We Ranked Starbucks' 23 Most Popular Coffee Drinks from Worst to Best

Sure, tea may be the most popular beverage in the world, but here in the USA, we tend to prefer the much superior drink: coffee. And while Starbucks can be divisive among coffee lovers, I’m grateful that the giant ushered in a new wave of popularity for coffee. So whether your preferred Starbucks coffee is a simple cup of black or a vanilla soy latte sugar bomb, we raise our mugs to your love of the actual best drink in the world.

Pike Place Roast

I’m not sure what it is about the Starbucks Pike Place that makes me regret ordering it more often than not. I know it has been on the menu perhaps as long as Starbucks has existed, but it never seems to be a consistent brew from location to location. I’ve had more badly brewed Pike Place Roasts than good ones. It absolutely deserves to be ranked dead last.

Caffè Americano

I’m not sure why Americanos actually exist. They’re just an espresso that has been diluted with water… so you get something that tastes worse yet takes longer to drink. It’s true that a properly made Americano has a delicious layer of crema if the water is poured properly, but that rarely seems to be the case when ordered in a busy Starbucks. Despite it being a popular drink, I only rank it better than the Pike Place roast because it at least doesn’t have the common burnt taste.

Cappuccino

The cappuccino is a respectable drink by most accounts. It was one of the first nontraditional American coffees to become popular. And while its Italian heritage adds to the authenticity of the drink, it’s not terribly exciting. I do appreciate that the drink is naturally unsweetened (a rarity on the Starbucks menu), but if you’re going to order one of these, consider asking for it “wet” so the barista uses more steamed milk and less foam.

Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte

Iced lattes are incredibly popular drinks, especially during the warmer months. And the vanilla latte in particular could be considered a stone-cold Starbucks classic. The benefit… or drawback (depending on your tastes), is that it is essentially a milder espresso. In my view, this defeats the purpose of an espresso, but I understand that some coffee lovers do appreciate a less intense approach.

Flat White

Like the cappuccino, the quality of the flat white varies based on the skill of the barista making it. It’s similar to a cappuccino as well but is made with whole milk and ristretto, which gives it a bolder and creamier flavor. It also has less caffeine, which can be a bonus for coffee lovers looking to ease the buzz. Part of the appeal of the flat white is the perfectly centered dot of white in the middle where the milk is poured. This is a nice touch if you’re lucky enough to see it.

Nitro Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is one of the newest fads — and for good reason. You get all the benefits of coffee and its flavor, but without the acidity. For some folks with sensitive digestive systems, cold brew has allowed them to actually enjoy coffee for the first time. The added nitrogen gives the coffee an almost creamy quality and the resulting foam is a very pleasant experience.

Java Chip Frappuccino

Coffee and chocolate were made for one another, and this is our first chocolate-influenced coffee on the list! The Java Chip Frapp includes chocolate chips and mocha-flavored syrup along with other sweeteners and topped with whipped cream. It’s essentially a dessert, let’s be serious, and the calorie count proves it. But it’s still popular for a reason and can be a nice change from your standard mochas.

iced sugar cookie almondmilk latte — Starbucks

Who says you can’t add sprinkles to coffee? If sprinkles spark joy for you, then the Ice Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte is a drink to behold. Like the sugar cookies it is based on, the flavor is almost buttery with vanilla notes. While some folks prefer whole milk in their drinks, this almond milk variety is perfect for those who want (or need) to consume less dairy.

Irish Cream Cold Brew

If you are fan of adding Bailey’s to your coffee, the Irish Cream Cold Brew can give you similar flavors without the alcohol. It’s a relatively new addition to the Starbucks holiday menu, but it offers something a lot of the other holiday drinks don’t: fewer calories. It doesn’t have all the sugars and syrups that most of Starbucks holiday drinks have, and the less sweet taste really hits the spot for coffee lovers who don’t want a super dessert-style coffee drink.

Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew

This is a version of the Nitro Cold Brew with Starbucks most potent “secret” ingredient: vanilla syrup. Add a little sweet cream to the top and you have this delicious coffee drink, more complex and sweeter than the plain Nitro Cold Brew, but still a satisfying coffee.

Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

If you like sweet coffee drinks, then this is a solid choice. It’s made with two shots of espresso, milk, white mocha sauce, whipped cream, and sprinkles. It embodies the notoriety of the “dessert drinks” that Starbucks gets made fun of for, but for those craving sugar, chocolate, and caffeine, the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha checks all the boxes and will have you bouncing off the walls.

