19 of the Best Hot Drinks at Starbucks, Yum!
This detailed guide will help you choose your next obsession from a list of the best hot drinks at Starbucks! So make sure you test them all out before you make your final decision...
When the mercury takes a nosedive you might start dreaming about a hot beverage to take away the chill.
Starbucks serves up caffeine-laden hot beverages with heaping shots of espresso, but they also offer warm, yummy, caffeine-free choices that people of all ages can enjoy.
So, what should you order?
In this article, we will explore the best hot drinks at Starbucks to make you feel like it’s summer (even though it’s chilly outside).
Let's get cozy up in here!
How did we Rank the Best Starbucks Hot Drinks?
To rank the top Starbucks hot drinks, there are several factors that one can consider:
- Popularity - One way to rank them is by looking at their overall customer popularity. The number of orders or sales of each drink can determine this. Or how much people rave about them - word-of-mouth marketing!
- Taste - Another important factor to consider is the taste of each drink. People have different preferences when it comes to sweetness, bitterness, and overall flavor profile.
- Seasonality - Starbucks offers different hot drinks depending on the season, such as the Peppermint Mocha in the winter. Seasonal offerings may be more popular during certain times of the year.
- Healthiness - For those who are health-conscious, the nutritional value of each drink can also be a factor to consider. Some drinks may be high in calories, sugar, or fat, while others may be lower in these metrics.
- Customizability - Starbucks allows customers to customize their drinks by adding or removing ingredients, such as coffee syrups or whipped cream. Drinks that offer more customization options may be more appealing to customers.
Based on these factors, one can rank the best hot drinks at Starbucks by weighing each factor differently depending on personal preferences.
Our List of the Best Hot Drinks at Starbucks
Here are some of the best hot Starbucks drinks that are perfect for warming you up during the winter months - remember, many of these hot beverages are fully customizable so if you are vegan or lactose intolerant then you can order these drinks made with plant-based milk like coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
You can also opt for sugar-free syrups or ask the barista to add more syrup pumps to your beverage if you really like sweet drinks.
We should also note that some of these drinks are seasonal. After all, who wants an Eggnog Latte in the summer months?
Finally, there is no “best” drink. That clearly depends on YOUR preferences. You may hate coffee but love tea!
But we’ve made sure we have selected something for everyone.
With that being said, let’s get started. We hope this list helps you stay warm!
1. Caramel Brulée Latte
A sweet and decadent treat that will remind you of your favorite holiday dessert. Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte is a seasonal drink that is perfect for those who enjoy the rich and indulgent flavors of Christmas time. It is made with a blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a delicious caramel brulée sauce.
The espresso used in the drink is Starbucks’ signature espresso, which is a high-quality blend that is carefully sourced and roasted to provide a rich and bold flavor. It is then combined with a delicious caramel brulée sauce, made from natural ingredients, including caramelized sugar, vanilla, and cream.
The steamed milk used in the drink is carefully prepared to create a smooth and velvety texture. The milk is heated to a specific temperature and is carefully poured over the espresso and caramel brulée sauce mixture, creating a beautiful latte art pattern on top.
Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte is typically served in a tall or grande cup, depending on your preference, and can be enjoyed hot or iced. The drink is often topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of caramel brulée topping to add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte is a delicious and indulgent drink that is perfect for the winter months. Whether you're a coffee lover or just looking to try something new, the Caramel Brulée Latte is definitely worth a try.
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 410
- Sugars: 48g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 61g
- Proteins: 12g
- Caffeine: 150 mg
2. Chestnut Praline Latte
The perfect blend of nutty and sweet, this latte will make you feel cozy and warm inside.
The Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte is a seasonal drink that is perfect for those who enjoy these warm and comforting flavors. It is made with a blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a delicious chestnut praline syrup.
The bold espresso beverage features delicious chestnut praline syrup, made from natural ingredients, including chestnut, caramel, and sugar.
The chestnut praline latte is a welcome holiday beverage that is sure to take the chill off. The barista will top the warm drink with whipped cream and chopped pralines.
