Key Takeaway:
Understanding the variety, customization options, and flavor profiles of Starbucks espresso drinks empowers you to confidently choose and enjoy the perfect espresso beverage for your taste and lifestyle.
Are you one of those who can’t go about their day without a healthy breakfast? Or do you prefer to sip something soothing and warm to start your morning?
If a cup of coffee is your go-to morning beverage, then let us tell you that several delicious espresso drinks out there can make all the difference in starting your day right.
Coffee and Espresso: Similarities and Differences
- Base ingredient: Both drinks have coffee beans as the base ingredient, but there is more to it than that. Usually, we brew coffee using hot water.
- Pressure: Espresso involves forcing steam or pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at a high pressure to make a strong shot of coffee.
- Taste: Coffee has a smoother, milder taste, while espresso has a stronger and more intense flavor with a creamy finish.
- PREMIUM WHOLE BEAN COFFEE—Starbucks delivers exceptional coffee cup after cup with this 18-ounce bag of Espresso Roast dark roast whole bean coffee
- STARBUCKS ESPRESSO ROAST COFFEE—A classic and time-honored dark roast with notes of rich molasses and caramel that’s perfect for making classic espresso drinks
- FRESH TASTE—Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards—shipping you the same carefully roasted 100% arabica coffee beans we brew in our cafés
- MAKE IT YOUR OWN—An everyday cup no matter how you brew it, Starbucks whole bean coffee can be ground and used for a variety of brewing methods, including drip brewer, coffee press, pour-over and moka pot
- ETHICALLY SOURCED—Starbucks is committed to 100% ethical coffee sourcing in partnership with Conservation International
11 Starbucks Espresso Drinks To Try
1. Espresso
A simple shot of espresso is the best way to wake yourself up! It has a bold and intense taste that can give you an energetic start to your day.
Starbucks offers the traditional two-ounce espresso shot. You can always add a bit of sweetness to it with flavors like caramel, hazelnut, vanilla, and more. Simply let your barista know your preference.
At-Home Version:
- Use 18–20 g of finely ground coffee and pull a double shot (25–30 seconds) on your home espresso machine.
- Add a dash of vanilla syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon after pulling the shot for a sweet twist.
2. Cappuccino
If you are after a real Starbucks classic, then cappuccino is the one for you. It contains espresso and steamed milk topped with foam.
The cappuccino is ideal for those who like to have a bit of sweetness with their espresso. The creamy and frothy texture of the foam will make your cappuccino even more delightful.
At-Home Version:
- Pull a single espresso shot (about 1 oz) and steam 4 oz of milk until microfoam develops.
- Pour the steamed milk into the shot, holding back the foam, then spoon the remaining foam on top.
3. Iced Caramel Macchiato/Caramel Macchiato
Starbucks offers an iced version of its popular caramel macchiato that contains espresso, steamed milk, and a generous topping of caramel drizzle.
You can also try the classic hot caramel macchiato, which contains espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and a rich caramel drizzle topping. Since it is low in calories, it makes a great alternative to those sugary drinks.
At-Home Version:
- In a tall glass, pour 2 tbsp vanilla syrup over ice.
- Add cold milk (about 6 oz), then carefully pour a double shot of espresso on top to create layers.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for that iconic finish.
4. Flat White
Looking forward to a velvety foam texture with a robust espresso flavor? Then go for a Flat White. Baristas combine two shots of espresso and textured milk to make this delicious, creamy drink.
At-Home Version:
- Pull two ristretto shots (each 0.75 oz) for a concentrated flavor.
- Steam 4 oz of milk until it has a thin, velvety microfoam.
- Pour the milk directly into the shots, keeping a 1:1 milk-to-foam ratio.
5. Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
Not brave enough for a shot of espresso? This iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso is for those who want something new yet mild. Starbucks espresso, oat milk, brown sugar syrup, and cinnamon are shaken over ice to create a smooth, creamy drink.
Since this espresso drink has oat milk instead of regular milk, it is a great option for those who want to switch to dairy-free alternatives. Thanks to its cinnamon flavor, this drink also has a hint of sweetness that makes every sip delightful.
At-Home Version:
- Mix 2 tsp brown sugar syrup with 2 shots of espresso over ice in a shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Pour over 6 oz of oat milk in a tall glass and sprinkle cinnamon on top.
6. Pumpkin Spice Latte
The famous pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has two shots of espresso. Plus steamed milk combined with a special blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove! To top it all off, it is sprinkled with a pumpkin spice topping.
This festive drink is best enjoyed in the autumn season. It has a rich and creamy flavor packed with spices to warm you up on chilly days. A must-have for those who love pumpkin and coffee.
At-Home Version:
- Combine 2 shots of espresso with 1 tbsp pumpkin spice syrup and steamed milk (6 oz).
- Top with whipped cream and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
7. Peppermint Mocha
This winter favorite is sure to please all coffee lovers. It has two shots of Starbucks espresso, steamed milk, mocha, and four pumps of peppermint syrup. The peppermint syrup adds a hint of sweetness and a refreshing taste to the drink, while the mocha gives it an intense flavor.
One thing that sets Peppermint Mocha apart from other Starbucks espresso drinks is its unique combination of flavors. The cool minty and chocolate taste will make you crave more.
