Strongest Coffee at Starbucks: Top 25 Drinks

Published on:

strongest coffee at starbcuks, strongest starbucks drinks

Source: Starbucks

As someone who loves caffeine and has tried more than their fair share of Starbucks drinks, I can confidently say that not all beverages are created equal when it comes to getting that jolt of energy we all crave. Some drinks may taste great but have little effect on our alertness, while others pack a serious punch that can keep us buzzing for hours. If you’re like me and you’re looking for the strongest coffee at Starbucks, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the top picks for the most caffeinated drinks at Starbucks, so you can get your fix and power through your day like a pro. Whether you’re a die-hard coffee lover or you prefer something a little sweeter, we’ve got you covered. 

25 Strongest Starbucks Drinks

We have listed drinks from the strongest to the less strong (but still strong) one. Also, we are comparing the grande size (16 oz) for all drinks, unless they do not even come in a grande. So, let’s dive in and discover the drinks that will give you the boost you need to tackle anything that comes your way.

1. Veranda Blend Filter Coffee

When you want to prioritize caffeine content in a coffee drink, it is usually better to go for the simple choice. Dripped coffee will give you that quick caffeine fix. 

Some people think that espresso has more caffeine than dripped coffee due to the bolder taste. Technically, this is correct. Espresso has a higher caffeine content per unit of volume, but it has a smaller serving size resulting in a lower caffeine content per serving. According to Starbucks, a grande (16 oz) Veranda filter coffee has 360 mg of caffeine. If you wanted to get the same amount of caffeine from espresso, you would need to have 5 to 6 shots. 

Out of all the filter coffees that Starbucks offers, the Veranda blend is the strongest. Starbucks Veranda Blend is a light roast coffee that is made from 100% Arabica beans from Latin American . This coffee is named after the Veranda, which is an outdoor seating area in a house. The idea behind the blend is that it’s a light-bodied coffee that is perfect for relaxing on a veranda or a porch.

Veranda Blend has a subtle and mellow flavor profile with hints of cocoa and toasted nuts. It has a delicate acidity and a smooth, balanced finish. Because it’s a light roast, the flavor is not overpowering, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter coffee taste.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine content

Tall: 270 mg

Grande: 360 mg

Venti: 475 mg

2. Pike Place Roast Filter Coffee

Second on the list, we have another filter coffee. While the Veranda blend is the strongest, some people prefer a darker roast. If this is you, your best option is the Pike Place Roast. And also, this is a Starbucks classic that you cannot miss.

Starbucks Pike Place Roast is a medium roast coffee that is named after the iconic Pike Place Market in Seattle, where the first Starbucks store was opened in 1971. This coffee is made from a blend of Latin American and African beans, which are roasted to a medium level to bring out their flavor characteristics.

Pike Place Roast has a smooth and balanced flavor profile with subtle notes of cocoa and toasted nuts, similar to Veranda Blend. However, Pike Place Roast has a slightly stronger and more robust flavor due to its medium roast level, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more full-bodied coffee taste.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine content

Tall: 235 mg

Grande: 310 mg

Venti: 410 mg

3. Quad Espresso

If you’re looking for a quick and powerful caffeine fix, a quad espresso is the perfect choice. It’s ideal for those times when you need a burst of energy to power through a long day, a tough workout, or a study session. 

If you have never heard of a quad espresso, it is simply a cup with 4 shots of espresso. A quad espresso is a great choice for those who want to experience a more intense flavor profile.

If you want the caffeine but are not really a fan of the bold espresso taste, you can customize your quad espresso by adding flavors such as vanilla or caramel, or by adding milk or cream if you prefer a smoother taste.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine content

Solo: 75 mg

Doppio: 150 mg

Triple: 225 mg

Quad: 300 mg

4. Quad Espresso Macchiato

If you want to get the caffeine kick of the quad espresso but want something a little easier to drink, you should try a quad espresso macchiato. 

A quad espresso macchiato is a coffee drink that consists of four shots of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk that is “marked” with a dollop of foamed milk on top. The term “macchiato” comes from the Italian word for “stained” or “marked,” which refers to the way the espresso is marked with milk.

