The Ultimate Guide to Starbucks' Secret Menu

Frequenters of Starbucks know the situation all too well: You're standing in line, reciting the precise order of the five different descriptors that constitute "your drink," when you hear the person in front of you make a request so foreign sounding it completely throws your concentration.

A Zebra Mocha? A Grande Green Eye? A Captain Crunch Frappuccino? Say what? They may sound like a far cry from the standard drip cup or your simple Mocha Frappe, but these drinks are not Starbucks folklore. And really, considering that the coffee giant has in years past boasted offering some 87,000 different drink combinations, that such "secret" items exist should not be too surprising.

As it turns out, many of your fast-food and restaurant chain favorites have "secret" menus-- places like Taco Bell, Wendy's, Subway, Chipotle, and even Jamba Juice. Of course, the one at beloved West Coast cult favorite, In-N-Out, is arguably the most famous. So well-known, in fact, that there's really not much "secret" about it anymore. Starbucks' off-the-menu items are certainly not as widely publicized as In-N-Out's, but they are known enough to the point where you won't get a dirty look from the barista when you ask for a Double Dirty Iced Chai.

Read on for an in-the-know guide to the "secret" drinks at Starbucks. Just remember that not all of the drink names may be universal so make sure you can at least explain how the drink is made to your barista.

-Maryse Chevriere, The Daily Meal

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• Green Eye

  A Red Eye or Black Eye, sure -- that's one and two extra shots of espresso in a regular drip, respectively. But those that go for green get a sure-to-jack-you-up three shots of <a href=" http://www.thedailymeal.com/caf-gelato-0?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>espresso</strong></a> boost to their cup of coffee. <em>Related:</em> <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/caf-gelato-0?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>Cafe Gelado</strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/Marco Arment </em>

• Dirty Chai

  A <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/10-herbal-teas-can-heal-you/?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>Chai</strong></a> latte (hot or iced) with a shot of espresso added in. And if you want two shots? That's called a "Double Dirty" or "Extra Dirty" Chai. <em>Related: </em><a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/10-herbal-teas-can-heal-you/?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>10 Herbal Teas That Can Heal You</strong> </a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/vmiramontes</em>

• Zebra Mocha

  Sometimes also called a "Penguin Mocha," this drink combines the <a href=" http://www.thedailymeal.com/liquid-candy-8-sweet-spirit-recipes?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>white chocolate mocha with the regular mocha</strong> </a>for those who can't pick a favorite. Or, if you really want to take it to the next level, ask to have raspberry flavoring added for something called the "Red Tux" Mocha. <em>Related: </em> <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/liquid-candy-8-sweet-spirit-recipes?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>Liquid Candy: 8 Sweet Spirit Recipes</strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/TerryJohnston </em>

• Chocolate Dalmatian

  A White Chocolate Mocha with java chips and <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/watermelon-sorbetto?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"> <strong>chocolate chips</strong></a> sprinkled in. <em>Related: </em><a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/watermelon-sorbetto?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>Watermelon Sorbetto</strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/Magnus D</em>

• Cake Batter Frappuccino

  Perhaps a little deceptively named, as there are no actual <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/wedding-cake-martini?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>piece of cake</strong></a> or cake batter in it, this beverage has vanilla and almond syrup added to a Vanilla Frappuccino. <em>Related:</em> <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/wedding-cake-martini?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>The Wedding Cake Martini</strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/seishin17</em>

• Captain Crunch Frappuccino

  No, this doesn't involve bringing the <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/cap%E2%80%99n-crunch-fried-chicken-nuggets?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>childhood-favorite cereal</strong></a> into the store and asking them to blend it in a frappe. Still, fans say that the combination of hazelnut syrup (though some folks contend it should be toffee nut) in a Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino is a dead ringer for the flavor of the cereal. <em>Related:</em> <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/cap%E2%80%99n-crunch-fried-chicken-nuggets?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>Cap'n Crunch Fried Chicken Nuggets</strong> </a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/jeffgunn</em>

• "Short" Drink

  The Tall drink's smaller, less expensive younger brother. <em>Related:</em> <a href=" http://www.thedailymeal.com/art-farming-coffee?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>The Art of Farming Coffee</strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/kenjimori</em>

• French Press

  Apparently if you ask, Starbucks will <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/coffee-101-all-about-roasting?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>brew</strong> </a>any of the coffee they sell in a French Press. <em>Related:</em><a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/coffee-101-all-about-roasting?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"> <strong>Coffee 101: All About Roasting</strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/slettvet</em>

• Super Cream Frappuccino

  Like to go heavy on the whipped <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/9-drinks-made-just-ladies-slideshow-6?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>cream</strong></a>? Ask for a "Super Cream" version of your Frappe and you'll get half a cup of whipped cream blended in. <em>Related:</em> <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/9-drinks-made-just-ladies/?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>9 Drinks Made Just for the Ladies </strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/slettvet</em>

