What is a handcrafted drink at Starbucks? 

Starbucks is a regular stop-off point for those looking for a quick treat while on the go, and with an extensive menu of a whopping 255 items, coffee enthusiasts have plenty of options to choose from.

If you consider yourself to be a Starbucks regular, though, chances are you’ve come across a ‘handcrafted drink’ before – and while you might not know what these are, you’ve probably already ordered them in the past.

You’ve probably had a handcrafted drink before

Handcrafted drinks refer to any drink that requires the barista to do things like steaming milk, blending ice, or preparing a shot of espresso.

• These include espressos and cappuccinos, blended beverages like Frappuccinos, iced coffees, iced tea, or any of their other cold and seasonal drinks. 

So in short, any drink made by hand of one of the baristas at your Starbucks is considered a handcrafted drink. 

Drinks that aren’t considered handcrafted

There are a couple of different drinks on Starbucks’ menu that aren’t considered handcrafted, however, with the most obvious being bottled and canned drinks that are kept in coolers.

This ranges from bottles of water to packaged frappuccino beverages that can also be purchased at grocery stores. Additionally, hot brewed coffee and tea are also not considered handcrafted because they just require the hot liquid to be poured into a cup before being served.

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How many reward points do you get from handcrafted drinks?

When you pay with your digital Starbucks Card in the app, you will earn two Stars for every $1 U.S. Dollar you spend at participating stores. These points can then be turned into different rewards, including:

• 25 Stars – You will be rewarded with an espresso shot or added syrup sauce.
• 100 Stars – You will earn a hot brewed coffee or hot steeped tea, iced brewed coffee or iced brewed tea. 
• 200 Stars – You can grab any handcrafted beverage, including a frappuccino. All beverages must be standard size. 
• 300 Stars – May be redeemed for one packaged coffee item (such as whole bean coffee).
• 400 Stars – This will earn you a select merchandise item with a value of up to $20. 

These Starbucks Rewards items range between $0.90 and $20.00, but note that these deals may vary from store to store. To join Starbucks Rewards and earn yourself a free beverage, go to Starbucks Rewards or the Starbucks app.

For more Starbucks content, check out the best Refresher and Iced Energy Drinks, what’s been leaked to arrive in the Fall 2024 menu, or where it sits for the best value fast food meal.