You know you are an avid Starbucks drinker like when you’re kids begin calling every hot drink coffee and wondering when they can taste and enjoy those delicious drinks just like you. Of course the Starbucks menu is vast leaving you indecisive on choosing what you want, let alone what to get your kids. Even though Starbucks is known as a coffee shop that offers a variety of drinks for adults, but did you know that they also have a selection of kid-friendly drinks on their menu for kids? These drinks are designed with children in mind, with smaller sizes less and warmed to the perfect kid’s temperature.
So let’s take a closer look at some of the best Starbucks drinks that are kid friendly, as well as some tips for ordering the perfect drink for your little ones from one of the Starbucks baristas.
1. Hot Cocoa
This is my daughter’s favourite and one of the most popular kid-friendly options is the kids classic hot chocolate. This delicious hot drink is made with steamed milk, rich cocoa. For an extra treat try adding whipped cream and/or chocolate shavings. Another great variation is the “white hot chocolate” which is made with steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and white chocolate mocha. If you are dairy-free you can always substitute with the alternative milk of your choice. They offer whole milk, oat milk or almond milk. You can add a mocha drizzle or chocolate drizzle on top for an extra sweetness.
2. Steamed Milk
My favourite for the girls whenever we are flying is their steamed milk. Ordering this is as easy as it sounds; just ask for you choice of milk steamed at kid’s temperature. It is perfect soothing drink to calm them done before take off. Sometimes we spice it up by adding by adding 1-2 pumps of vanilla syrup. This is a popular variation is also know as vanilla milk or vanilla steamer. Feel free to try other syrups another fan favourite choice is the caramel syrup.
3. Iced Cocoa
During the summer months we sometimes go with the iced cocoa. Think chocolate milk from scratch as this is just chilled milk and chocolate syrup. Make it fun by asking the barista to rim the cup with the chocolate sauce. Your kids will love swirling the straw to mix in the syrup. If you’re looking for a really sweet treat you can top it off with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
4. Apple Juice
If you’re not looking for anything too fancy a great choice is the apple juice. Starbucks carries a 100% pure apple juice and not an apple blend. If you are concerned about a high sugar content then try this order. Ask for half a cup of ice water, add some apple juice and that should water it down.
5. Lemonade
One thing about this refreshing drink is that it is made with fresh lemons. Then it’s sweetened to taste, making it one of the most kid-friendly Starbucks drinks. There is a fruity option that is pretty popular called the blended strawberry lemonade. This is made by adding a scoop of strawberry puree to the lemonade and blended it tastes so delicious. Once the barista recommended the raspberry lemonade. It is the classic lemonade with added raspberry syrup. Personally, not my favourite, but worth a try if you are looking for a refreshing drink other than the lemonade.
6. Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino
One of the best kids’ drinks is this frozen treat, and the first frozen drink I introduced my daughter to. It is nice because it is not jammed packed with too much flavouring. It is simply just a blend of ice, milk and vanilla bean powder with some whipped cream. If you are feeling fancy add a small amount of caramel drizzle on top. It just to add to the excitement and experience, but definitely not necessary.
7. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino
The infamous “pink drink” is actually just a version of the strawberries and creme frappuccino. However, if you are looking to know what the big difference is. Well the regular frappucciono is just a blend of milk, ice and strawberries topped with some whipped cream. Whereas the “pink drink” just uses coconut milk instead or normal 2% milk. The pink colour comes from the freeze-dried strawberries and the creamy look from the thicker consistency of the coconut milk. We like these on a hot summer day as special treat.
8. Passion Iced Tea
Now we can not talk about the pink drink without also mentioning the infamous purple drink. A delicious
This drink is just an altered version of the passion iced tea. The regular passion iced tea is a delicious cold drink is a popularized version of the “Passion Iced Tea” which is a blend of the Passion Tango iced tea, soy milk, vanilla syrup, and blackberries. It gets its purple color from the blackberries.
9. Caramel Apple Spice
When fall hits and you are looking a warm comforting drink to go with cozy atmosphere then the caramel apple spice is a must! This is a delicious warm drink made with steamed apple juice a few pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup. (totally customizable by you of course!). Then it is topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Think of a caramel candy apple melted to perfection in the form of drink. You may actually end up stealing this from your child.
10. Babyccino
Last on our list is the babyccino, and it’s seriously as cute as the name. You could also just ask for a kid’s cappuccino, do not forget to mention it is for a child or you will end up with a caffeinated drink. With that being said this small is a great drink it is steamed milk with some foam. You can make it really fun by adding some chocolate or vanilla syrup. We like to add some toppings like the cocoa powder, chocolate chips or whatever is seasonally available like the caramel brulee toppings. Yum! Plus my little one loves ordering it match my cappuccino.
Tips for Ordering drinks for Kids
Size
What I love about Starbucks in the customization of everything and that doesn’t stop when it comes to children’s drinks either. For sizes you can choose between short (8 ounce cup) or a tall (12 oz cup). My girls are so little I usually order a tall and ask the barista to spilt it into two short cups which they never mind doing for the kids.
Child Temperature
I absolutely love that all of the warm drink options can be made to child’s temperature. This option was what was a game changer for me, especially when I was in a pinch, if I stayed out longer than expect and my two-year old absolutely just wanted a “baba” off to Starbucks we went for some steamed milk. It’s very comforting know that I never have to worry about them burning their mouths, or having them get extremely impatient waiting for their drink to cool down.
Full Customization
Majority of Starbucks menu can be customized for a child. You can always add or reduce any of the toppings or syrups. In the lemonade option you can ask for less sugar if you wanted. If you child wants to express and try something new by mixing two different syrups, it’s just nice to have those choices and options as a parent while still making it fun for your children.
Add Ons
Our favourite add-ons for a Starbucks treat is either a cake pop my girls love both the birthday cake and chocolate one.
Final Word
I am a huge fan of Starbucks myself and now I’m raising little Starbucks lovers as well. I
Overall, Starbucks has a great selection of kid-friendly drinks on their menu. From hot chocolate and cappuccinos to strawberry lemonade and iced chai lattes, there’s something for every child to enjoy. And with the ability to customize their drink to fit their preferences, every child can have the perfect drink just for them.
In conclusion, Starbucks is a great place to take your kids if they want to try something new or if you want to enjoy a nice drink with them. There’s a wide variety of options available, and the size and the customizations make it perfect for kids. Don’t forget to tell the barista at your local Starbucks if your child has any allergies or dietary restrictions,