• Affogato-Style Frappuccino

  This one probably classifies more as an in-the-know than a "secret" one. Order any Frappe "affogato-style" and you'll get a shot of hot espresso added on top of your drink as opposed to having it <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/8-alcoholic-milkshakes?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>blended in.</strong></a> <em>Related:</em> <a href=" http://www.thedailymeal.com/8-alcoholic-milkshakes-slide-show-0?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>8 Alcoholic Milkshakes </strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/poolie</em>

• Triple C's

  And the award for best alliteration in a Starbucks drink name goes to the Three C's: <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/banana-cinnamon-smoothie?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>Cinnamon</strong></a> Dolce Latte with caramel syrup and chocolate mocha syrup. <em>Related:</em> <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/banana-cinnamon-smoothie?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>Banana Cinnamon Smoothie</strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/TerryJohnston</em>

• Biscotti Frappuccino

  This off-the-menu item sounds a little like a Starbucks version of a <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/chains-worst-summer-drinks-slideshow-2?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>DQ Blizzard</strong> </a> or a McFlurry, except you have to have to buy a package of biscotti cookies separately and ask your barista to blend them into your Frappe. Note: There seems to be some contention online as to whether or not baristas are actually allowed to put biscotti in the blender, so maybe only ask someone you know is willing to do you a favor. <em>Related:</em> <a href=" http://www.thedailymeal.com/chains-worst-summer-drinks?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=starbucks%2Bsecret%2Bmenu" target="_hplink"><strong>Fast Food Chains' Worst Summer Drinks </strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: © Flickr/highlimitzz</em>

 

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Comments

[ktdk80]

05:27 PM on 08/22/2011

I heard about this 'secret menu' on the radio and immediately cringed. As a former Starbucks store manager (4 yrs) I can tell you that most people will not know what you are talking about. None of these are corporate sanctioned beverages, and some of them go completely and directly against company policy. That's not to say you can't customize a beverage, but when your barista gives you the stink eye, or says they cannot accommodate, don't get upset. They are probably just doing their job the way they have been taught. I would NEVER let one of my baristas blend a biscotti. And for the love, it's Frappuccino, not frap, frappe, frappoo, etc. It'd be like going to Burger King and ordering a MC something. Mc somethings are at Mc Donalds, no where else. Frappuccinos are at Starbucks, no where else.

[Hillary Danielle Payton]

10:57 PM on 08/22/2011

I can understand some of them.... the stores around Milwaukee just sent out a mass email for recipes for some of these reoccurring frappuccinos that have these crazy names... that way we dont get the angry customers that don't understand why we dont have a clue what a brownie batter frappuccino or banana fosters frappuccino is.... as much as I kind of appreciate this article, at the same time I get a little worried people are going to expect we know all of these fancy terms.... :/

[Heather Jensen 11]

08:53 PM on 09/20/2011

I agree. I have worked for Starbucks for 5 years now. These "drink names" and recipes do not exist. You may however add or change ingredients that we do have to customize your drink, also be prepared to pay extra for everything you add to it. You should not be putting this out here. I have had several customers coming in asking for these stupid secret menu drinks. I would not put a biscotti in the blender either.

[ninjasrolled]

04:29 AM on 08/20/2011

My fav barista slips me and my coworkers free "Undertows" on the DL - cold milk with a shot of hot espresso layered on top, flavored with our choice of syrup. You drink it down all at once, and the hot and cold roll over each other like an undertow. Cheesy, cool, and we feel very special downing a drink that can't be ordered, only gifted.

[Yisterwald]

12:01 AM on 08/20/2011

Other than the green eye, these all sound ghastly.

[LisaCACO]

10:38 PM on 08/18/2011

I like starbucks vanilla rooibos tea with one pump syrup and one inch of 1% milk. lovely. hate all the coffees and stuff. no caffeine, limited sugar and totally delicious.

[SkreetGil1]

09:09 PM on 08/18/2011

Don't like Starbucks.

[Kirsten Wincor]

04:11 PM on 08/18/2011

K, a few comments from a Starbucks barista. We do not have almond syrup, nor have Starbucks carried it for four years now. Perhaps a Barnes and Nobles barista will confirm if they have it, but I assure you that no Starbucks store has it anymore, and if they do, it is more than likely extremely expired. Also, we can put biscottis in the blender, but you will have to pay for it. As for anything else you want in a Frappuccino (please do not call it a frappe as Frappuccino is Starbucks trademarked and frappe is McDonalds trademarked-as a journalist, you should know this...).The French press makes a delicious cup of coffee, but takes 5 minutes, so prepare to wait. As for the da Marion drink, we do not carry the sprinkle chips. I highly suggest the next time you make a list of secret drinks, you talk to an actual barista. My store has had numerous upset customers come in only to find out we don't have what they read. Also, better drink than the CCC Is the MMM - marble mocha machiatto: white mocha, milk, shots, chocolate drizzle

[camanokat]

06:43 PM on 08/18/2011

I think it unlikely that MacD's has patented the word "frappe" as I recall my parents ordering them back in the 50's. Yeah, I'm old!

