Starbucks is known for its wide variety of delicious drinks, catering to every taste.
One standout is their matcha offerings.
Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, is beloved for its earthy flavor and health benefits.
Rich in antioxidants, it boosts energy without the jitters.
In this post, we’ll rounded up 21 unique and tasty matcha drinks you can order at Starbucks.
13 Best Starbucks Matcha Drinks: At A Glance
- Matcha Green Tea Latte
- Iced Matcha Lemonade
- Matcha Crème Frappuccino
- Shamrock Shake (McDonald’s Knockoff)
- Popeye Tea
- Grasshopper Frappuccino
- Grinch Drink
- Baby Yoda Frappuccino
- Lucky Leprechaun Frappuccino
- Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink
- Matcha Pink Drink
- Mint White Chocolate Crumble Frappuccino
- Cha Cha Latte
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves.
Originating from Japan, it has been a staple in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries.
Matcha is unique because, unlike other teas where you steep the leaves, with matcha, you consume the whole leaf.
This method provides a more concentrated source of nutrients.
The health benefits of matcha are numerous.
It’s rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known to help prevent cell damage.
Matcha also boosts metabolism, enhances mood, and aids in concentration due to its moderate caffeine content paired with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
Starbucks’ matcha is distinct because it’s a blend of sugar and matcha powder.
This pre-sweetened mix makes it convenient for quick preparation, ensuring a consistent taste in every cup.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of the sugar content, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Starbucks matcha drinks are prepared by scooping the matcha-sugar blend into a shaker with milk or water and shaking it vigorously to dissolve the powder completely.
This preparation method ensures a smooth, frothy texture that many fans enjoy.
Classic Matcha Drinks at Starbucks
1. Matcha Green Tea Latte
The Matcha Green Tea Latte is a popular choice at Starbucks, available in both hot and iced options.
This drink combines matcha powder, milk, and a touch of sweetness.
For a hot Matcha Green Tea Latte, baristas steam milk and blend it with matcha powder and classic syrup.
The iced version is similar but uses cold milk and ice cubes.
You can customize it by choosing different types of milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
To adjust the sweetness, you can ask for more or less syrup.
This drink offers a smooth, creamy texture and the distinct earthy flavor of matcha, making it a favorite among green tea lovers.
2. Iced Matcha Lemonade
The Iced Matcha Lemonade is a refreshing summer drink perfect for hot days.
This beverage combines matcha powder with lemonade, resulting in a tangy and sweet drink with a hint of earthiness from the matcha.
It’s made with three main ingredients: matcha powder, lemonade, and ice.
A grande size has about 120 calories and 80 milligrams of caffeine.
This drink is light and revitalizing, providing both hydration and a mild caffeine boost.
It’s a great alternative for those who want a refreshing drink without the heaviness of milk.
3. Matcha Crème Frappuccino
The Matcha Crème Frappuccino is a creamy and indulgent option for matcha fans.
It’s made by blending matcha powder with milk, ice, crème frappuccino syrup, and is topped with whipped cream.
This drink is sweet and rich, making it a delightful treat.
For a dairy-free alternative, you can ask for it to be made with almond, soy, or coconut milk and request to hold the whipped cream.
This Frappuccino is a favorite for its smooth texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and matcha flavor, offering a dessert-like experience in a cup.
Popular Matcha Drinks from the Secret Menu
4. Shamrock Shake (McDonald’s Knockoff)
The Shamrock Shake is a fun and festive drink inspired by McDonald’s famous version.
To order this secret menu item at Starbucks, start with a Grande Matcha Crème Frappuccino.
Add two pumps of vanilla syrup and two pumps of peppermint syrup, then blend in some Frappuccino chips.
This combination results in a creamy, minty shake with a touch of matcha’s earthy flavor.
Compared to McDonald’s version, Starbucks’ Shamrock Shake offers a richer and more complex flavor profile thanks to the matcha and Frappuccino chips, making it a delightful and refreshing treat.
5. Popeye Tea
Popeye Tea is a unique and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
To prepare this drink, order an iced green tea and ask for it to be blended with a scoop of matcha powder.
The result is a vibrant green tea drink with the added benefits of matcha.
This drink is packed with antioxidants and provides a moderate caffeine boost, making it a healthy and energizing option.
The blend of green tea and matcha offers a smooth and earthy flavor that’s both refreshing and invigorating.
6. Grasshopper Frappuccino
The Grasshopper Frappuccino is a deliciously unique drink that combines the flavors of mint and chocolate with matcha.
To order this drink, start with a Matcha Crème Frappuccino.
Add java chips and peppermint syrup for a refreshing minty twist.
The result is a creamy, minty, and chocolatey frappuccino with the added earthiness of matcha.
The combination of these flavors creates a refreshing and indulgent drink that’s perfect for satisfying both your matcha and chocolate cravings.
The Grasshopper Frappuccino stands out for its unique flavor profile, blending the best of mint and chocolate with the smoothness of matcha.
Seasonal and Limited Edition Matcha Drinks
7. Grinch Drink
The Grinch Drink is a holiday special that brings festive cheer with its unique blend of flavors.
To order this drink, start with a Venti Cold Brew.
Add four pumps of mocha sauce and two pumps of peppermint syrup.
Top it off with vanilla sweet cream foam blended with matcha powder and Irish cream syrup.
This combination results in a delightful green drink that’s both minty and chocolaty, perfect for the holiday season.
The Grinch Drink is not only visually appealing but also offers a complex flavor profile that’s sure to make your holiday celebrations even more special.
