Absolute Best Starbucks Caramel Drinks, Ranked

Everyone might think it's officially pumpkin spice season when the colder weather rolls around. But for those of us who aren't huge pumpkin fans, it's time for another flavor to make its appearance: caramel. There's something about this ingredient that's so comforting, especially during the fall and winter. But if there's one thing we know about the caramel-forward selections at Starbucks, it's that there are many options to choose from. Yes, there are plenty of warming drinks at the coffee chain, but there are plenty of iced versions for those on the caramel train all year round.

Chances are, if you're a caramel lover, you have a standard beverage that you go back to again and again. But why not switch things up? There are so many different caramel options available at Starbucks on the official and "secret" menus. There really is something for everyone out there. Let's look at the absolute best caramel drinks from Starbucks, ranked worst to best.

For those who can't get enough of their pumpkin spice lattes but also want to indulge in a caramel-spiked treat, Starbucks' secret caramel pumpkin macchiato might be the way to go. According to Starbucks Secret Menu, to get this beverage, you should ask for a caramel macchiato. However, instead of getting it with the traditional vanilla syrup, ask for the pumpkin spice syrup instead. Then, ask for pumpkin spice topping sprinkled on top.

There's just too much going on in this macchiato to really be enjoyable. Are you supposed to focus on the caramel or the pumpkin? The two different flavors clash, both trying to assert their dominance over the small amount of actual coffee you'll find in the drink. This one is definitely not our favorite caramel option of the bunch, but pumpkin spice lovers are sure to adore it.

Here's another coffee-free offering, and it's safe to say that we're not huge fans of this one, either. It's the on-menu caramel ribbon crunch crème Frappuccino, and as is probably expected, it's unpleasantly sweet. In fact, it's best that we avoid calling this one a coffee drink and just call it out for what it really is: a dessert.

First, Starbucks blends caramel syrup with milk and ice (alas, no coffee). Then, the brand adds dark caramel sauce on top, along with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. Why are both dark caramel sauce and a caramel drizzle necessary? Don't ask us. Then, if it weren't already sweet enough,  a caramel-sugar topping is sprinkled on. Admittedly, the addition does add a nice crunch to the drink, but otherwise, it's just more unnecessary sugar. Of course, all of that sweetness could be balanced out by the bitterness of coffee, but it's noticeably absent here.

Why are we not fans of the secret butterbeer Frappuccino? First, there's a lot you have to remember if you're going to ask for this at the drive-thru. It just makes ordering more complicated for both you and the barista. But there's also the fact that the combo of all the different flavors is just too intense together.

Starbucks Secret Menu says you should first ask for a drizzle of caramel sauce to line the cup (though this is optional — if you're going for less sweetness, don't ask for this). Then, get the crème Frappuccino base made with whole milk, which is important if you want to get the right consistency. Ask for 3 pumps of toffee nut and caramel syrup, each. (Yes, that's a ton of syrup.) Caramel drizzle goes on the top. 

This drink lacks coffee and has enough syrup to throw anyone into an active sugar rush. We'll pass.

Now we come to one of the simplest caramel drinks Starbucks offers. It's the caramel Frappuccino, and it's a classic. There's nothing too fussy about this beverage, and blessedly, you won't have to ask for any substitutions (unless you want them, that is). Caramel syrup, ice, and coffee come together to form the base of this drink, and whipped cream and a caramel drizzle grace the top. It's a nice departure from some of the wilder options on this list, for sure.

If you really, really love caramel and want to keep things simple, then this is a great drink. However, for those who want a beverage with slightly more complexity, there are definitely more interesting options on the menu. If you know you already like this blended iced coffee, you may want to give yourself a chance to branch out and try something new.

If there's one thing millennials love more than Starbucks, it has to be Harry Potter, so it makes sense that these two early-2000s icons would join forces in the form of this secret menu item: the butterbeer cold brew. Totally the Bomb says that you should start with a venti cold brew, then ask for 3 pumps of white mocha sauce, 3 pumps of toffee nut syrup, and 2 pumps of caramel syrup. The most important ingredient of them all, in our opinion, is the vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top, which is what gives the drink its appropriate milky consistency. A caramel drizzle on top completes the recipe.

Yes, there's a lot going on here, and it does seem a bit overwhelming, which is why it's not ranked higher on our list. But that vanilla sweet cream cold foam adds such a lovely consistency that we can't help but like this one.

Calling all cinnamon lovers! If you're looking for a drink that satisfies your need for both caramel and cinnamon at the same time, look no further than the churro Frappuccino. Starbucks Secret Menu says that this one starts with, surprisingly, a vanilla bean Frappuccino. Add 1 to 2 pumps of cinnamon dulce and white mocha syrups. Even though this is a lot of syrup, these two combinations are pretty unique together, so we're into it. Next comes the cinnamon. Finish it with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and even more cinnamon.

Honestly, it's a little bit shocking just how much this one actually tastes like a churro. If the fried dough is one of your all-time favorite treats, then there's an excellent chance you'll love this drink.

There are few desserts as perfect as a creme brulée. It's no surprise, then, that the caramel brulée Frappuccino is one of the best you can get at Starbucks. It's on the menu, which means it's easy to order. When you ask for one, you'll get coffee, milk, and ice all blended together and blessed with a sugary caramel brulée sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. The baristas add some much-needed crunch to the equation with the caramel brulée bits that make you feel like you're breaking into that slightly burnt crust on a top-notch creme brulée.

Yes, this drink is very, very rich and very, very sweet. But since it's basically a dessert, we don't totally mind it. It isn't something we'd order all the time, but it's perfect for when you truly want to indulge.

Who doesn't love a mocha? If you're a chocolate lover, it's objectively one of the best beverage options on any coffee shop menu. It's no exception at Starbucks. But if you're also the type who loves caramel in their coffee, then you have to go with the salted caramel mocha. First, this one catches our attention because the caramel is salty. This balances out the caramel's intense sweetness very well, making it more approachable for those who aren't fans of a lot of sugar.

When you order this drink, you'll be met with mocha sauce, toffee nut syrup, steamed milk, and coffee, all combined to form the base of the beverage. Sweetened whipped cream and caramel sugar go on top, followed by the signature sugar and sea salt blend that makes it stand apart from the rest. We're big fans.

You already know we're fans of the caramel brulée Frappuccino, but how about the caramel brulée latte? Actually, we like this one even more. First, it's quite a bit simpler than the Frappuccino, which makes this drink more approachable. Second, it's not iced, so it's the kind of drink you can enjoy even during the colder months of the year (without getting a brain freeze). Essentially, baristas just make a latte, then add caramel brulée sauce and whipped cream (which you can ask to leave off if you prefer). The caramel brulée bits on top add some texture and just the right amount of additional sweetness.

This drink may be relatively simple, but we love that Starbucks can offer simplicity and novelty at the same time. This is definitely one of our go-to choices when the weather turns icy.

We've finally made it to the most delicious Starbucks caramel drink of them all: the salted caramel cream cold brew. It's no wonder this iced beverage has gained such a following. It combines two of coffee lovers' favorite things: cold brew and salted caramel. The resulting drink comes together so well that it's something we could easily order every day.

The cold brew, which is generally a bit intense, is rounded out with the addition of a small amount of caramel drizzle. The salted foam is the real hero here; it adds that savory note that balances the caramel so well and provides the drink with a creaminess that's hard not to love. This is definitely one of the chain's greatest inventions to date. Long live the salted caramel cream cold brew.