Espresso is a staple of many coffee drinkers worldwide, and its blonde options offer a lighter, sweeter flavor that pairs well with many Starbucks drink offerings.
If you love espresso (and who doesn't?), you can order a wide variety of espresso types from Starbucks anytime, from Venti to Demi size.
Blonde espresso is a staple that must be tried. If you are unfamiliar with blonde espresso drinks or are looking for something new to try, we have you covered.
In this review, we will cover the 11 best Starbucks espressos using a blonde roast, and we will answer all of your espresso questions.
Don't want to head out and stand in line? We also tell you how to make your own blonde espresso at home.
8 Best Starbucks Blonde Espresso Drinks
Let's be honest here; some flavor and coffee combinations are just not that good.
However, while flavor and taste are subjective, popular opinions can help us figure out what is universally good or bad.
Below, we have cultivated a list of the best blonde drinks to order from Starbucks when you want something new, and to know it is good before you try it.
1. Starbucks Blonde Roast Coffee
The Starbucks blonde roast is a classic choice for those looking for traditional Starbucks blonde coffee drinks.
It is made from a medium roast American blend coffee roasted just long enough to enhance the natural fruity and citrus hints.
The blonde roast coffee gives you the right amount of sweet and a medium body to balance a dry finish.
Your blonde drinks give you a sweet flavor that pairs well with other flavors.
2. Starbucks Blonde Caffè Latte
For customers that love the Starbucks Cafe Au Lait, the Blonde Caffè Latte is a lighter version without the added sugar.[1]
Made from blonde roast espresso beans and milk (straight and steamed), it creates a perfect balance of flavor, body, and aroma.
The Blonde Caffè Latte is served both hot and iced to give you a pick-me-up any time of the day and keeps your taste buds happy.
3. Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte
With a signature flavor like vanilla, you may expect an overwhelming vanilla syrup taste to your latte.
However, the blonde roast espresso tampers the vanilla flavor in exchange for a sweetness that can’t be beat.
Prepared with milk, the blonde vanilla latte has a light vanilla flavor with hints of mocha that pair well with the milk and full body espresso.[2]
4. Starbucks Blonde Flat White
A flat white is a coffee made with a milk (or non-dairy) base.
Adding espresso and steamed milk will give you a frothy, thick drink that not only invigorates the senses but also fills you with warmth from the belly out.
A smooth flat white is also an excellent Starbucks keto drink choice.
5. Blonde Cappuccino
Combine white mocha sauce, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream with the blended mocha, and the blonde cappuccino is born.
A Grande that offers a kick of energy with a boost of flavor that will excite you and have you asking for more.
6. Starbucks Blonde Hazelnut Latte
A low-calorie option also offers only 3 grams of fat and is low in sugar to boot.
The blonde hazelnut latte is made from blonde roast espresso, steamed milk, with a bright taste sweetened with brown sugar and a pump of hazelnut syrup.
You can select this in an iced or hot version, but they do have about 400 calories each, so be cautious with how many you drink per day.
This drink is smooth, and whether you choose a Grande or a Venti, you will get an awesome hint of hazelnut, and it can easily become one of your favorite lattes.
7. Caffè Americano With Blonde Roast
Americano does not mean American blend. Instead, it is a diluted espresso topped with hot water.
The single shot of blonde espresso adds a mild citrus flavor to a full, well-rounded taste similar to a cup of naturally brewed coffee.
Available in hot or iced options. As for blonde Americano caffeine content, you can expect about 255mg of caffeine.
8. Starbucks Blonde Americano Misto
The Misto is similar to the Caffè Americano but has an added layer of steamed milk.
Iced or hot, this drink adds sophistication and flavor to your day, with a bit of pep and kick to start or continue your day.
You can also add a pump of cinnamon or peppermint for a special treat on the holidays.
This drink is also a great experience for first-time customers that want to opt for a more traditional caffeinated coffee shop beverage.
What Exactly Is ‘Blonde’ Espresso?
Blonde espresso has many names. You might call it blonde espresso roast, blonde roast, or light roast.
It is produced by roasting the espresso bean at a slightly lower temperature and for less time than medium or dark roasts.
Blonde is the term given to lighter beans that are light in color compared to dark brown and almost black roasted versions of dark roast coffee.
Because the beans are not roasted as long, they offer a sweeter, more mellow coffee flavor.
One factor to consider is that while any espresso drink can be made with blonde espresso, there is about 100mg more caffeine compared to dark roast options.
