What Exactly Is the Starbucks Secret Menu?
The Starbucks Secret Menu is an unofficial collection of custom drink recipes created by customers, baristas, and social media influencers. These aren't official Starbucks offerings—you won't find them listed in stores or on the official app. Instead, they're creative combinations of existing ingredients that baristas can make if you know exactly what to ask for.
Important Facts About the Secret Menu
It's not actually secret: Starbucks doesn't have an official secret menu. All "secret" drinks are made from existing ingredients.
It varies by location: Some stores may not have specific ingredients or may have different policies about complex custom orders.
You need the recipe: Baristas won't know what you mean if you just say "I want a Birthday Cake Frappuccino." You need to know the exact recipe.
Some become official: Several secret menu items have become so popular that Starbucks added them to the official menu (like the Pink Drink).
How to Order From the Secret Menu: Barista Tips
Ordering secret menu items requires specific techniques to ensure you get exactly what you want while maintaining a good relationship with your barista.
⚠️ Golden Rules for Ordering
- Know the exact recipe - ingredients and proportions
- Order during less busy times if your drink is complex
- Be polite and patient - these are custom creations
- Have a backup plan if ingredients aren't available
- Use the mobile app for complex customizations
Ordering Methods That Work Best
| Method | Best For | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Order | Complex drinks with many customizations | Take your time customizing, no pressure at the register |
| At the Register | Simple secret menu drinks | Have the recipe written down or saved on your phone |
| Drive-Thru | Only if you know the exact Starbucks terminology | Keep it simple - avoid complex layered drinks |
Secret Menu Frappuccinos
Frappuccinos are the most customizable drinks at Starbucks, making them perfect for secret menu creations. Here are the most popular Frappuccino variations.
Oreo Frappuccino
A fan favorite that tastes just like the classic cookie. This drink combines chocolate and vanilla flavors perfectly.
Recipe:
- Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Add java chips (2 scoops tall, 3 grande, 4 venti)
- Add mocha drizzle to the cup before blending
- Top with whipped cream and more mocha drizzle
Captain Crunch Frappuccino
This creative drink captures the flavor of the classic cereal with a berry twist.
Recipe:
- Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino
- Add hazelnut syrup (1 pump tall, 2 grande, 3 venti)
- Add toffee nut syrup (1 pump tall, 2 grande, 3 venti)
- Add caramel drizzle to the cup
- Top with whipped cream
Apple Pie Frappuccino
A perfect autumnal treat that tastes like warm apple pie in a cup.
Recipe:
- Apple Juice to the first line
- Whole milk to the second line
- Add cinnamon dolce syrup (2 pumps tall, 3 grande, 4 venti)
- Add caramel syrup (1 pump tall, 2 grande, 3 venti)
- Add cinnamon powder (2 scoops)
- Creme Frappuccino base
- Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon dolce sprinkles
Pro Tip:
This is best ordered during fall when apple juice is typically available. Some stores may not have apple juice year-round.
Seasonal Secret Menu Items
These drinks are perfect for specific times of the year and often use seasonal ingredients that may not be available year-round.
Holiday Secret Drinks
During the holiday season, Starbucks releases special ingredients that creative customers use to make incredible secret menu items.
Eggnog Chai Latte
Combine the holiday favorite eggnog with the warm spices of chai for the ultimate winter drink.
How to order: "I'd like a Chai Tea Latte made with eggnog instead of milk, with an extra pump of chai."
Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino
A frozen version of the holiday classic that's even more indulgent.
How to order: "Can I get a Mocha Frappuccino with peppermint syrup instead of regular mocha, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls?"
Summer Refreshers
Light, fruity drinks perfect for hot summer days.
Sunset Refresher
This beautiful gradient drink looks like a summer sunset.
How to order: "I'd like a Mango Dragonfruit Refresher with coconut milk, and can you add a splash of strawberry açaí on top for a gradient effect?"
Blue Typhoon
A tropical blue drink that's as refreshing as it looks.
How to order: "Can I get a Passion Tango Iced Tea with no water, substitute coconut milk, add vanilla syrup, and a splash of blueberry juice?"
Barista-Recommended Secret Drinks
These are the drinks that Starbucks employees actually make for themselves. They know the menu inside out and create incredible combinations.