And if four shots of espresso are too much for you, the espresso macchiato is also available as a solo, doppio and triple shot.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine content

Solo: 75 mg

Doppio: 150 mg

Triple: 225 mg

Quad: 300 mg

5. Nitro Cold Brew

You cannot go wrong with a nitro cold brew. The only bad news is that this drink is not available in a venti. 

A Nitro Cold Brew is a type of coffee that is made by infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas. This process creates a creamy, smooth, and velvety texture that is similar to a Guinness beer, with a foamy head and cascading bubbles.

I used to believe that the nitro cold brew was not served in a venti because it would be too strong. But this is not the case. The real reason why the Nitro Cold Brew is not available in a venti cup is because you do not get the same cascading effect and creamy texture. Apparently, in a venti cup. there would not be enough room for the nitrogen bubbles to properly infuse the coffee and create the desired texture.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 215 mg

Grande: 280mg

Venti: N/A

6. Honey Almond milk Nitro Cold Brew

The Honey Almond Milk Nitro Cold Brew is a delicious and unique take on their classic Nitro Cold Brew. It starts with the same smooth and creamy Nitro Cold Brew that many coffee lovers know and love, but is then blended with sweet honey and creamy almond milk to create a one-of-a-kind flavor experience.

Let’s talk about caffeine. According to Starbucks, the tall version of this drink has less caffeine than the regular nitro cold brew but the grande size has more caffeine than the grande nitro. This does not make a lot of sense. So, let’s just assume that both drinks have the same caffeine content. Afterall, the Honey almond milk nitro cold brew is just a regular nitro with some additional ingredients. 

The Honey Almond Milk Nitro Cold Brew is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that’s perfect for those who want a cold, creamy coffee without the heaviness of dairy.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 210 mg

Grande: 290mg

Venti: N/A

7. Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew

Here is another variation of the nitro cold brew for those looking for something even sweeter, Nothing better than vanilla for that, right? The Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew combines the smooth and creamy texture of nitro cold brew with a sweet and slightly vanilla flavor.

While this drink has slightly less caffeine than your regular cold brew, it is still a great pick me up if you are craving something more tasty than black cold brew. 

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 200 mg

Grande: 265mg

Venti: N/A

8. Dark Roast Brewed Coffee

And we are back to brewed coffee. In first and second place we had the light roast (Veranda) and medium roast (Pike Place) respectively. A little further down the list, we have the dark roast brewed coffee. 

Starbuck offers several dark roast blends and the caffeine content is going to vary across different blends. Generally, all these dark roasts have less caffeine than the blonde and medium roasts. But, why?

Contrary to what many people believe, light roast coffee actually has slightly more caffeine than dark roast coffee. This is because the roasting process reduces the caffeine content in coffee beans.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 195 mg

Grande: 260mg

Venti: 340mg

9. Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

Have you tried any of the shaken espresso drinks? They are perfect when you are looking for a serious caffeine boost. The venti drink has 4 shots of espresso

The Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is made with oat milk, brown sugar syrup, cinnamon powder and blonde espresso. And like we said before, blonde espresso has more caffeine than the darker roast ones.

This is my go-to drink, when I’m looking for a caffeine fix but do not feel like having just black coffee. Personally, I like to order it with only two pumps of brown sugar syrups as the original recipe can be too sweet. But hey, that’s just me hating on sugar because I really like to taste my espresso. Don’t let me ruin your fun.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 170 mg

Grande: 255mg

Venti: 340mg

10. Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

Another shaken espresso version. Same caffeine content as the Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso but different flavor profile.

The Iced Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso is made with oat milk, vanilla syrup and blonde espresso. The resulting beverage is a smooth and creamy iced coffee with a rich espresso flavor and a subtle nutty sweetness from the toasted vanilla syrup. The oat milk adds a velvety texture to the drink, creating a well-balanced and satisfying beverage.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 170 mg

Grande: 255mg

Venti: 340mg

11. Caffè Americano

Another simple but mighty option is a classic caffe americano. An americano is simply espresso with water. Unlike brewed coffee, an americano has a layer of cream on top as it is made with espresso shots. 

Do you want the caffeine content from a quad espresso but you find it hard to drink? Then, order a venti americano. It has 4 shots of espresso combined with water and it is easier to drink. 

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 150 mg

Grande: 225mg

Venti: 300mg

12. Iced Caffè Americano

If you are looking for a cold coffee drink, you can order an iced americano instead. 

