Discover the Top 5 Starbucks Drinks Experts Can’t Get Enough Of!

If you’re a frequent Starbucks customer, chances are your local barista recognizes your favorite drink as soon as you enter. It may even be something as simple as a black coffee. However, it’s undeniable that the coffee giant offers some very popular creations that caffeine enthusiasts love. This made us curious about which drinks are the consensus favorites among top reviewers.

To help you get ready for your next visit to the counter or drive-through, sought expert opinions on the best Starbucks beverages. This compilation includes the most commonly recommended drinks from 10 expert reviews. Let us know in the comments if your favorite is missing!

The Consensus Best Starbucks Drinks According to Expert Reviews

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

For many, one of the first signs of autumn is the return of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. This indulgent drink combines warm flavors like pumpkin, vanilla, and cinnamon, all topped with Starbucks’ signature whipped cream. You might think this drink is too overrated to top the list, but experts disagree. All the rave reviews have to count for something, not to mention the enduring popularity of the PSL. As Coffee At Three notes, this drink is so well-known that everyone understands what you mean by those three letters. The PSL is a magical mix of espresso, steamed milk, and a secret pumpkin spice sauce that creates a warm, inviting flavor explosion in your cup.

Tasting Table acknowledges the playful jabs often directed at PSL fans, with terms like “basic” being thrown around. However, they argue that these critics haven’t truly experienced the magic. One sip, they say, and those preconceived notions disappear, replaced by an appreciation for the deliciousness of this autumnal drink.

Thrillist joins in, reminding us why the PSL has achieved iconic status. Sure, it might be a bit on the sweet side (but hey, you can always adjust the syrup level!), but that’s part of its charm. The rich espresso pairs perfectly with the symphony of warm spices – pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove – creating a comforting, flavor-packed beverage that screams fall. So, the next time someone scoffs at the PSL, remind them: there’s a reason this drink continues to reign supreme as the unofficial mascot of the season.

2. Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

This drink is a relatively new addition to the Starbucks menu, but it’s made a significant impact. Made with creamy oat milk and the warm sweetness of brown sugar syrup, this iced beverage became an almost instant classic. As an added bonus, the standard recipe for this drink is entirely vegan. Whether you are lactose intolerant, plant-based, or just love the taste of oat milk, you won’t have to double-check that this order was made with the right milk. Forget the struggle of endlessly stirring your iced coffee – Starbucks’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is here to be your fall hero, according to Taste of Home. This drink is so good, they admit it might become a daily habit, even if your wallet feels the pinch. But hey, sometimes a little indulgence is worth it!

What’s in it? Tasting Table dives into the magic behind the perfect blend. Baristas combine ground cinnamon, Starbucks’ Blonde espresso shots, and just the right amount of brown sugar syrup, then give it all a good shake. The result? A perfectly mixed, ready-to-go iced coffee that eliminates the need for those endless swirls with a green straw. They also highlight the nostalgic element of the brown sugar flavor – it’s a sensory experience designed to evoke warm memories of baking cookies while sipping on your morning coffee.

3. Pink Drink

If coffee isn’t your thing, this pastel beverage is about to become your new favorite. The Pink Drink began as a fan creation but gained enough popularity to earn an official spot on the Starbucks menu. Made with refreshing coconut milk, strawberries, and a strawberry açaí base, it’s definitely a summer must-try. For those days when you want to switch it up, this Refresher offers a delightful pink alternative. According to Tasting Table, this refreshing concoction is a simple twist on their classic Strawberry Açaí Refresher – just add creamy coconut milk and a handful of fresh strawberries, and voila! The result? A light, fruity beverage bursting with flavor. Think of it as the taste of a pink Starburst in a cup, perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.

Thrillist’s reviewers admit it might not be their daily go-to, but they still appreciate the Pink Drink for its refreshing and sweet departure from their usual coffee routine. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a fun, textural element that elevates the whole experience.

And it doesn’t just taste great. Food Drink Life says this drink is a feast for the eyes (that pretty pink!) and a thirst-quencher for your taste buds. If you love fruity, sweet pink drinks, this is your summertime soulmate.

4. Caramel Frappuccino

Caramel lovers, rejoice! This frozen beverage beautifully blends the flavors of coffee and caramel to make a delicious Starbucks classic. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and caramel drizzle, this drink is ready to be photographed for your Instagram story. If you’re looking for bold coffee flavor and minimal sweetness, run far away from this drink. But if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll likely find the Caramel Frappuccino to be an instant favorite. According to Let’s Eat Cake, this dreamy concoction is a symphony of sweetness – rich caramel flavor takes center stage, with a subtle hint of coffee peeking through the creamy richness. It’s perfect for those who might not be die-hard coffee fans but still appreciate a little caffeine kick (and a whole lot of sugar!). Just be prepared for a sugar rush!

Coffee At Three breaks down the drink’s pedigree – it’s the love child of two Starbucks classics, the caramel macchiato and the Frappuccino. While some might find it a touch too sweet, many devotees (including yours truly!) find themselves asking for extra caramel drizzle. Hey, to each their own!

Taste of Home reminds us why this Frappuccino remains a bestseller. Is it truly a complete experience if you haven’t raced to the car to savor every last drop of that decadent caramel-drizzled whipped cream before it melts? This isn’t just a drink; it’s a full-on sensory experience and a delicious reminder of why Starbucks continues to reign supreme in the land of blended coffee treats.

5. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

If you love the taste of coffee but don’t mind when it’s paired with a hint of sweetness, this drink is for you. Marrying the bold flavors of cold brew with the creamy sweetness of vanilla sweet cream, you’ll get a strong hit of caffeine that goes down easy. It’s the perfect order for a coffee aficionado who isn’t quite ready to make the leap to black coffee. If you crave the smooth, bold taste of cold brew but wish it wasn’t quite so in-your-face, Starbucks’ Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is your new best friend, according to Delish. This drink is like a dream team – it packs all the satisfying punch of a classic cold brew, but adds a touch of creamy vanilla sweetness to smooth things out. Think of it as cold brew’s cooler, more approachable cousin.

Taste of Home echoes this sentiment, praising drinks that don’t overwhelm your taste buds. The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew might sound fancy, but don’t be fooled – it’s a delightful combination of sweet and simple.

Thrillist points out the mesmerizing effect of watching the vanilla sweet cream slowly spread out across the dark, inky coffee – it’s almost like a mini coffee magic show happening right in your cup! So, if you’re looking for a cold brew experience that’s both delicious and visually stimulating, the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a must-try!