[sooth-sayer]

01:46 PM on 08/18/2011

pointless and dumb to put extra shots of espresso in a coffee.

3 shots would equal the same caffeine as just another cup of coffee.

if you really want an extra buzz, forego the espresso and just get a slow drip form a real coffee shop and get the jitters.

espresso gets the flavor, but leaves the caffeine in the grounds. the hot water needs to soak the grounds for a long time, hence the slow drip to actually extract the caffeine form the bean.

think of it this way. if you want to clean your stinky socks would you wash them for 10 seconds in hot water? or let them soak and tumble in the hot water for a long while?

[alex briggs]

01:01 PM on 08/18/2011

At my Starbucks, they ask whether you want your expresso shot on top or blended in.

[Carole Di Tosti]

01:00 PM on 08/18/2011

You can work with your local Starbucks for any item, though it depends if the Baristas or manager are Nazi types who just "stick to what's easy for them." I hit every Starbucks from NYC to LI and the Starbucks I frequent know I am a huge fan and accommodate me. I bring in organic nonfat milk and they make drinks with it...lattees, cappucinos, dirty latees, etc. They are great. If I went in once, then I don't think they would be so accommodating.

[ktdk80]

05:17 PM on 08/22/2011

Well, you are lucky they haven't been caught by the health department. It is against code for them to use your product behind their counter, so your days of doing that are probably numbered.

[Heather Jensen 11]

08:55 PM on 09/20/2011

As a Barista I can second that about the milk. We are not supposed to put anything in the blenders that we don't have behind the counter. That is a serious health violation due to cross contamination.

[haffnerac]

11:34 AM on 08/18/2011

With all these fancy drinks, why can't they go back to making a decaf coffee frappuccino?

[JBS]

11:30 AM on 08/18/2011

Interesting. Is there anything on the secret menu about getting a plain old cup of coffee with nothing but coffee in it that's fit to drink?

[Hillary Danielle Payton]

10:47 PM on 08/22/2011

As a barista there is always fresh coffee. just gotta ask for one. in my opinion on of the best drinks we have to offer. It's ad when people ask if we serve coffee because all people know now about Starbucks is frappuccinos and these super fancy complicated lattes..... i'm not going to lie though it's fun to branch out and try new drinks. :)

[Lillian Shipp]

10:38 AM on 08/18/2011

If I had to have Starbuck's it would be the boring Americano or Green Tea

[Yisterwald]

12:03 AM on 08/20/2011

Boring? Not a chance. The Grande Americano, black, is the far and away the best drink at Starbucks.

[serendipindi]

01:05 AM on 08/18/2011

This is silly and annoying. Starbucks everywhere will be inundated by regulars who read this and think that every shop in the country has a secret menu that doesn't exist. Go ahead and ask a barrista to put a biscotti in their blender and watch for the stink eye.

[Hillary Danielle Payton]

10:49 PM on 08/22/2011

it ruins the blenders..... we can really only put in veggies and fruits and yogurt in those.... nothing that can contain wheat since other people can have allergies from cross contamination...

[robinson1848]

01:32 PM on 08/17/2011

I worked at Starbucks for 4 years, and some of these I have never heard of... Maybe it just depends on the area that the Starbucks in located in. Some of these aren't even "secret" because they are items that used to be on the menu! I hate that they don't continue to teach people how to make them because whenever I order an affogato frap it's always made incorrectly :(

[celticcail]

12:17 AM on 08/17/2011

Most of this is nonsense. The only ones I've ever heard of are the obvious short cups and french presses and a zebra mocha. The other stuff is ridiculous. Maybe the ONE store the author went to has those terms, but I worked at Sbux for three years and never heard of any of that. My husband has been with the company for nearly a decade (store manager) and he's never heard of any of that either besides the ones I mentioned and afogado style fraps. And he said he'd never put biscotti in the blender.

[BeantownNoel]

12:45 AM on 08/17/2011

Maybe it depends on the location because I order a dirty chai almost always. I've done in PA & NJ and the baristas always knows what it is but in MA it's hit or miss.

[celticcail]

12:28 PM on 08/17/2011

We're in NJ; never heard of it.

[Hillary Danielle Payton]

10:52 PM on 08/22/2011

dirty chai teas are pretty popular around most of the country. in my home town though it just meant chai tea latte with mocha added (SO GOOD! I make it at work all the time) so once I started working at Sbux I was always confused it meant a shot of espresso in a chai latte.... But I've seen a lot of them... in fact we tell people we can add a shot to it...