Nervous about ordering? Don’t be! There’s no “right” way to order
at Starbucks. Just tell the barista what you want and they will do it. If you missed the first four posts on this series, click HERE for part 1 and start learning about basic Starbucks terminologies.
A barista may call your drink back in a different way, but that doesn't mean they are correcting you. That's actually the translation of your order into “barista-speak” – the standard way orders are called out. This language gives them the info they need in the order they need it, so they can make your drink as quickly and efficiently as possible. “Barista-speak” is easy to learn. It’s all about the order of information:
A barista may call your drink back in a different way, but that doesn't mean they are correcting you. That's actually the translation of your order into “barista-speak” – the standard way orders are called out. This language gives them the info they need in the order they need it, so they can make your drink as quickly and efficiently as possible. “Barista-speak” is easy to learn. It’s all about the order of information:
Cup: This is the kind of cup to use. If
this is not specified, they will put it in a "to-go" cup. But you can also ask for a "for here" cup, iced cup or personal cup.
Shots
and size: Want extra espresso on your coffee? Here’s something worth knowing:
Short (8
fl oz) and Tall (12 fl oz) – comes with one shot
Grande (16fl oz) and Venti (20 fl oz) – comes with two shots drinks
Adding a shot to a tall drink, means you’re getting a double tall. While adding a shot to a grande means you're getting a triple grande. Click HERE to read part 2 - all about Espresso.
Syrup: This is the most popular way to customize. Starbucks has many different syrup flavors
to sweeten or spice up a drink.
Milk: Want something else aside from whole milk? This is the part where you tell them your choice.
Other options: Lattes can be ordered "extra hot" while a Frappuccino® can be taken Affogato style. Click HERE for part 4 if you want to know the other choices you have.
The
drink itself: Don’t forget the most important part! Are you having a Latte, a
Mocha, or something else?
Here's a sample:
Cup: N/A
Shots: Decaf
Size: Grande
Syrup: N/A
Milk: Non-Fat
Other options: Extra-hot
Drink: Caramel Macchiato
How to say it: "I'll have a decaf, grande, non-fat, extra-hot, Caramel Macchiato."
Easy right?!? Don't worry if you get it all mixed up on your first attempt to order in "barista-speak!" Trust me, it just takes a little bit of getting used to. Now you’re ready to begin your search for a perfect, personalized Starbucks drink!
Did this series help you? Have you already found your favorite? Comment and let me know!
Source: "Find Your Favorite - A guide to Starbucks® drinks" booklet 2005
Note: List may be different per country.
