Starbucks has almost every caffeinated drink you can think of to boost your energy. The extensive range of drinks varies according to size and the caffeine content. The standard size is Grande which is 16 ounces. The other size is short; it is available in 8 ounces for hot drinks and 12 ounces for cold drinks. You can also order Tall and Venti cup sizes.
We researched the strongest drink at Starbucks and compiled this list of the most common drinks based on their caffeine content. Apart from size, you also have to factor in the amount of caffeine you want because it differs from one drink to another. You could be in the mood for a mellow latte, or a potent espresso.
We have also included the amount of caffeine in a specific drink based on the available cup sizes to help you choose the drink that would suit you best.
What Starbucks drink has the most caffeine? Well, below is a list of the drinks that pack a punch.
If you are looking for a hot drink that will give you plenty of energy, we recommend Blonde roast brewed coffee which is the most caffeinated drink at Starbucks. It has higher caffeine content compared to medium or dark roast because the coffee beans used to brew blonde roast coffee are denser. A small amount of blonde roast coffee beans will therefore contain more caffeine than you will find in the same weight of coffee beans used for medium and dark roast. Besides that, the type of roast determines the level of caffeine content. During roasting, caffeine is broken down and since blonde roast is roasted for a shorter period, it has higher amounts of caffeine than dark roast.
Unlike the bold flavor of dark roast coffee beans, blonde roast is sweet and mellow. It is a favorite drink for customers who like coffee with milk and sugar.
Confirm that the drink is available in your location because some stores do not have Blonde roast brewed coffee.
Blonde roast brewed coffee caffeine content:
2. Clover brewed coffeeIt is unsurprising that this drink is among the highest caffeine coffee at Starbucks. After all, the vacuum-press technology of the Clover Brewing System adds more layers and dimensions to coffee to create various blends with different caffeine levels.
Clover brewed coffee typically has high caffeine content ranging from 155 mg for a short cup to 470 mg for Venti size.
Clover brewing system also creates the strongest iced coffee at Starbucks. These drinks contain 120 mg to 470 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine content in Clover brewed coffee:
Light roast:
Medium roast:
Dark roast:
Clover blends with high caffeine content (Grande)
3. Pike place roast brewed coffeePike place roast brewed coffee is a blend that has been in existence since 2008. It is a staple that is readily available with the same smooth taste at all Starbucks locations, making it convenient for you to have coffee on demand.
The blend is made from Latin American coffee beans. The medium roast has a nutty and subtle chocolate flavor.
This coffee is a popular high caffeine drink at Starbucks.
Caffeine content in Pike place roast brewed coffee:
4. Starbucks reserve nitro cold brewFor those who love their coffee cold and are wondering what Starbucks drink has the most caffeine, consider Starbucks reserve nitro cold brew. The drink is made from cold brew that is infused with nitrogen at the tap to form the bubbles that lend the coffee a cascading effect, a frothy texture, rich crema, and a sweet, smooth and velvety flavor. You should drink it without a straw and start with the foamy head.
Starbucks makes small batches of cold brew that is steeped for 20 hours.
Starbucks reserve nitro cold brew is also among the strongest coffee at Starbucks because, unlike cold brew, it is not served with ice.
You can order this coffee in only two sizes: Tall and Grande. So, it might not be suitable for coffee lovers who prefer larger sizes.
Caffeine content in Starbucks reserve nitro cold brew:
Since lighter roasts have higher caffeine content, Blonde roast brewed coffee and Pike place roast brewed coffee have more caffeine than Featured Starbucks dark roast coffee. However, the dark roast blend still has high levels of caffeine and a full-bodied flavor that is best enjoyed with cream or sugar.
Caffeine content in Featured Starbucks dark roast coffee:
6. Salted caramel cream nitro cold brewSalted caramel cream nitro cold brew is a high caffeine drink at Starbucks that is sweetened with caramel and then rich foam with salt is added on top. The result is a creamy, velvety-smooth flavor.
The blend is available in Tall and Grande sizes. You can now enjoy Starbucks Nitro Cold Flavor in vanilla flavor, Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew, Dark Caramel, and black unsweetened flavor.
Caffeine content in Salted caramel cream nitro cold brew:
7. AmericanoThe main difference between a Latte and Americano is that in latte you add steamed milk to espresso shots whereas in Americano you add hot water. Americano also features a light crema layer.
