15 Best Starbucks hot drinks I turn to when I want something cozy

2. Caffé Americano 

I had to include Starbucks Caffé Americano because it is one of the drinks I order when I want coffee without much distraction.

It’s very simple, pretty much just espresso and hot water, but the espresso still gives it a bold, full-bodied flavor.

The Caffé Americano is simple but unforgettable.

That simplicity is part of the appeal for coffee drinkers who like their coffee straight up.

A black Caffé Americano has no calories or sugar, so it’s a great Starbucks drink for those on a keto diet . I f you use a plant-based milk like me, then it’s easy to get oat or almond milk versions instead.

It still has a strong kick with 150mg of caffeine, but you can also add an extra espresso shot if you want to.

3. Cappuccino 

The humble Cappuccino gets a lot of flack for being basic, but the classics are classic for a reason.

A Cappuccino has a strong, slightly bitter taste, but the foam softens the edges and makes the whole drink feel more rounded.

That foam gives it a silky-smooth texture, which is a big part of the appeal.

It’s a good year-round keto Starbucks option because there’s no sugar, and you can use an alternative milk if you’re dairy-free (I recommend almond or oat milk!)

A single serving has 140 calories and 150mg of caffeine.

4. Honey Almond Milk Flat White 

The Flat White has been one of the best hot drinks at Starbucks since 2015, and I understand why every time I go back to it.

It sits close to a latte in texture, but the first thing I notice is how much smoother it feels.

It’s made using a ristretto base and a slightly different preparation technique.

The Honey Almond Milk Flat White has been an easy one to come back to since I found out I’m lactose-intolerant. Honey is still the sweet note I reach for most often, so it fits my taste without feeling heavy.

Sweet, slightly nutty, creamy – what’s not to love?

There are 170 calories and 130mg of caffeine in a serving.

5. White Chocolate Mocha 

The toasted white chocolate mocha is one of the sweetest Starbucks drinks.

It’s closer to dessert than coffee, which is exactly how it reads once the white chocolate and espresso start to blend together.

Sweet, creamy, rich. That is the whole appeal.

The white chocolate mocha is one of the best hot drinks at Starbucks for me. It always puts a smile on my face with its nostalgic taste.

There are 408 calories, 49 grams of sugar, and 150mg of caffeine in a single serving.

6. Blonde Vanilla Latte 

When I want to shake up my usual Latte, the Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte is my go-to.

It’s made using Starbucks' signature light roast blonde espresso, giving it a higher acidity and a sweeter taste.

The vanilla syrup keeps it lighter and more delicate than a standard latte, which is why it still works any time of year.

This is one of the best hot drinks at Starbucks for people like me who love really smooth, silky, and sweet caffeinated drinks.

A standard Blonde Espresso Vanilla Latte has 190 calories, 18 grams of sugar, and 170mg of caffeine.

7. Pumpkin Spice Latte 

A winter warmer list feels incomplete without Starbucks’ signature Pumpkin Spiced Latte.

The first time I had it as a teenager, I remember being surprised by how close it came to pumpkin pie without tasting like a copy of it.

The spice comes through first, then the sweetness settles in, and the espresso gives it more backbone than I expected.

The PSL is only available between September and November, so make sure you don’t miss it!

In a Grande, there are 390 calories, 50 grams of sugar, and 150mg of caffeine.

8. Chai Tea Latte 

Starbucks’ Chai Tea Latte is a good change from my usual honey citrus mint tea or green tea orders.

I tried chai tea lattes as a teen and liked how quickly the spice and milk pulled me in.

The spices give the tea a warming cozy effect, making it perfect for a cold winter’s night.

It works especially well with plant-based milks for me, and I usually reach for it when I want something cozy but still fairly lively.

There are 240 calories, 42 grams of sugar, and 95mg of caffeine in a single serving.

9. Toffee Nut Latte 

Toffee nut flavor and coffee make sense together, so Starbucks' take on the pair never feels forced to me.

The rich and buttery toffee mixes with the espresso to give a sweet but deep taste that’s bolder than most other sweet lattes.

This is a great option for when I want a Christmassy treat that is not so toothachingly sweet.

It usually shows up around Christmas, and I still look forward to it every year.

There are 266 calories, 20 grams of sugar, and 113mg of caffeine in a single serving, and it’s one of my favorite winter warmers in the holiday season.

10. Peppermint Hot Chocolate 

Peppermint and chocolate always feel like a winter pairing to me, and this Peppermint Hot Chocolate is an easy switch from regular Starbucks hot chocolate.

The peppermint flavor makes it slightly lighter and gives it the smell and taste of Christmas in a cup.

This is another limited-edition drink that you’ll only find on the Starbucks menu around November and December, so mark your calendar!

There are 440 calories and 56 grams of sugar in a serving, and there’s no caffeine.

11. Cinnamon Dolce Latte 

When I want instant fall vibes outside of October, I usually order the Cinnamon Dolce Latte.

I like that it comes across as sweet first, then a light spice note follows, while the milk keeps it round and the coffee still shows through.

To me, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte is perfect for long walks through the park and afternoons curled up with a good book.

There are 340 calories, 40 grams of sugar, and 150mg of caffeine in each serving.

12. Sugar Cookie Crème (Secret Menu) 

With a name like Sugar Cookie Crème, you know this secret menu item is going to lean sweet.

The slightly nutty taste of the oat milk is essential for this one and keeps the sweetness from feeling one-note.

The sugar cookie syrup used in the drink really reminds me of my childhood and baking cookies with my mom.

Since it’s so sweet and creamy, this caffeine-free drink reads more like a kid-friendly treat than a coffee fix.

There are 250 calories and 28 grams of sugar in a serving.

13. Caramel Brulee Hot Chocolate (Secret Menu) 

Caramel Brûlée Hot Chocolate is about as sweet as it gets, so I knew this would sit firmly in dessert-drink territory.

The sweet but slightly bitter flavor of the caramel gives the drink a richer finish, which makes me think of sipping dessert instead of plain hot chocolate.

One pump of each syrup is usually enough, but I sometimes add more caramel drizzle on top if I’m feeling indulgent.

There are 420 calories and 56 grams of sugar in a single serving of this dessert drink, but there’s no caffeine.

14. Chai Apple Tea (Secret Menu) 

A Chai Apple Tea is a popular twist on the regular Chai Latte with added caramel apple spice flavors.

I usually order this around Halloween and Thanksgiving because apple and cinnamon feel more autumnal to me than pumpkin sometimes does, even though I still like the PSL.

Honestly, just the smell of it warms me up. It’s perfect fall vibes with every mouthful.

One serving contains 400 calories and 72 grams of sugar, so it is one to treat as an occasional order.

15. Spiced Apple Pie (Secret Menu) 

The Spiced Apple Pie is one of my favorite Starbucks secret menu orders.

The combination of sweet and tart flavors from the apple, plus the spicy cinnamon topping, makes this a really unique drink.

Somehow this tastes just like grandma’s apple pie!

The look, smell, and taste of this drink just screams autumn, and it’s my ultimate comfort drink in the cold months.

There are roughly 200 calories and 52 grams of sugar in a serving, but a lot of that comes from the apple juice, so it is not the easiest drink to lighten up.