The Ex-Barista Answers

Boy have I received alot of questions lately about Starbucks! Most of you I have responded to, but if I haven't its probably because you don't have your email listed! Sorry!

But let me get to a few of your questions:

#1 SORRY but the pumpkin spice latte is something I can't help with. They have a special syrup (like the white mocha) that is not sold by starbucks, its a flavor the store gets made for them in bulk...and they don't sell. If you find another company that makes a pumpkin spice sauce/syrup for coffee...you can use the ratio's here to make a similar drink. Torani and Da Vinci both make some. It will probably be different, since the speciality blends for starbucks is more of a creamy sauce than a syrup. They do both have a "sauce" that looks similar to me. (Click here and here)That goes for the white mocha. The mocha they do sell in a powder form (which is how the store gets it too) and you just add water. For peppermint mocha for example- you simple add the pumps of peppermint consistent with the ratios here as well

#2 Syrups: You can buy them online here for 10.95 it looks like. Last time I bought it in store it was $6.95. So it may be cheaper in stores, or it may be that prices went up.

#3 My favorite drinks: Oh goodness, it depends but here are some you could try!!

Green Tea Latte (hot or iced)- I love it unsweetened. Its low calorie, and high caffeine for a tea

Soy Mocha- but I usually take half the pumps of a normal mocha- less calories, and less chocolately goo at the end

And my favorite airport drink (and what I had on my lunch every day at starbucks)

A soy strawberry banana vivano, in a venti cup with extra soy, and no protein powder, but with 2 scoops of matcha instead.

Okay, I love this- but you may not. Its also EXPENSIVE. Which is why I only get it with my free drink coupons (see below about those!) its an ugly baby pea green color, but for the most part its healthy and not bad for calories. Great for a quick lunch drink. YES- they will look at you like you are CRAZY. Its not a "cool barista" drink. Its just me an my weird self.

Iced Unsweetened Passion Tea- Its a good bitter taste. I love it (plus free refills! See below again!)

#4 Frappuccinos: Also something that is from a base mix. That isn't something the barista's know what is in it.

#5 And finally- how do you say the drink correctly? Think of it as reading down the cup marker (with a couple changes)

If it is Decaf
Shots (if it is different then a normal ratio)

Size

Syrup  (if it is different then a normal ratio)

Milk (if it is different than 2%)

Custom  (extra ice, extra hot, light foam, no whip)

Drink Title

Grande No foam extra hot Green Tea Latte

Venti 2 pump extra ice passion tea lemonade 

Decaf Triple Grande 2 pump soy no whip mocha

Just remember:

Shots=espresso

Pumps= Syrup