly sweet, bold, layered, and refreshing. You get espresso upfront with a smooth oat finish and a hint of cinnamon.
- Calories: ~120 (grande size)
Pro tip: Ask for it light ice if you want it less watered down and more flavorful. - Perfect for: People who love cold drinks, non-dairy options, or need an afternoon caffeine boost that won’t weigh them down.
2. Caramel Macchiato (Iced or Hot)
The Caramel Macchiato has been a Starbucks staple for decades – and for good reason. Its blend of vanilla syrup, steamed milk (or cold milk), rich espresso, and buttery caramel drizzle creates a drink that’s both indulgent and familiar.
- Classic Favorite – Sweet, Creamy, and Comforting
- Taste profile: Velvety, sweet, slightly bitter from the espresso, with a signature caramel finish.
- Calories: ~250 (grande hot)
- Pro tip: Stir it for a more balanced taste – it’s technically layered!
- Perfect for: Anyone craving a cozy, dessert-like coffee. It’s a safe bet for first-timers and a nostalgic go-to for longtime Starbucks fans.
3. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Cold brew has taken over as the coffee drink of choice for people who want strong caffeine without the bite. Starbucks’ version with vanilla sweet cream is ultra-smooth, mellow, and slightly sweet – perfect for those who like cold coffee but not the harshness.
- Smoothest Cold Brew – Low Acid, Big Flavor
- Taste profile: Rich, creamy, slightly sweet, with deep cold brew undertones.
- Calories: ~110 (grande)
- Pro tip: You can adjust the sweetness by asking for “light sweet cream.”
- Perfect for: Cold coffee lovers, commuters, or anyone needing a steady caffeine kick without sugar overload
4. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Seasonal)
When fall hits, this drink always trends. It’s less sugary than the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte but delivers all the cozy autumn vibes with cold brew and a thick, spiced pumpkin foam on top.
- Most Popular Seasonal Drink – Fall in a Cup
- Taste profile: Cool cold brew, creamy pumpkin foam, slightly spiced.
- Calories: ~250 (grande)
- Pro tip: Try ordering it with half the pumpkin foam if you want a lighter version.
- Perfect for: Fall enthusiasts, PSL lovers looking for a less sweet option, or anyone curious about why it goes viral every autumn.
5. Caffè Latte (Hot)
While flashy drinks often steal the spotlight, the simple Caffè Latte is a quiet powerhouse. With just espresso and steamed milk, it’s smooth, customizable, and comforting – especially in the cooler months. In 2025, more people are going back to basics, and this is their pick.
- Simple & Reliable – Classic Espresso Done Right
- Taste profile: Smooth, mildly bitter, rich espresso balanced by creamy milk.
- Calories: ~190 (grande with 2% milk)
- Pro tip: Add a pump of syrup (vanilla or hazelnut) to tailor it to your taste.
- Perfect for: Minimalists, coffee purists, or those wanting a caffeine boost without the sugar rush.
6. Iced White Chocolate Mocha
If you love dessert in a cup, this one’s for you. The Iced White Chocolate Mocha is decadently sweet, with espresso balanced by rich white chocolate sauce and milk. Topped with whipped cream, it’s more of a treat than a daily go-to – but totally worth the splurge.
- Most Indulgent – Rich, Sweet & Creamy
- Taste profile: Creamy, sweet, dessert-like, with a mellow espresso base.
- Calories: ~420 (grande)
- Pro tip: Ask for light white mocha or nonfat milk to tone it down without losing the flavor.
- Perfect for: Sweet tooths, afternoon coffee-and-dessert lovers, or a post-work pick-me-up.
7. Iced Matcha Tea Latte
More people are ditching coffee for matcha in 2025, and Starbucks’ version is creamy, vibrant, and loaded with antioxidants. This green drink is made with matcha powder, milk, and a hint of sweetness – a calming caffeine alternative.
- Best Non-Coffee Option – Smooth & Earthy
- Taste profile: Earthy, creamy, mildly sweet with grassy undertones.
- Calories: ~200 (grande)
- Pro tip: Ask for it with oat milk or coconut milk for a delicious twist.
- Perfect for: Coffee-free days, matcha fans, or anyone looking for a gentle energy boos
8. Espresso Frappuccino
The Espresso Frappuccino is one of the strongest cold blended drinks at Starbucks. Unlike other sugary frappes, this one delivers a good espresso hit while still being cold and refreshing. In 2025, it’s making a comeback thanks to coffee lovers wanting a frozen option without the sugar overload.
- Best Blended Drink – Cold, Caffeinated & Bold
- Taste profile: Bold, icy, less sweet than other frappuccinos, slightly bitter.
- Calories: ~210 (grande)
- Pro tip: Add an extra shot if you want it stronger without much sweetness.
- Perfect for: Frappuccino fans who want real coffee flavor in their frozen drink.
9. Honey Almondmilk Flat White
The Honey Almondmilk Flat White is Starbucks’ answer to those wanting something smooth, slightly sweet, and dairy-free. It uses ristretto shots (smoother and less bitter than espresso), steamed almond milk, and a touch of honey blend.
- Smoothest Non-Dairy Espresso – Balanced & Lightly Sweet
- Taste profile: Silky, nutty, subtly sweet with a gentle coffee finish.
