As the sun beats down and the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink to quench your thirst and cool you down. And when it comes to hot summer days, Starbucks is always a popular destination for a cold and revitalizing beverage. But with so many delicious options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which drink is the best for beating the heat.
What Makes a Great Summer Drink?
When it comes to choosing the perfect drink for a hot summer day, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s got to be cold. Whether you prefer your drinks over ice or blended into a smooth and creamy treat, a cold drink is essential for cooling down on a hot day.
In addition to being cold, a great summer drink should also be refreshing and revitalizing. This means it should have a good balance of flavors, with a mix of sweet and tangy notes that will leave you feeling invigorated and refreshed.
Finally, a great summer drink should be easy to enjoy on-the-go. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a park, or just running errands around town, a drink that’s easy to take with you is essential for hot summer days.
Top Contenders for the Best Starbucks Drink on a Hot Day
So, what are the top contenders for the best Starbucks drink on a hot day? Here are a few of our favorites:
- Iced Coffee: A classic choice for hot summer days, iced coffee is a simple yet effective way to cool down and get your caffeine fix. Made with Starbucks’ signature coffee, ice, and milk, this drink is a staple for a reason.
- Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino: This sweet and creamy drink is a refreshing twist on the classic coffee frappuccino. Made with strawberries, milk, and ice, it’s the perfect treat for hot summer days.
Refreshing Iced Teas and Infusions
In addition to coffee and frappuccinos, Starbucks also offers a variety of refreshing iced teas and infusions that are perfect for hot summer days. From fruity and floral flavors to more traditional tea options, there’s something for everyone.
Iced Tea Options
Some of our favorite iced tea options at Starbucks include:
| Drink | Description |
|---|---|
| Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion | A fruity and refreshing tea infused with peach and citrus flavors. |
| Mango Black Tea | A sweet and tangy tea made with black tea and mango flavors. |
Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew
For those who prefer a smoother and more full-bodied coffee experience, Starbucks’ Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew are great options for hot summer days.
What’s the Difference Between Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew?
While both Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew are made with Starbucks’ signature cold brew coffee, there are some key differences between the two drinks.
Cold Brew is a smooth and full-bodied coffee drink made with cold brew coffee and served over ice. It’s a great option for those who want a low-maintenance coffee drink that’s easy to enjoy on-the-go.
Nitro Cold Brew, on the other hand, is a more premium coffee experience. Made with cold brew coffee and infused with nitrogen gas, it has a smooth and creamy texture that’s similar to a Guinness beer. It’s a great option for those who want a more indulgent coffee experience.
Refreshers and Other Summer Drinks
In addition to coffee and tea, Starbucks also offers a variety of Refreshers and other summer drinks that are perfect for hot summer days.
What are Refreshers?
Refreshers are a line of caffeinated beverages made with green coffee extract and natural ingredients like fruit and botanicals. They’re a great option for those who want a low-calorie and refreshing drink that’s also caffeinated.
Some of our favorite Refreshers include:
- Strawberry Acai Refresher: A sweet and fruity drink made with green coffee extract, strawberry, and acai flavors.
- Peach Citrus Refresher: A refreshing and tangy drink made with green coffee extract, peach, and citrus flavors.
Customizing Your Drink
One of the best things about Starbucks is the ability to customize your drink to your liking. Whether you prefer your drinks sweet or unsweet, creamy or non-dairy, there are plenty of options to choose from.
How to Customize Your Drink
To customize your drink, simply let your barista know what you’re looking for. You can ask for modifications like:
- Sweet or unsweet: If you prefer your drinks sweet, you can ask for syrup or sugar to be added. If you prefer your drinks unsweet, you can ask for them to be made without syrup or sugar.
- Creamy or non-dairy: If you prefer creamy drinks, you can ask for whipped cream or half-and-half to be added. If you prefer non-dairy drinks, you can ask for almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk to be used instead of regular milk.
- Extra shot of espresso: If you need an extra boost of caffeine, you can ask for an extra shot of espresso to be added to your drink.
Conclusion
When it comes to beating the heat on a hot summer day, Starbucks has plenty of delicious and refreshing drinks to choose from. From iced coffee and frappuccinos to iced tea and Refreshers, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a classic and simple drink or something more unique and indulgent, Starbucks has got you covered. So next time you’re feeling hot and thirsty, be sure to stop by your local Starbucks and try one of these refreshing drinks for yourself.
