Updated July 2026: This guide separates Starbucks’ permanent espresso classics from limited-time drinks, adds the Cortado, and reflects the current U.S. menu. Availability, recipes and nutrition can vary by store and customization.
Starbucks espresso drinks range from a straight Doppio to milk-forward lattes and sweet shaken drinks. For the strongest coffee flavor, order an Espresso, Americano, Espresso Macchiato or Cortado. For creamy and balanced, choose a Flat White, Cappuccino or Caffè Latte. For sweeter, start with a Caramel Macchiato, Caffè Mocha or Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
Starbucks espresso drinks at a glance
| Drink | What it is | Coffee intensity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doppio Espresso | Two straight espresso shots | Very high | Pure espresso |
| Caffè Americano | Espresso and hot water | High | Black-coffee drinkers |
| Espresso Macchiato | Espresso marked with milk and foam | Very high | A small milk-touched shot |
| Espresso Con Panna | Espresso with whipped cream | High | Short and lightly sweet |
| Cortado | Three ristretto Blonde Espresso shots and steamed milk | High | Small and balanced |
| Flat White | Ristretto shots and steamed whole milk | Medium-high | Velvety, espresso-forward milk coffee |
| Cappuccino | Espresso, steamed milk and thick foam | Medium-high | Foamy texture |
| Caffè Latte | Espresso, steamed milk and light foam | Medium | Mild, customizable coffee |
| Caffè Mocha | Espresso, milk, mocha sauce and whipped cream | Medium | Chocolate |
| Caramel Macchiato | Vanilla, milk, espresso and caramel drizzle | Medium | Layered sweetness |
| Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso | Blonde Espresso, brown sugar, cinnamon, ice and oatmilk | Medium-high | Iced and lightly creamy |
| Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte | Blonde Espresso, vanilla and milk | Medium | A softer espresso profile |
The exact number and type of shots depend on the drink and size. Starbucks also changes recipes and seasonal menus, so check the app before relying on a universal shot or caffeine chart.
The 12 core Starbucks espresso drinks, explained
1. Doppio Espresso
A Doppio is two straight shots with no milk, water or syrup. It is the clearest way to taste Starbucks espresso and the smallest order on this list. Ask for a Solo, Triple or Quad if you want a different shot count.
2. Caffè Americano
An Americano adds hot water to espresso, producing more volume while retaining an espresso-led flavor and a light crema. It is not brewed coffee. Read our Americano explainer for the difference.
3. Espresso Macchiato
This traditional-style macchiato is espresso “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk and foam. It is much smaller and far less sweet than a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato.
4. Espresso Con Panna
Espresso Con Panna is espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The cream softens the first sip without turning the drink into a full latte. Because standard Starbucks whipped cream contains dairy, changing the milk elsewhere does not make this drink dairy-free.
5. Cortado
Starbucks added the Cortado to its permanent U.S. espresso lineup in 2025. It is served hot in a Short cup and uses three ristretto shots of Blonde Espresso with steamed whole milk. Starbucks also offers a Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado. This is the best core order when you want a compact milk drink with a pronounced espresso flavor.
6. Flat White
The Flat White combines ristretto espresso with steamed whole milk and a thin, velvety microfoam. Compared with a standard latte, it generally tastes more espresso-forward and has less airy foam. See Flat White vs. Latte for the full comparison.
7. Cappuccino
A Cappuccino uses espresso and steamed milk with a noticeably thick layer of foam. Choose it when texture matters and you want less liquid milk than a latte. Order it “dry” for more foam or “wet” for more steamed milk.
8. Caffè Latte
The Caffè Latte is espresso balanced with plenty of steamed milk and a light foam layer. It is the most adaptable starting point: choose hot or iced, change the milk, swap Signature for Blonde Espresso, add flavor, or request an extra shot.
9. Caffè Mocha
A Caffè Mocha combines espresso, milk and mocha sauce, normally finished with whipped cream. It is a chocolate-forward espresso drink rather than hot chocolate; the espresso is still part of the recipe. Reducing sauce pumps is the most direct way to make it less sweet.
10. Caramel Macchiato
The Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is a layered vanilla-and-milk drink marked with espresso and caramel drizzle. It is not the same as the small Espresso Macchiato. Stir it if you prefer an even flavor, or leave it layered for stronger coffee in early sips. Our caramel latte vs. macchiato comparison explains the build.
11. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This permanent iced drink uses Starbucks Blonde Espresso shaken with brown sugar and cinnamon, then finished with oatmilk. Shaken espresso drinks intentionally contain less milk than iced lattes, so the coffee tastes more prominent. You can also make our brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso recipe at home.
12. Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte
This latte swaps in Starbucks Blonde Espresso and adds vanilla. Starbucks describes Blonde Espresso as brighter and more citrus-forward than its fuller-bodied, caramelly Signature Espresso Roast. It is useful when you find Signature Espresso too roasty, but it is still an espresso drink. Learn more in our Blonde Espresso guide.
What espresso does Starbucks use?
Starbucks’ default foundation is its Signature Espresso Roast, a darker, fuller-bodied coffee designed to hold up in lattes, Americanos, mochas and cappuccinos. Many stores also offer Starbucks Blonde Espresso, which has a lighter body and brighter flavor. “Espresso” describes the pressurized brewing method, not a unique kind of bean, so the roast changes the flavor without changing the basic method.
How to choose the best Starbucks espresso drink
- Most espresso-forward: Doppio, Espresso Macchiato or Cortado.
- Black and longer: Caffè Americano.
- Velvety but coffee-led: Flat White.
- Foamiest: Cappuccino.
- Mildest base for flavors: Caffè Latte.
- Chocolate: Caffè Mocha.
- Sweet and layered: Caramel Macchiato.
- Iced with less milk: Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
Milk, syrups, sauces, drizzle, foam and extra shots can change nutrition and price. For value-focused orders, see our cheap Starbucks drinks guide. For cup and shot-size context, use our Starbucks sizes guide.
Current seasonal espresso drinks
Seasonal drinks should not be treated as permanent menu items. As of July 30, 2026, Starbucks’ U.S. summer promotions include the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and the new Iced Orange Cream Latte. Availability may be limited by date, location and ingredient supply. Pumpkin Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha and similar favorites return seasonally rather than remaining reliable year-round orders.
Frequently asked questions
Can Starbucks make any espresso drink decaf?
Many espresso beverages can be made with decaf espresso, but availability and the exact customization depend on the store and drink. Check the Starbucks app or ask the barista before ordering.
What is ristretto at Starbucks?
Ristretto is a shorter extraction made with less water than a full espresso shot. Starbucks describes it as smaller, sweeter and more concentrated. Ristretto shots are standard in the Cortado and Flat White and can be requested in other espresso drinks.
Which Starbucks espresso drink has the most shots?
There is no single answer across every size and recipe. Shot counts differ between hot and iced sizes and between lattes, Americanos, shaken espressos, Flat Whites and Cortados. Customizing with extra shots changes the result again. Check the current app recipe for the exact drink and size instead of assuming every Venti has the same number.
Do all Starbucks coffee drinks contain espresso?
No. Brewed coffee, cold brew and most Frappuccino blended beverages do not use standard espresso shots unless the recipe says so or you add them. Refreshers, tea and matcha are separate drink families.
Bottom line
Start with the drink’s espresso-to-milk balance, then customize. Choose a Doppio or Americano for direct coffee flavor, a Cortado or Flat White for a compact milk drink, a Latte or Cappuccino for creaminess, and a Mocha, Caramel Macchiato or shaken espresso when flavor and sweetness matter.
