21 Best Starbucks Espresso Drinks (Find Your New Favorite)
Last updated on May 29th, 2025 at 03:49 pm
Did you know there are over 87,000 different drink combinations at Starbucks?
No wonder it can feel overwhelming staring at the menu when all you want is something that tastes good and wakes you up.
Honestly, even as someone who runs a coffee blog, I find myself at Starbucks more often than I’d like to admit. Usually when I’m too busy (or too lazy) to make espresso at home. I know, it sounds a little off-brand.
But hey, convenience wins sometimes. And after years of quick stops and last-minute coffee runs, I’ve tried my fair share of their espresso drinks. Some were surprisingly great, others well… not so much.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 21 of the best Starbucks espresso drinks—from bold, no-nonsense shots to sweet, dessert-like creations.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what your next cup should be. So let’s start brewing!
Starbucks Classic Favorites
When it comes to Starbucks espresso drinks, the classics are where it all begins. These tried-and-true picks have never let me down, even when the seasonal menu gets a little too creative.
1 – Caffè Americano
I used to think the Americano was just watered-down espresso. Oh, how wrong I was. After a barista explained it’s made by pouring hot water over espresso (not the other way around).
As a result, you get a smooth, rich, bold coffee without the bitterness. Nowadays, it’s my go-to when I want something that lasts longer than a shot but still kicks harder than brewed coffee.
If you find it a little intense, adding a splash of oat milk softens the edge without ruining the depth.
2 – Espresso Macchiato
The word macchiato means “stained” or “marked” in Italian. So an Espresso Macchiato is just espresso “marked” with a touch of milk foam. It’s a simple way to slightly mellow the boldness of the espresso without diluting its intensity.
If you’re someone who doesn’t love lattes because they have too much milk, then this might be the right match for you.
Pro tip: get it with a blonde espresso if you want something smoother but still strong.
3 – Flat White
This one’s for the folks who like balance. A flat white uses ristretto shots (shorter, more concentrated pulls) and textured milk. This gives it a velvety finish that hits differently. It’s stronger than a latte, but not as frothy as a cappuccino.
4 – Cappuccino
The first “fancy” coffee I ever tried. I remember thinking it was mostly foam and feeling a little cheated, but I’ve since come to love that light, airy texture.
It’s made with one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part foam—like a little coffee cloud. If you’re new to espresso, this one’s a great starter. I suggest sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on top.
5 – Latte
The basic version is just espresso and steamed milk. So you get a mellow and creamy drink that is easily customizable. For instance, you can dress it up with syrups (caramel, hazelnut, toffee nut—you name it). Want something less sweet? Ask for half syrup or none at all. And don’t forget to try it iced when the weather warms up.
Sweet & Flavored Creations
If you’ve got a sweet tooth (especially after 2 p.m.), these flavored Starbucks drinks will hit the spot. They’re the drinks that make your order feel like a little coffee treat.
6 – Caramel Macchiato
At Starbucks, this isn’t your traditional macchiato, but rather more of a sweet and layered treat. They start by pumping vanilla syrup into the cup (usually three pumps for a tall), then add steamed milk and a bit of foam.
The espresso goes in last, poured right over the top, so it “marks” the milk.
Finally, they finish it with a caramel drizzle in that classic crisscross pattern. It’s got enough bitterness from the espresso to balance the sweet stuff.
If you don’t want the espresso sitting on top, ask for it “upside down,” which mixes everything more evenly. And yeah, if it’s a bit too sugary, just ask for fewer pumps of vanilla. Usually, one or two is enough, especially with that caramel drizzle still doing its thing.
7 – Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This one’s a newer hit, and it’s all about that smooth, spiced flavor.
It starts with a few pumps of brown sugar syrup (usually four in a grande), then they toss in blonde espresso shots—a lighter roast that’s a bit sweeter.
That shaking step? It’s not just for show. It chills the drink fast and gives it a frothy texture that feels extra fancy for something iced.
The oat milk makes it creamy without being heavy, and the brown sugar adds just enough sweetness without feeling over the top.
Furthermore, it’s dairy-free by default, customizable, and a solid pick when you want something cold, light, and slightly different.
8 – Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso
This one’s a chilled pick that’s smooth, sweet, and a little toasty. Starbucks builds it by adding toasted vanilla syrup (about four pumps for a grande), blonde espresso shots, ice, and a splash of milk—usually 2% unless you ask for something else. Then they shake it all up until it’s nice and frothy.