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 330
- Sugars: 38 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Proteins: 12 g
- Caffeine: 150 mg
3. Peppermint Mocha
A classic Starbucks drink and a winter favorite, this mocha is infused with peppermint for a refreshingly true holiday twist. You can taste the candy cane infusion with each sip.
This seasonal drink is wonderfully rich. It’s made from a mix of espresso, peppermint syrup, and chocolate sauce. Whipped cream tops the hot beverage along with crushed candy cane sprinkles for a real holiday flair.
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is typically served in a tall or grande cup, depending on your preference, and can be enjoyed hot or iced. The drink is often topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of dark chocolate curls to add an extra touch of sumptuosity and visual appeal.
A holiday beverage, the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is a classic charmer and a must-try if you are seeking a warm beverage to take the chill out of the air.
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 440
- Sugars: 54 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Proteins: 13 g
- Caffeine: 175 mg
Related Read: Learn the differences between mocha and cappuccino!
4. Gingerbread Latte
Nothing says "winter" like the spicy, sweet aroma of gingerbread. The Starbucks Gingerbread Latte is the perfect way to enjoy it.
This holiday favorite is made with a blend of espresso, steamed milk, and delicious gingerbread syrup along with cinnamon, molasses, and ginger. The drink is topped with whipped cream and finely ground nutmeg.
Without a doubt, this is a latte for those who truly love gingerbread.
There's no better way to get caffeinated!
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 330
- Sugars: 38 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Proteins: 13 g
- Caffeine: 150 mg
5. Eggnog Latte
Satisfy your holiday cravings with the rich and creamy eggnog latte, complete with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
This hot beverage is made by mixing espresso, steamed eggnog, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. It has a wonderfully velvet-like texture.
It is perfect for those long, cold winter nights - once you drink it, the espresso and nutmeg syrup will quickly warm you up. In fact, you may find yourself bouncing off the walls.
Just watch out, although tempting, don’t have too many of these. The eggnog latte is a heavy hitter when it comes to sugar!
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 450
- Sugars: 52 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 57 g
- Proteins: 17 g
- Caffeine: 150 mg
6. White Chocolate Mocha
If you want a winter hot beverage that is smooth and creamy then look no further than the white chocolate mocha. This luxurious drink is a winter classic that will never go out of style.
The Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha is a delicious and indulgent drink that is perfect for those who love the rich and creamy flavor of white chocolate mixed with espresso, making this drink one of the best hot coffees at Starbucks.
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 430
- Sugars: 53 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 54 g
- Proteins: 17 g
- Caffeine: 150 mg
7. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
The toasted white chocolate mocha is a twist on the classic white chocolate mocha. The warm beverage features a deliciously rich and toasty white chocolate flavor.
This drink is made by combining espresso with caramelized white chocolate sauce and steamed milk. The mocha drink is then finished off by topping it with whipped cream, holiday sugar sprinkles, and crispy white pearls.
It is so Christmassy that I wouldn’t be surprised if this is Santa’s new obsession!
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 420
- Sugars: 55 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbs: 56 g
- Proteins: 15 g
- Caffeine: 150 mg
8. Maple Pecan Latte
This one will be exciting for Canadians. The maple flavor definitely pairs well with a maple-laden breakfast!
The Starbucks Maple Pecan Latte is a great wintertime drink that is perfect for those who enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of maple and pecan.
Designed to help us survive the cold winter, once you have this delicious latte, the comforting flavors of maple and pecan will make you forget that "Baby, it’s cold outside."
This smooth and sweet beverage is made with a combination of espresso, steamed milk, delicious maple pecan syrup, and brown butter, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of maple sugar.
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 340
- Sugars: 45 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbs: 51 g
- Proteins: 12 g
- Caffeine: 150 mg
9. Chestnut Praline Chai Tea Latte (Secret Menu)
If you love chai tea, you'll adore this seasonal twist on the classic, infused with chestnut and praline. As soon as you smell this enticing beverage you’ll start singing…
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose.”
