How Starbucks Makes Classic Espresso Drinks

If you've ever wondered what actually goes into your favorite Starbucks espresso drink—whether it's a creamy Latte or a bold Americano—this guide breaks down every component, ratio, and price point from the original menu. You'll learn exactly how each drink is made, why it tastes the way it does, and how to order it with confidence.

Starbucks offers over a dozen classic espresso-based drinks, each built around a shot (or two) of espresso combined with milk, water, syrup, or foam. Prices for espresso drinks range from $14 for a single shot to $35 for a fully layered Caramel Macchiato. Here’s how they’re all made.

Classic Espresso-Based Hot Drinks

1. Americano (Cafe Americano)

An Americano consists of espresso (single or double) plus hot water. It preserves much of the original espresso flavor and delivers strong caffeine kick. Price: $21 (single), $24 (double), or $27 (depending on cup size).

2. Latte (Cafe Latte)

A Latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a single spoonful of milk foam. The drink is smooth and milky, with the espresso balanced by the volume of milk. Price: $25, $28, or $31 depending on size. It’s considered one of the simplest yet most classic espresso drinks.

3. Cappuccino

The Cappuccino contains espresso and a greater proportion of milk foam—about half the drink—compared to a Latte. This gives it a richer, foamier texture. It should be consumed immediately for best foam quality. Like the Latte, it costs $25–$31. Not ideal for takeaway due to foam collapse.

4. Caramel Macchiato

This is a layered drink made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, milk foam, espresso, and caramel drizzle. The foam is especially important for texture, and it's especially popular among female customers. Price: $29, $32, or $35. A well-made Caramel Macchiato is visually appealing and dessert-like.

5. Mocha (Caffè Mocha)

The Mocha combines chocolate sauce, espresso, steamed milk, and whipped cream. It’s particularly popular in winter and among those who prefer a sweeter coffee drink. A white chocolate version also exists. No price listed, but considered a comforting favorite.

6. Espresso (Single or Double)

An espresso is simply a shot of concentrated coffee: 30ml for a single, 60ml for a double. The single is priced at $14, the double at $18. It’s the foundation for almost all espresso drinks. Bold drinkers often prefer the double shot.

7. Espresso Con Panna

This drink features a small shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Simple, classic, and creamy.

8. Espresso Macchiato

Made with espresso and a small amount of milk foam. 'Macchiato' means 'marked'—the foam slightly colors the espresso. Exact pricing not given.

Cold and Blended Drinks: Frappuccinos

Starbucks’ Frappuccinos come in both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions, each with distinct ingredients and presentation.

Caffeinated Frappuccinos

• Coffee Frappuccino: A blended coffee drink with a coffee base.
• Caramel Coffee Frappuccino: Coffee base with caramel syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. The caramel is made from heated sugar.
• Mocha Frappuccino: Chocolate-flavored Frappuccino with espresso, topped with whipped cream.
• Java Chip Frappuccino: Similar to Mocha Frappuccino but with added chocolate chips (made from cocoa nibs or chocolate-covered wheat bran), whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.
• Espresso Frappuccino: Contains an extra shot of espresso for a bolder coffee flavor.

Non-Caffeinated Frappuccinos

• Vanilla Cream Frappuccino: A vanilla-flavored iced drink with whipped cream.
• Caramel Cream Frappuccino: Sweet caramel flavor without coffee.
• Chocolate Cream Frappuccino: Rich chocolate taste, no caffeine.
• Green Tea Cream Frappuccino: Matcha-flavored blended drink.
• Mango Passion Fruit Frappuccino: A tropical, refreshing mango and passion fruit iced drink. It also contains a hint of black tea, which some find unusual.

Drip Coffee and Tea Options

Drip Coffee

• Brewed Coffee ("This Week’s Coffee"): The cheapest coffee option on the menu ($15, $18, or $21). It's often made with freshly rotated single-origin beans, changed weekly. Many regulars prefer it to espresso-based drinks for its pure flavor. Also known as "" or "Regular Coffee."
• Misto: A mix of half brewed coffee and half steamed milk. Essentially a DIY Latte. Slightly more expensive than brewed coffee alone, but you can ask for brewed coffee and add milk yourself to save money. A Vanilla Misto with added vanilla syrup is also popular.

Tea Options

• Chinese Tea and English Tea: Traditional offerings; Indian black tea is particularly herbal and acquired in taste.
• Black Tea Latte: Black tea with steamed milk. Pure and simple—less sweet than commercial milk teas. Not a top seller due to its straightforward flavor profile.
• Green Tea Latte: Matcha or green tea with milk. Very popular and often ordered half-sweet. Comparable in fame to the Mango Passion Fruit Frappuccino.

Other Specialty Drinks

Hot Chocolate Drinks

• Signature Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate with whipped cream and cocoa powder. Very popular in winter. An iced version is also available, though you must specify whether you want whipped cream, as it affects price.

Steamed Milk Drinks

• Steamed Milk and Steamed Soy Milk: Basic steamed dairy or plant-based options. Steamed milk is especially popular with pregnant customers. Soy milk is often ordered by mistake when customers ask for “soybean milk.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Latte and a Cappuccino at Starbucks?

A Latte contains espresso, steamed milk, and a small amount of milk foam, with a milk-to-espresso ratio that results in a smooth, milky drink. A Cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam—about half the drink is foam—making it foamier and stronger in flavor. Both typically cost between $25 and $31 depending on size.

What is an Americano and how is it different from espresso?

An Americano is made by adding hot water to one or two shots of espresso. It dilutes the espresso but retains much of its flavor and aroma, resulting in a larger, less intense drink compared to straight espresso. It’s often preferred for a strong but smoother caffeine hit.

What’s in a Caramel Macchiato and why is it so foamy?

A Caramel Macchiato is layered with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, milk foam, espresso, and caramel sauce. The foam is a key textural element, and drinking it quickly ensures the best foam experience. It’s a favorite among those who enjoy sweet, dessert-like coffee drinks.

What’s the cheapest coffee option at Starbucks?

The cheapest regularly available coffee is the Brewed Coffee, also called "This Week’s Coffee" or "," priced at $15, $18, or $21. It uses a rotating single-origin bean and is often considered purer in flavor than espresso blends.

Can I customize a Misto at Starbucks?

Yes. A Misto is essentially half brewed coffee and half steamed milk. You can request this combination or make it yourself by ordering brewed coffee and adding milk. For extra flavor, try adding vanilla syrup to create a Vanilla Misto.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Drinks

For making Starbucks-style espresso drinks at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a well-balanced, smooth blend with rich crema, ideal for Lattes and Cappuccinos. The Black Cocoa Blend offers bold, chocolatey notes and great value for Mochas or Americanos. The Specialty Blend delivers a classic European-style espresso taste with notes of dried fruit and nuts, perfect for traditional espresso or Macchiatos. All three are optimized for milk drinks and espresso extraction. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.