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Starbucks is more than just a fancy coffee chain. And while I do like coffee, I love apple flavored drinks even more.
That's why I created this list of the best apple drinks from Starbucks -- both on the official menu and from the secret menu.
Don't worry, I've included all the details needed to order these Starbucks apple drinks from the barista!
9 Best Apple Drinks From Starbucks (Delicious Orders To Try)
1. Caramel Apple Spice - Official Menu Item
The Starbucks caramel apple spice smells, looks, and tastes, like a seasonal drink, but it's actually available all year round![1]
It's very sweet, but the combination of caramel syrup and apple flavors perfectly gives me an indulgent taste that reminds me of going to the fair as a kid.
It’s really popular with younger Starbucks drinkers like my kids, and a great way to perk yourself up on a cold day without the caffeine. (Mom wins the after school treat award!)
Starbucks caramel apple spice is made by mixing cinnamon dolce syrup topped steamed apple juice, which is then topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce drizzles.
Sound decadent? There are 380 calories and 71 grams of sugar in a serving, so it's closer to a dessert than a drink and definitely not a diet option.
2. Spiced Apple Pie
This Starbucks secret menu item is sometimes called the Spiced Apple Pie and sometimes called the Cinnamon Dolce Apple Pie, but the basic ingredients are the same.
I think this is the perfect hot apple Starbucks drink for fall because it captures all the flavors that I associate with that time of year - and it really tastes just like an apple pie! It's rich and spicy and perfect for my mountain apple picking trips.
The Starbucks Spiced Apple Pie has about 400 calories and 60 grams of sugar in a serving, so it can literally be compared to a slice of apple pie. It's also caffeine-free!
How To Order A Starbucks Spiced Apple Pie
- Ask for a drink that is half hot Passion Mango Tea (one sachet) and half steamed apple.
- Ask for Cinnamon Dolce Syrup (tall - 3 pumps, grande - 4 pumps, venti - 5 pumps).
- Top with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, and Cinnamon Dolce Sprinkles.
3. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Frappuccino - Official Menu Item
The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Frappuccino is the on Starbuck's official fall list of drinks, so I always make sure to get one during the goes-by-too-soon season.
Surprisingly, it's also the only Frappuccino that also features an oatmilk base. I do appreciate that this one can be ordered both as a Coffee Frappuccino (100mg caffeine) and as a Creme Frappuccino (caffeine free).
In fact, this one almost deserves two entries, because I really like what each version of the Frappucino brings to the table.
The coffee version makes me feel like I'm in a late night diner eating a piece of apple pie with a hot cup of coffee. And the creme version makes me feel like I'm eating apple pie on Thanksgiving with a great big side of vanilla ice cream!
4. Caramel Apple Spice Frappuccino
The best part about social media is the amazing ideas that are shared across the web, including this secret menu recipes that was created based on fans' takes on the hot version of Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice.
Sometimes, this one shows up on secret menu lists as the Apple Pie Frappuccino or Apple Pie a la Mode Frappuccino, but the ingredients are the same.
Like other Starbucks Frappuccinos, this is a very rich drink, but the addition of the apple juice actually helps to balance the sweetness of the caramel syrup out slightly and give more of an apple pie taste.
It’s a great spiced apple option for those who prefer cold drinks, and it’s perfect for sweet tooth Starbucks drinkers on a hot day. Plus, there's no caffeine -- my kids love this one!
In a venti serving, there are about 420 calories and 70 grams of sugar, so it certainly isn't healthy, but it tastes like I don't care. (Seriously, I enjoy this indulgence.)
How To Order A Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Frappuccino
- Ask for a a Creme-based Frappuccino with three pumps of Cinnamon Dolce Syrup and apple juice to the cup's second line.
- Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and Cinnamon Dolce Sprinkles.
5. Caramel Apple Frappuccino
The Caramel Apple Frappuccino is a slight variation on the Caramel Apple Spice Frappuccino, but this time caramel is the star of the show.
In addition to regular caramel, this recipe adds dark caramel sauce to add a hint of bitterness.
This actually balances out some of the Starbucks brown sugar, and even though it has more syrup, I find it to be less sweet and more indulgent.
The apple and caramel flavors blend well, but there are over 450 calories and 70 grams of sugar in a single serving, making this one a once-per-season treat for me.
How To Order A Starbucks Caramel Apple Frappuccino
- Over ice, ask for apple juice to the first line and then whole milk to the second line.
- Ask for 3 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, 3 pumps of cream base, and 2 pumps of dark caramel sauce. Blend.
- Top with whipped cream, caramel ribbon crunch, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon dolce sprinkles.
6. Peach Apple Lemonade
The Starbucks peach apple lemonade is one of the most refreshing beverages that I love to order in the summertime, as well as the fall. The fruit flavors mix wonderfully to give me an ice-cold hit of sweetness.
I often recommend this one to people who want to try a secret menu item for the first time but are afraid of too many steps, because this one is a breeze to order.
I find that the natural sweetness of all the individual ingredients makes it a very sweet apple Starbucks drink which might not be for everyone, but the tartness of the lemon juice does balance it slightly.
The Starbucks peach apple lemonade has about 250 calories and 55 grams of sugar but no caffeine at all.
How To Order A Starbucks Peach Apple Lemonade
- Pick your cup size and ask for half lemonade and half apple juice.