The toasted vanilla flavor has a slightly warm, almost caramelized taste. For this reason, it isn’t overly sweet, but not bland. The blonde espresso keeps it smooth and easy-drinking, with enough caffeine to perk you up without being too intense.
You can also switch up the milk to oat, almond, or even heavy cream if you’re feeling wild. It’s a great iced option when you’re not in the mood for bold or bitter.
9 – White Chocolate Mocha
This one’s for the sweet tooth crowd. You can expect something rich, creamy, and definitely indulgent. They start with a few pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce (commonly four in a grande), followed by espresso shots and steamed milk. Then it’s topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream to seal the deal.
The white chocolate sauce melts into the espresso, giving it that smooth, buttery sweetness without the bitterness you’d get in a regular mocha.
You can also get it iced, which keeps all the flavor but makes it a little lighter.
10 – Mocha
Chocolate and coffee are two of my absolute favorites. So putting them together just makes sense. At Starbucks, the mocha starts with a few pumps of bittersweet mocha sauce (typically four in a grande), then they add espresso, steamed milk, and top it off with whipped cream.
You get a rich, smooth combo of chocolate and coffee that never gets old. The boldness of espresso is balanced by the sweetness of cocoa, making it the perfect middle ground between a latte and hot chocolate.
I also enjoy both hot and iced. Often I choose iced mocha for summer, but of course it depends on your taste.
Stronger Espresso-Based Picks
These drinks are all about bold espresso flavor. So expect less milk and more kick. If you’re chasing more caffeine or love that rich, roasted taste, these are worth checking out.
11 – Blonde Espresso Shot
Blonde espresso surprised me the first time I tried it. I was waiting for something light. But it has more caffeine than the regular roast.
For this, they pull a shot using lightly roasted beans, which gives it a smoother, slightly sweeter taste without losing that espresso punch.
It’s perfect if you want the strength of a straight shot but find the dark roast a little too bitter. Also blonde espresso is a great swap in other drinks if you’re after more energy with a gentler flavor.
Tip: If you want to customize it, try it with a dash of cinnamon or a splash of oat milk to mellow it out even more.
12 – Doubleshot on Ice
If you want something chilled and strong, this is the move. It starts with two or three espresso shots, a little classic syrup, and milk. Then all shaken over ice until it gets that light and foamy texture.
It’s bold without being overwhelming, and the shaking helps blend everything together so you don’t get hit with just espresso on the first sip.
Tip: In case it’s not sweet enough, add a pump of vanilla or brown sugar syrup. It holds up really well to custom tweaks.
13 – Espresso Con Panna
This one keeps it simple: just espresso and whipped cream. That’s it. But somehow, it works so well.
The espresso is strong and rich, and the whipped cream softens that edge enough. It’s like a mini dessert, but without all the milk and syrup. I find it perfect when you want bold flavor in a smaller dose.
You can ask for one or two shots depending on how much kick you need.
14 – Ristretto Bianco (custom drink)
This isn’t on the main menu, but you can totally order it. A Ristretto Bianco uses ristretto shots, which are shorter, more concentrated pulls of espresso that taste bolder and a bit sweeter.
Starbucks pairs them with creamy steamed milk. The result is a drink that looks like a stronger, silkier version of a flat white.
It’s a custom favorite of mine because it feels balanced, intense, but smooth. You can order it through the app or just tell the barista what you want.
15 – Triple Espresso with Vanilla Sweet Cream
If you’re running on fumes, this one gets the job done. It’s three espresso shots over ice with a float of vanilla sweet cream on top.
The cream mixes into the espresso as you sip, giving you that sweet finish without taking away the strength. It’s a solid pick when you need serious energy but don’t want something heavy or overly sweet.
Tip: Want to go even stronger? Swap in blonde espresso and skip the sweetener; it still tastes amazing!
Iced Espresso Hits
Sometimes you need that espresso fix without the heat. These iced picks are perfect when you want something cool, caffeinated, and still packed with flavor. So here are some of my Starbucks favorites:
16 – Iced Americano
This one’s clean, bold, and refreshing. Starbucks Iced Americano is made by pouring espresso shots over cold water and ice.
I find it a great choice if you love the taste of espresso but want it chilled. You can always add a splash of milk or syrup if you want to tweak the flavor, but even plain, it’s smooth and enjoyable.
It’s also lower in calories than most iced drinks, which is a bonus if you’re watching that. Besides, it’s easy to customize and surprisingly easy to sip.
