Starbucks Classic Italian Coffee Drinks Explained

If you’ve ever stood in line at Starbucks wondering which classic espresso-based drink to order—or which gives you the most bang for your buck—you’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers, especially those new to espresso drinks, find the menu confusing. This guide lays out exactly what’s in each drink, how they differ, and what you’re really paying for.

In short, Starbucks’ classic Italian-style espresso drinks include the Espresso (single or double), Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, and creamy options like Espresso Con Panna. Prices range from 14 RMB for a single shot of espresso to 35 RMB for a Caramel Macchiato. Each drink builds on espresso with varying amounts of water, steamed milk, foam, and flavorings.

What Is an Espresso Drink?

An espresso drink starts with a shot (or more) of espresso—a small, concentrated coffee brewed under pressure. At Starbucks, a single espresso (also called solo) costs 14 RMB, while a double (doppio) is 18 RMB. The double is especially popular among customers used to stronger coffee, especially in Western markets.

Hot Espresso-Based Drinks at Starbucks

Here’s how the classic hot drinks break down, based on their ingredients and texture:

• Espresso (14 / 18 RMB): Just the shot—nothing added. A small cup, intense and pure. Comes in single or double.
• Americano (21 / 24 / 27 RMB): Espresso + hot water. Retains the coffee’s original strength and aroma, less intense than straight espresso, often preferred for a smoother caffeine kick.
• Latte (25 / 28 / 31 RMB): Espresso + steamed milk + a small amount of milk foam. The go-to drink for many, with a smooth, milky texture and mild coffee flavor. Simple but reliable.
• Cappuccino (same price as Latte): Espresso + more foam and less milk than a latte. About half the drink is foam, giving it a richer mouthfeel. Best enjoyed fresh—the foam dissipates over time. Not ideal for takeout.
• Macchiato (price not specified but same as others): Espresso + a small amount of milk foam. ‘Macchiato’ means ‘stained’—just enough foam to mark the espresso. More intense than a latte, less than a cappuccino.
• Mocha (price not specified): Espresso + chocolate syrup + steamed milk + whipped cream. A sweet, dessert-like coffee, especially favored in winter. The version with white chocolate is especially popular.
• Caramel Macchiato (29 / 32 / 35 RMB): Vanilla syrup + steamed milk + milk foam + espresso + caramel drizzle. A layered, sweet drink often preferred by women. The texture of the foam is key to the experience.
• Espresso Con Panna (price not specified): Espresso + a dollop of cream on top. Minimalist and rich.

Cold Drinks & Things to Avoid

Most cold versions of these drinks follow similar recipes but use cold milk and ice. However, ice cappuccinos are not recommended—the mix of cold milk, ice, and hot foam creates an odd texture. That said, the drink looks striking. For a better iced option, try an iced soy milk vanilla latte without ice (“”).

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino at Starbucks?

A latte has more steamed milk and a small amount of foam, resulting in a smoother, milk-forward drink. A cappuccino has roughly equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam—about half the drink is foam—making it thicker and more textured. Cappuccinos are best consumed immediately before the foam collapses.

Which Starbucks espresso drink is the cheapest?

The single espresso (14 RMB) is the cheapest. A double espresso costs 18 RMB. Americanos start at 21 RMB, while milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos start around 25 RMB.

What’s in a caramel macchiato?

A caramel macchiato contains vanilla syrup, steamed milk, milk foam, espresso, and caramel sauce. It’s layered and sweet, often considered a favorite among female customers for its dessert-like qualities.

Is an iced cappuccino a good choice?

No—it’s not recommended. The combination of cold milk, ice, and hot foam leads to an unpleasant texture. If you want an iced espresso drink, consider asking for it “” (without ice) or trying an iced soy vanilla latte instead.

Does a double espresso cost more than a single?

Yes. A single espresso is 14 RMB, while a double is 18 RMB. The double shot is more popular among customers who prefer a stronger coffee flavor.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Classic Espresso Drinks

For making Starbucks-style espresso drinks at home, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice—it’s designed specifically for espresso and milk drinks, producing a rich crema even with non-professional machines. Its balanced, full-bodied profile suits lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos. For a more intense, chocolatey option, the Black Cocoa Blend offers bold flavors at a great value, ideal for mochas or macchiatos. Both blends are optimized for espresso brewing and deliver consistent results. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.