- Add in peach syrup: 3 pumps for tall, 5 pumps for grande, 7 pumps for venti.
7. Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato - Official Menu Item
The Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato combines flavors of apple, brown sugar, caramel, and coffee in a way that balances some bitterness and sweetness.[2]
I love that this drink is designed to be bold and sweet. It has a lot of brown sugar, apple, and a caramel drizzle, but you can also still taste the bold espresso - giving the apple crisp flavors.
It's perfect for coffee lovers, and the Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato makes an excellent alternative to the classic Starbucks caramel macchiato.
It's topped with a caramelized spiced apple drizzle and a dusting of brown sugar.
There are 320 calories, 45 grams of sugar, and 150mg of caffeine, so the Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato is the perfect apple drink for those who want an energy boost.
8. Starbucks Apple Cider
Starbucks doesn't actually stock any hot apple cider, but this Starbucks secret menu order is as I can find at the chain.
It's all about the apples and spice, and this is one of the lowest-calorie options if you want a tasty apple-based Starbucks drink.
The brown sugar flavoring gives the warmed apple juice a spicy undertone. I also like to ask for some cinnamon dolce syrup.
If steamed apple juice alone isn't feeling fancy enough for my kiddos, this one definitely does the trick.
How To Order Starbucks Apple Cider
- Ask for a steamed apple juice with 3 pumps brown sugar syrup and 2 pumps cinnamon dolce syrup.
9. Steamed Apple Juice - Official Menu Item
No list of the best Starbucks apple drinks would be complete without their signature steamed apple juice.
It’s one of the simplest on the menu and made from nothing but pure, warm apple juice. Starbucks obviously didn't invent apple juice, but this one sure makes it feel like they did -- it's that good!
It’s popular with young kids and with Starbucks drinkers of all ages who simply love the taste of apples.
Starbucks doesn't use concentrated apple juice and has their own brand, Tree Top Apple Juice.[3] (Yes, moms, it's the same apple juice they sell in juice box form.)
There are 220 calories and 50 grams of sugar in a single serving, but it's also one portion of fruit in a cup! I have no problem serving this to my kids alongside a healthy breakfast.
How To Order Starbucks Apple Drinks?
I've introduced some of the best Starbucks apple drinks, but there's always a lot to think about when ordering at Starbucks.
Here are some tips to make sure you get what you really want:
Juice Or Syrup?
There are two main ways Starbucks adds apple flavor to their drinks; syrup or juice.
The syrup is sweeter and tends to give a slightly less natural taste, but works well in sugary drinks. Apple juice tends to be used as a base and provides a more naturally sweet flavor.
Generally, your caffeinated drinks will use apple syrup rather than apple juice.
The best flavors for Starbucks apple drinks are cinnamon syrup and apple maple syrup, but there's a lot of different options.
Choose Your Apple Juice
Starbucks uses their own brand of apple juice called Tree Top Apple Juice. It's designed by them and blends well with the drinks they have on the menu.
BaristaHQ Tip: You can ask for their light apple juice which has slightly less sugar and fewer calories, or you can ask for extra apple juice if you want to maximize the flavor.
Customize Your Drink
You can add extra flavor to your apple drink by adding apple syrup. This usually costs $0.50 extra, though it will depend on the size of your drink.
Other flavors like cinnamon syrup, toffee nut, or other fruit, will also work well, so you can experiment and make your own secret recipe Starbucks apple drink.
BaristaHQ Tip: You can also add white or brown sugar to your drinks at no extra cost.
Ice It
Many of the hot drinks on my list can be served cold!
Starbucks will usually just pour it over ice if you ask so that you can have your favorite apple drinks year-round.
Use The App
I like to use the Starbucks app to pre-order my apple drink and skip the queues.[4]
I also appreciate that it lets me see all the ingredients, the nutritional value, and what other additions I can put into the drink. Using the app makes it simpler to get the right order every time.
Frequently Asked Starbucks Apple Drink Questions
Does Starbucks have apple cider?
No, Starbucks doesn't have actual hot apple cider, but you can order it from the secret menu by asking for steamed apple juice with brown sugar syrup.
Is Starbucks steamed apple juice the same as apple cider?
No, Starbucks steamed apple juice doesn't have any additions other than 100% apple juice.
How much sugar is in a caramel apple spice from Starbucks?
The Starbucks caramel apple spice has about 70 grams of sugar which is a lot even compared to other sweet Starbucks apple drinks.
Is the apple crisp macchiato better hot or cold?
I find that the Starbucks caramel and apple pie flavors mix better when they're hot, making the espresso shot in the base of the Apple Crisp Macchiato easier to drink. However, it's all down to personal preference, so you'll have to try both types of Apple Crisp Macchiato and see what you prefer.
Final Words
My top choices for Starbucks apple drinks come down to Apple Crisp Oatmilk Frappuccino and the Peach Apple Lemonade.
If I have a long workday ahead, you might even see me ordering one of each at the drive-thru, but that can be our little secret.
Whether you like hot, cold, sweet, or tart, there's an apple Starbucks drink for you and if you love apple pie as much as I do, you're going to love these drinks!
References:
1. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/475/hot
2. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123563/hot
3. https://www.treetop.com/consumer/
4. https://www.starbucks.com/rewards/mobile-apps/
