For many coffee lovers, visiting Starbucks isn’t just about grabbing a caffeine fix—it’s about personalization. Customizing drinks to fit exact tastes, preferences, and dietary needs has become a beloved ritual. Enter the world of “secret menu” drinks: handcrafted concoctions not listed on the official menu but widely known and occasionally shared among baristas and enthusiasts. While these drinks can’t be ordered with a single tap like a Pumpkin Spice Latte, you can order them through the Starbucks mobile app—with a little insider knowledge.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about ordering a secret drink on the Starbucks app, from understanding what a secret menu is and why it exists, to detailed steps on customization, ingredient substitutions, and navigating the mobile interface like a pro. Whether you’re a first-time customizer or a seasoned Starbucks insider, you’ll walk away fully equipped to build your favorite off-menu creation right from your phone.
What Is a Starbucks Secret Menu?
The Starbucks secret menu is an unofficial collection of drink recipes curated by customers, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts over the years. These drinks aren’t printed on Starbucks menus, nor are they officially supported by corporate—yet they’re served in stores every day. With over a million possible drink variations, Starbucks’ customization options make this hidden menu not only possible but highly popular.
Why does the secret menu exist? Starbucks’ extensive list of syrups, milk alternatives, espresso options, and add-ons allows for significant flexibility in drink formulation. Creative customers began experimenting—combining unexpected ingredients, adjusting ratios, and inventing new beverage experiences. As these recipes gained traction on social media, blogs, and customer word-of-mouth, they became known collectively as the secret menu.
Notable examples include:
- The “Unicorn Frappuccino” (a viral sensation)
- The “Butterbeer Latte” (inspired by Harry Potter)
- The “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” (a refreshing herbal blend)
While not every store may recognize every recipe, most baristas are familiar with popular entries and are happy to accommodate custom orders—especially when details are clear and respectful.
Can You Actually Order a Secret Menu Drink on the Starbucks App?
Yes—you absolutely can order a secret menu drink through the Starbucks mobile app. However, unlike official menu items, you won’t find them pre-programmed under a specific name. Instead, you must customize an existing base drink and manually input the ingredients that match the secret recipe.
This process is not only possible but encouraged by Starbucks, which promotes an inclusive approach to beverage creation. Once your custom drink is saved to your profile, you can reorder it with just a few taps—turning your off-menu favorite into a personalized permanent feature.
Understanding App Limitations
While the Starbucks app is powerful, it does have some constraints:
– You cannot type arbitrary drink names directly into the search bar and expect them to appear.
– There are no predefined templates for most secret drinks.
– Some ingredient combinations may not appear in autocomplete suggestions.
However, these limitations don’t cancel out customization. They just mean you need to take a more hands-on approach when building your drink.
Why Use the App to Order Secret Drinks?
There are several compelling reasons to order your secret drink through the app instead of in person:
1. Accuracy: When you build your drink digitally, every modification is recorded precisely. No more miscommunication between you and the barista about syrup pumps or ice levels.
2. Speed: Skip the line and pick up your custom drink from the pickup area. No waiting to explain your unique order.
3. Consistency: Save your drink to your favorites, and it will be replicated perfectly every time—down to the milk type and temperature.
4. Rewards: Every app purchase earns Stars that contribute to free drinks, food, and exclusive experiences through the Starbucks Rewards program.
Step-by-Step Guide: Ordering a Secret Drink on the Starbucks App
Ready to take control of your Starbucks experience? Follow this seven-step process to craft and order your secret drink.
Step 1: Identify the Base Drink
All secret drinks start with a known, existing Starbucks beverage. For example:
– “Strawberry Acai Refresher” serves as the base for the “Pink Drink.”
– “Blonde Caffè Latte” becomes the foundation for the “Honey Almondmilk Flat White.”
Choose a drink that closely matches the ingredients and format of the secret menu item you want.
Step 2: Open the Starbucks App and Select “Order”
Ensure you are logged into your Starbucks Rewards account. Navigate to the Order tab at the bottom of the screen. This will open the menu for the nearest available store or a store of your choice.
Step 3: Search and Add the Base Drink to Your Cart
Use the search bar or browse the menu to find your base drink. Tap on it to open the customization options. The app will display standard sizes and default ingredients.
