As an Amazon Associate CoffeeXplore.com earns from qualifying purchases.
5 Best Iced Starbucks Drinks To Try This 2025
Standing in front of the vast, glowing Starbucks menu, have you ever felt a wave of decision fatigue wash over you? You want to try something new, something exciting, but the endless combinations of syrups, milks, and espresso shots can feel more like a test than a treat. You see others confidently ordering complex, delicious-looking concoctions, and you’re stuck wondering if you should just stick to your usual, safe order.
This paralysis of choice is a common struggle. You crave a refreshing iced coffee, but you’re worried about spending your money on something you might not like. The fear of missing out on a potentially amazing drink is real, but so is the fear of a disappointing coffee run. You just want a simple guide to the best, most reliable options that go beyond a basic iced latte.
The best iced Starbucks drinks to try include the trendy Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso for a balanced sweet taste and the classic Caramel Frappuccino for a dessert-like treat. This list provides top-rated options for every preference, from intensely coffee-forward to sweet and creamy, ensuring your next Starbucks visit is a resounding success. As a seasoned Starbucks enthusiast who has navigated the menu countless times, I’m sharing the top 5 iced drinks that never disappoint, updated for 2025.
Contents
show
Feeling Overwhelmed by the Starbucks Menu? What Should You Order?
The best way to navigate the extensive Starbucks menu is to start with a curated list of popular and highly-rated drinks. This approach removes the guesswork and allows you to try beverages that are already loved by millions, from viral sensations to timeless classics. By understanding what makes each of these top-tier drinks special, you can confidently find a new favorite without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.
Walking into a Starbucks can feel like stepping into a world of its own language. Terms like “macchiato,” “shaken espresso,” and “cold foam” can be confusing, making it difficult to know what you’re actually ordering. This guide is designed to be your personal translator and trusted advisor. We’ll break down the most popular iced drinks, explaining their flavor profiles and why they’ve earned their top spots. Forget the stress of ordering; it’s time to get excited about discovering your next go-to iced coffee.
The 5 Best Iced Starbucks Drinks to Try This 2025
The definitive list of the best iced Starbucks drinks includes a mix of viral TikTok hits, indulgent classics, and customizable favorites to suit any taste. This curated list is based on current popularity, barista recommendations, and countless taste tests to ensure you find your next go-to order. Whether you’re a die-hard coffee aficionado or someone who prefers a sweeter, dessert-like beverage, there is a perfect iced option waiting for you.
We’ve sifted through the entire menu to bring you the absolute must-try iced drinks for 2025. Each selection on this list has a unique appeal, from the perfectly balanced sweetness of the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso to the bold simplicity of an Iced Americano. Get ready to explore the best of what the Starbucks iced menu has to offer.
1. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Pin this viral favorite to your ‘Must-Try Coffee’ board!
This drink is beloved for its perfect balance of coffee, sweetness, and creaminess. The shaking process creates a delightful frothy texture.
* How to Order: Simply ask for a “[Size] Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.”
* For a sweeter version: Ask to add one pump of vanilla syrup.
* To make this at home, you’ll need a quality brown sugar cinnamon flavored syrup to replicate the signature taste.
Pro-Tip: If you find the blonde espresso too strong, ask for one less shot. The drink will be a bit milder but still retain its signature flavor.
2. Caramel Frappuccino
Craving a sweet treat? Save this classic to your ‘Dessert Drinks’ board!
This is a timeless classic for a reason—it’s more of a coffee-flavored milkshake than a traditional coffee, making it a perfect treat.
* How to Order: Ask for a “[Size] Caramel Frappuccino.”
* For extra indulgence: Ask for extra caramel drizzle in the cup and on top.
* The key to a great Frappuccino is the texture and a rich flavor. For a homemade version, a premium caramel sauce designed for coffee drinks is essential for that authentic taste.
Pro-Tip: For a stronger coffee flavor without adding bitterness, ask them to add a shot of blonde espresso to the blend.
3. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Add this fall favorite to your ‘Seasonal Sips’ Pinterest board!
This drink is the perfect choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the flavors of fall without the overwhelming sweetness of a traditional PSL.
* How to Order: Ask for a “[Size] Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.”
* For less sweetness: Ask for only one pump of vanilla in the cold brew.