To make an iced Americano, the espresso is pulled into a cup filled with ice. Then, cold water is added to the cup to fill it up. Some people may choose to add a splash of milk or a sweetener to their iced Americano for added flavor.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 150 mg

Grande: 225mg

Venti: 300mg

13. Honey Almond Milk Flat White

The Starbucks Honey Almond Milk Flat White is a heavenly blend of nutty almond milk, sweet honey, and smooth flat white coffee.

For some reason this one sounds like a weaker drink, but I was wrong! Despite its creamy and delicious taste, a grande-sized Honey Almond Milk Flat White has 225 milligrams of caffeine.

The type of roast used also affects its strength, with Starbucks using a blonde espresso roast known for its high caffeine content compared to dark roast. Each serving contains three shots of ristretto to create a rich and bold flavor.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 150 mg

Grande: 225 mg

Venti: 225 mg

14. Cold Brew Coffee

A classic cold brew is always a great choice when you want something strong but refreshing. The regular cold brew actually has less caffeine than the nitro cold brew. But, unlike the nitro, you can get this one in a Venti and get 310 mg of caffeine in one drink. Even better, the cold brew is available in a Trenta with 360 mg of caffeine!

Are you wondering how a cold brew is different to iced coffee or iced americano? One of the main advantages of cold brew is its low acidity, which makes it a great option for coffee lovers who have stomach sensitivities or find traditional coffee too acidic. The longer steeping process also allows for a more nuanced flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, nuttiness, and sweetness often present in the finished product.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 155 mg

Grande: 205 mg

Venti: 310 mg

Trenta: 360 mg

15. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Personally, I find that a cold brew already has natural sweetness. But, if you are looking for something sweeter, an excellent alternative is the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

This drink is made with Starbucks’ signature cold brew coffee and topped with a layer of vanilla-flavored sweet cream, which is made with vanilla syrup and heavy cream.

The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a delicious and refreshing coffee beverage that’s perfect for those who prefer a smooth and creamy coffee experience. And just like the regular cold brew, you can order this drink in a Trenta cup!

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 145 mg

Grande: 185 mg

Venti: 275 mg

Trenta: 315 mg

16. Chocolate Cream Cold Brew

The Chocolate Cream Cold Brew is a delicious alternative to the traditional cold brew. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good cold brew as much as the next person, but sometimes I’m in the mood for something a little sweeter and creamier. And that’s where this drink comes in!

This drink has almost as much caffeine as a regular cold brew, so it’s the perfect way to get that morning boost while treating yourself to something delicious. And of course, just like all other variations of the cold brew, the chocolate cream cold brew is available in a Trenta cup.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall:145 mg

Grande: 185mg

Venti: 275mg

Trenta: 315 mg

17. Iced Caffè Mocha

If you’re someone who loves a good chocolatey kick with their coffee, then the iced caffe mocha is definitely for you.

The iced caffe mocha is a delicious twist on a classic iced coffee. It’s made with Starbucks’ signature espresso, combined with rich chocolate syrup and milk and then poured over ice. The result is a creamy, chocolaty, and refreshing drink that’s perfect for those hot summer days.

What I love about the iced caffe mocha is that it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. The chocolate flavor is definitely present, but it’s not overpowering, which means you can still taste the coffee. And if you are looking for that extra caffeine hit, you can always ask for an extra shot of espresso to give it that extra kick.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 95 mg

Grande: 175 mg

Venti: 265 mg

18. Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte

If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing pick-me-up, look no further than the iced blonde vanilla latte from Starbucks. This drink is the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor, making it a fan favorite among coffee lovers.

One of the things that sets the iced blonde vanilla latte apart is the use of Starbucks’ signature blonde espresso. Unlike regular espresso, which can sometimes have a strong and bitter taste, blonde espresso is a lighter and subtler version of the classic coffee staple. This means that the iced blonde vanilla latte has a smoother and less intense coffee flavor, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of espresso without feeling overwhelmed.

But just because the espresso is subtler doesn’t mean the iced blonde vanilla latte lacks caffeine – in fact, it contains even more caffeine than a regular latte! So, if you’re looking for a drink that will give you that much-needed boost to start your day, this one is a great choice.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 85 mg

Grande: 170 mg

Venti: 255 mg

19. Blonde Vanilla Latte

Next, we have the hot version of the blonde vanilla latte. I included the iced version first because, personally, I find that vanilla goes better with cold drinks. But, if you like a cozy hot vanilla latte, don’t let me stop you. 