Step 4: Customize Every Element of the Drink
This is where your creativity comes in. Use the app’s customization tools to adjust:
Milk Substitutions
Tap “Milk Options” to replace dairy with:
– Almond milk
– Oat milk
– Soy milk
– Coconut milk
– Whole, 2%, or nonfat milk
For example, to make the “Pink Drink,” select the Strawberry Acai Refresher and switch from water to coconut milk.
Syrups and Sauces
Under “Flavor Modifications,” choose the syrup or sauce you’d like to add or adjust. You can:
– Add extra pumps (e.g., 3 pumps of vanilla)
– Change syrup types (e.g., switch raspberry to peach)
– Remove syrups entirely
Some secret drinks, like the “Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato,” rely heavily on syrup combos—2 pumps of cinnamon dolce plus almondmilk.
Ice, Temperature, and Toppings
Choose between:
– Light ice
– No ice
– Extra ice (where applicable)
– Hot or iced versions
You can also add whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or food coloring (limited availability).
Espresso Shots or Caffeine Level
For coffee-based drinks, modify the number of espresso shots:
– +1 or +2 shots for extra strength
– Decaf espresso if desired
The “Iced White Chocolate Mocha with Extra Shot,” for example, starts with a standard White Chocolate Mocha base.
Step 5: Verify and Confirm Your Customization
Before finalizing, carefully review the list of modifications. The app displays your changes in a summary format under “Customization.” Make sure it matches the secret menu recipe you intended to order.
Example: Making the “Honey Citrus Mint Tea”
– Base: Teavana Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea
– Add honey (selects “Honey Packet” under “Add-Ins”)
– Add one pump of raspberry syrup
– Add a few fresh mint leaves (note: digital app doesn’t support mint addition—barista must do this manually)
In this case, you’ll need to include a note.
Step 6: Add Special Instructions
Some modifications can’t be selected via buttons—like adding fresh mint, skipping a lid, or requesting a specific water-to-juice ratio. That’s where the “Special Instructions” field becomes essential.
Be clear and specific: Instead of “add mint,” write “Please add a few fresh mint leaves to the drink before shaking.”
This note appears in the barista’s display screen, so concise yet detailed instructions ensure your drink turns out right.
Step 7: Save Your Drink to Favorites (Optional but Recommended)
After ordering, you’ll have the option to “Save this customization.” Tap it and assign a recognizable name—like “My Pink Drink” or “Butterbeer Latte.”
Now, you can:
– Reorder it with one tap
– Share saved drinks with friends (by showing them the steps)
– Track your Stars for rewards
Popular Secret Menu Drinks You Can Order via the App
Here are several customer-favorite off-menu drinks you can successfully create and order through the app.
The Pink Drink
Originally a viral internet sensation, the Pink Drink combines fruitiness with creaminess.
To build it:
– Base: Strawberry Acai Refresher
– Substitute: Coconut milk for water (under “Milk Options”)
– No extra syrups needed—natural sweetness from the base
– Add light ice if preferred
This results in a lighter, creamier, and subtly sweet beverage.
The Dragon Drink
A tropical cousin to the Pink Drink, the Dragon Drink features mango and dragonfruit.
App customization:
– Base: Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
– Substitute: Coconut milk
– Add one pump of vanilla syrup
– Shake well (barista will do this)
The creamy coconut milk softens the tartness of the mango, creating a smoothie-like texture.
Cinnamon Almondmilk Latte (Iced or Hot)
While this drink gained official seasonal status, it originated as a secret menu favorite—and variations are still customized via the app.
Customize like this:
– Base: Iced Caffè Latte (or Brewed Coffee for a lighter version)
– Milk: Almond milk
– Add: 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup
– Optional: Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
It’s vegan (without whipped cream), low-calorie, and warm-tasting even when served cold.
Honey Almondmilk Flat White
A refined espresso drink popular among health-conscious customers.
How to build:
– Base: Flat White (uses ristretto shots)
– Milk: Almond milk
– Add: Honey (under “Add-Ins”)
– Request extra hot or standard temperature via notes
The honey amplifies the nutty flavors of the almond milk, creating a smoother, naturally sweet espresso experience.
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
A twist on the Salted Caramel Cold Brew that features velvety cold foam.