* The star of this drink is the foam. To capture that magic at home, you can use a pumpkin spice flavored syrup and a milk frother to create your own cold foam.
Pro-Tip: If it’s not pumpkin season, you can get a similar experience by ordering a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew and asking for two pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup to be blended into the foam.
4. Iced Caramel Macchiato
Save this beautiful and delicious classic to your ‘Coffee Aesthetic’ board!
This is an “upside-down” latte where the espresso is poured on top for a layered effect. The first sips are bold coffee, which then mixes with the sweet vanilla milk below.
* How to Order: Ask for a “[Size] Iced Caramel Macchiato.”
* For a different flavor: Swap the vanilla syrup for toffee nut or hazelnut syrup.
* The foundation of this drink’s sweetness is vanilla. Having a high-quality vanilla syrup for coffee is crucial for recreating this drink’s balanced flavor profile at home.
Pro-Tip: For a more blended flavor from the start, ask for it “stirred” or order an “Iced Vanilla Latte with caramel drizzle.”
5. Iced Americano
For the true coffee lover—pin this simple classic to your ‘Caffeine Fix’ board!
For the purist who loves the unadulterated taste of espresso. It’s simply espresso shots topped with cold water and served over ice.
* How to Order: Ask for a “[Size] Iced Americano.”
* For a touch of flavor: Add a splash of your favorite milk or a pump of sugar-free syrup.
* To get that authentic espresso taste at home, you need good coffee. Using Starbucks espresso roast coffee beans in your home espresso machine will give you the closest possible flavor.
Pro-Tip: Ask for the Americano with blonde espresso for a smoother, less bitter, and more naturally sweet flavor profile. It’s a game-changer.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to the Best Starbucks Iced Drinks
To quickly find your perfect iced drink, remember these simple recommendations based on your taste preferences. This scannable guide recaps the best options for any craving, making your next order quick and confident.
- For Balanced Sweetness & a Viral Hit: Order the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
- For a Dessert-Like Treat: The Caramel Frappuccino is a classic, indulgent choice.
- For Coffee-Forward Fall Flavor: Choose the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew over the sweeter PSL.
- For an Instagrammable Classic: The Iced Caramel Macchiato offers beautiful layers and a balanced taste.
- For the Coffee Purist: An Iced Americano is a bold, low-calorie, no-fuss option.
@desb___ No coffee tops this. #starbucks #shakenespresso
♬ Ode to Joy- Symphony No.9 in D Minor ‘choral’ – Lorne Balfe & Russell Emanuel & Steve Kofsky
People Also Ask About Starbucks Drinks to Try
Navigating the world of Starbucks can bring up a few common questions. Here are direct answers to some of the most frequently asked queries to help you order like a pro and discover even more drinks you’ll love.
What is the best drink to try at Starbucks?
The “best” drink is subjective, but the most popular and highly-rated drink is the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. It’s a fan favorite because it has a perfect balance of coffee, sweetness, and creamy texture from the oat milk without being overly sugary. Its widespread acclaim makes it a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to try something new.
What is the TikTok drink from Starbucks?
The most famous “TikTok drink” is the Iced White Mocha with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and extra caramel drizzle. However, many drinks go viral on TikTok, including the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and various “secret menu” Frappuccinos like the “Barbie Frappuccino.” The platform is constantly creating new trending combinations.
What is a good sweet iced drink at Starbucks?
For a very sweet, dessert-like option, the Caramel Frappuccino or Mocha Frappuccino are excellent choices. If you prefer a sweet iced coffee that isn’t blended, the Iced Caramel Macchiato or an Iced White Chocolate Mocha are both very popular for their rich, sweet flavors that still deliver a satisfying coffee experience.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the Starbucks menu doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these top 5 iced drinks, you have a foolproof list of options that are popular for a reason. They represent the best of what Starbucks has to offer, from balanced and nuanced espresso beverages to sweet, celebratory treats. Whether you’re in the mood for something strong, trendy, or refreshingly simple, your next favorite drink is waiting.
Now that you have the inside scoop on the best drinks to order, you can walk up to the counter with confidence. Embrace the fun of trying something new and find the perfect iced companion for your day.
What’s your go-to Starbucks order that you think everyone should try? Let us know in the comments below
Last update on 2025-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
