5 Starbucks Hot Drinks That Deserve More Love

It is easy to get into an ordering rut when heading to a familiar spot like Starbucks. With tempting options like Caramel Macchiatos and the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, scanning the menu for alternatives can feel like a waste of time, but we've highlighted several underrated drinks you need to try. To compile a list of drink orders that deserve more attention, we combed the menu and looked for real reviews online. Customers are vocal on social media and review threads, and the resulting recommendations offer a lineup that works for any time of day and a variety of tastes.

Whether you're looking for a caffeine-free treat, a soothing sipper, or a coffee drink that perks you up on the way to the office, you may find a new go-to order. Pricing and availability can vary by location, and Starbucks changes its menus with the seasons; keep an eye out for a new beverage to sample on your next visit, or ask your local barista for suggestions if you're not seeing what you want.

Starbucks' Pistachio Latte is a favorite for many Starbucks customers, but for those wanting the sweet nutty flavor without the caffeine bump, the Pistachio Crème is the answer. Listed on the menu alongside steamed milk and Vanilla Crème, the drink is made hot with your choice of milk or milk alternative; the number of pistachio sauce pumps can be adjusted to your preference. A Salted Brown-Buttery Topping finishes the drink. 

Since a Pistachio Crème has no espresso in it, the choice is ideal for a late afternoon treat or as a beverage option for Starbucks' younger fans. Some Redditors recommend starting with fewer pumps of pistachio syrup to make the drink, as it can be quite sweet. Others have described buttery notes in the pistachio syrup. If you're craving a warm beverage that is smooth and tastes like dessert, the Pistachio Crème is it. 

A Caffè Misto is one of the most underrated drinks on the Starbucks menu if you enjoy the taste of steamed milk and coffee but would prefer the ratio of each to be a bit more balanced than a latte. Made with a one-to-one combination of brewed coffee and steamed milk, the drink has the mellow, creamy taste of a latte but is a bit different. "Honestly it is sort of a lighter version of a latte," described one customer on Facebook. Some customers choose it because it is cheaper than a latte.

A Misto can be easily adjusted with milk preferences, level of foam, and temperature. "Why was I sleeping on them?" asked one customer on Reddit. While some on the thread had never heard of the order, others suggest customizing the drink with flavored syrups like toffee nut, vanilla, or brown sugar. "This is my go-to drink," wrote another fan on Facebook.

For tea drinkers and those looking to reduce their caffeine intake, the London Fog Latte is a solid choice. Steamed milk is flavored with the citrusy brightness of Italian bergamot and the calming notes of lavender, then sweetened with vanilla syrup to offer a fresh take on a classic cup of Earl Grey tea. Since black tea is involved, the caffeine boost is gentler than a typical coffee drink. 

Though the drink can take some time to make due to the steeping involved, the result is a soft, floral sipper. "It was like a warm vanilla wafer and definitely lavender focused!" wrote a pleased customer on Reddit, who also noted the pleasing aroma of the drink. "It's so comforting!" added another fan on the same thread. This order, too, can be customized with choices of milk or fewer or more pumps of vanilla depending on the preferred level of sweetness. A London Fog Latte can also be ordered iced on warmer days.

When you want the benefit of espresso without milk, an Espresso Con Panna is espresso topped with whipped cream. "Con panna" is Italian for "with cream," and the cream melts slowly into the shot after it is poured. The dollop of whipped cream softens the bitterness of the coffee and offers just enough sweetness to highlight the tasting notes of the espresso. "It's so simple but it's amazing!" wrote one fan on Reddit. "Just ordered this and it was a massive W," added another customer on the same thread.

Some suggest drizzling a flavored syrup of choice on top for an extra treat. Others prefer an inverted version, in which whipped cream is placed into the cup before the shot of espresso is poured on top. A sprinkling of brown sugar and cinnamon complete the drink. In addition to being a delicious after-meal treat, Espresso Con Panna is one of the best-value drinks to order from the menu.

Starbucks' tea lineup has some quality options, and Emperor's Clouds & Mist Tea is a treat. The subtly smoky and delicate green tea is cultivated at 3,500 feet before it arrives to stores. While it is caffeinated, it has less caffeine than coffee, and cups offer a fresh, grassy scent. "So Emperor's Clouds & Mist is the best green tea in the world," wrote one customer on Reddit. Another sampler on Facebook described it as a "straight, traditional green tea with a gentle, slightly sweet floral flavor." One TikTokker who compared different teas available at Starbucks noted that the flavor is a standout, offering satisfying and smooth sips. 

Because boiling water can turn green tea bitter, avoid over-steeping, and sweeten the cup with honey for a soothing beverage. Those who want to get creative with their orders can customize tea by mixing flavors, pairing the green tea with one of the mint tea options for added depth.