A Starbucks drink is seen on a table in New York's Times Square April 21, 2010. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton (UNITED STATES - Tags: FOOD BUSINESS) (Reuters)
Last August I had a revelatory experience. A good friend, and Starbucks non-enthusiast, had accompanied me to the local ‘bucks to pick up a quick drink. I ordered my usual, reciting the string of descriptors with the greatest of ease. And she… well, she ordered something I had never heard of — an Iced Grande Dirty Chai.
I was floored. How had she gotten this intel? And how had it evaded me for so long? And man was this drink good.
Naturally, I began to wonder about the other off-the-menu items I had been missing out on, and how many there were. As it turned out, quite a lot. Green Eyes and Double-Dirty Chais, Zebra Mochas and Crunch Berry Frappuccinos — an entire "secret menu," revealed.
When I shared what I’d learned shortly thereafter, it sparked a flood of comments from fans and haters, former employees and current Starbucks baristas alike. Most were in fervent agreement about one particular point: These drinks and their oh-so-clever names are not universal, so if you’re planning on ordering one, you better know how to tell your barista to prepare it. (That, and to be prepared to pay a little extra for these special drinks.)
It’s a fair point. After all, as many eagerly noted, these drinks are largely the invention of customers and employees, and are not part of a widely recognized "secret menu" à la In-N-Out. And, as is common with this sort of word-of-mouth game, things tend to get lost in translation.
One man’s zebra mocha is another’s black and white mocha, is another’s penguin mocha.
Still, an impressive number of commenters chimed in with their own creations, making for an intriguing list of additions.
Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino
According commenter and Starbucks barista, Jonathan, this combination of Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino and cinnamon dolce syrup tastes just like the popular breakfast pastry.
Cookies & Cream Frappuccino
Per a commenter, this is a White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino blended with java chips and a dash of peppermint syrup.
Marble Mocha Macchiato
Says an anonymous barista commenter, "The Marble Mocha Macchiato is a twist on the signature Caramel Macchiato. White mocha on the bottom with no whip, shot on the top and mocha drizzle."
The Dirty Hippy
Prefer your Dirty Chai Tea Latte with soy milk instead of regular milk? According to one barista commenter, thats called a Dirty Hippy.
The Grasshopper Frappuccino
Recommended by another The Daily Meal commenter who identified themselves as a barista, the Grasshopper Frappuccino consists of a Mocha Frappuccino blended with java chips and peppermint syrup. "It tastes like mint chip ice cream and is a personal favorite."
Apple Juice Orange Blossom
This combination of Tazo Orange Blossom Tea steeped in steamed apple juice (with no water), is what one anonymous The Daily Meal commenter calls "a perfect tasty tea alternative for us non-coffee drinkers."
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