How to Enjoy Every Drink on the Starbucks Fall Menu, Even If You Don’t Drink Coffee
With all of the hype around the new fall menu at Starbucks, it seems like the world has forgotten about those of us who don't drink coffee.
Whether you're like me and the caffeine leaves you a jittery, hyperactive mess with head and tummy aches—or you're just not allowed to drink it—not all of us are down with espresso.
That's why I've spent the last couple of weeks visiting various Starbucks locations and asking the baristas for their coffee-less recommendations.
Even if you do drink coffee, each of these seasonal drinks is worth trying at least once. Here's how to order them all.
Tip: If you're feeling self-conscious about asking for something so specific, don't. None of the orders on this list come even close to the stereotypical nightmare order of a half-whole milk, half-non-fat, extra hot, two shots espresso, no-foam latte with two Splendas, half a pump of chocolate syrup and three shakes of extra cinnamon. You're all good.
Chile Mocha Steamer
The Chile Mocha is an all-new drink this year, combining coffee with chocolate, cinnamon and chile for a little bit of heat. But the coffee isn't a mandatory!
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How to Order: Ask for a steamed milk or milk sub (A.K.A. a steamer) with chile mocha powder mixed in. That's it!
The result is a a very mellow hot chocolate with a little bit of spice. It has just the right amount of sweetness, and it's not too rich or chocolaty. It burns a bit going down, but in a good way.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
The Salted Caramel Mocha is an old favorite, and it's back this year. It's like a regular mocha, but with toffee nut syrup, caramel drizzle and sea salt mixed right in. Of course, you don't have to order it as a mocha.
How to Order: The Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate was on the actual Starbucks menu, once upon a time. If you ask for one, they'll know how to set you up.
The taste is rich and creamy, with a touch of salt that kicks up the caramel and chocolate flavors. It's so good.
By the way, a standard cup of hot chocolate has 5 mg of caffeine. A cup of coffee has 95 mg, so enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Everything
Before Starbucks made the Pumpkin Spice Latte—the No. 1 sign that fall is finally upon is—pumpkins were for carving and pies, and that was about it.
The latte is the gold standard, but there are other ways to enjoy pumpkin spice at Starbucks. Two of my faves don't even require coffee.
How to Order a Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: Order a regular hot chocolate and ask to substitute the vanilla syrup for pumpkin spice syrup.
Pumpkin spice and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The flavors complement each other really well, and the syrup gives the hot chocolate a sweet autumny boost.
How to Order a Pumpkin Spice Steamer: Order a steamer with pumpkin spice syrup.
This drink is lightly sweet and super creamy, with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor. If you think traditional PSLs are too sweet, this will be just right for you. It tastes like Thanksgiving in a cup!
Craving something special? Baristas are nice people, so don't be shy and just ask.
And if you're still not sure what you want to order, click HERE to see which Starbucks drink your zodiac sign has in store for you.