8. Baby Yoda Frappuccino
The Baby Yoda Frappuccino is inspired by the beloved character from the Star Wars series.
To order this pop culture-inspired drink, ask for a Matcha Crème Frappuccino.
Add caramel syrup and caramel drizzle around the cup and on top of the whipped cream.
The result is a creamy, sweet, and slightly earthy drink that pays homage to Baby Yoda’s colors and cuteness.
This drink is not only delicious but also a fun way to celebrate your fandom while enjoying a refreshing treat.
9. Lucky Leprechaun Frappuccino
The Lucky Leprechaun Frappuccino is a festive drink perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
To order this drink, start with a Matcha Crème Frappuccino.
Add peppermint syrup and java chips for a minty, chocolaty twist.
The result is a green, minty frappuccino with a delightful crunch from the java chips.
This drink captures the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and offers a refreshing and indulgent treat that’s sure to bring you a bit of luck.
The combination of matcha, mint, and chocolate makes it a standout drink for any celebration.
Tropical and Fruity Matcha Drinks
10. Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink
The Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink is a delightful blend of tropical flavors and earthy matcha.
This beverage combines matcha powder with coconut milk and pineapple ginger syrup, resulting in a refreshing and unique drink.
To prepare it, baristas shake the ingredients with ice, ensuring a smooth and frothy texture.
A grande size contains about 170 calories and 80 milligrams of caffeine.
For customization, you can ask for less syrup to reduce sweetness or substitute the coconut milk with almond or oat milk for a different flavor profile.
11. Matcha Pink Drink
The Matcha Pink Drink is a visually stunning beverage that combines the vibrant green of matcha with the rosy hue of Starbucks’ Pink Drink.
To order this secret menu item, start with a Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk, also known as the Pink Drink.
Ask your barista to layer iced matcha with coconut milk at the bottom, followed by the Pink Drink on top.
The result is a beautiful, Instagram-worthy drink with a delicious blend of sweet berries and creamy matcha.
This drink is not only eye-catching but also offers a unique and enjoyable flavor combination.
Other Unique Matcha Beverages
12. Mint White Chocolate Crumble Frappuccino
The Mint White Chocolate Crumble Frappuccino is an indulgent and festive drink that combines the flavors of mint and white chocolate with matcha.
This drink features a creamy base made from matcha powder, milk, and white chocolate sauce, blended with ice and topped with whipped cream and a crumble topping.
The taste profile is a delightful mix of sweet white chocolate and refreshing mint, balanced by the earthy undertones of matcha.
For customization, you can request almond, soy, or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative, or ask for additional pumps of mint or white chocolate syrup to adjust the sweetness and flavor intensity.
13. Cha Cha Latte
The Cha Cha Latte is a spicy and earthy beverage that combines the flavors of matcha and chai.
To prepare this drink, start with a tall matcha tea latte and add a pump of chai syrup.
The result is a warm and aromatic drink with the subtle bitterness of matcha complemented by the spicy, sweet notes of chai.
This latte provides the benefits of both matcha and chai, including antioxidants and a moderate caffeine boost, while also offering a unique and comforting flavor experience.
The Cha Cha Latte is ideal for those who enjoy complex flavors and are looking for a cozy, invigorating drink.
Tips for Ordering Starbucks Matcha Drinks
How to Customize Your Matcha Drink
Customizing your matcha drink at Starbucks can make it uniquely yours.
Start by choosing your preferred type of milk.
Starbucks offers a variety of options, including whole, skim, almond, soy, coconut, and oat milk.
You can also adjust the sweetness level by requesting fewer pumps of classic syrup or choosing a sugar-free alternative like Stevia.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a flavored syrup such as vanilla, caramel, or peppermint.
If you like your drinks extra creamy, you can ask for an extra scoop of matcha powder.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your combinations to find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds.
Best Ways to Reduce Sugar and Calories
If you’re looking to enjoy your matcha drink with fewer calories and less sugar, there are several strategies you can use.
Opt for unsweetened almond or coconut milk, which are lower in calories than regular milk.
Request fewer pumps of classic syrup or ask for a sugar-free syrup option.
You can also customize your drink by choosing fewer scoops of matcha powder, which already contains sugar.
Additionally, skipping the whipped cream can save a significant amount of calories.
How to Order Secret Menu Items Effectively
Ordering secret menu items at Starbucks can be a fun way to try new and unique drinks.
To ensure you get exactly what you want, it’s important to know the recipe and be clear when you order.
Instead of asking for a drink by its secret menu name, describe the ingredients and modifications needed.
For example, when ordering a Shamrock Shake, ask for a Grande Matcha Crème Frappuccino with two pumps of vanilla syrup, two pumps of peppermint syrup, and Frappuccino chips blended in.
Being specific helps the barista understand your request and prepare your drink accurately.
Also, be patient and polite, as some baristas may not be familiar with every secret menu item.
Having the recipe ready will make the process smoother for both you and the barista.
Conclusion
We’ve explored some of the best Starbucks matcha drinks, from classics like the Matcha Green Tea Latte to fun secret menu items like the Shamrock Shake and Baby Yoda Frappuccino.
Each drink offers a unique taste and experience, catering to a variety of preferences.
Don’t hesitate to customize your drink to make it perfect for you.
Whether you’re new to matcha or a seasoned fan, there’s always something new to try.
So next time you visit Starbucks, give one of these matcha beverages a shot and discover your new favorite drink!