17 – Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte
If you’re new to espresso or want something sweet and mellow, this one’s a solid pick. It starts with blonde espresso shots (lighter roast, slightly more caffeine), a few pumps of vanilla syrup, and then it’s topped with cold milk and ice.
The flavor is soft and smooth with the right amount of sweetness (not too heavy, or bitter). You get that subtle coffee taste without it being overpowering.
Plus, you can make it dairy-free by switching to oat or almond milk. It’s a gentle intro to iced espresso drinks and perfect for warm days.
18 – Iced Caffè Mocha
This is what happens when you take a mocha and make it summer-friendly. At Starbucks, it’s made with espresso, bittersweet mocha sauce, cold milk, and ice, then finished with whipped cream on top.
As a result, you get something rich, chocolatey, that seems like a dessert in a cup. You still get that bold coffee base. But it’s softened by the sweet cocoa and chilled for extra refreshment.
If you want to reduce the sweetness, just ask for fewer pumps of mocha sauce. Either way, it’s a treat for chocolate and coffee lovers like me (perhaps you too).
19 – Iced Shaken Espresso
This one keeps it simple but bold. They shake espresso shots with classic syrup and ice until it’s nice and frothy, then pour it over more ice for that crisp finish.
It’s got just enough sweetness to smooth out the espresso, but still tastes strong and clean. You can add milk or swap the syrup if you want to make it your own.
I enjoy the fact that this drink is easily customizable and doesn’t feel as heavy as a latte. For this reason, it’s one of my favorites when I want something fast, cool and caffeinated.
Seasonal and Specialty Picks
I never enjoy fall all that much. I mean, the longer nights and colder weather aren’t really my thing. But there’s one thing that saves it: Starbucks seasonal drinks.
20 – Pumpkin Spice Latte (Fall Favorite)
Pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg. This drink basically is fall in a cup. The Pumpkin Spice Latte (or PSL if you’re feeling trendy) is made with a few pumps of pumpkin spice sauce, espresso, steamed milk, and then topped with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spices.
It’s warm, sweet, and full of cozy fall flavor that somehow makes even a Monday morning feel festive. The espresso gives it that kick, but the pumpkin and spice steal the show.
You can get it iced or hot, depending on your mood or the weather. Personally, I always go hot in October, it simply fits the season better.
21 – Peppermint Mocha (Holiday Favorite)
This one’s a must-have once the winter drinks roll out. Starbucks makes the Peppermint Mocha with bittersweet mocha sauce, espresso, steamed milk, and a few pumps of peppermint syrup, all topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls.
It’s chocolatey, minty, and basically tastes like a peppermint bark latte. You get that bold espresso base with a cool, festive twist.
It’s available hot, iced, or even as a Frappuccino. Usually, around the holidays, I go for it hot. It tastes like a warm, caffeinated candy cane.
Tips for Customizing Your Espresso Order
One thing I enjoy about Starbucks (definitely not their prices) is how easy it is to make a drink any way you want. With a few small tweaks, you can totally change the flavor, texture, and strength of your espresso. So here are some suggestions:
1 – Choose your milk
There are way more milk options than there used to be. Whether you go with oat, almond, soy, coconut, or stick with classic whole milk, each one brings its own vibe. I usually go oat for creaminess or almond when I want something lighter and nuttier.
2 – Adjust the sweetness and number of shots
If your drink feels too sweet, just ask for fewer pumps of syrup. They’ll customize it however you want. You can also add an extra shot if you need more caffeine, or go with only one to keep it mellow. It’s all about finding your balance.
3 – Ask for ristretto or blonde espresso
Want a smoother taste without losing the kick? Try switching to blonde espresso. As I said, it’s a lighter roast with a sweeter flavor. Or ask for ristretto shots for a more concentrated, less bitter version of the regular espresso.
4 – Add cold foam or flavored syrups
Cold foam is a fun way to change up texture, especially on iced drinks. And flavored syrups (like toffee nut, hazelnut, or brown sugar) let you turn any basic latte into something unique.
I’ll sometimes mix two syrups to see what happens. Sometimes I get a weird-tasting cup, but other times it hits the spot.
Last Thoughts
Have you tried any of the drinks on this list? Or do you have a personal favorite that deserves a spot here?
I’m always down to try something new, and who knows, your pick might just make it onto the list next time! So make sure to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading, and voilà!
