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Before I ever started working for Starbucks, I’d heard people order drinks double-blended before.
I knew the term, but I never really bothered to look up what it meant.
I kept wondering whether it was just an extra blend or something more technical. Once I finally tried one, the answer was simpler than I expected.
Key takeaways
What exactly is a double blended beverage at Starbucks?
In short, double-blended means the drink is blended twice.
At Starbucks, it’s pretty literal.
If I’d known that years ago, I probably would have ordered more blended drinks.
I’m not a fan of little ice chunks in blended drinks, and double-blending gets rid of most of them.
It also makes the drink feel smoother through a straw.
Best double blended drink options at Starbucks
Once I realized how much the texture changed, I started trying it on almost every blended drink I ordered.
These were the ones that stood out most.
Creme Frappuccino’s
Creme Frappuccinos were the easiest place to start, since they lean richer and softer than the coffee-based ones.
This variety of Frappuccino is so flavorful thanks to the double whammy of Starbucks heavy cream and sweet cream.
The Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is probably the one I return to most.
The sweet-salty crunch still comes through, but double-blending makes the whole drink feel more even and less icy.
There is one tradeoff, though. On a double-blended Creme Frappuccino, the milk and other ingredients can separate a bit.
When I order one that way, I usually ask for less ice, which seems to help keep the texture together longer.
Iced Coffee or Tea
I didn’t know this until recently, but I can also double blend my favorite iced coffee, tea, and really any Starbucks espresso-based drink .
That can turn a regular iced drink into something more frozen and break up the routine of plain iced coffee.
I did notice that these regular drinks separate a bit faster than Frappuccinos, though not by much.
Even so, I still like them.
Barista HQ tip: Ask for whipped cream on top of a double blended iced coffee and tea. I also love adding a chocolate and caramel drizzle on top for a decadent twist.
Java Chip Frappuccino
One drink I kept double-blending was the Java Chip Frappuccino.
It breaks the chocolate chips into smaller pieces, so they move through a straw more easily.
When I order it blended normally, a lot of the chips settle at the bottom of the cup.
I want the chips in the drink, not just at the end, so double-blended works better for me here.
Refreshers
I don’t crave fruit drinks every day, but sometimes I want something brighter than coffee when I go to Starbucks.
Refreshers already work well over ice, and double-blending gives them a thicker, almost slushy texture that feels a little more substantial.
My usual picks are the Strawberry Acai and the Dragon Drink, which feels especially smooth to me because of the coconut milk.
I just don’t ask for extra ice, because that can make the texture oddly thin and uneven.
How to order a double blended Starbucks drink
Ordering one is pretty simple.
In store
In store, I just ask for the drink double-blended.
My usual format is order, customizations, then the double-blended request.
For example, one caramel Frappuccino with 2 pumps of vanilla syrup, double-blended.
It does take longer than a standard blended drink because the blender has to run again.
That is why I usually skip it during a rush.
On the Starbucks app
The Starbucks app does not always make this easy, and the option only shows up on some drinks.
For a double-blended iced coffee, I have not seen a reliable way to do it in the app.
Tips to make your double-blended drinks extra smooth
For extra-smooth Starbucks drinks, I usually start with a couple of simple steps:
FAQs
What is the healthiest Double Blended drink at Starbucks?
The healthiest double blended drink at Starbucks would be an iced coffee double-blended.
Is blended and Frappe the same?
It’s the same thing.
What are good substitutes to double blended drinks?
A couple of close substitutes are a Frappuccino with protein powder for more body or one blended with less ice and extra whipped cream.
What is the strongest double blended Starbucks drink?
If I want the most coffee-forward version, double-blended cold brew feels the most intense to me.
Conclusion - Try a double blended drink!
It took me a while to figure out what double-blended meant, and even longer to actually try it for myself.
These days, if I’m ordering a cold drink, I like trying it double-blended to change up the texture.
The main thing I notice is how much softer and smoother the drink feels than a standard blend.