Grande Americano is created with three espresso shots that yield a full-bodied flavor. You could request for an extra shot of espresso if you prefer more caffeine.
Americano is served hot or iced. Iced servings have the same levels of caffeine as the hot options, but Iced Americano does not offer Short cup size.
Caffeine content in Americano:
8. Nitro cold brew with cinnamon almondmilk foamNitro cold brew with cinnamon almondmilk foam is a recent blend that was introduced in 2020. It is dairy-free, making it one of the most caffeinated drinks at Starbucks. Instead of dairy milk, the coffee is sweetened with vanilla syrup, cinnamon and almondmilk foam to create a sweet and smooth flavor.
It is available in two servings: Tall and Grande.
Caffeine content in Nitro cold brew with cinnamon almondmilk foam:
9. Almondmilk honey flat white with Starbucks blonde espressoAlmondmilk honey flat white with Starbucks blonde espresso has the right amount of strength and creaminess. The hot beverage is created with ristretto espresso shots, steamed almondmilk and subtle honey to generate smooth creamy coffee with a nutty flavor. Grande is brewed with three ristretto espresso shots.
Although it is not the highest caffeine coffee at Starbucks, it rates among the top options that are also dairy-free.
Caffeine content in Almondmilk honey flat white with Starbucks blonde espresso:
For coffee aficionados looking for the highest caffeine coffee at Starbucks that has low calories and is a great non-dairy alternative, we suggest you go for cold brew with dark cocoa almondmilk foam. The Trenta size has caffeine levels of 365 mg.
This blend with only 40 calories for Grande serving consists of almondmilk cold foam, mocha sauce and cocoa powder, resulting in a sweet drink with a more intense almondmilk flavor.
It is a favorite drink for chocolate lovers who also prefer plant-based milk such as oatmilk and almondmilk.
Caffeine content in Cold brew with dark cocoa almondmilk foam:
11. Espresso macchiatoMacchiato is an Italian word for “marked”. Starbucks marks this drink with signature foam, espresso or cross-hatch. Espresso macchiato is a high caffeine drink at Starbucks that is made of two espresso shots, a dollop of foam and a little steamed milk.
On the other hand, latte macchiato mostly consists of steamed with a little espresso for customers who like creamier coffee.
When brewing espresso macchiato, you first add the shots of espresso and then top with the foam.
Espresso macchiato is available in four servings and we suggest ordering your coffee based on the amount of espresso shots you want instead of the size of the cup.
Caffeine content in Espresso macchiato:
12. Starbucks reserve LatteReserve drinks differ from regular drinks because the former uses small-lot coffee beans. Baristas use techniques such as pour-over, Chemex and siphon to brew these Starbucks coffee beans.
The Starbucks reserve latte is made of espresso, steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. This is a seasonal beverage with varying levels of caffeine from one serving to another. Typically, the barista adds two espresso shots to short, tall and Grande servings but the Venti size consists of four shots of espresso.
The machine that brews Starbucks espresso latte automatically stops at 152°F and stops steaming. This is considered the appropriate temperature for making this particular blend.
We would not consider it the strongest coffee at Starbucks but it would be a great choice for customers who would rather have substantial amounts of caffeine without feeling too wired.
Caffeine content in Starbucks reserve latte:
Peppermint mocha latte is considered a festive drink that is made of steamed milk, whipped cream, peppermint-flavored syrup, mocha sauce, and dark chocolate.
The creative team at Starbucks first considered white chocolate cranberry coffee before settling on peppermint-flavored coffee inspired by the candies that traditionally mark holidays. They then added rich espresso, a bit of red sugar sprinkles, steamed milk, peppermint syrup, mocha sauce that is bittersweet, and whipped cream topping. After that, the team replaced the red sprinkles with dark chocolate curls and reduced the milk ingredient to 2 percent.
Since being introduced in 2002, peppermint mocha latte has become a favorite beverage that is served blended, hot and iced. This provides a variety of options such as the 6-pack Starbucks Limited Edition Peppermint Mocha for chocolate and coffee lovers.
Caffeine content in peppermint mocha latte:
You can easily replicate Starbucks peppermint mocha latte in 10 minutes and you only need simple ingredients that are easily available. These are dark chocolate, ½ cup of milk, 3 tablespoons of mocha sauce, 1 shot of espresso, whipped cream, and 2 tablespoons of peppermint-flavored syrup.
Heat milk on a stovetop on medium setting and then whisk it to make foam. You could use an electric milk frother.