- Calories: ~120 (grande)
- Pro tip: Try it iced if you want a lighter version for warmer days.
- Perfect for: Light coffee drinkers, almond milk fans, or people wanting a mellow start to their day.
10. Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Newer to the menu and gaining ground in 2025, this shaken espresso blends a hint of toasted vanilla syrup with oatmilk and bold espresso for a drink that’s different, nuanced, and not too sweet.
- Best for Trendsetters – Unique & Layered Flavor
- Taste profile: Toasty, roasty, slightly sweet, with oat milk’s creaminess and a bold coffee base.
- Calories: ~140 (grande)
- Pro tip: Ask for extra ice if you want it more refreshing, or skip the syrup for a less sweet profile.
- Perfect for: Coffee adventurers, iced drink fans, and anyone who loved the brown sugar version but wants a twist.
11. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
This indulgent drink is basically dessert with a buzz. Think chocolatey mocha, coffee, cookie crumbles, and whipped cream all blended together. It’s the ultimate treat for hot days or sweet cravings.
- Most Dessert-Like – Coffee Meets Cookies in a Cup
- Taste profile: Rich, creamy, chocolate-forward with cookie bits in every sip.
- Calories: ~480 (grande)
- Pro tip: Ask for fewer pumps of mocha to reduce the sweetness without losing the flavor.
- Perfect for: Dessert lovers, teens, or anyone who loves Starbucks for the treats more than the coffee.
12. Iced Chai Tea Latte (with Espresso = Dirty Chai)
Chai lovers already adore this spicy-sweet tea latte, but in 2025, the Dirty Chai version (chai with a shot of espresso) is going viral again. It adds an extra caffeine punch to an already flavorful drink.
- Best Spiced Drink – Sweet, Bold & Energizing
- Taste profile: Warming spices (cinnamon, cardamom), creamy milk, and a slight espresso kick.
- Calories: ~240 (grande)
- Pro tip: Order it iced with oat milk and one shot of espresso for a smooth, trendy twist.
- Perfect for: Tea drinkers looking to dip into coffee, or coffee lovers wanting something cozier and spiced
13. Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream
Nitro Cold Brew is infused with nitrogen for a silky texture and naturally sweet taste. When topped with vanilla sweet cream, it creates a creamy cascade effect and a smooth, foamy mouthfeel. Plus, it has more caffeine than regular coffee – no wonder it’s a hit.
- Smoothest Kick – Cold, Creamy & High in Caffeine
- Taste profile: Cold, rich, creamy head, with smooth and slightly sweet coffee.
- Calories: ~70 (grande)
- Pro tip: Don’t add ice – it comes chilled from the tap and tastes better without dilution.
- Perfect for: Hardcore coffee fans who want their caffeine fast, smooth, and slightly elevated.
14. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha (Seasonal – Winter Favorite)
Available during winter months, this drink features white chocolate syrup with subtle caramelized notes. It’s topped with whipped cream and festive red sprinkles. If you’re missing holiday flavors but find peppermint too strong, this one’s a cozy go-to.
- Holiday Vibes – Creamy, Toasty & Comforting
- Taste profile: Sweet, creamy, buttery with subtle toasty notes.
- Calories: ~420 (grande)
- Pro tip: Ask for fewer pumps of syrup to make it less sweet and enjoy the toasty flavor more.
- Perfect for: Holiday drink fans, white chocolate lovers, and anyone craving warmth in a cup.
15. Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This drink brings all the fall vibes without pumpkin spice. Starbucks introduced this to give customers something fruity, crisp, and still cozy. Espresso is shaken with apple brown sugar syrup and topped with oat milk – a surprisingly great combo.
- Best Fall-Inspired Drink (Non-Pumpkin)
- Taste profile: Crisp apple, spiced brown sugar, creamy oat milk, and a bold espresso kick.
- Calories: ~180 (grande)
- Pro tip: Try it hot for a caramel apple cider-meets-coffee feel.
- Perfect for: Fall drink lovers, apple fans, and anyone who wants a pumpkin-free seasonal sip.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Favorite Starbucks Drink in 2025?
Starbucks keeps evolving with trends, flavors, and dietary preferences – and so do our coffee choices. Whether you go for the dairy-free Oatmilk Shaken Espresso or the classic Caffè Latte, the best Starbucks drink is ultimately the one that makes your day better.
Have a favorite Starbucks drink not listed here? Let me know in the comments or tag me @coffeethecanvas on Instagram – I’d love to hear your picks!
FAQs – Best Starbucks Drinks (2025 Edition
Q: What’s the most popular Starbucks drink in 2025?
A: The Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is leading the charts this year due to its smooth taste and non-dairy appeal.
Q: What’s the best Starbucks drink for first-timers?
A: You can’t go wrong with a Caramel Macchiato or Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew – they’re flavorful and not too intense.
Q: What’s the healthiest Starbucks coffee?
A: Try a Caffè Americano or Cold Brew with no cream or sugar if you’re watching calories and sugar. Among flavored options, the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a good low-calorie choice.
Q: Are there good non-dairy Starbucks options?
A: Absolutely! Oat milk, almond milk, soy, and coconut milk are all available. The Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is a top dairy-free pick.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
