Ranking the Best Caramel Drinks at Starbucks: From Worst to Best

Picture this: you’re in the mood for something cozy and sweet on a chilly fall afternoon, and there’s no place like Starbucks to satisfy that craving! With an extensive menu of hot and cold beverages, it can be tough to choose just one. That’s why we’ve taken on the challenge of ranking the best, from worst to best. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classic caramel latte or you’re looking to branch out and try something new, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to discover the caramel drinks you need to try ASAP – and the ones you should probably skip.

Introduction To Starbucks Caramel Drinks And Ranking Criteria

Starbucks lovers rejoice! As the colder weather rolls around, it’s officially caramel season at your favorite coffee chain. But with so many options to choose from, which caramel drinks are the absolute best at Starbucks?

To help you decide, here are the criteria for our rankings: the drink must have a prominent caramel flavor, be available on the official Starbucks menu or the secret menu, and be delicious enough to warrant a recommendation.

Now, without further ado, let’s rank the best caramel drinks at Starbucks from worst to best.

The Cinnamon Dolce Steamer is at the bottom of the list, a drink that’s just too sweet for most adults. Moving up the list, the Caramel Pumpkin Macchiato is worth a try for pumpkin spice lovers, but the clash of flavors can be overwhelming. The Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato has potential but falls flat due to the sugary combination of caramel and cinnamon dolce syrups.

On the official menu, the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino is a dessert-like treat that’s more sugar than coffee. The Salted Caramel White Mocha Cold Brew is also on the sweet side, but the caramelized sugar flavor is a hit for those with a sweet tooth.

And finally, our top picks for the best caramel drinks at Starbucks include the classic Caramel Latte, the decadent Caramel Brulée Latte, and the creamy Caramel Cloud Macchiato.

With so many options, there’s a caramel drink for everyone at Starbucks. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting, try one of these delicious drinks.

Drinks To Avoid: Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino And Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato

The Starbucks menu offers a wide variety of drinks, but not all of them are winners. Here are two drinks to avoid.

1. Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino: This drink may sound enticing with its mix of steamed milk, cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle, but it packs a serious sugar punch. With no other flavors to balance it out, the taste is overwhelmingly sweet. It’s best to steer clear of this beverage unless you have an incredibly sweet tooth.

2. Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato: This drink combines caramel, pumpkin spice syrup, and whipped cream. The flavors don’t blend well, and it’s difficult to determine what you’re supposed to be tasting. The two flavors compete for dominance, leaving the coffee as an afterthought. While pumpkin spice lovers may enjoy this drink, it’s not as enjoyable for those who prefer a more balanced taste.

Stick to the tried-and-true caramel options, like the classic caramel macchiato or caramel latte, and avoid these less successful drinks.

Iced Options: Caramel Iced Coffee And Caramel Cold Brew

For those who prefer their caramel fix in an icy form, Starbucks has a few options to choose from. The Caramel Iced Coffee is a simple yet satisfying choice, featuring Starbucks’ signature coffee blended with caramel syrup, milk, and ice. With only 140 calories and 23 grams of sugar, it’s a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for a hot day or a pick-me-up in the afternoon.

If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, the Caramel Cold Brew might be the way to go. This refreshing drink combines Starbucks’ smooth, cold-brewed coffee with caramel syrup and a touch of cream. It packs a punch with 185mg of caffeine, but still manages to stay relatively low in calories at 90 and sugar at 11 grams. It’s bold flavor and creamy texture make it popular among Starbucks fans.

Both of these drinks showcase caramel’s sweet and indulgent flavor while still, pro caramel sings a refreshing and energized look. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and simple or something stronger and bolder, Starbucks has a caramel-infused iced option for you.

Non-coffee Options: Caramel Apple Cider And Caramel Hot Chocolate

For those who want to indulge in a caramel treat but aren’t in the mood for coffee, Starbucks offers two non-coffee options: Caramel Apple Cider and Caramel Hot Chocolate.

The Caramel Apple Cider is a warm and comforting drink that combines steamed apple juice with cinnamon syrup and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s perfect for those chilly autumn days and pairs well with a freshly baked pastry.

If you’re more in the mood for something chocolatey, the Caramel Hot Chocolate is a great option. It’s made with mocha sauce, steamed milk, and caramel syrup, then topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. It’s rich and decadent, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Both of these drinks are sweet, so if you prefer something less sugary, you can always ask for less syrup or sauce. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add an espresso shot to your Caramel Hot Chocolate and an espresso shot camel combination.

Overall, these non-coffee options are great for those who want to enjoy the delicious taste of caramel without the caffeine kick.