Steps:
– Base: Cold Brew
– Add: 2 pumps of caramel syrup
– Add: Cold foam topping
– Add: Sprinkle of salt on foam (specify in notes)
– Optional: Caramel drizzle on cup walls
This drink is indulgent yet balanced, with the salt cutting through the sweetness.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting App-Customized Secret Drinks
1. Know What’s Available in the App
The app supports:
– All milk types
– Most syrups and some sauces
– Ice levels and temperatures
– Add-ins like honey, mocha drizzle, whipped cream
But it doesn’t support:
– Fresh fruit additions
– Complex garnishes
– Unofficial syrups or ingredients not in Starbucks’ system
Always verify ingredient availability through the app before building.
2. Research the Official Recipe First
Popular secret drinks often have well-documented recipes on sites like:
– StarbuckSecretMenu.net
– Reddit (r/starbucks)
– TikTok and Instagram recipe influencers
Cross-reference these before you customize to avoid surprises.
3. Start Simple, Then Refine
If you’re new to drink customization, begin with one change at a time. Try a milk swap first, then add syrup, then adjust ice. This helps you understand how each element influences the final taste.
4. Use Clear Notes for Manual Adjustments
Many secret drinks require barista attention—like adding fresh mint or layering syrup in a specific way. In the “Special Instructions” box, write:
– What you want added
– Where it should go (e.g., “add mint to shaker before shaking”)
– Any preparation quirks (e.g., “extra foam” or “no straw”)
Tip: Avoid overly long notes. Be direct: “Pink Drink with coconut milk, light ice, add fresh mint.” One sentence often suffices.
5. Save Your Creations Immediately
After your first order, save the drink to Favorites. That way, you won’t have to rebuild it next time—even if you tweak it later.
Common Challenges and How to Solve Them
Challenge 1: The Barista Doesn’t Know the Drink Name
Even if you save your drink as “Unicorn Drink,” that name won’t mean anything to the barista—only your ingredient list does.
Solution: Rely on your customization, not the name. If you’ve correctly modified the base drink, your order should come out right regardless of the name you gave it.
Challenge 2: Certain Ingredients Aren’t Listed in the App
For example, matcha isn’t available in syrup form, and some food items can’t be ordered with drinks via the app.
Solution: Use close approximations. For a “Matcha Lemonade,” order “Iced Green Tea” and add lemonade via note: “Please substitute water with lemonade,” and “add matcha powder.” Some baristas may charge a small add-on fee for non-standard prep.
Challenge 3: Customization Options Don’t Apply to Certain Drinks
Some beverages, like bottled drinks or seasonal specials, may have limited modification capabilities.
Solution: Stick to core menu items for maximum customization. Latte, Caffè Mocha, Refresher, and Cold Brew categories typically offer the broadest flexibility.
Why Starbucks Allows Secret Drinks (And Even Encourages Them)
Starbucks’ corporate philosophy centers around customer experience and personalization. While they don’t officially endorse or promote secret drinks, they do:
- Train baristas to accommodate reasonable customizations
- Provide mobile app tools for extensive modification
- Use customization data to develop new seasonal or permanent menu items (e.g., the Cinnamon Almondmilk Latte went mainstream)
In essence, the secret menu functions as a crowdsourced R&D lab. When certain drink combinations gain widespread popularity, Starbucks often evaluates them for official inclusion.
Moreover, engagement with secret drinks increases app usage, mobile orders, and customer loyalty—all key metrics in Starbucks’ digital strategy.
Responsible Customization: Order Thoughtfully
While customizing is fun and encouraged, it’s important to be respectful:
Don’t order overly complex drinks during peak hours. A drink requiring 5 syrups, 3 milk swaps, and multiple temperature zones can slow down service for others.
Understand ingredient costs: While the app won’t charge extra for standard modifications, some unusual requests may be declined or incur fees.
Be kind to baristas: If your drink comes out wrong, ask politely for a fix. Most baristas appreciate courteous feedback and want you to enjoy your drink.
Final Thoughts: Master Your Starbucks Experience
Ordering a secret drink on the Starbucks app isn’t magic—it’s customization mastery. With the right base, precise modifications, and clear instructions, you can transform your mobile ordering experience into a portal for endless beverage creativity.
The secret menu isn’t about exclusivity; it’s about personal expression. Whether you’re crafting a dairy-free latte, a low-sugar refresher, or a viral TikTok drink, the tools are in your hands—literally, via your smartphone.
So next time you open the Starbucks app, don’t just scroll through the standard offerings. Try building something new. Save it. Sip it. Share it. You’re not just a customer—you’re a co-creator in the ever-evolving story of Starbucks culture.