Pour the peppermint syrup and the chocolate sauce in a large mug and add one espresso shot.
Fill the coffee mug with steamed milk and top it with dark chocolate and whipped cream.
You now have a tall beverage with 95 mg levels of caffeine.
14. Starbucks doubleshot on iceLooking for what Starbucks drink has the most caffeine for summertime? Why not try Starbucks doubleshot on ice? This beverage is made of three shots of brewed espresso, a splash of milk, classic syrup, and ice to create a chilled, frothy espresso with a sweet, full-bodied flavor.
The drink is now known as Iced Shaken Espresso. What makes it special is that it is the only hand-shaken espresso beverage that is among the strongest iced coffee at Starbucks.
To create Starbucks doubleshot on ice, the barista pours three shots of bold espresso over ice and sweetens it lightly with classic syrup. They then shake the espresso for several seconds to form frothy foam with tiny bubbles.
Next, they pour it into a cup and add a splash of milk to balance the taste.
You can request for this drink to be made unsweetened or opt for flavored syrup rather than classic syrup. Alternatively, you can customize this blend with soy milk or coconut milk to make dairy-free coffee that is a high caffeine drink at Starbucks with Venti size containing 375 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine content in Starbucks doubleshot on ice:
While iced coffee is usually hot coffee that is made twice as strong and then poured over ice, water or cold milk, cold brew employs a different method. Starbucks handcrafts cold brew in small batches. The Company uses custom coffee beans blend that they steep for 20 hours in cool filtered water and then add a splash of milk.
This brewing method does not utilize heat. The resulting beverage has a sweet and smooth flavor with chocolate and citrusy notes.
You serve cold brew over ice, unlike nitro cold brew.
Caffeine content in Starbucks cold brew coffee with milk:
You can choose from a variety of Starbucks cold brew coffee with milk. For Grande size the levels of caffeine is 205 mg for Starbucks cold brew coffee and 200 mg for Starbucks reserve cold brew.
Adding cream will also reduce the amount of coffee by taking up some space in the cup. For instance, Trenta size with cream has 320 mg of caffeine whereas Trenta size with a splash of milk has 360 mg of caffeine. If you would prefer unsweetened cold brew black coffee, check out Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee that is available in a pack of six 11-ounce bottles.
Lattes typically have less caffeine with Grande size containing two espresso shots having 150 mg of caffeine. However, we have included Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte in our list of the most caffeinated drinks at Starbucks because of the high caffeine levels of blonde roast compared to dark roast. Grand size of blonde vanilla latte contains 170 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine content in Starbucks blonde vanilla latte (hot drink):
Starbucks blonde vanilla latte is created with vanilla syrup and steamed milk to brew lighter-roasted coffee with fluffy froth and a smooth, velvety flavor.
Starbucks blonde vanilla latte is served hot or iced. The latter has higher caffeine levels as you can see below.
Caffeine content in Iced Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte:
You only require three ingredients to make Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte; 1 capsule of Starbucks blonde espresso roast, 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup and 1 cup of your favorite milk.
If you prefer coffee with more vanilla flavor, you can request for an additional pump of syrup or opt for regular pumps rather than blonde pumps. Otherwise, blonde espresso has its own sweet flavor and should have one less pump of syrup.
17. Iced shaken espressoThere are various non-coffee Starbucks drinks with caffeine as well as beverages with the strongest coffee. They include Starbucks Doubleshot on Ice which was launched in 2015 and later rebranded and introduced earlier this year as Iced Shaken Espresso.
Iced Shaken Espresso is made of 3 shots of full-bodied espresso, ice, 4 pumps of classic syrup, and 2% of milk. The mixture is then hand-shaken to create a sweet and chilled coffee blend with a frothy texture. Starbucks introduced the hand-shaken mixology technique in 2003 to blend all ingredients evenly to create flavorful drinks with balanced taste and a frothy texture.
There are three varieties of Iced Shaken Espresso. The other two blends are dairy-free Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. The former has Starbucks Blonde Espresso that is roasted lightly, cocoa, ice and almond milk that creates a chocolate favor whereas the latter contains blonde espresso, cinnamon, brown sugar, ice, and oat milk.
Coffee content in Iced Shaken Espresso:
Coffee content in Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso:
Caffeine content in Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso:
What are non-coffee Starbucks drinks with caffeine?We have reviewed the strongest coffee at Starbucks, including hot, iced and cold brews. Next, we feature the options available for non-coffee beverages with lower amounts of caffeine.