The Starbucks Chestnut Praline Chai Tea Latte is a seasonal drink that is perfect for those who enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of chai tea, mixed with the rich and nutty taste of chestnut praline. It is made with a blend of black tea, spices, steamed milk, and a delicious chestnut praline syrup.
The black tea used in the drink is a high-quality blend that is carefully selected to provide a robust and bold flavor. It is then combined with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, clove ginger, and cardamom, to create the classic chai tea flavor that is loved by many.
Note that the Chestnut Praline Chai Tea Latte has not made a comeback since 2017, so we consider it a secret menu item.
You can still order it though. Simply be nice to your Starbucks barista and say:
“May I please have a grande chai tea latte with 2 pumps of chestnut praline syrup (or more - up to you), topped with the praline topping?”
For a Grande (16-oz) size:*
- Calories: 240
- Sugars: 42 g
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Proteins: 8 g
- Caffeine: 95 mg
*At the time of writing the Chestnut Praline Chai Tea Latte nutrition information was unavailable. This information is based on the Chai Tea Latte.
10. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Rich and indulgent, this Starbucks hot chocolate drink is infused with the perfect amount of salted caramel to satisfy your sweet and salty tooth. The Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is a decadent hot beverage with a delicious contrast of sweet and salty flavors.
It is made with a blend of mocha sauce, and steamed milk, all combined with toffee nut and vanilla syrups. The drink is topped with sweet whipped cream, caramel sauce, and blended turbinado sugar and sea salt.
Plus, it’s good for the kids as this drink is low in caffeine. Just watch the sugar, this drink has the highest amount in this list.
You can also try different variations of hot chocolates such as peppermint hot chocolate!
For a Grande (16-oz) size:*
- Calories: 460
- Sugars: 59 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbs: 66 g
- Proteins: 13 g
- Caffeine: 25 mg
11. Apple Cider (Secret Menu)
Perfect for all ages, the apple cider is not actually a cider but is as close as it gets at Starbucks. We consider it part of the Starbucks Secret Menu - and don’t worry, we’ll show you below how to order it.
Ideal for sipping on a cold winter day, this apple cider is warm and comforting, with just the right amount of sweetness.
The Starbucks Apple Cider is a seasonal beverage that is perfect for those looking for a warm and comforting drink on a chilly day but don’t want any of the jitters from caffeine. And don't worry, it does not have vinegar in it...
To order this drink, simply say to your barista:
“May I please have a grande steamed apple juice with 1 pump of Cinnamon Dolce syrup?”
By the way, the Oprah Chai syrup used to be the way to go but sadly, it is discontinued.
As the name implies, it was developed with the help of Oprah Winfrey! The syrup consisted of spicy spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.
Whether you're looking for a warm drink to enjoy on a chilly day or just looking to try something new, the Apple Cider is definitely worth a try.
For a Grande (16-oz) size:*
- Calories: 220
- Sugars: 50 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbs: 55 g
- Proteins: 0 g
- Caffeine: 0 mg
*Based on the Steamed Apple juice. The values above should be slightly higher due to the 1 pump of Cinnamon Dolce syrup.
12. Caramel Macchiato
The Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is a classic Italian espresso-based drink that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a rich and flavorful coffee beverage that combines espresso shots, vanilla syrup, and steamed milk, topped with a dollop of frothed milk. Don't forget the caramel drizzle.
The word "macchiato" means "stained" in Italian, referring to the way the steamed milk is "stained" by the espresso shots.
Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is made with two shots of espresso, which are carefully brewed to extract the perfect flavor and aroma from the coffee beans.
The espresso shots are then poured over a mixture of vanilla syrup and steamed milk, which helps to balance the bitterness of the espresso and provides a creamy texture. Finally, it is topped off with caramel drizzle.
The Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is a delicious and indulgent coffee beverage that is perfect for those who love the strong and intense flavors of espresso. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking to try something new, the Caramel Machiatto is definitely worth a try.
During the summer months, you can try the refreshing iced caramel macchiato, which is just as good and refreshing!
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 220
- Sugars: 50 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbs: 55 g
- Proteins: 0 g
- Caffeine: 0 mg
13. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Warm up with the sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon in this latte. The Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a popular coffee beverage that has become a fan favorite among coffee lovers. It is a sweet and spicy latte that combines espresso shots, steamed milk, and cinnamon dolce syrup.
