20 Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks

Every few months a new drink takes over social media. It’s usually pink, or layered, or covered in something crunchy, and somebody in the comments always asks the same thing: “Is this on the menu?”

It isn’t. Not officially, anyway. These drinks are built from ordinary ingredients that already sit behind the counter: a Frappuccino base, a couple of syrups, a sauce, a drizzle, a scoop of something fruity. Fans combine them in surprising ways, give the result a catchy name, and the internet does the rest.

The fun part is that you don’t need to be an insider to order any of them. You just need the right words. Think of this guide as a cheat sheet: 20 popular drinks, what they actually taste like, and an order you can read straight off your phone.

Is There Really a Starbucks Secret Menu?

Short answer: no, not in the way the name suggests. There’s no hidden binder, no password and no special button on the register.

What exists is a huge number of custom combinations. Starbucks has said for years that its drinks can be customized in well over a hundred thousand ways, once you count milks, syrups, sauces, shots and toppings. A “secret menu drink” is just one of those combinations that got popular enough to earn a nickname.

A few things worth knowing:

• Baristas don’t learn these drinks by name. If you ask for a “Cotton Candy Frappuccino” at the counter, you may get a polite blank stare. Ask for the ingredients and you’ll get the drink.
• Some of these ideas go mainstream. The Pink Drink started as a fan customization before it joined the regular menu.
• Starbucks has played with the idea itself. In summer 2025, the company added a small “secret menu” of customizations to its app, including a cookies-and-cream cold brew, a dressed-up dragonfruit refresher and a white mocha twist on a shaken espresso. Those were promotional, so what shows up in the app today may be different.
• Availability varies. Seasonal syrups, regional menus and individual stores all change what’s possible.

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How to Order a Secret Menu Drink Without Confusing Anyone

The golden rule: order the ingredients, not the nickname.

1. Start with the base drink. For example, “a grande Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino” or “an iced cold brew”.
2. Add the changes one at a time. Syrups first, then sauce, then toppings.
3. Say the pump counts if you care. If you don’t, the barista will use a standard amount.
4. Mention the foam or topping last.
5. End with the size and milk if you haven’t already.

Here’s a simple script you can adapt:

“Hi, can I get a [size] [base drink] with [number] pumps of [syrup], [topping], and [drizzle]?”

If you’re ordering in the app, you can build the same drink by tapping through customizations, and you can save it as a favorite so you never have to type it again.

A few manners that make everyone’s day easier

• Skip rush hour. Elaborate orders take longer, and a line out the door is not the moment to explain a five-ingredient drink.
• Have the recipe ready. A note on your phone works better than trying to remember.
• Be flexible. If a syrup is out, ask the barista what’s closest.
• Say thank you. It sounds obvious, and it matters.

The Building Blocks of Almost Every Secret Menu Drink

Once you recognize the pieces, you can invent your own.

A Rough Guide to Syrup Pumps

Syrup counts depend on size and drink type, so treat this as a guide rather than a rule.

Most of the recipes below are written with a grande in mind. If you order a different size, scale the syrup up or down, and don’t be shy about asking for “light” or “half” pumps if you prefer less sugar.

Frappuccinos and Blended Drinks

These are the dessert-in-a-cup drinks. They’re sweet, cold and creamy, and they’re where many of the best-known secret menu names come from.

1. Butterbeer Frappuccino

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This is probably the most famous one. It tastes like a cross between caramel candy and butterscotch pudding, with a warm, buttery sweetness and a little toffee finish. It’s caffeine-free because it’s built on a crème base.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Crème Frappuccino with 2 pumps of caramel syrup, 2 pumps of toffee nut syrup, and caramel drizzle on top?”

Make it your own: Add whipped cream, or ask for a caramel drizzle inside the cup for more of a dessert look.

Good to know: Toffee nut syrup is the secret hero here. It’s one of the most underused syrups on the menu, and it’s what gives this drink its butterscotch edge.

2. Cotton Candy Frappuccino

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Sweet, fruity and pastel pink. The raspberry syrup and vanilla base make something that tastes remarkably like the fair-food treat it’s named after.

