25 Best Starbucks Secret Menu Teas, Ranked

Even though Starbucks has an extensive menu of popular drinks, the offerings go far beyond what you see on those menu boards. Starbucks fans have taken to calling these off-menu options the secret menu, but that name might be a little misleading. There's no true "secret" menu at stores. Instead, these drinks are often the result of creative customers (or inspired baristas) using their experience and tastes to develop drinks worthy of transcending the chain's standard offerings.

Of course, in the age of the internet it's hard for anything to remain secret for long; unofficial menu options are frequently shared across social media platforms (as well as old-fashioned word of mouth), creating a community-driven drink collection that offers unique twists and flavors. Among these creative concoctions, there's a range of frosty frappuccinos, delightful espresso-based drinks and more.

When it comes to tea-based secret menu items, the possibilities are endless. There are tasty variations of matcha, chai, black tea, and passion tea, each with distinct flavors and combinations. These drinks often incorporate syrups, toppings, or substitutions to create exciting flavor profiles beyond the standard offerings. Read on for a breakdown of the best.

To recreate this cereal-inspired masterpiece, start with a venti iced black tea base. Ask for an extra splash of sweet cream and an impressive ten pumps of brown sugar syrup. Add in a pump of classic syrup for good measure. If you want a grande, bring the brown sugar pumps down to eight.

While this may sound like a sugar overload, it's quite the opposite. The flavor isn't too overwhelming, instead perfectly countered by the vanilla sweet cream cold foam that sits atop the drink. Interestingly, despite its dessert-like nature, this drink isn't hugely caffeinated, making it an option for those seeking a lower-caffeine treat. The black tea base lends just enough of a caffeine kick, without overdoing things.

This drink brings together an exciting fusion of flavors, creating a unique taste experience that transports you to the vibrant street markets of Thailand. To replicate this at Starbucks, ask for iced black tea with no water, white chocolate mocha sauce, and toffee nut syrup, all shaken with coconut milk. Ask for a sprinkle of cinnamon on top to complete that authentic Thai Iced Tea experience.

With each sip of the drink, you'll experience a familiar milk tea vibe but with a distinctive Thai twist. Its nutty, creamy flavors combine harmoniously, making Thai Iced Tea a creamy tea option that stands out in the Starbucks drink universe.

Dive into the allure of Lavender Haze, a visually captivating and flavor-packed secret menu tea from Starbucks that's perfect for social media snaps and for those who appreciate unique flavors. This drink comes with particular ordering instructions to achieve its distinctive hue: It's best to order it in person, ensuring that almond milk is used in place of water instead of merely a splash. But a warning to those who drink it in the restaurant: Be prepared to answer a few "what is that?" queries.

Order an iced passion tea with a twist to bring this Instagrammable concoction to life. Substitute water with almond milk, and ask for vanilla syrup: five pumps for a venti, four for a grande, and three for a tall.

Order an iced passion tea with soy milk, ask for vanilla and toffee nut syrup, and prepare yourself for a truly unique taste in this delightfully offbeat beverage. As for the proportions of that syrup, you'll need to request four pumps each for a venti, three for a grande, and two for a tall.

The resulting drink is an exciting blend of sweet, nutty, and refreshing flavors. Its distinctive color only adds to its charm, making it as visually appealing as it is enjoyable to drink — another off-the-grid Starbucks creation perfect for your social media. Drawing inspiration from the subtly sugary, slightly nutty flavors of taro, this concoction will leave a striking, lingering impression on your tastebuds.

The Milk Tea Matcha Latte is a creative concoction that offers a new way to enjoy that delicious Starbucks traditional matcha flavor, complete with a rich layer of cream on top. To order the top-secret Milk Tea Matcha Latte, ask your barista for an iced matcha latte with three pumps of brown sugar syrup for a venti, two for a grande, and one for a tall. 

It's the next step, however, that takes the drink to another level. So, don't forget to top it all off with vanilla sweet cream cold foam. Also worth noting: Matcha has been in short supply in many Starbucks locations, so your own local availability might vary.