Coffee is not for everyone, at least not all the time. Some moments may call for tea and there are customers that would prefer non coffee Starbucks drinks with caffeine. A great choice would be Emperor’s Clouds & Mist tea which has caffeine levels of up to 25 mg.
Caffeine content in Emperor’s Clouds & Mist tea:
The green tea has a smoky, earthy taste with a hint of toasted pecans. According to Starbucks, the tea grows at 3,500 feet, which is a high altitude with clouds and mist, thus the name of this low-caffeine beverage with a gentle, well-rounded flavor.
2. Honey Citrus Mint teaLemonade, hot water and honey are known to relieve symptoms Trusted Source Can Starbucks' 'Medicine Ball' drink cure a cold? Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom, NBC News’ health editor explains what’s in the drink, if it works and how you can make it at home. www.nbcnews.com when you have a cold. No wonder Honey Citrus Mint tea which was introduced by Starbucks in 2017 is also referred to as Medicine Ball. It includes the same ingredients in the recipe.
To make Grande Honey Citrus Mint tea, you need 1 bag of Peach Tranquility tea, 1 bag of Teavana Jade citrus mint tea, 2 packs of honey, 8 ounces of steamed lemonade, and 8 ounces of hot water.
The hot non coffee Starbucks drinks with caffeine is popular during winter.
Caffeine content in Honey Citrus Mint tea:
3. Chai TeaWe recommend Chai tea for a non-coffee Starbucks drink with caffeine. The hot black tea with a bold flavor consists of clove, cinnamon, and warming spices like cardamom and ginger.
You use one Teavana chai tea bag to brew Short and Tall servings, and two of the teabags for Grande and Venti sizes.
There are other variations of Starbucks Chai Tea available but the Short option only applies to hot tea while iced teas are the only ones that include Trenta size.
Chai is among the teas with relatively higher levels of caffeine.
Caffeine content in Chai Tea:
How to increase caffeine in Starbucks drinksSome of us never seem to get enough coffee. If you are one of the individuals who prefer the most caffeinated drink at Starbucks, you can use the following tips to raise the amount of caffeine to the level you want.
Red eye refers to brewed coffee with an extra shot of espresso. It is one way you can use to get the strongest coffee at Starbucks. A typical red eye drink contains caffeine content of 159 mg.
To enjoy the highest caffeine coffee at Starbucks does not always mean opting for a bigger size since it depends on the type of specific drink. Sometimes the solution for more caffeine is as simple as asking for an extra shot, or buying the 12-pack Starbucks Tripleshot Energy Extra Strength Espresso Coffee Beverage with 225 mg of caffeine.
Earlier in this review, we explained why blonde roast and lighter roast such as Pike Place have more caffeine than dark roast. The factors that influence caffeine levels include the type of roast and the density of the coffee beans.
Blonde roast blends frequently feature in review of high caffeine drinks that are available at Starbucks.
For a high caffeine drink at Starbucks, request for a long short. It has greater caffeine content than ristretto shots because of the extended extraction time. You also use more water to pull long shots.
Some Frappuccino blends have similar caffeine content as some of the non-coffee Starbucks drinks with caffeine. So you should avoid Frappuccino if you want higher amounts of caffeine. For instance, most Grande Frappuccinos have maximum caffeine content of 105 mg whereas Grande Iced Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte has 170 mg of caffeine.
A new study Trusted Source Coffee may reduce risk of death from stroke and heart disease Drinking up to three cups of coffee a day may protect your heart, a new study finds. edition.cnn.com presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting found that daily coffee consumption of up to 3 cups has health benefits such as protecting you against heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancers. The health benefits of coffee come from the multiple antioxidants, phytochemicals, phenolic acid, and caffeine which increases cognition and decreases depression. We have reviewed a list of the strongest drink at Starbucks that are effective at extra energy boost. We have also debunked myths such as dark roasts having more caffeine than lighter roasts.
Experts suggest that it is best to take moderate amounts Trusted Source Moderate amounts of coffee are the best Drinking no more than four or five 8-ounce cups of coffee per day—equal to about 400 milligrams of caffeine—helps people get the drink’s health benefits with a lower risk of caffeine side effects like anxiety and nervousness. www.health.harvard.edu of coffee and limit daily intake to 400 mg. We have featured plenty of options that meet this recommendation, including non-coffee Starbucks drinks with caffeine.
