Yes, we know. The holidays are all about the Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but let’s be honest—they get old fast and often times you just don’t want four “pumps” of anything when you’re looking to fuel your day. Most coffee addicts already know that most mainstream coffee bars have a secret menu, meant only for the regulars and coffee elite, but with chains like Starbucks, sometimes you just go for the most hyped product when you’re looking to indulge. Here are a few alternatives when the PSLs get old.
Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks:
Holiday Flavors
Candy Cane Frappuccino: You don’t have to wait for the holidays to get all of the Christmas flavors! This simple, peppermint flavored frap will have you singing carols in no time.
Apple Pie Frappuccino: Though we don’t know what’s in it, the Apple Pie Frap tastes as though you were literally drinking an apple pie. This is perfect for anyone who’s looking to get there Thanksgiving fix without the prep time.
Pumpkin Pie Frappuccino: It’s like the seasonal PSL Frap, only with a pump of cinnamon dolce and candy sprinkles. Go for this if you want an extra zing to every sip!
Chocolate Pumpkin Latte: It’s a standard PSL with an extra pump of chocolate syrup. What more can you ask for?
Christmas Cookie Frappuccino: Part vanilla, part peppermint, this frap makes you taste all of the flavors of the holidays straight from one cup!
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Caffeinated Desserts
Cake Batter Frappuccino: The Cake Batter Frap is a standard Vanilla Frap with some extra almond and vanilla bean flavor. The result is a smooth, creamy substitution for eating actual cake batter.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Frappuccino: Who doesn’t like chocolate covered strawberries? This off menu frap is a deep red color with a flavor that’s just as romantic as the name demands.
Cookies and Cream Frappuccino: Part chocolate, part vanilla bean, this black and white frap tastes more like a milkshake than any coffee beverage you’ve ever consumed, and it’s just as good.
Cotton Candy Frappuccino: The Cotton Candy Frap is an uncaffeinated, sweet pink drink that makes you feel like you’re a kid again.
Twix Frappuccino: If you’re a fan of the iconic Caramel Frappuccino, the Twix is a must-try! It has all of the sweetness of the caramel, but the extra pump of chocolate makes for a delightful combination.
Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato: Based on the Iced Soy Caramel Macchiato, the Caramel Snickerdoodle is an upside-down, layered drink that features vanilla and cinnamon syrups atop of espresso and soy milk.
Thin Mint Frappuccino: Cool mint meets rich, chocolaty java, and that’s what makes this secret frat something you NEED to experience.
Cereal-Inspired
Captain Crunch Berry Frappuccino: Caramel, toffee, hazelnut, oh my! If you’re looking for a blast from the past, this frap will have you back to your elementary school days!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frappuccino: Who says Cinnamon Toast Crunch is just for kids? This off-menu combo has all of the sweet, cinnamon flavors topped with a salty crunch!
Fruity Pebbles Frappuccino: We have no idea what’s in this delicious concoction, but we know it tastes just like our favorite kid cereal, and that’s what matters here guys.
Extra Caffeinated
Dirty Chai: Served either hot or cold, the dirty chai is a delicious chai latte with an extra shot of espresso. This gives your chai just a kick of extra caffeine without going too nuts.
The Undertow: This drink is a sweetened coffee with milk at the bottom. Once the coffee has naturally blended with the milk, they add two shots of espresso to the top. This is served in a smaller cup, and is usually drank like a shot, though it’s normally too big for that.
Black Eye: A regular coffee with two extra shots of espresso. This drink will have you awake for hours.
Green Eye: A regular coffee with THREE extra shots of espresso. This is the highest caffeinated drink on the Starbucks secret menu, and should be ordered with caution.
Liquid Cocaine: Considered one of the most intense drinks you can order, the liquid cocaine is a glass of ice with four shots of espresso poured over and then topped with four pumps of white chocolate syrup. The sweetness of the syrup cuts the bitterness of the coffee, but the sugar-caffeine combo can make for one terrible headache later if you’re not used to it.
Fun Drinks
Butterbeer Frappuccino: For the Harry Potter fan, this butterbeer will make you feel like you’ve been transported right into Hogsmead. Part toffee nut and part caramel, this frap is similar to the seasonal salted caramel option, only with a slightly buttery, nutty flavor.
Blue Drink: Iced Passion Tango Tea, coconut milk and vanilla syrup is a sweet way to start the day!
Green Drink: Matcha-green tea meets delicious smoothie for a healthy, delicious alternative to your morning brew.
Orange Drink: It’s basically an orange creamsicle in a cup. If you didn’t know, now you know.
The possibilities are truly endless. Rather than going for that basic PSL, go off-menu and satisfy any craving that’s calling you.
