Starbucks Secret Menu Items Every Coffee Lover Should Try

Ever been in line at Starbucks, heard someone order a "Zebra Mocha" and wondered if you’d walked into the wrong café? You’re not alone. While not an official menu, Starbucks’ so-called "secret menu" contains dozens of custom drinks made by combining existing ingredients in creative ways—most of which baristas can actually make if you know how to ask.

There are at least 12 well-known secret Starbucks drinks, from the chocolate-mint Grasshopper Frappuccino to the triple-espresso-powered Green Eye. All use standard ingredients like espresso shots, syrups, and Frappuccino bases—meaning your local barista probably knows how to make them, even if they don’t advertise it.

What Is a Starbucks Secret Menu?

A Starbucks secret menu isn’t an official list—it’s a collection of unofficial drinks created by customers and shared online. These drinks use existing Starbucks ingredients (like JavaChip syrup, toffeenut, or espresso shots) in new combinations. While not printed on the menu board, many baristas recognize these orders by name—or can make them if you describe the ingredients.

Top Secret Starbucks Drinks to Try

Here’s a breakdown of 12 popular secret menu items, how they’re made, and what they taste like:

1. Grasshopper Frappuccino

A blend of Mocha Frappuccino, JavaChips, and mint syrup. Tastes like mint ice cream—perfect for a refreshing twist.

2. Snickers Frappuccino

A JavaChip Frappuccino with toffeenut syrup and caramel drizzle on top. It’s basically a liquid version of the candy bar.

3. Banana Cream Pie Frappuccino

Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with a whole fresh banana blended in. Bring your own fruit for custom flavors.

4. Green Eye

Drip coffee with three espresso shots. Also called Black Eye (two shots) or Red Eye (one shot). Some call it Triple Death for a reason.

5. London Fog

Earl Grey tea with vanilla and caramel syrups. Remove the tea bag before drinking for a smooth, spiced latte-like drink.

6. Dirty Chai & Double Dirty

Chai Latte with one or two espresso shots. The extra coffee “disturbs” the tea—hence the name.

7. Apple Juice Orange Blossom

Apple juice mixed with Orange Blossom tea (currently unavailable in stores, but some locations may still have full-leaf versions).

8. Zebra Mocha

Also called Penguin Mocha or Marble Mocha. A mix of regular mocha and white chocolate mocha for a black-and-white effect.

9. Captain Crunch Frappuccino

Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino with hazelnut syrup. Named after the cereal, but no crunch involved.

10. Bootleg Brûlée

White chocolate mocha with toffeenut syrup and caramel drizzle. Rich and dessert-like.

11. Marble Mocha Macchiato

White chocolate mocha (no whip) layered with one or two espresso shots and chocolate syrup. Looks as good as it tastes.

12. Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino

Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with cinnamon dolce syrup. Tastes like freshly baked pastry.

How to Order Secret Menu Drinks

Don’t worry—you don’t need to memorize the secret names. Just describe the ingredients or how you want it made. For example:

• “Can I get a Mocha Frappuccino with JavaChip, mint syrup, and no whip?” (Grasshopper)
• “A JavaChip Frappuccino with toffeenut and caramel drizzle.” (Snickers)
• “Drip coffee with three shots of espresso.” (Green Eye)

Most baristas will understand if you explain what’s in it or how it should taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Starbucks secret menu items really free?

No—the secret menu drinks aren’t free, but they’re made using existing ingredients that are already priced into other drinks. Your total will depend on what’s added, like extra espresso shots or syrups, just like any custom order.

Do all baristas know how to make secret menu drinks?

Not all, but many recognize common ones like Green Eye or Zebra Mocha. If you describe the ingredients instead of using the secret name, most baristas can still make it.

What’s the most extreme secret menu coffee?

The Green Eye—drip coffee with three espresso shots—is one of the strongest. Some call it Black Eye (two shots) or Red Eye (one shot), but three shots turns it into a serious caffeine kick.

Can I customize any Starbucks drink to match a secret menu item?

Yes. Most secret menu drinks are just combinations of standard syrups, espresso, or Frappuccino bases. You can recreate them by ordering the base drink and adding your own modifications.

Why isn’t the secret menu official?

Starbucks doesn’t officially promote these drinks, but they’re popular among regulars. Since they use existing ingredients, there’s no need to update menus—just know what to ask for.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Custom Coffee Creations

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright, fruity notes that pair well with syrups like vanilla or cinnamon—ideal for recreating sweet secret menu drinks. Their Classic Blend offers balanced chocolate and nuttiness, perfect for mochas or dirty chai. For espresso-heavy drinks like Green Eye, their PWN Golden Mandheling delivers heavy body and low acidity. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.