What are the best Starbucks drinks to order on a hot day?
The best Starbucks drinks to order on a hot day are refreshing, cooling, and hydrating. Some popular options include Iced Coffee, Iced Tea, Refreshers, and Frappuccinos. These drinks are perfect for beating the heat and quenching your thirst. You can customize them to your taste by adding flavor shots, creamers, or sweeteners.
When ordering, consider the caffeine content and calorie count of your drink. If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, opt for a Refreshers or Iced Tea. If you need a caffeine boost, go for an Iced Coffee or a Frappuccino. Don’t forget to ask for whipped cream or extra ice to make your drink even more refreshing.
Can I customize my Starbucks drink to make it more refreshing?
Yes, you can customize your Starbucks drink to make it more refreshing. One way to do this is by adding flavor shots, such as peppermint or citrus, to your drink. You can also ask for extra ice or a splash of lemonade to give your drink a bit of zing. If you’re looking for a creamier drink, consider adding whipped cream or a drizzle of syrup.
Another way to customize your drink is by choosing a lighter or sweeter flavor profile. For example, if you’re ordering an Iced Coffee, you can ask for a lighter roast or a sweeter creamer. If you’re ordering a Refresher, you can ask for a different flavor or a splash of juice. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination that suits your taste.
Are Starbucks Refreshers a good option for hot days?
Yes, Starbucks Refreshers are a great option for hot days. These drinks are made with green coffee extract, which provides a natural source of caffeine, and are infused with fruit flavors and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and sugar, making them a refreshing and guilt-free choice.
Starbucks offers a variety of Refreshers flavors, including Strawberry Acai, Peach Citrus, and Pineapple Black Tea. You can customize your Refresher by adding a splash of lemonade or a squeeze of fresh fruit. Refreshers are perfect for hot days because they are light, refreshing, and hydrating.
Can I get a Frappuccino on a hot day without feeling guilty?
Yes, you can get a Frappuccino on a hot day without feeling guilty. While Frappuccinos are typically high in calories and sugar, you can customize your drink to make it healthier. One way to do this is by choosing a lighter flavor profile, such as a Coffee Frappuccino or a Tea Frappuccino.
You can also ask for a lighter whipped cream or a drizzle of syrup instead of a full pump. Additionally, consider ordering a smaller size, such as a Tall or a Grande, to reduce the calorie count. If you’re looking for a guilt-free Frappuccino, consider ordering a Coffee Frappuccino with nonfat milk and no whipped cream.
Are Iced Teas a good option for hot days?
Yes, Iced Teas are a great option for hot days. Starbucks offers a variety of Iced Tea flavors, including Black, Green, and Herbal. These drinks are refreshing, hydrating, and low in calories. You can customize your Iced Tea by adding a splash of lemonade or a squeeze of fresh fruit.
Iced Teas are perfect for hot days because they are light and refreshing. You can also add a bit of sweetness by asking for a pump of syrup or a drizzle of honey. If you’re looking for a caffeine boost, consider ordering a Black or Green Tea. If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, consider ordering an Herbal Tea.
Can I get a Starbucks drink on a hot day that is low in calories?
Yes, you can get a Starbucks drink on a hot day that is low in calories. One option is to order a Refreshers or an Iced Tea. These drinks are naturally low in calories and sugar. You can also customize your drink by asking for a lighter flavor profile or a smaller size.
Another option is to order a Coffee or Tea drink with nonfat milk and no whipped cream. You can also ask for a drizzle of syrup instead of a full pump. Additionally, consider ordering a drink with a natural sweetener, such as stevia or honey, instead of sugar. By making a few simple modifications, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing Starbucks drink on a hot day without breaking the calorie bank.
Are there any seasonal Starbucks drinks that are perfect for hot days?
Yes, Starbucks offers a variety of seasonal drinks that are perfect for hot days. One popular option is the Strawberry Acai Refresher, which is made with green coffee extract and infused with strawberry and acai flavors. Another option is the Peach Citrus Refresher, which is made with green coffee extract and infused with peach and citrus flavors.
Starbucks also offers a variety of seasonal Frappuccinos, such as the Coffee Frappuccino with Coffee Ice and the Tea Frappuccino with Tea Ice. These drinks are perfect for hot days because they are light, refreshing, and hydrating. Be sure to check your local Starbucks for seasonal offerings and limited-time promotions.