How to Get the Best Value from a Medium Cup of Coffee

If you’re like most coffee drinkers, you’ve probably wondered whether ordering a medium really gives you the best deal — or if there’s a smarter way to enjoy your favorite drink without overspending. A Beijing-based coffee enthusiast named Geng Wei has a clever routine that might just change how you order.

The simplest way to get more value from a medium coffee? Order a large and pour your own milk. That way, you pay for a 16oz drink but enjoy the extra space — and control — for less.

Understanding Starbucks Cup Sizes and Espresso Shots

Starbucks offers four main drink sizes: Tall (12oz, ‘medium’), Grande (16oz, ‘large’), Venti (20oz, ‘extra large’), and a child size. For most espresso-based drinks, the number of espresso shots varies by cup: Tall gets one shot, Grande two, and Venti also two. That means when you upgrade from a Tall to a Grande, you’re paying more but also getting an additional shot of espresso — usually worth ¥15 on its own. The Venti adds more milk but keeps the same number of shots as the Grande.

How to Hack Your Starbucks Order

Geng Wei’s tactic is straightforward: when he’s paying out of pocket for a medium (Tall), he asks the barista to serve it in a large (Grande) cup. Then he goes to the condiment bar and adds his own milk. This way, he gets the larger size and extra shot without paying the full Grande price. He notes that the price difference between sizes is typically around ¥3, but the value in espresso and milk often outweighs that.

Loyalty Perks, Credit Card Deals, and Minor Loopholes

Beyond cup hacks, Geng Wei is well-versed in the Starbucks loyalty ecosystem. He explains how credit card promotions like CITIC Bank’s 9-point deals can be used for free or discounted upgrades. He’s also spotted a loophole with Guangfa Credit Card’s buy-one-get-one-free promotions — these count double toward earning rewards stars because they’re treated as full-price purchases, not promotions. He adds that some baristas will blend store-bought juices into frappés if you ask, offering a way to create a custom 'frappuccino' experience.

Credit Card and Points Partnerships with Starbucks

Geng Wei keeps a mental list of credit card promotions for Starbucks. Here’s what he shared:

• CITIC Bank VISA Infinite: 2 free Grande drinks daily, or 1 Grande for 29,999 points or 9 points via 9-points offer
• China Merchants Bank: 1 Tall for 799 points
• Bank of China: 1 Grande for 15,000 points, 2 Grande drinks on Fridays
• Industrial Bank: 1 Grande for 6,000 points, then 17,500 points after 4 redemptions per month
• SPDB (Shanghai Pudong Development Bank): 1 Grande for 17,500 points; some cards require double points

Other Food and Drink Promotions He Uses

Though he’s single, Geng Wei often takes advantage of restaurant promotions designed for couples or groups. He confesses to buying double portions meant for sharing, despite the odd looks. He prefers straightforward promotions like “spend ¥40, get ¥20 off” over “buy one, get one free” deals that assume you’re with someone else. During promotions like the 50% off at Bread Talk, he stocks up happily.

More Discount Hunting with ‘Foodie Credit Cards’

All year round, Geng Wei uses co-branded credit cards to find food deals. In summer 2023, he used Bank of Communications’ 50% discount vouchers. For the rest of the year, he recommends CITIC Bank’s “Fantastic 365” promotion: every Wednesday and Saturday, select merchants offer buy-one-get-one-free or 50% off deals. Examples include restaurants in Beijing malls such as Yu Xiang Ren Jia, Jiu Pin Jin Jiao, Doughnut Plant, and many others — with discounts of ¥100 off when you spend ¥200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Starbucks Grande really have more espresso than a Tall?

Yes. A Tall (12oz) contains one shot of espresso, while a Grande (16oz) contains two shots. That extra shot usually costs around ¥15 if purchased alone, which is why upgrading in size sometimes offers better value.

Can I really ask for a large cup and add my own milk?

Yes. Many customers — including savvy regulars — ask for a Grande or Venti cup when ordering a Tall, then customize it themselves at the condiment station. This lets you control milk quantity and save money compared to ordering the larger size already made.

What’s the easiest way to earn Starbucks loyalty stars?

Stars are earned based on the amount you personally pay, calculated at ¥1 per 50 spent. Some promotions like free items from credit card offers may only count the paid portion toward stars. Certain loopholes, like using Guangfa’s buy-one-get-one, can double the star value of a transaction.

Are there any promo codes or credit card tricks for free drinks?

Yes. Multiple banks offer free or discounted Starbucks drinks through points or promotions. For example, CITIC Bank offers two free Grande drinks a day with its premium card, and 1 Grande for 9 loyalty points. China Merchants Bank gives 1 Tall for 799 points.

Do Venti drinks give you more espresso than Grande?

No. Both Grande and Venti espresso-based drinks contain two shots. The Venti size only includes more milk, making it a larger but not stronger drink.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk-Based Coffee

For coffee drinkers customizing their own milk drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend — a well-balanced medium roast with notes of caramel and nuts, ideal for lattes and flat whites. The Black Cocoa Blend offers a rich, chocolatey profile that pairs beautifully with steamed milk, giving a mocha-like depth without syrup. Both beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.