Both the hot and iced versions have exactly the same caffeine content. Thanks to the blonde espresso that is higher in caffeine than darker roasts, you will get 255 mg of caffeine in a Venti cup and 170 mg in a Grande. This is more caffeine that you would get with a regular latte. 

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 85 mg

Grande: 170 mg

Venti: 170 mg

20. Iced Coffee

The classic iced coffee from Starbucks – a refreshing and satisfying way to enjoy your caffeine fix on a hot day. While many people assume that iced coffee has the same caffeine content as hot brewed coffee, this is actually not the case. Due to the ice that’s added, iced coffee has a slightly lower caffeine content than its hot counterpart.

But don’t let that fool you – the iced coffee from Starbucks is still a great way to get your caffeine fix, especially on a hot day when a hot cup of coffee just isn’t appealing. The ice adds a refreshing and cooling element to the drink, making it the perfect way to beat the heat.

Iced coffee is also a great choice if you’re someone who likes to add flavors or milk to your coffee. With iced coffee, you have the option to add syrups or milk to create a customized drink that’s perfectly suited to your taste buds.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 120 mg

Grande: 165 mg

Venti: 235 mg

Trenta: 280 mg

21. Caramel Macchiato

The Caramel Macchiato is definitely one of the most popular drinks at Starbucks. Despite its sweet taste, the caramel macchiato can still give you a great caffeine kick, making it the perfect drink for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without sacrificing their energy levels.

One thing to note about the caramel macchiato is that it’s not a true macchiato in the traditional sense. While a traditional macchiato is made with espresso and a small amount of milk, the caramel macchiato is actually more like a latte. It’s made with espresso, steamed milk, and a generous amount of caramel sauce, which gives it its signature sweet flavor.

Keep in mind that both the grande and venti drinks contain only two shots of espresso. You are not really getting any extra caffeine by ordering a venti.  

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 75 mg

Grande: 150mg

Venti: 150mg

22. Iced Caramel Macchiato

You can also try the iced version of the classic caramel macchiato. Both drinks have the exact same caffeine content. If you are wondering how an iced macchiato is different from an iced latte, it is mostly about the layering process. When making the iced macchiato, the barista pours the milk first and then the espresso shots creating that marbled effect. 

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 75 mg

Grande: 150mg

Venti: 225 mg

23. Caffè Latte

If you are looking for something simple, you can go back to the classic caffe latte. This drink is made with one or two shots of espresso and steamed milk with a layer of foam on top. Keep in mind that both the grande and venti drinks contain only two shots of espresso. You are not really getting any additional caffeine by ordering a venti.  But, of course, you can always ask for that extra shot.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 75 mg

Grande: 150mg

Venti: 150mg

24. Starbucks Reserve Dark Chocolate Mocha

The Starbucks Reserve Dark Chocolate Mocha is my all-time favorite chocolate coffee drink at Starbucks, especially during winter. This drink is made with Starbucks Reserve espresso, a blend of rich, bold and complex flavors, and a special dark chocolate sauce. The drink is then finished with steamed milk. 

What is different about this drink is that it is one the few hot drinks that use 4 shots of espresso in the Venti size. This is why it ranked higher than other classic hot drinks such as the regular latte.

Unfortunately, this drink is only available in some Starbucks including the Starbucks Reserve and Roastery locations. If you happen to visit one of these locations, make sure to give this drink a try. 

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 135 mg

Grande: 135mg

Venti: 265mg

25. Espresso Frappuccino

Lastly, we need to include a Frappuccino in the list. Most Frappuccinos have a relatively low caffeine content. I love a good Frappuccino every once in a while, when I’m craving dessert. But, it doesn’t really give me that caffeine kick. 

However, the espresso Frappuccino is the exception. This is the only Frappuccino that contains a shot of espresso on top of the Frappuccino roast resulting in a higher caffeine content.

The espresso Frappuccino is a relatively uncomplicated drink, resembling a classic cafe frappe, with just coffee, milk, and ice, as opposed to the multiple ingredients found in other Frappuccino beverages.