The drink is prepared by adding a shot or two of espresso to a cup, followed by cinnamon dolce syrup and steamed milk. A layer of sweetened whipped cream and cinnamon dolce topping makes this a very fancy latte that’ll certainly warm you up.
If you are a cinnamon and coffee fan, then the Cinnamon Dolce Latte is one of the best hot coffee drinks at Starbucks that is definitely worth a try.
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 340
- Sugars: 40 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbs: 43 g
- Proteins: 12 g
- Caffeine: 150 mg
14. Blonde Vanilla Latte
Simple, classic, and oh-so-delicious, this latte is perfect for those who love the taste of vanilla.
Starbucks Vanilla Latte is one of the coffee house's most popular coffee beverages. It is a creamy and sweet coffee drink that combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.
The drink is prepared by adding a shot or two of espresso to a cup, followed by sweet vanilla syrup and steamed milk.
The vanilla syrup used in the drink is made from natural ingredients and carefully crafted to provide a sweet and aromatic flavor. The syrup is added to the espresso shots and is blended with the steamed milk to create a smooth and velvety texture.
This Starbucks classic not only will warm you up on a cold morning, but it packs a punch with its caffeine content. After drinking it, you’ll be up and running in no time!
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 250
- Sugars: 35 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbs: 37 g
- Proteins: 12 g
- Caffeine: 170 mg
15. Starbucks Flat White
Flat white is my favorite classic coffee drink, so it’s no surprise that it’s made its way to this list.
But it’s not just me - I swear... This drink has earned its right to be on the list of the best hot drinks at Starbucks!
After all, the Flat White, which originated in Australia and New Zealand, has now become a staple in coffee shops around the world, including Starbucks.
The Starbucks Flat White is a creamy and smooth coffee beverage that is prepared with ristretto shots of espresso and steamed milk. It has a stronger coffee flavor than a latte!
The highly concentrated ristretto shots pair exquisitely with the steamed milk, which is prepared at a temperature of around 150-155°F (65-68°C), the optimal sweet point for steamed milk.
The Starbucks Flat White is a delicious and indulgent coffee beverage that is perfect for those who love the rich and intense flavors of espresso, combined with the smooth and creamy texture of steamed milk. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking to try something new, the Flat White is definitely worth a try.
You can also step things up by making it an almond milk drink, a Honey Almond Milk Flat White! This latte is a great choice for those looking for a dairy-free option, featuring the comforting flavors of honey and almond.
For a Grande (16-oz) size:
- Calories: 220
- Sugars: 17 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Proteins: 12 g
- Caffeine: 195 mg
Honorable Mentions
When making this list, we left out a few popular hot drinks from Starbucks that we wanted to make a quick note of. After all, we cannot possibly list every Starbucks drink here, plus it would defeat the purpose of this post if we list every drink ever made by Starbucks.
With that being said, drinks that deserve a mention include:
- The Pumpkin Spice Latte,
- The Honey Citrus Mint Tea,
- The Toffee Nut Latte, and
- The Starbucks Chai Tea Latte.
Level-Up or Down Your Starbucks Beverages
If you want to take your hot drink order to the next level at Starbucks then we suggest you consider trying the following:
Add Flavors
Improve your hot beverage experience by asking for extra flavor added to your beverage. You’ll be amazed at how much a few pumps of your favorite flavored syrup will add to the overall taste.
Vanilla syrup, cinnamon dolce, toffee nut syrup, peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and caramel sauce are just a few choices. Most Starbucks stores charge only $0.50 per pump.
Starbucks also offers sugar-free drink syrups.
Add Toppings
After adding a syrup flavor, you can also request additional toppings such as cookie crumbles, chocolate sprinkles, cinnamon dolce sprinkles, or salted brown butter topping.
Some syrups and toppings are not available year-round but are only seasonal.
Or Make your Starbucks Hot Drink Healthier
You may have noticed a pattern here. A lot of drinks from Starbucks contain a high amount of sugar, carbs, and fat!