How to order: “Can I get a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with raspberry syrup?” Fans typically suggest 1 pump for a tall, about 1½ for a grande and 2 for a venti, since raspberry syrup is strong.

Make it your own: Skip the whipped cream if you want it lighter.

Good to know: It’s caffeine-free, which makes it a favorite for kids’ treats and afternoon sipping.

3. Twix Frappuccino

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Caramel, chocolate and a bit of crunch. It’s rich enough to taste like candy and cold enough to feel like a milkshake.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Caramel Frappuccino with java chips, and a mocha drizzle on top?”

Make it your own: Ask for a caramel drizzle on the inside of the cup, too, for extra layers.

Good to know: Java chips are the chocolate-cookie bits that give blended drinks their texture. They blend into tiny flecks, so every sip has a little chew.

4. Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino

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Think warm bakery swirl, but cold. Cinnamon dolce syrup is sweet, spiced and slightly brown-sugary, and it pairs well with a vanilla base.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, and cinnamon dolce topping?”

Make it your own: Add a caramel drizzle for something closer to a frosted roll.

Good to know: Cinnamon dolce topping is a sprinkle, so if the store doesn’t have it, plain cinnamon works too.

5. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Frappuccino

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A fruity, creamy base with chocolate on top. It tastes like a dipped strawberry, sweet and a little tangy, with chocolate in every sip.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Strawberry Crème Frappuccino with java chips, whipped cream and a mocha drizzle?”

Make it your own: Ask for the mocha drizzle inside the cup to make it feel more indulgent.

Good to know: The strawberry base isn’t available in every location at all times, so check what’s on the menu board.

6. Nutella Frappuccino

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Chocolate and hazelnut in a cup. It’s smooth, mellow and a lot less sweet than it sounds, with a coffee backbone.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Coffee Frappuccino with 2 pumps of mocha sauce and 1 pump of hazelnut syrup?”

Make it your own: Ask for the drink to be made with a splash of whole milk for extra creaminess.

Good to know: Hazelnut syrup is easy to overdo. One pump is usually enough to taste it without overpowering the chocolate.

7. Thin Mint Frappuccino

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Cool peppermint against dark chocolate, much like the cookie it’s named after. It’s refreshing, a little minty and best on a hot afternoon.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Mocha Frappuccino with 1 pump of peppermint syrup and java chips?”

Make it your own: Add a mocha drizzle on top for extra chocolate.

Good to know: Peppermint syrup is sometimes limited to the holiday season, so ask the barista before you order.

8. S’mores Frappuccino

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Chocolate, toasted sweetness and a faint cinnamon warmth. It’s an easy way to get campfire flavors without the campfire.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Java Chip Frappuccino with a half pump of toffee nut syrup and a half pump of cinnamon dolce syrup?”

Make it your own: Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle for more dessert energy.

Good to know: The half pumps are what make it taste like toasted marshmallow, not just chocolate with spice, so it’s worth asking politely for them.

9. Raspberry Matcha Frappuccino

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Earthy matcha meets sweet-tart raspberry. It’s one of the prettiest drinks on this list, and the flavors work better together than you’d expect.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Green Tea (Matcha) Crème Frappuccino with 2 pumps of raspberry syrup?” For a tall use 1 pump, and for a venti use 3.

Make it your own: Add whipped cream for a dessert-like version.

Good to know: Matcha is naturally a little bitter, and the raspberry syrup balances that nicely.

Cold Brew and Espresso Drinks

For people who want coffee first and sweetness second.

10. Cookies on Top (the app version)

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This is one of the drinks Starbucks put into its own app as a “secret menu” item. It’s cold brew with a vanilla twist, a creamy foam and crunchy cookie pieces on top.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Cold Brew with 2 pumps of vanilla syrup, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, and cookie crumble topping?”

Make it your own: Ask for the cookie crumble on top of the foam, not stirred in, so it stays crunchy.

Good to know: Because it’s a promotional item, check the app’s Offers tab to see whether it’s currently listed.

11. Just Add White Mocha (the app version)

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Another app favorite, and the easiest way to make a familiar drink feel new. It starts with a shaken espresso that already tastes of brown sugar and oat milk, then adds white chocolate for a creamier, sweeter finish.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso with white chocolate mocha sauce, topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam?”