Candy-inspired drinks can add a playful twist to your beverage routine, and Starbucks' secret menu offers a delightful option for those who possess a sweet tooth. Borrowing its flavor profile from those beloved peach ring gummy candies, this caffeine-free beverage is a hit amongst both young and older Starbucks enthusiasts.

Simply ask for a passion tea made with peach juice instead of water. What you'll get in return is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing beverage that will satisfy all cravings for something outside-the-box. Since this drink is caffeine-free, it's also a perfect kid-friendly secret menu drink for younger Starbucks fans, or anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful drink without the caffeine jolt.

To order the Macadamia Chai Latte, request an iced oat milk chai tea latte and add macadamia syrup. This syrup is a relatively new addition to Starbucks offerings, one that you'll typically find added to their cold brew. Whether you're a fan of nutty flavors or just looking to try something different, the Macadamia Chai Latte offers a unique twist on a classic chai latte.

Combining the richness of macadamia with the spice of chai and the creaminess of oat milk, this beverage offers an indulgent flavor profile. However, the Macadamia Chai Latte might not be for everyone. The strong macadamia flavor can make the drink rather nutty, and to some this might be overpowering.

To order the Brown Sugar Strawberry Milk Tea, ask for an iced green tea made with coconut milk instead of water. Then add strawberry purée, and request it to be topped with vanilla sweet cream cold foam, mixed with brown sugar syrup. The result in something really special, like two tastes that don't belong together but surprisingly work well in tandem.

We found this to be an unexpectedly delicious combination of flavors, and the brown sugar nicely mixes with the strawberry. The coconut milk helps ensure that the drink doesn't become too milky, and this combination is certainly sweet, but not overwhelming. People who enjoy fruity and creamy beverages will most certainly enjoy this one.

At its core, the Vanilla Chai is simply a chai latte — either hot or iced — infused with vanilla syrup. This humble addition, however, makes a world of difference in taste. The velvety notes of vanilla blend seamlessly with the vibrant blend of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in the chai, adding a comforting sweetness that rounds off the drink's overall flavor profile.

The vanilla syrup can be adjusted to your liking. Those with a penchant for sugary beverages can opt for more, while those who prefer a more subtle sweetness can go for less. Conversely, the syrup can be substituted with a sugar-free version, making this drink a versatile option for those watching their sugar intake.

If you're craving a holiday treat even though it isn't the holiday season, you're in luck with the secret menu Gingerbread Latte. This warming beverage captures the cozy essence of winter festivities, and is available to be enjoyed any time of year.

If you're interested in trying this festive drink, ask for a grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte with two pumps of white mocha and one pump of chai. Depending on what's available at your Starbucks, request a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg to top it off. We're curious about what this drink might taste like iced; the refreshing coolness might pair nicely with the drink's rich, spicy flavors, potentially making it a year-round favorite.

Adding a little crunch to a Starbucks favorite, the Crunchy Chai is an original secret menu item that marries the contrasting worlds of a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino and chai. This caffeinated medley was born out of a desire to create something unique and unexpected, and it delivers just that.

Upon ordering, you'll notice that the spicy chai takes center stage, with its intense flavors overtaking the usual prominence of the caramel. The chai adds a rich, spicy dimension to the creamy Frappuccino, resulting in a robust, complex beverage. If chai isn't typically your go-to drink, you might want to consider scaling back on it somewhat to maintain a more nuanced balance between the flavors.

Inspired by the classic sangria drink of seasons past at Starbucks, this sangria is our own secret menu offering, bringing a refreshing and fruity concoction that brings together a delightful mix of flavors. You'll order Iced Passion Tea with apple and peach juice, along with a medley of the different fruit inclusions available.

When ordering the Sangria, it's important to request it with no water to get the full effect of the flavors. This modification ensures that the drink remains vibrant and bursts with fruity goodness. Upon taking your first sip, you'll be greeted with a burst of fruitiness that is very reminiscent of real sangria. The apple juice takes center stage, providing a prominent and refreshing flavor profile.