But not all is lost if you’re trying to be healthy while treating yourself to a sweet drink. Here are some tips to help you make your drink healthier:
- Choose a smaller cup size: Obviously drinking lesser amounts of your drink means less sugar and carbs going into your system. For example, a Venti white chocolate mocha comes with 67 grams of sugar while the Tall size comes with a more reasonable 40 grams! You don’t really need to order that gargantuan Venti.
- Swap the milk: Starbucks has a wide variety of healthier milk options. For example, you could choose nonfat milk, or non-dairy options such as oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and more!
- Skip the toppings: Ask yourself if you really need sweetened whipped cream with caramel drizzle on your drink.
- Reduce the number of syrup pumps: That’s where a lot of the sugar is. I’d recommend slightly reducing the number of syrup pumps. Not only your drink will be healthier, but you’ll be able to appreciate the coffee flavor more.
- Ask for Sugar-Free Syrups: this may not work for all drinks because not all the syrups at Starbucks are sugar-free. So ask your Barista which drinks can be made with sugar-free syrup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my hot drink at Starbucks?
Yes, Starbucks offers a wide range of customizations for their hot drinks, including choosing the type of milk, adding flavor syrups, adjusting the amount of espresso, the milk temperature, and much much more.
What type of milk can I choose for my hot drink at Starbucks?
Starbucks offers a variety of milk options, including whole milk, 2% milk, nonfat or skim milk, soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. Steamed oat milk drinks have a wonderful nutty flavor. It’s my favorite non-dairy option.
Are Starbucks hot drinks available in different sizes?
Yes, Starbucks offers hot drinks in five sizes: Demi (3 ounces), Short (8 ounces), Tall (12 ounces), Grande (16 ounces), and Venti (20 ounces).
Can I order a hot drink without caffeine at Starbucks?
Yes, Starbucks offers decaffeinated versions of its hot drinks. You can also request a drink to be made with ½, ⅓, or ⅔ decaf espresso beans.
Can I order a hot drink with non-dairy milk at Starbucks?
Yes, Starbucks offers non-dairy milk options like oat, soy, almond, and coconut milk. You can choose your milk preference when placing your order.
How hot are Starbucks hot drinks?
Starbucks hot drinks are usually served at around 160-170°F (71-77°C). However, you can request a different temperature if you prefer.
Are Starbucks hot drinks gluten-free?
Most of Starbucks' hot drinks are gluten-free, but there may be some exceptions, such as those with added syrups or sauces. It's always best to ask the barista about specific ingredients if you have gluten sensitivities.
What is a seasonal hot drink at Starbucks?
Starbucks releases seasonal drinks throughout the year, such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte during fall and the Peppermint Mocha during winter. These drinks often feature festive flavors and are available for a limited time.
Can I order a hot drink to-go at Starbucks?
Yes, Starbucks offers hot drinks to-go. They come in disposable cups with lids, and you can choose to add a sleeve if you prefer. You can even bring your own reusable travel mug to help reduce waste!
Can I order a hot drink with less sugar at Starbucks?
Yes, Starbucks offers sugar-free syrups and you can also request less syrup in your drink. Additionally, you can ask for non-dairy milk which naturally contains less sugar.
Are Starbucks hot drinks vegan?
Starbucks offers vegan options such as oat, soy, almond, or coconut milk. You can also ask for syrups that are free from dairy and animal products. However, some drinks may still contain animal-derived ingredients like honey or whipped cream, so be sure to ask the barista about specific ingredients.
How much caffeine is in a Starbucks hot drink?
The amount of caffeine in a Starbucks hot drink varies depending on the drink and size. For most of the Grande-sized drinks, you are looking at about 150 mg of caffeine. For reference, the FDA recommends a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are seeking seasonal best hot drinks at Starbucks or a year-round warm beverage favorite, we are confident you’ll find exactly what you are seeking.
When Jack Frost starts nipping your heels, it’s time to order a hot Starbucks drink to tantalize your taste buds.
You can then enjoy your winter warmers and stay cozy.
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