Food
Move over, Pink Drink.
Among the things the internet loves most are life hacks and Starbucks. Thus, it was only a matter of time before Starbucks hacks going viral on TikTok started taking over the internet at large. If you're looking to switch up your drink order, let the dancing teens be your guide.
There are a couple of popular money-saving Starbucks "tips" that make the rounds anytime you say "Starbucks hacks." These typically involve workarounds to ordering a popular drink without actually ordering the drink. For example, you can get an iced latte by asking for a shot of espresso on ice and then adding the milk yourself. If you're planning on taking your iced espresso home to add your milk of choice, more power to you! However, if you're planning on doing that in-store, that is among the things many baristas would prefer you didn't do, especially baristas at smaller, locally-owned cafes. In addition to costing them money, these pseudo-hacks are costing your baristas their time.
Also, lest you forget: Your baristas are actual people! With feelings! And lives! And maybe TikTok accounts! Ask nicely. Be patient. Tip generously. Or you may find yourself on Bad Starbucks Customer TikTok.
Here are 17 TikTok-inspired hacks, from drink dupes to inventive Frappuccinos, to try out the next time you hit the Starbucks drive-thru.
6
Graham Cracker Cold Brew
The Graham Cracker Cold Brew is the ultimate end-of-summer drink. To try it out, ask for a cinnamon almond cold brew with two pumps of mocha sauce and a pump of caramel sauce.
7
The Charli
Inspired by TikTok dancer Charli D’Amelio’s drink order at Dunkin’, this Starbucks off-menu drink is fairly simple. Get a venti cold brew with three pumps of caramel and whole milk. Renegade dance not included.
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Make a Chocolate Chip Frappuccino At Home
Chances are you have all the ingredients to make a Double Chocolate Chip Frapp at home. To a blender, add ice, milk, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, vanilla, and sugar. Once blended, pour it into a glass with chocolate syrup, top with whipped cream, and voila! A Frappucino at home.
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Try The Starbucks “TikTok Drink”
There are disagreements about what is the definitive TikTok drink. While there isn't an official drink for the video app, one of the more popular TikTok Starbucks Drinks is a pastel pink drink made with a Venti Strawberry Acai Refresher, three scoops of strawberries, three scoops of blackberries, and a scoop of ice.
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Violet Drink With Cold Foam
If you're in the mood for something aesthetically pleasing, the Violet Drink with cold foam is where it's at. It's as simple as ordering a violet drink and asking for sweet cream cold foam on top.
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Guava Passionfruit Smoothie
If you're in the mood for something fruity, you'll want to give this Guava Passionfruit Smoothie a try. Just order a Guava Passion Fruit Drink, ask for a scoop of each of berries and dragon fruit, and blend.
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Blended Berry Lemonade
Want a drink that tastes like summertime? Get a Blended Lemonade. Order a Strawberry Acai Lemonade with three scoops each of berries, dragon fruit, and strawberries and blend.
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Apple Pie Frapp
The Apple Pie Frappuccino is a dessert you can drink. Ask for a Creme Frappuccino with two pumps each of cinnamon dolce syrup and caramel, add heavy cream and apple juice, and blend. As with actual apple pie, whipped cream is not optional.
14
S’mores Frapuccino
Starbucks sadly didn’t bring back the s’mores frappucino this summer, but, thanks to TikTok, you can make it at home all year round. Add two shots of espresso, one cup of milk, chocolate sauce, ice cubes, and — if you really want to channel your inner barista — melted marshmallows into a blender. Add whipped cream and chocolate sauce to your cup, pour in the blended mixture, and top with whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs. Tiktok user @nicole_thenomad says that this drink tastes like “summer in a cup,” so, do with that information what you will.
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Very Berry Lemonade
If you love the ombré effect of layered drinks, then this Starbucks hack is for you. Order a venti lemonade with six pumps of raspberry syrup and a splash of strawberry acai.
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Dragonfruit Frappucino
One sip of this secret menu item will have you clapping like the little lad from the “Berries & Cream” Starbursts commercial. Order a strawberries & cream frappucino and ask for two pumps of raspberry and two pumps of dragon fruit.
17
Tie-Dye Pink Drink
You don’t need any spare t-shirts, rubber bands, or liquid dye to make your next Starbucks trip tie-dyed. To order this, ask for the Pink Drink with white mocha, vanilla, and all of the berry inclusions double blended with strawberry puree at the bottom of the cup.
If you’re really out of ideas, have Instagram pick your Starbucks drink using their filter. Or have your barista surprise you with a drink order, provided they don’t have a long line of customers waiting.
Additional reporting by Emma Carey.
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