5 Starbucks Drinks to Snap Out of an Afternoon Slump

By: Sophia

I’ll start this off by saying that I love a good cup of strong, plain black coffee. When I tuck myself into bed each night, I’m already excited for my morning fix. However, when my afternoon slump rolls around, I need something more fun. I need Starbucks. 

I also love supporting local cafes, which I frequent every Sunday and pair with an almond croissant. But, sometimes the convenience of Starbucks is just too… convenient. So, as Cutline’s resident Starbucks lover, I felt it was necessary to round up the best of the best drinks that will get you through anything, any time, anywhere. 

1. Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

When Starbucks recently added this to their menu, it was everything I had ever hoped and dreamed for. It’s not short of caffeine in the slightest (a grande has three espresso shots), is sweet but not too sweet, and is overall lower in calories and sugar than Starbucks’ other similar drinks. It checks all my boxes, and will always be a fave. 

2. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

The good news: this drink is one of the best things you’ll ever taste. The bad news: it’s a seasonal drink. The other bad news: because it’s seasonal, you’ll want to get one every single day before it disappears and your wallet will feel the impact. It’s worth it. Even Pumpkin Spice Latte haters love this option. 

3. Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte

This was a new addition to Starbucks’ holiday menu in 2021, and I might start a petition to make it a year-round option. I prefer this one hot, but iced is also quite popular. Yes, it tastes like a sugar cookie, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Bonus points for the cute sprinkles on top. 

4. Iced Shaken Espresso 

Okay, enough with the sweets. Sometimes you need that classic coffee flavor to jolt you awake after hours behind your desk. I prefer my shaken espresso with oat milk, but feel free to customize to your liking. 

5. Cold Brew with Cold Foam 

I’m a big fan of the cold foam. Starbucks has offered it for a while, but it gained popularity over the past couple years after going viral online. I get the plain cold foam when I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but also love the sweet cream cold foam. 

Don’t forget that you can customize any Starbucks drink in a ton of ways. You can add any of their many syrups and powders, change the amount of sweetener or syrup added, choose your milk, or add an extra shot of espresso (or multiple). 

One last pro tip: Download the Starbucks app. You earn stars with every purchase and can earn free food, drink, and even reusable cups! I’m embarrassed to say how fast I rack the stars up. You can also pay on the app and order ahead. 

Let us know your favorite Starbucks drinks on Twitter @Cutline!