At-Home Version:
- Brew two espresso shots and combine with 2 tbsp chocolate syrup and 1 tbsp peppermint syrup.
- Steam 6 oz of milk and pour into the espresso-syrup mixture.
- Garnish with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
8. Caffe Americano
For those who want to enjoy a mellow espresso flavor, the Caffe Americano is worth a try. It contains two shots of espresso and hot water. The result is a light and smooth espresso drink with a strong flavor.
The Caffe Americano can be your new favorite way to start your day. It is easy to make and is customizable with other flavors like vanilla or caramel. So, you will never get bored of it.
At-Home Version:
- Pull two espresso shots and add 6 oz of hot water for a classic Americano.
- Adjust water ratio for a more diluted or stronger cup as you prefer.
9. Espresso con Panna
The Espresso con Panna is a rich and creamy espresso drink. This espresso-based drink has two shots of Starbucks espresso topped with freshly whipped cream. The addition of the cream gives it a velvety texture and sweet flavor.
If you want something luxurious, try the Espresso con Panna. It is creamy, dreamy, and definitely worth indulging in. Enjoy this delicious treat whenever you need a little caffeine boost!
At-Home Version:
- Brew two shots of espresso and spoon a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top.
- For extra sweetness, fold a drop of vanilla extract into the whipped cream before topping.
10. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
The toasted white chocolate mocha is a heavenly combination of espresso, steamed milk, and toasted white chocolate. It adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor to the mocha that you will love.
This decadent drink can help during those special occasions when you want to treat yourself to something sweet. Espresso, steamed milk, and white chocolate make each sip delightful.
At-Home Version:
- Stir 2 tbsp white chocolate chips into 2 shots of espresso until melted.
- Steam 6 oz of milk and pour over the espresso–white chocolate mix.
- Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of toasted white chocolate sauce.
11. Apple Crisp Macchiato
To end this list, we have the Apple Crisp Macchiato. It combines two shots of espresso and steamed milk with a generous topping of cinnamon-infused apple sauce and crunchy caramelized streusel.
This can be the go-to drink for those who want to indulge in something sweet but with a hint of tartness. If you like the combination of apple and cinnamon, this is a real must-try.
At-Home Version:
- Warm 2 tbsp apple crisp syrup and pour into a latte glass.
- Add 2 shots of espresso and top with steamed milk (6 oz).
- Sprinkle caramelized streusel crumbs and a dash of cinnamon on top.
At-A-Glance: Estimated Calories & Caffeine Content
| Drink | Calories (Tall) | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso (solo doppio) | 5 | 150 |
| Cappuccino | 80 | 150 |
| Caramel Macchiato (Iced/Hot) | 190 | 150 |
| Flat White | 170 | 275 |
| Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso | 120 | 255 |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte | 350 | 150 |
| Peppermint Mocha | 340 | 150 |
| Caffè Americano | 10 | 225 |
| Espresso con Panna | 90 | 150 |
| Toasted White Chocolate Mocha | 420 | 150 |
| Apple Crisp Macchiato | 300 | 150 |
How to Order & Customize
Whether you’re craving a sweeter sip or a stronger kick, here are quick barista tips to personalize your Starbucks espresso drink:
Ristretto vs. Standard: Request “ristretto” for a sweeter, more concentrated shot.
Milk Options: Substitute oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free twist.
Syrup & Drizzle: Ask for sugar-free vanilla or caramel drizzle to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
Milk Temperature: Specify “extra hot” or “lukewarm” to suit your palate.
Shot Variations: Order a “double” or “quad” shot if you need an extra caffeine boost.
Seasonal & Limited-Time Espresso Drinks
Holiday Toffee Nut Latte: Available November–December. Espresso with toffee-nut syrup and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and toffee pieces.
Starbucks Reserve® Featured Espresso: Rotates monthly; ask your barista for tasting notes.
How We Chose These Espresso Drinks
Our selection criteria included:
Popularity: Drinks with high sales and frequent mentions on social media.
Flavor Profiles: Varied from bold (Caffè Americano) to sweet (Peppermint Mocha).
Customizability: Options that let you personalize milk, syrups, and shot strength.
Seasonal Appeal: Includes both year-round staples (Espresso) and limited editions (Pumpkin Spice Latte).
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between a Latte and a Flat White?
A Flat White uses textured (microfoamed) milk with a higher espresso-to-milk ratio (2:1), delivering a bolder flavor. A latte is creamier (1:3 ratio) with more steamed milk and less foam.
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Can I order any espresso drink as “skinny” or low-fat?
es—request nonfat milk and sugar-free syrups. Many seasonal drinks can be “lightened” by omitting whipped cream or drizzle.
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How do I replicate a Starbucks-style espresso shot at home?
Invest in a quality burr grinder (finer than drip grind), use 18–20 g of coffee for a double shot, and aim for a 25– to 30-second pull at 9 bars of pressure.
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Which Starbucks espresso drinks are vegan-friendly?
Most espresso-based drinks can be vegan if you substitute non-dairy milk (oat, almond, or coconut) and choose sugar-free syrups. Avoid whipped cream or caramel drizzle unless sugar-free.
Final Thoughts
From creamy lattes to sweet macchiatos, Starbucks has something for everyone. So, go ahead and explore the wide selection of espresso drinks and find your favorite one. Cheers!
