Starbucks Coffee Types and Prices Explained

If you’ve ever walked into a Starbucks and stared at the menu wondering what exactly is the difference between a cappuccino and a macchiato—or which one to order—this guide is for you. Whether you're new to specialty coffee or just curious how Starbucks builds its drinks, we break down each classic offering, how it’s prepared, and what you’re really paying for.

Starbucks serves 13 core coffee drinks, including espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, mocha, and flavored variations like caramel macchiato and vanilla latte. Their prices range from 16 to 30 yuan ($2–4 USD) for small to large sizes, depending on the drink type.

What Is an Espresso at Starbucks?

Starbucks espresso is the foundation of nearly all their espresso-based drinks. It’s described as rich, bold, and with a slight caramel-like flavor. A single shot (one ounce) is called a solo or “single,” while a double shot (two ounces) is a doppio or “double.” At Starbucks, a single shot of espresso costs 17 yuan for a small, 22 yuan for a medium , and 22 yuan regardless if you choose the mid-size as default in some locations. That’s the starting point for drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and americanos.

Classic Espresso-Based Starbucks Drinks

These drinks all begin with espresso shots, then vary by milk type, temperature, foam, and added flavors.

Cappuccino

This is a traditional Italian-style drink made by pouring steamed milk and a thick layer of microfoam over a shot (or more) of espresso. According to Starbucks, their baristas craft it by gently layering hand-steamed milk and fine foam atop the espresso. The milk-to-espresso ratio is lower than in a latte, giving it a stronger coffee flavor and a rich, velvety texture. A cappuccino at Starbucks is priced at 19 yuan (small), 23 yuan (medium), and 26 yuan (large).

Latte (Caffè Latte)

A Starbucks latte combines espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of milk foam (under half a centimeter). The milk is heated to between 65–75°C. You can customize it with flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel, or almond. The drink is structured with espresso at the bottom, hot milk in the middle, and foam on top. Prices are 19 yuan (small), 23 yuan (medium), and 26 yuan (large).

Americano

The Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso, creating a drink that resembles filter coffee but retains espresso’s intensity. Starbucks clarifies that this is actually a European method, not an American invention. A “long black” or light version may be made by pulling the espresso shot with extra water (a 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio). Pricing is 16 yuan (small), 19 yuan (medium), and 23 yuan (large).

Macchiato

The Espresso Macchiato is an espresso “stained” with just a small amount of milk foam. The term “macchiato” means “marked” or “stained” in Italian. In contrast, the Caramel Macchiato is a Starbucks original where vanilla syrup and steamed milk are layered under espresso, then topped with a signature caramel drizzle. Prices: Espresso Macchiato is part of the espresso menu (small 17, medium 22, large 22); Caramel Macchiato is 24 yuan (small), 27 yuan (medium), and 30 yuan (large).

Mocha (Caffè Mocha)

The mocha blends espresso, steamed milk, and mocha syrup (chocolate-flavored), then is topped with whipped cream. Its origins trace back to the Yemeni port of Mocha, a historic coffee trade hub. At Starbucks, mochas are rich, sweet, and perfect for cold days. They cost 23 yuan (small), 26 yuan (medium), and 29 yuan (large).

Iced Starbucks Coffee Variants

For cooler weather—or year-round iced coffee lovers—Starbucks offers several frozen versions of their classic drinks.

Iced Caramel Macchiato

This original Starbucks iced drink layers espresso, milk, and vanilla syrup over ice, then finishes with a drizzle of caramel sauce. The iconic crosshatched caramel pattern sits atop the drink. Price: 30 yuan (large), 27 yuan (medium), 24 yuan (small).

Iced Latte

An Iced Caffè Latte combines espresso and milk poured over ice cubes. It’s smooth, cool, and simple. Price: 26 yuan (large), 23 yuan (medium), 19 yuan (small).

Iced Mocha

This drink blends espresso, milk, mocha syrup, and ice, then adds whipped cream on top. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and refreshing. Price: 29 yuan (large), 26 yuan (medium), 23 yuan (small).

Iced Americano

Made with espresso and cold water over ice, this is Starbucks’ iced take on the classic brewed espresso dilution. Price: 23 yuan (large), 19 yuan (medium), 16 yuan (small).

Specialty and Lesser-Known Offerings

Espresso Con Panna

This is an espresso topped with whipped cream. “Con Panna” means “with cream” in Italian. It’s a simple dessert-like espresso drink. (Price included in the espresso category: small 17, medium 22, large 22.)

Flavored Lattes: Vanilla Latte

The Vanilla Latte is a standard latte with added vanilla syrup. It’s one of the most popular customizations. (Price included in latte pricing: small 19, medium 23, large 26.)

Today’s Coffee / Daily Brew

Starbucks also offers a basic brewed coffee option referred to as “” or “Today’s Coffee,” typically priced around 10 yuan for a medium cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular Starbucks coffee drink?

The Caramel Macchiato is among Starbucks’ most popular drinks, known for its sweet vanilla and caramel flavors layered over espresso and milk. It’s a signature Starbucks creation, not a traditional Italian recipe.

How much does a small espresso cost at Starbucks?

A single shot of espresso (small) at Starbucks costs 17 yuan. A double shot is typically included in medium or large drinks, which start from 22 yuan.

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

A latte has more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, making it creamier and milder. A cappuccino has less milk and a thicker foam, offering a stronger coffee flavor with a velvety texture.

Are Starbucks iced drinks more expensive than hot ones?

Not necessarily. For example, an Iced Caramel Macchiato (24–30 yuan) and a regular Caramel Macchiato (24–30 yuan) are similarly priced. However, iced versions often come in larger default sizes.

What is the difference between an americano and a long black?

At Starbucks, an Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. A long black (not always listed) may refer to espresso pulled with more water for a lighter concentration—similar to a filtered coffee taste with espresso body.

Can I customize Starbucks drinks with different syrups?

Yes. Most Starbucks espresso and milk-based drinks can be customized with flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or seasonal options.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Milk-Based Drinks

For crafting Starbucks-style drinks at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for balanced body and chocolate notes, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. The Black Cocoa Blend brings deep cocoa and roasted malt tones, complementing mochas and flavored drinks. Both beans are roasted specifically for milk coffee applications, producing rich crema and smooth texture when paired with steamed milk. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.