Tips For Ordering Your Perfect Blonde Espresso
Blonde espresso has been a staple at Starbucks since 2018, when it was first added to the menu.
And in true Starbucks fashion, they continue to brew their coffee darker and longer than other brands. A Starbucks blonde espresso isn't a light coffee but more of a medium roast variant.
You can choose any regular or double espresso menu item as a blonde espresso.
That favorite brewed coffee can be a blonde espresso coffee, or your iced vanilla latte can become an iced blonde espresso vanilla latte.
The replacement of regular Starbucks espresso with a blonde option won’t cost you any more, either.
The price will be the same whether you order a Honey Almond Milk Flat White from the blonde espresso menu or an Iced Blonde Americano.
For a surprisingly fresh take, try ordering a Grande Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso or on your next visit.
For customers in a hurry, on the go, or who don't have time to stand in line, the Starbucks mobile app (from their website) will also let you place an order from your phone or tablet.
You can access any item your store offers, including cookies and tea.
You can add your blond roast coffee and blonde vanilla latte to your order, pay with the approved card on file and pick it up ready to go, skipping the line and getting back on the road.
How To Make Blonde Espresso at Home
You can make blonde drinks at home with just a few items and ingredients.
You can even make it taste just like a Starbucks drink, just minus the green straw.
What You’ll Need
To begin, you will need an espresso machine. If you do not have one, a Nespresso machine will also turn out decent results.
Beyond that, you still need a thing or two.
Step By Step Instructions
Once you have all the foundation ingredients, the actual steps are not difficult. You will be enjoying your own blonde espresso in a matter of minutes!
- 1Grind the beans to espresso level.
- 2Fill the portafilter with the grinds and tamp tight.
- 3Insert the portafilter into the espresso machine filled with water.
- 4Pull up to 2 shots from the espresso machine.
- 5Pour into your cup.
- 6Add ice (optional).
- 7Serve and sip immediately.
Blonde Vs Dark Espresso Roast
There are several differences between blonde and dark espresso roast from color to taste. Let’s break it down further.
The color of coffee is determined by roasting time and temperature. Lower temperatures and less roasting time makes for lighter beans compared to the dark roast.[3]
The oils also seep out, giving the beans a shiny color that isn't there on the blonde beans.
The caffeination level is also affected by the length of roasting. Longer roasting leads to lower caffeine levels.
This makes the light roast average 360 mg, while the dark roast offers a lower level that averages about 260 mg.
The taste of a blonde roast versus a dark roast is lighter, sweeter, and more mellow.
However, they lack the bold roasted flavor of darker beans, so you need to be aware of that before you order.
Related Starbucks Blonde Espresso Questions
Do all Starbucks locations have blonde espresso?
As of 2022, all Starbucks locations have blonde espresso. Blonde espresso was added to the Starbucks menu in 2018 on a slow roll-out starting with their busiest stores.
Why does blonde espresso work perfectly in a vanilla latte or cappuccino?
Because blonde espresso has a light, sweet flavor, it pairs well with vanilla, almond milk, and even caramel. This is why you will find most blonde espresso on the Starbucks menu paired with these items already.
Is blonde espresso the strongest?
When ordering from Starbucks, the blonde espresso is stronger than the signature espresso roasts. It also has a lighter flavor, sweeter taste, and more citrus notes than a standard espresso drink.
Is blonde espresso healthy?
Blonde espresso by itself has very little calories per ounce but contains higher levels of caffeine. If you drink the espresso without milk, sugar, or syrups, it is relatively healthy, as long as you don't overdo it and go beyond the daily recommended levels.[4]
Which has more caffeine, an espresso shot or a regular brewed coffee?
On average, espresso will contain more caffeine when compared to regular brewed coffee. Blonde espresso shots will have between 65 and 75mg per ounce (a typical size for shots). Brewed coffee contains between 12 and 16mg per ounce.
Summary - Try Blonde Espresso In Your Go-To Order!
Starbucks espresso is a popular and one of the most purchased drinks in the stores.
Relatively new to the menu, though, is the inclusion of the sweeter, light blonde espresso.
This is a lighter roasted bean that has more citrus notes and up to 23% more caffeine.
Any espresso drink can substitute blonde espresso, and you can get them in hot or iced versions.
If you prefer a drip-brewed cup of coffee, you can also get a blonde espresso drip cup.
Your favorite blonde drinks at Starbucks just got a new flavor, and it makes a perfect change to your daily perk.
References:
1. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122166/hot
2. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122164/hot
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7684626/
4. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