Make it your own: Use fewer pumps of white mocha if you want to keep the coffee flavor more prominent.

Good to know: If you like this one, try our [brown sugar shaken espresso recipe] to make a similar drink at home.

12. Candy Cane Cold Brew

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A winter favorite. White chocolate gives it a creamy base, and peppermint gives it a cool, bright finish.

How to order: “Can I get a venti Cold Brew with 4 pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce and 2 pumps of peppermint syrup, topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam with 1 pump of peppermint?”

Make it your own: Reduce the white mocha to 2 or 3 pumps if it sounds too sweet.

Good to know: This is a holiday-season drink. Peppermint syrup isn’t always available outside winter.

13. Cookies and Cream Cold Brew

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Chocolate cookie flavor in a coffee drink. The mocha foam is the best part, and the crunchy topping makes it taste like a dunked cookie.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Cold Brew with Sweet Cream, 2 pumps of vanilla syrup and mocha sauce in the drink, mocha in the foam, and cookie crumble on top?” Fan recipes often use about 2 pumps of mocha in the foam and a few more in the drink, so adjust to your sweetness level.

Make it your own: Ask for less mocha if you prefer to taste more coffee.

Good to know: This one is rich and filling. It works as dessert as much as a coffee.

14. Dubai Chocolate Matcha

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An online favorite inspired by pistachio-chocolate desserts. It’s nutty, creamy and slightly earthy from the matcha.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Iced Matcha Latte with oat milk, 2 pumps of pistachio syrup and Chocolate Cream Cold Foam?”

Make it your own: Add a crunchy topping or ask for the foam on the side.

Good to know: Pistachio syrup and chocolate cream foam are often seasonal, so you may need to adapt. A hazelnut or toffee nut swap works nicely.

15. Salted Caramel Iced Blonde Latte

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Smooth, buttery and just salty enough to keep things interesting. Blonde espresso is lighter and sweeter than the regular roast, which suits this style.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte with a splash of heavy cream and Salted Caramel Cold Foam on top?”

Make it your own: Replace the vanilla with brown sugar syrup for a deeper sweetness.

Good to know: Heavy cream makes it noticeably richer, so ask for just a splash if you want a lighter version.

Refreshers and Fruity Drinks

Coffee-free, bright and easy to customize.

16. Dragonfruit Glow-Up (the app version)

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A tropical, slushy refresher with a creamy cloud on top. It’s fruity, tangy and a little dessert-like.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher with peach juice blend, blended, and topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam?”

Make it your own: Skip the foam if you want a lighter, more refreshing drink.

Good to know: Blending turns it into a frozen drink, which is perfect for hot days.

17. Starburst Lemonade Refresher

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Sweet, tart and very candy-like. The raspberry makes it taste like a pink fruit chew.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Lemonade with 2 pumps of raspberry syrup, topped with a splash of Strawberry Açaí Refresher base?”

Make it your own: Swap the lemonade for a Strawberry Açaí Refresher with raspberry syrup for a punchier version.

Good to know: It looks great in photos because the layers separate slowly.

18. Iced Cinnamon Apple Refresher

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Apple juice, cinnamon and creamy foam. It tastes like a cold, lighter version of apple pie, and it’s a good option for people who don’t drink coffee.

How to order: “Can I get a grande iced Apple Juice with 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, topped with Cinnamon Sweet Cream Cold Foam?”

Make it your own: Ask for non-dairy cold foam if you avoid dairy.

Good to know: The cold foam is just vanilla sweet cream with syrup, so swapping the flavor is easy.

19. Berry Coconut Refresher

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Strawberry açaí made creamy. Coconut milk softens the tartness and makes the drink feel more like a smoothie.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Strawberry Açaí Refresher made with coconutmilk instead of water, with extra strawberry pieces and blackberries if you have them?”

Make it your own: Add a splash of lemonade for more tang.

Good to know: The blackberries aren’t always in stock, so don’t be surprised if you get just strawberries.

20. Raspberry White Mocha

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Creamy white chocolate with a bright berry edge. It tastes like a chocolate truffle with fruit filling, and it works hot or iced.