Source: Starbucks

Caffeine Content

Tall: 125 mg

Grande: 155mg

Venti: 185mg

How to Make Your Starbucks Stronger

Ask for an Extra Shot

This is the easiest way to make your coffee stronger. Just order your drink of choice with an extra shot of espresso. Each shot of espresso contains about 75 mg of caffeine, so adding an extra shot or two to your drink can really increase the caffeine content. You can add extra shots to any espresso-based drink, such as a latte or cappuccino.

Choose a Drink with Blonde Roast

The type of coffee you choose will have a big impact on the caffeine content of your drink. Starbucks offers a range of coffee options, including their Blonde Roast, which has a higher caffeine content than their other roasts. So, if you’re looking for a strong caffeine kick, go for a drink made with Blonde Roast coffee.

Request Light Ice

If you’re ordering an iced coffee or tea, asking for light ice will give you more room for the actual drink, which means you’ll get more caffeine per cup.

Order a Red Eye Coffee

You can order a Red Eye at Starbucks. Simply ask for a brewed coffee with a shot of espresso added to it. You can customize the size and type of coffee to your preference. However, keep in mind that these drinks are very strong and may not be suitable for everyone’s caffeine tolerance.

Order a Quad Espresso

If you enjoy strong coffee and are looking for a highly concentrated caffeine boost, then a quad espresso may be worth trying. If you order a quad espresso, you will get four shots of espresso. This means you will be getting about 300 mg of caffeine in a small drink.

Avoid Frappuccinos

We cannot deny they are a treat, but they have a very low caffeine content compared to other Starbucks drinks. If you definitely want to get a Frappuccino but also optimize for the highest caffeine content, you could order an Espresso Frappuccino. The Venti Espresso Frappuccino has 185 mg of caffeine.

Order a long espresso shot

A long shot or a lungo typically has more caffeine than a regular or short espresso shot. A long espresso shot is made by pulling the shot of espresso for a longer duration of time, which means that more caffeine is extracted from the coffee grounds. Long espresso shots tend to be milder and less intense, with a slightly more diluted flavor profile. 

FAQ

Is Espresso stronger than coffee?

Espresso has a higher caffeine content per unit of volume. However, espresso has a smaller serving size resulting in a lower caffeine content per serving. A typical shot of espresso contains about 60-100mg of caffeine, depending on the size and strength of the shot. In comparison, a standard 8 oz cup of coffee usually contains about 95 mg of caffeine. However, many coffee shops serve larger coffee drinks, such as a 16 oz cup, which can contain 200 mg or more of caffeine.

What is the strongest drink at Starbucks?

If you’re looking for the biggest caffeine kick at Starbucks, here are a few drinks that may be worth trying:

1. Starbucks Blonde Roast coffee: The Blonde Roast is the lightest and most caffeinated coffee option at Starbucks. A 16 oz Grande cup of Starbucks Blonde Roast coffee contains 360 mg of caffeine, which is a lot more than most other coffee drinks.

2. Espresso shots: A single shot of espresso contains around 75mg of caffeine, while a double shot contains around 150mg of caffeine. You can order an espresso shot on its own or add it to any drink to give it a caffeine boost.

3. Cold Brew: Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, which results in a smoother and less acidic flavor. Cold brew also tends to have a higher caffeine content than regular iced coffee because it’s brewed using a higher ratio of coffee to water. A 16 oz Grande cup of Starbucks Cold Brew contains about 200mg of caffeine.

4. Nitro Cold Brew: Nitro Cold Brew is cold brew coffee that’s been infused with nitrogen gas, which gives it a creamy and frothy texture similar to beer. Nitro Cold Brew tends to have a higher caffeine content than regular Cold Brew, and a 16 oz Grande cup of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew contains about 280 mg of caffeine.

Can you get a Red Eye at Starbucks?

Yes, you can order a Red Eye at Starbucks. Simply ask for a brewed coffee with a shot of espresso added to it. You can customize the size and type of coffee to your preference. If you want an even stronger caffeine kick, you can also order a “Black Eye,” which is made with two shots of espresso and brewed coffee, or a “Dead Eye,” which is made with three shots of espresso and brewed coffee. However, keep in mind that these drinks are very strong and may not be suitable for everyone’s caffeine tolerance.

Leave a Comment