By Samantha Chase
Let’s face it, everyone has a weakness for Starbucks—whether you grab a coffee every day, or visit once in a while for a sweet treat. Often the sheer number of options can get overwhelming for infrequent visitors, however. Regulars probably have their routine down, but don’t realize how they can maximize their money and drink. Here are a few secret hacks from a Starbucks barista.
Take advantage of the Starbucks App rewards.
The Starbucks App is free to download and use! Rack up stars by scanning your app before payment, and use those stars to pay for syrups, milks, food, or even full drinks. And of course, take advantage of the famous birthday drink by adding your birthday to the app profile. Even if you aren’t paying with the app, remember to hit “scan only” to get points anyway. Here’s the star breakdown:
- One star for each dollar you spend if you use your credit/debit card and scan the receipt with the app afterwards OR using a debit/credit card or PayPal account directly through the app.
- Two stars for every dollar you spend if you preload money onto your Starbucks digital card and use the app to scan in store, order ahead, or register a gift card.
- Three stars for every dollar if you pay with the Starbucks Rewards Visa. You’ll also get 4,500 extra stars if you spend $500 in your first three months.
- Take advantage of double star days (twice the stars!) and special offers on holiday weekends, such as a breakfast sandwich paired with any hot drink. The app will keep you updated on what’s available.
Everything is customizable.
Coffee too sweet? Dairy allergy? Just ask for what you need. The best thing about Starbucks drinks is that they’re easily customizable. Get anything with non-dairy milk (coconut, almond, soy, oatmilk), sugar free syrup (vanilla or cinnamon dolce), whipped cream, cold foam (vanilla sweet cream, pumpkin cream, or plain), cinnamon powder, or anything else you can think of. You can always ask for less pumps of syrup if the drink is too sweet, or extra shots of espresso if you need a boost.
Use the Starbucks App to get free refills.
If you pay through the Starbucks App, you can get free refills on hot coffees, iced coffees, iced teas, and hot teas. Just keep your app handy, or the barista won’t be able to make your free drink.
How to customize an iced coffee for free.
Iced coffees come with 3 (Tall), 4 (Grande), 6 (Venti), or 7 (Treinta) pumps of Classic Syrup. Ask for no sweetener for black coffee. Ask for a splash of any milk—including non-dairy—to get it for free. While syrups cost money, ask for any of the packets (Splenda, Sugar, Raw Sugar, etc.) for a free sweetener.
How to customize Frappaccinos.
All Frappuccinos can come caffeinated or decaffeinated, so make sure you ask for the one you want when ordering; surprise caffeine rushes are never good. On the flip side, if you want an extra boost, ask for added shots of espresso.
Common things to remember.
Here are a few quick tips for easy use, regarding some common drinks and questions baristas get asked.
- Iced coffees come naturally sweetened with classic syrup. If you want it unsweetened, don’t forget to ask. You can also add any milk, cream, or syrup free of extra charge.
- The sugar and cream, normally on the customer side, is now behind the bar. Ask your barista at the register to add whatever sweetener or cream in your beverage beforehand.
- Iced teas come naturally unsweetened. Ask to add liquid cane sugar (half or full sweetened) if you want a sweeter drink, or one of the flavors; raspberry is a popular option.
- For those who don’t want caffeine, here are the best drinks to order: iced passion tea, mint majesty and peach tranquility hot teas, hot chocolates, creme based Frappuccinos, and lemonade.
- If you want more bang for your buck, ask for light ice in your iced drinks to get more of the drink and less of the watering-down.
- Any brewed coffee (dark, blonde, decaf) not currently being brewed is available as a pour-over. This option keeps your coffee fresh, although it does take more time. If you have the spare minutes to wait, it’s definitely worth it for the fresh coffee.
- If your local Starbucks is not brewing decaf coffee, you can request a decaf Americano (decaf espresso and hot water) for a similar effect.
- Refreshers and “decaf” espresso do have caffeine! Small amounts, certainly less than regular caffeine, but it’s still there.
Next time you head into your favorite Starbucks, remember these tips to make sure you get the best bang for your buck. Happy sipping!