Pistachio Latte

The “latte” part of this drink is exactly what you’d expect: espresso and steamed milk. But the added pistachio nuttiness and brown butter topping make this a sophisticated sweet drink that satisfies both your sweet and salty cravings. It’s a relatively new holiday offering, first served in 2021, but I hope to see it again every year.

Chestnut Praline Latte

Talk about decadent! This latte’s added spiced praline crumbs and whipped cream turn it into a sensory playground. It’s sweet, it’s buttery, and the spice adds a nice little punch. If you are a fan of praline, then it’s a no-brainer. If you aren’t a fan of praline, I still encourage you to try a sip.

Apple Crisp Macchiato

Apples may have lost some of their seasonality thanks to being available all year round in grocery stores, but to me, apples still say “autumn” and this macchiato will get you into the fall mindset. Sure, there are more popular fall drinks on the Starbucks menu, but if you prefer apples to pumpkins, then this is an easy choice.

Iced White Chocolate Mocha

Fans of white chocolate already know the Iced White Chocolate Mocha is a go-to Starbucks drink. Whether hot or cold, the white chocolate stands out and creates a fun base to add additional flavors. It’s sweeter than the standard chocolate mocha, but sugar lovers aren’t going to mind that one bit. If you don’t like white chocolate, then take a pass, but if you are on the fence I think it’s worth an order.

Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

One of the newest drinks on the list, the Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso packs a delicious punch and definitely makes up for the awkward word salad you have to spit out to order one. The toasted vanilla is a delicious alternative to the brown sugar version of the drink it was based on. The oat flavors actually shine through in this drink, and coffee lovers who despise almond milk should definitely consider giving this non-dairy drink a try.

Caramel Frappuccino

Caramel is such a simple concept and a delicious flavor that compliments the bitterness of coffee like nothing else. Caramel, along with vanilla, are probably Starbucks most popular flavors across the board. Yes, they’re classic — and maybe a little “basic” — but the results speak for themselves. This drink does bring the calorie count, so be prepared. But on a hot summer day, it’s hard to beat a Caramel Frapp.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

You’ve perhaps been waiting to see where the PSL would rank on this list. While it has become as much of a calling card of autumn as colored leaves and apple harvesting, its position in popularity (and meme-dom) is well deserved. The PSL is a fantastic fall drink which is on the milder side of many Starbucks lattes, but I think it only broadened its appeal and may have contributed to its phenomenal success.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

It’s a good thing Starbucks wasn’t content with the Pumpkin Spice Latte’s popularity because in 2019 they introduced the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, which I think blows the PSL out of the water. And let’s face it — sometimes the autumn months are still warm and a nice cold coffee drink is what you need. Instead of ordering that PSL on a hot September day, try the cold brew version. I guarantee you’ll be a fan.

Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

Sweet and salty fans, please stand up! The Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks is a delicious blend of vanilla, salted caramel, and cold-brewed coffee. The salted caramel cream foam on top of the drink is pure bliss. While it’s not a holiday drink, it feels festive. And while it’s not a summertime drink, it feels refreshing. Truly one of the best Starbucks offerings.

Related: 30 Delicious Mocktail Ideas

Ice Caramel Macchiato

Another Starbucks staple that has been around for decades, the Iced Caramel Macchiato packs a real caffeine punch and brings the sweetness without the calories the other seasonal drinks are loaded with. It’s available all year round, but it’s an especially solid go-to during the warmer months. It’s not a complex drink, making it a safe choice for someone wanting to experiment with sweet coffee drinks without committing to bold flavors.

Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

Oat milk makes a return as a non-dairy alternative in the classic Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso. Unlike almond milk, oat milk actually brings some interesting flavor qualities to the drink that really complement the brown sugar. The bit of ground cinnamon tops off the brilliant flavors in this drink, and it packs a caffeine punch without all the calories that other sweet coffee drinks do. You can’t go wrong with this drink… and there’s only one left on our list.

Peppermint Mocha

What says “holiday season” more than a Peppermint Mocha? Inevitably, this becomes my go-to drink when gift shopping in retailers who have a built-in Starbucks. It brings the holiday spirit like no other — there’s a good reason it is THE most popular Starbucks holiday drink. It’s absolutely delicious. It’s also been around for decades now and is tried and true. Most of Starbucks’ newer concoctions can’t hold a candle to the classic Peppermint Mocha.