The Undertow
A barista secret for decades, the Undertow is a layered shot of espresso that you drink quickly. It's not for everyone, but caffeine lovers swear by it.
Recipe:
- 2 pumps of syrup (vanilla or caramel work best) in a short cup
- Cold milk poured over a spoon to create a layer (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 shots of espresso slowly poured over the back of a spoon to create a top layer
How to Order:
This is tricky to order unless you know a barista. Best to make friends at your local Starbucks first!
Dirty Chai
A simple but perfect addition to a classic chai tea latte.
Recipe:
- Chai Tea Latte (hot or iced)
- Add a shot of espresso (1 for tall/grande, 2 for venti)
- For extra kick: Add blonde espresso shots
How to Order:
"Can I get a [size] Chai Tea Latte with [X] shot(s) of espresso added?"
Dietary-Specific Secret Menu Items
Custom drinks for specific dietary needs or preferences.
| Dietary Need | Recommended Secret Drink | Key Modifications |
|---|---|---|
| Low Sugar | Skinny Vanilla Latte | Sugar-free vanilla syrup, nonfat milk, no whipped cream |
| Vegan | Vegan Pink Drink | Strawberry Açaí with coconut milk, no inclusions (they contain cochineal) |
| Keto | Keto White Drink | Passion Tango Tea, heavy cream, sugar-free vanilla syrup |
| Dairy-Free | Dragon Drink Custom | Mango Dragonfruit with coconut milk, no dairy inclusions |
How to Create Your Own Secret Menu Drink
Once you understand the basics, you can start creating your own custom Starbucks creations.
The Building Blocks of Custom Drinks
1. Choose Your Base
- Coffee bases: Brewed coffee, espresso, cold brew
- Tea bases: Black, green, herbal teas
- Creme bases: Vanilla bean, chocolate, strawberry crème
- Refresher bases: Strawberry açaí, mango dragonfruit, pineapple passionfruit
2. Select Your Milk
- Dairy: Whole, 2%, nonfat, breve (half-and-half)
- Non-dairy: Almond, coconut, oat, soy
- Specialty: Sweet cream, cold foam variations
3. Add Flavors
- Syrups: Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, toffee nut, raspberry, etc.
- Sauces: Mocha, white chocolate, caramel, pumpkin spice
- Powders: Matcha, vanilla bean, chocolate malt
4. Customize Texture & Temperature
- Temperature: Extra hot, kids temp, no ice, light ice
- Texture: No foam, extra foam, blended, double-blended
- Toppings: Whipped cream, drizzles, sprinkles, inclusions
Ready to explore more creative Frappuccino combinations and seasonal specialties?
Discover More Frappuccino RecipesSecret Menu Etiquette & Troubleshooting
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Barista doesn't know the drink
Solution: Have the recipe ready. Say "I have a custom order" and read the ingredients slowly.
Problem: Store doesn't have an ingredient
Solution: Ask for alternatives. "If you don't have toffee nut, could I get hazelnut instead?"
Problem: Drink comes out wrong
Solution: Be polite when asking for a remake. "I'm sorry, I think there might have been a misunderstanding. Could I get this remade with [specific correction]?"
When NOT to Order Secret Menu Items
- During morning rush (7-9 AM weekdays)
- At drive-thru during peak hours
- If there's a long line behind you
- If the store looks understaffed or overwhelmed
- Right before closing time
The Evolution of Starbucks Secret Menu
The secret menu phenomenon began in the early 2000s with online forums where Starbucks enthusiasts shared their custom creations. The trend accelerated with the rise of social media platforms:
Timeline of Key Developments
2005-2010: Early internet forums and blogs share the first secret recipes
2011: Pinterest becomes a hub for Starbucks secret menu recipes
2014: The "Pink Drink" emerges on Instagram and goes viral
2016: Starbucks officially adds the Pink Drink to their menu
2018-2020: TikTok revolutionizes the secret menu with video tutorials
2021-Present: Secret menu items regularly trend on social media, with new creations appearing weekly
Today, the Starbucks secret menu represents the creativity of millions of customers worldwide. It's a testament to the customizable nature of Starbucks beverages and the community that has formed around them.
Updated regularly with new recipes and seasonal favorites