By following this guide, you’re now equipped to confidently and consistently order any secret menu drink through the app—turning your coffee break into a personalized ritual, one customized cup at a time.
How do I start creating a custom drink on the Starbucks app?
To begin crafting a custom or “secret” drink on the Starbucks app, open the app and navigate to the “Order” section. Browse the menu and select the drink category you’d like to customize, such as Frappuccino, Latte, or Refreshers. Tap on the item to allow you to adjust the base ingredients, including milk type, syrup flavors, and espresso shots.
Once you’ve chosen a base drink, you can modify it extensively using the customization options available. Options may include altering the size, adding or removing pumps of syrup, changing the milk to alternatives like oat or almond, and specifying temperature. These tools empower you to build unique combinations not listed on the standard menu, which is the foundation of creating a “secret” drink.
Can I save my custom drink for future orders?
Yes, the Starbucks app allows you to save your custom drink creation for easier reordering. After customizing your drink, review your selections and tap “Done.” Before adding it to your cart, choose “Save as Favorite.” This stores your drink under the “Favorites” section in the app, making it readily accessible for future visits.
Saving your drink ensures consistency in taste and simplifies the ordering process, especially if you have a complex recipe. You can rename your favorite to something recognizable like “Vanilla Honey Almond Cold Brew” so it’s easy to identify later. This feature is particularly helpful for building a personal menu of go-to secret drinks without having to customize each time.
Are there limitations to how much I can customize a drink?
While the Starbucks app offers extensive customization, there are some limitations based on ingredient availability and barista guidelines. For instance, you can adjust milk types, syrups, ice levels, and espresso shots, but some highly unconventional combinations—like adding food items such as brownies into a blended drink—may not be supported through the app.
Additionally, certain customizations might incur extra charges if they exceed standard ingredients. The app will often notify you of added costs when selecting premium upgrades like extra espresso shots or flavored creams. Always review your order summary before checkout to ensure your modifications are feasible and correctly priced.
How do I ensure my secret drink is made correctly when ordered through the app?
To improve accuracy, use clear and specific names when saving your drink, and double-check all modifications before finalizing your order. The app allows you to include special instructions in the notes section, which is critical for conveying precise expectations such as “extra whipped cream,” “half pumps of syrup,” or “light ice.”
Baristas receive your order details directly from the app, so the more detailed your specifications, the better the chances of getting your drink prepared as intended. While not all locations may interpret notes identically, most are trained to follow digital orders closely. If you’re unsure, consider placing your first custom order in-store to work with a barista directly before app ordering.
Can I order a secret drink for mobile pickup or delivery?
Yes, you can order your custom secret drink for both mobile pickup and delivery through the Starbucks app. After creating and saving your drink, simply add it to your cart and proceed through checkout as you would with any standard menu item. The order will be sent directly to the store for preparation.
For delivery orders, keep in mind that some customizations may be harder to execute due to time or logistical constraints. Additionally, delivery partners may charge extra for complex orders. Mobile pickup generally offers the most reliable experience, as your drink is made fresh and immediately available upon arrival.
Are there popular secret drink recipes I can try on the app?
Yes, many Starbucks fans have shared popular secret drink recipes online that you can recreate using the app. Examples include the “Pink Drink,” made by customizing a Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk and adding a scoop of strawberry, or the “Butterbeer Frappuccino,” which combines toffee syrup, caramel, and whipped cream over a vanilla bean base.
To make these at home via the app, start with a similar base drink and adjust ingredients accordingly. Look up the full recipe details—number of syrup pumps, milk substitutes, and add-ins—then replicate them step-by-step in the app’s customization menu. This approach lets you enjoy trending creations even if they’re not officially on the menu.
Do secret drinks cost more than regular menu items?
Custom secret drinks may cost more than standard options, particularly if your modifications include premium ingredients or extras. For example, adding extra espresso shots, flavored syrups, or non-dairy milk alternatives typically increases the price. The app updates the total in real time as you make changes, so you can monitor cost adjustments.
However, not all customizations lead to higher prices—switching to almond milk or reducing syrup pumps could have minimal or no surcharge. It’s wise to review your final total before confirming the order. Over time, you can experiment with ingredient balances to find a delicious yet budget-friendly version of your ideal secret drink.