Working as a Starbucks barista, I’ve learned more about coffee than I ever thought there was to know. I’ve also learned that there’s a lot people think they know, that isn’t quite right. So, here are seven things that your barista wishes you knew before coming in their store.
1. The "Secret Menu" is not real.
If you see some recipe for a “butterbeer” frappuccino online somewhere, it’s not real. Chances are, if you go to Starbucks and request one, most baristas would look at you like you just grew a third eyeball. Ninety-nine percent of those recipes are customer-made and we do not know them since they are not on our menu. If you want one of those “secret” drinks, come to the counter with the recipe in hand and we will be more than happy to write your cup up that way. Please don’t get mad at us if we don’t know what you’re talking about.
2. Contrary to popular belief, blonde roast is the most caffeinated brewed coffee.
Most people associate dark roasts with espresso, so they think dark roasts are the most caffeinated. Wrong. The longer you roast coffee, the more caffeine you burn out of it. The reason espresso is regarded to be higher in caffeine is because of the way shots are pulled. Think of it this way. One shot of whiskey has the same effect as one beer, but in a much smaller quantity of liquid. One shot of espresso is about the same as one cup of coffee, but in a much smaller quantity of liquid. So, when you order a half caff brew with blonde, we are laughing at you — again.
3. No, we don't carry all of our ingredients year-round.
I’ve had people say to me, “I know that you don’t have (insert seasonal drink here) right now, but I know you still have the ingredients.” Wrong. While a lot of our drinks are merely clever combinations of existing syrups, a lot are not. Plus, most of our specialty drinks have special toppings that we do not have. So, no, when you ask for a Pumpkin Spice Latte in the middle of March, we aren’t being rude. We really can’t make it.
4. Also, no, most of us don't purposefully misspell your name.
I’ve made it a
rule of thumb to ask for a spelling on names that I think I could even possibly
spell wrong. But if your name spelling is that important to you, spell it out
to your barista. We won’t mind! We’d rather you do so than complain later on Instagram
about it. Also, on a side note, we are not amused when you give us fake names
like “Katniss” and “Han Solo.”
5. If you have a complicated drink, please tell us if it is hot or iced, first.
Normally, a trained barista can keep up with you rattling off your “triple grande two-thirds caff, nonfat latte with three pumps of vanilla and two of hazelnut, affogato style, with one raw sugar on the bottom.” — but only if we know what cup to write on. Please don’t be the person that says, “oh, and I want it iced” after we have written multiple hieroglyphics on a hot cup. It’s just wasteful.
6. Please, please, PLEASE get off the phone when you are ordering.
If you’re on the phone, either hang up, or wait until you’ve hung up to get in line. If you stand there and hold the phone back to your ear, covering the mouthpiece up and whisper to me, I have no idea what you are saying. Espresso machines, blenders, and yelling coworkers drown you out. No, I’m not trying to be rude by asking you what you said six times. You, sir or madam, are being rude. So do not be upset at me. Just get off the phone.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions!
If you are unsure about something, ask! We would much rather you ask us, than receive what you ordered and be mad because it is not what you wanted. Side note: If you have questions, please do not go through the drive thru. We would love to help you, but the drive thru is designed for quick service, not 20 questions.