How to order: “Can I get a grande Iced White Chocolate Mocha with 2 pumps of raspberry syrup?” You can ask for it hot in winter.

Make it your own: Use half the usual white mocha sauce if you find it too sweet.

Good to know: It’s a good “beginner” secret menu drink because it uses only a couple of changes.

Quick Comparison of All 20 Drinks

Which One Should You Try First?

How to Recreate These at Home

You don’t need a coffee shop to get the same flavors. A few simple building blocks cover most of the list above.

Vanilla sweet cream cold foam (homemade). Combine about 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup in a small jar. Froth with a handheld frother for 20 to 30 seconds until it’s thick and spoonable. Pour it over any cold drink.

Cinnamon dolce-style syrup. Simmer ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of water and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for 3 to 4 minutes, then cool. It makes a good base for cinnamon roll or apple drinks.

Easy blended base. Blend 1 cup of milk, 1½ cups of ice, 2 tablespoons of syrup and a spoonful of sugar until slushy. Add chocolate chips for a java chip feel.

Fruity refreshers. Mix juice (apple, white grape or lemonade) with a splash of fruit syrup and plenty of ice. Top with cold foam for the creamy look.

Coffee. Strong brewed coffee, cold brew or espresso all work as a base.

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Nutrition Overview

Starbucks publishes official nutrition numbers, and the app’s customization screen updates them as you add syrups and toppings. The ranges below are only rough orientation for a grande, since every change shifts the totals.

Easy ways to lighten any of these:

Caffeine note: drinks with espresso, cold brew or matcha contain caffeine. Crème Frappuccinos and juice-based drinks don’t (except for tea or green coffee extract in Refreshers). If you’re sensitive to caffeine, are pregnant or have a medical condition, check with your doctor and look at the official nutrition information.

Pro Tips for Better Secret Menu Orders

• Write your order down. A note on your phone beats trying to remember five ingredients.
• Use the app. It lets you build, save and re-order custom drinks, and it shows the price before you pay.
• Keep it to three changes. Simpler orders are quicker, and the drink usually tastes more balanced.
• Start with half the sweetness. You can always add syrup next time.
• Ask what’s available. Seasonal items disappear, and the barista will know what’s in stock.
• Be specific about foam. “Vanilla sweet cream cold foam” and “sweet cream” are different things.
• Try drinks in a smaller size first. A tall is a cheap way to test a new combination.
• Pay attention to drizzles. Ask for drizzle “inside the cup” if you want those pretty stripes.
• Be kind about mistakes. If something isn’t right, mention it politely and ask for a quick fix.
• Use your own favorites as a starting point. Most great secret menu drinks are small changes to an order you already like.

Customization Ideas to Make Any Drink Your Own

• Swap the milk. Oat milk adds creaminess, almond milk keeps it lighter, coconut milk adds a tropical note.
• Change the foam. Vanilla, caramel, chocolate or cinnamon sweet cream foam all change the flavor.
• Add a flavored shot. An extra espresso shot or a blonde shot shifts the coffee balance.
• Try a different drizzle. Caramel, mocha or white mocha each add a different finish.
• Go half-sweet. Ask for half the number of syrup pumps.
• Turn it into a Frappuccino. Many iced drinks can be blended.
• Make it hot. Many of these flavor combos work well hot, especially the cinnamon and white mocha ones.
• Use the seasonal syrup. Pumpkin, peppermint or toffee flavors can transform a basic drink in the right season.

Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Problems

Quick Facts About the Starbucks Secret Menu

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The best thing about the secret menu is that it was never really secret. It’s what happens when people get curious about a long list of ingredients and decide to try something new. You don’t need a special code, a rare syrup or a perfect order. You need a base you like, one or two flavors you’re curious about and a polite smile.

Pick one drink from this list, save it in your notes and give it a try. If it works, make it yours. Change the syrup, swap the foam or take out the whipped cream. That’s all the secret menu has ever been.

If you try any of these, I’d love to hear which one became your favorite. Leave a comment below, and save this guide on Pinterest for your next coffee run.

This article is not affiliated with or endorsed by Starbucks. Drink names, ingredients and availability vary by store and region, and recipes may change over time.

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