Decadent Options: Caramel Brulee Latte And Salted Caramel Mocha

If you’re looking for a truly decadent caramel drink at Starbucks, look no further than the Caramel Brulee Latte and Salted Caramel Mocha. These two drinks pack a serious punch in terms of sweetness and indulgence.

The Caramel Brulee Latte is a seasonal offering that’s usually available from fall until the beginning of the year. It features milk, Caramel Brulee sauce, espresso, whipped cream, and candied caramel sprinkles. The result is a rich and creamy drink that tastes like a caramelized dessert in a cup, with 410 calories in a 16 oz. Serving, it’s not for the faint of heart.

The Salted Caramel Mocha, on the other hand, is available year-round. It’s a blend of mocha sauce, toffee nut syrup, espresso, steamed milk, and whipped cream, topped with caramel and sea salt sugar. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and sea salt is a match made in heaven, and the drink is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth—a 16 oz. A serving contains 450 calories, so it’s definitely not an everyday indulgence.

If you’re a fan of rich and sweet drinks, the Caramel Brulee Latte and Salted Caramel Mocha are must-tries at Starbucks. They may not be the healthiest options on the menu, but sometimes you need to indulge in a little sweetness.

Secret Menu Items: Butterbeer Cold Brew And Raspberry Caramel Macchiato

Starbucks may have an extensive menu, but did you know there’s a secret menu with even more options to choose from? One of the most popular secret menu items is the Butterbeer Cold Brew. This drink is perfect for Harry Potter fans who want a taste of the wizarding world. To order this drink, ask for a cold brew with two pumps of caramel syrup, two pumps of toffee nut syrup, and a drizzle of caramel on top. Add some cream, and enjoy!

Another delicious secret menu item is the Raspberry Caramel Macchiato. This fruity twist on the classic caramel macchiato is perfect for those who want a slightly different taste. To order this drink, ask for a caramel macchiato with raspberry syrup instead of vanilla. Top it off with whipped cream and a raspberry drizzle for an extra flavor.

These secret menu items are perfect for those who want to switch things up and try something new at Starbucks. Just remember to be polite and patient with your barista when ordering. Happy sipping!

Read more:

• The Best Hot Drinks At Starbucks: Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice
• Why Is Vanilla Steamer a Popular Starbucks Drink for Kids?
• Elevate Your Latte Game with Starbucks Coconut Drinks Cascara Latte

Sweet Treats: Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino And Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino

Starbucks is known for its delicious coffee drinks, but sometimes indulging in something a bit sweeter is nice. Two of Starbucks’s most popular sweet treats are the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino and the Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino.

The Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is a caffeinated, creamy indulgence that will satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s made with whole milk, caramel syrup, and dark caramel sauce, blended with ice, and topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and crunchy caramel sugar topping. One grande serving contains 420 calories, 46g of sugar, and 4g of protein.

For those looking for something a bit more decadent, the Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino is the perfect choice. This blended drink is made with milk, vanilla syrup, and dark caramel sauce and blended with waffle cone syrup and waffle cone pieces. It’s topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and waffle cone pieces. A grande serving contains 470 calories, 70g of sugar, and 7g of protein.

Both of these sweet treats are perfect for those who want to treat themselves to something indulgent at Starbucks. Just be sure to indulge in moderation, as these drinks are high in calories and sugar.

Caramel-infused Teas: Caramel Rooibos And Caramel Chai Tea Latte

Starbucks has two tasty options for those looking to enjoy a caramel-flavored drink without caffeine: the Caramel Rooibos Tea Latte and the Caramel Chai Tea Latte. The Caramel Rooibos Tea Latte is made with a blend of caramel syrup and rooibos tea, creating a warm and comforting flavor perfect for chilly days. Whipped cream and caramel drizzle can be added on top for an added sweetness touch.

The Caramel Chai Tea Latte offers a unique twist on the classic chai latte, adding caramel syrup to the spiced tea and steamed milk. The result is a creamy yet spicy drink with a hint of sweetness. This drink can be customized with a pump of vanilla syrup for an even more indulgent taste.

Both of these caramel-infused teas are great options for those looking for a caffeine-free treat. Plus, with the added bonus of antioxidants in the rooibos tea and the health benefits of the chai spice blend, these drinks are as satisfying as they are delicious. Don’t forget to ask for soy, oat, or almond milk to make these drinks dairy-free.

Holiday Favorites: Toasted White Chocolate Mocha And Chestnut Praline Latte

The holiday season brings new flavors to Starbucks, and two of the most popular drinks are the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha and the Chestnut Praline Latte. Here is a rank of these holiday favorites, from worst to best:

9. Chestnut Praline Latte

This drink is a holiday classic, but it falls short of expectations. The flavor is too mild and lacks depth. It is a sweet drink with 52 grams of sugar in a Grande size.

8. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

While this drink is tasty, it is not for those who do not like their coffee sweet. The white chocolate flavor overshadows the coffee, making it more like a dessert than a coffee. It contains 52 grams of sugar in a Grande size.

7. Chestnut Praline Frappuccino

This frozen version of the Chestnut Praline Latte is better, with a stronger, nuttier flavor. It is also less sweet, with only 54 grams of sugar in a Grande size.

6. Toasted White Chocolate Frappuccino

The frozen version of the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha is also better, with a creamier texture. However, it still falls short of the top five due to its overpowering sweetness.

5. Iced Chestnut Praline Latte

This iced version of the Chestnut Praline Latte is refreshing and has a stronger flavor than the hot version. It also contains less sugar, with only 39 grams in a Grande size.

4. Iced Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

The iced version of the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha is lighter and less sweet than the hot version, making it a better choice for those who prefer less sugary drinks. It contains 41 grams of sugar in a Grande size.

3. Chestnut Praline Latte with Blonde Espresso

Substituting the regular espresso with Blonde Espresso provides a smoother, less bitter taste to the Chestnut Praline Latte, making it a better choice for those who do not like strong coffee.

2. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha with Almond Milk

Substituting regular milk with almond milk makes this drink less sweet and nutty, balancing the white chocolate flavor. It also reduces the sugar content to 39 grams in a Grande size.

1. Chestnut Praline Latte with Cinnamon Dolce Syrup

Adding cinnamon dolce syrup to the Chestnut Praline Latte provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the nutty taste perfectly. It also reduces the sugar content to 48 grams in a Grande size.

Best Overall Caramel Drink At Starbucks: Caramel Macchiato

When it comes to caramel drinks at Starbucks, one of the best overall options is the Caramel Macchiato. This creamy beverage combines steamed milk, vanilla flavoring, and Starbucks’ signature espresso, which is then finished off with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a classic drink that can be enjoyed hot or iced, making it perfect for any season. The Caramel Macchiato is Starbucks’s most popular caramel drink and for good reason. Its balanced sweetness and espresso kick make it a go-to choice for caramel lovers everywhere.

Additionally, it’s a versatile drink that can be customized to fit anyone’s taste preferences. For instance, customers can ask for an extra pump of caramel sauce for a sweeter experience or swap out regular milk for a non-dairy alternative to make it plant-based. The Caramel Macchiato is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious caramel drink at Starbucks.

FAQ

Q: What are the best caramel drinks at Starbucks?

A: The best caramel drinks at Starbucks are ranked from worst to best in an article titled “Absolute Best Starbucks Caramel Drinks Ranked” on Shopfood.com. This article provides an overview of Starbucks’s different caramel drinks and includes official menu items and secret menu drinks.

Q: Are there caffeine-free caramel drinks at Starbucks?

A: There are caffeine-free caramel drinks at Starbucks, such as the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino and the Caramel Apple Frappuccino (Secret Menu). These drinks are suitable for children or for those who prefer to avoid caffeine.

Q: What is the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino?

A: The Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino is the closest thing Starbucks has to a caramel milkshake. It’s a sweet, almost confectionary concoction bursting with caramel flavor. This drink is caffeine-free and suitable for children.

Q: What is the Salted Caramel White Mocha Cold Brew?

A: The Salted Caramel White Mocha Cold Brew is a secret menu Starbucks caramel drink made with cold brew and flavored with white mocha and salted caramel syrup. This drink is definitely on the sweet side but is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a caramelized sugar flavor.

Q: Are secret menu drinks better than official menu items?

A: Secret menu drinks are fan-created and not officially recognized by Starbucks. While some may be just as good (if not better!) than official menu items, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. It’s always worth trying something new to see if it becomes a favorite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Starbucks offers a wide selection of caramel drinks that cater to every taste bud. From the traditional caramel macchiato to the more adventurous caramel snickerdoodle macchiato, it has something to satisfy any caramel’s cravings. It is worth noting that not all caramel drinks at Starbucks are created equal. For example, the caramel apple frappuccino and the caramel ribbon crunch crème frappuccino are more of a dessert than a coffee drink.

On the other hand, the salted caramel white mocha cold brew is a sweet yet strong coffee option that is definitely not for the faint of heart. With so many options to choose from, it is important to try out a few and find your perfect caramel drink. Moreover, it’s worth considering the impact on one’s health. Many of these drinks are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation. Starbucks’ caramel drinks offer a comforting and indulgent experience that will surely brighten up anyone’s day.