Starbucks Coffee Types and Prices Explained

If you’ve ever stood in line at Starbucks wondering what exactly you’re ordering — or why some drinks cost more than others — you’re not alone. With dozens of options, multiple sizes, and different preparation methods, navigating the Starbucks menu can feel overwhelming. But understanding what’s in each drink, how it’s made, and what you’re paying for makes ordering much simpler.

In short, Starbucks offers 13 core coffee drinks, ranging from classic espresso (17–22 RMB) to flavored milk-based drinks like caramel macchiato (24–30 RMB) and iced versions (same price range). Sizes include Short (8 oz/236 mL), Tall (12 oz/355 mL), Grande (16 oz/473 mL), and Venti (20 oz/591 mL), with prices varying by drink and volume.

What Are the Main Types of Starbucks Coffee Drinks?

Starbucks serves a wide range of coffee beverages built around espresso, milk, and flavorings. Here’s a breakdown of the core 13 drink types, many of which follow traditional European techniques but with Starbucks' signature twists.

1. Espresso-Based Classics

Espresso (17 RMB for short, 22 RMB for tall): A single or double shot (1 or 2 oz) of concentrated coffee with a rich, slightly caramel-like flavor. A single shot is called solo, a double is doppio.

Cappuccino (19–26 RMB): Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam. Made by pouring steamed milk and delicate foam over espresso, resulting in a strong, creamy drink. The foam layer is typically thicker than in a latte.

Macchiato (part of Espresso Macchiato): Means "stained" or "marked" in Italian. An espresso macchiato is an espresso "stained" with a small amount of milk foam. In contrast, a caramel macchiato is a layered drink with vanilla syrup, milk, espresso, and a signature caramel drizzle.

Americano (16–23 RMB): Hot water added to espresso, mimicking the strength of drip coffee but with an espresso base. A "long black" in other regions.

Latte (19–26 RMB): Espresso with plenty of steamed milk and a thin layer (under 0.5 cm) of milk foam. Served between 65–75°C. Optional flavor syrups include vanilla, caramel, or almond.

Mocha (23–29 RMB): Espresso mixed with chocolate syrup (or mocha sauce) and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream. A sweet, dessert-like coffee.

2. Flavor-Forward and Seasonal Favorites

Caramel Macchiato (24–30 RMB): A Starbucks-original drink with layers of vanilla syrup, milk, espresso, and caramel drizzle. Built upside-down to create a distinctive presentation.

Iced Caramel Macchiato (same price as hot): The cold version combines espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, ice, and a drizzle of caramel atop the drink.

Iced Variants: Iced versions of Americano (Iced Caffè Americano), Mocha (Iced Caffè Mocha), and Latte (Iced Caffè Latte) are also available. These use the same ingredients as their hot counterparts, served over ice.

3. Specialty Additions and Customizations

Starbucks allows a wide range of customizations: choosing low- or non-dairy milk (soy, almond, oat, or skim), adjusting sweetness, ice levels, and even foam thickness for cappuccinos. Decaf options are available for nearly every espresso-based drink.

What Are the Prices for Starbucks Coffee Drinks?

Drink prices at Starbucks vary based on size and preparation method. Below is a general price range by drink category (based on Mainland China pricing):

Note: “Short” (8 oz) is sometimes available but not listed on all menus. A daily coffee option may be offered for around 10 RMB (drink of the day or basic espresso blend).

Where Do Starbucks Coffee Beans Come From?

Starbucks sells its own roasted coffee beans, which are prepared in four key locations: Kent, Washington; York, Pennsylvania; Carson Valley, Nevada; and Amsterdam, Netherlands. The beans are vacuum-sealed with a one-way valve to allow continued degassing post-roast. Both whole bean and pre-ground options are sold at Starbucks stores and through retail partners.

The company rotates coffee bean offerings weekly under programs like “Coffee of the Week,” though this practice varies by region. In some areas (like Taiwan), daily specials are more common. While most profit comes from cold drinks with flavored syrup and whipped cream, Starbucks also emphasizes seasonal hot drinks such as holiday-themed beverages and flavored lattes.

Globally, Starbucks uses Italian-style size terminology: Short (small, 8 oz), Tall (medium, 12 oz), Grande (large, 16 oz), and Venti (extra-large, 20 oz). These names reflect both volume and cultural branding, though staff often accommodate requests in ounces or milliliters.

How Is a Traditional Cappuccino Made at Starbucks?

A Starbucks cappuccino is made using an espresso base, steamed milk, and thick, velvety milk foam. The drink adheres closely to traditional Italian technique: espresso is poured first, then steamed milk, and finally a generous layer of foam on top. The foam is often shaped into a rounded “cap” using a spoon.

According to FrontStreet Coffee’s barista guide, a proper cappuccino at home uses 20g of coffee grounds, extracted with a 1:2 brew ratio (40ml coffee) in around 30 seconds for optimal flavor concentration. Using a quality espresso blend — such as FrontStreet’s (The Butter Bomb) or (Black Cocoa Base) — ensures a rich crema and balanced taste. For fruity profiles, Strawberry Candy Espresso (Strawberry Candy Espresso) adds berry and floral notes that pair well with milk.

Unlike lattes or flat whites, cappuccinos have a higher foam-to-milk ratio, creating a drier, more textured mouthfeel. The iconic “golden ring” comes from the contrast between the dark espresso crema and the white foam.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Espresso Drinks

For making espresso-based Starbucks-style drinks at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s (Black Cocoa Base), a rich, full-bodied blend with chocolate and roasted notes ideal for lattes and macchiatos. The -FrontStreet CoffeeClassic Blend (The Butter Bomb - Classic Blend) offers strong crema and a bold, balanced profile perfect for traditional cappuccinos. For fruity, floral milk drinks, the Strawberry Candy Espressoespresso (Strawberry Candy Espresso) brings berry, rose, and grapefruit tones. All three are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.