Starbucks has long been known for its high-quality coffee. However, you may not know that while you can get pretty good coffee in one of their average coffee shops, they have several different branches that take their drinks to another level.
Enter Starbucks Reserve.
Here you can discover drinks that you would never think of finding in a regular Starbucks (coffee cocktail anyone?), and beans that have been handpicked, especially roasted, and taste absolutely divine. They offer a flavor and aroma, unlike anything you’ll find in a high-street coffee shop.
So, if you’re looking for something special from Starbucks, then you need to check out the reserve menu.
The difference between regular and reserve coffee is vast, so if you’re a fan of Starbucks, be sure to give these a try!
What Are Starbucks Reserve Drinks?
So, what is this secret Starbucks masterpiece? Starbucks Reserve is basically a specialist type of roastery that serves different kinds of drinks.
Reserve coffee is a step up from the regular blends that Starbucks offers. Coffees are made with high-quality beans and offer a more intense flavor profile than the regular blends. Some even refer to it as a coffee Mecca!
This type of coffee is only available in selected Starbucks Reserve roasteries and their reserve stores online. These reserve branches also typically sell a unique selection of pastries, sweet treats, and even hot foods.
The Best Starbucks Reserve Drinks
So, if this delicious coffee blend tempts you, here are some of the best Starbucks Reserve drinks that you can buy. There are so many clever coffee creations!
Espresso Macchiato
The perfect accompaniment to a flaky pastry, an espresso macchiato is made with a double shot of Starbucks reserve espresso and steamed milk, then topped with a layer of foam.
It’s an absolutely delicious hot coffee option!
Affogato
Who can say no to ice cream and coffee? A Starbucks Reserve Roastery is the only branch where you can find an affogato—mainly because it’s the only Starbucks where you can find ice cream!
The affogato is made with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with a double shot of Starbucks Reserve espresso.
A particular House version is also available at Starbucks Reserve stores, with an additional spoonful of demerara syrup and a sprinkling of cinnamon. It’s the stuff of our coffee dreams!
Espresso Con Panna
This is a Starbucks reserve take on a classic Italian coffee—the Espresso Con Panna.
It’s made with a double shot of Starbucks reserve espresso, topped with sweet cream and a sprinkle of demerara sugar.
Perfect for a sweet tooth and coffee lover. And, a caffeine boost!
Dirty Chai
Typically, dirty chai is made with a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and chai tea.
But the Starbucks Reserve dirty chai takes it to the next level by adding in an extra shot of espresso and using their special reserve Nitro cold brew blend.
It’s then topped with foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. Delicious, and perfect for any fan of the traditional chai latte!
Mocktails
Starbucks Reserve also offers a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, based on classic bar drinks.
The Virgin Mojito is made with mint, lime juice, and sparkling water, while the Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a refreshing mix of strawberry puree, basil syrup, and lemonade—both containing the perfect combos of fruit!
There are also a few Starbucks Reserve specialties including the Emerald City Mule which is made with ginger beer, burnt cinnamon syrup, fresh lemon, and their classic cold brew. It has more than a bit of flavor!
Dark Chocolate Mocha
This delicious beverage is made with Starbucks Reserve espresso, with a higher percentage of cocoa solids and butter than milk chocolate.
The entire drink contains this scrumptious dark chocolate sauce, a shot of espresso, and steamed milk.
It’s then topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. The perfect drink for any chocolate lover!
Reserve Cold Brew
A Starbucks Reserve cold brew is made with a slow-steeped (for 20 hours to be exact) blend of coffee beans, resulting in a less acidic and super smooth cup of coffee.
Cold brew coffees are then served over ice and can be enjoyed black or with a splash of milk.
Alternatively, if you want to mix up the meaning of the word ‘cold,’ you can actually have this drink warm.
Cortado
A cortado is a Spanish coffee drink that’s become popular all over the world.
It’s made with equal parts of Starbucks reserve espresso and milk, resulting in a smooth and creamy beverage that’s perfect for any time of day.
Hazelnut Bianco Latte
Nutty, flavorsome, and delicious, the Hazelnut Biango Latte is a must-try for any hazelnut fan.
It’s made with Starbucks reserve espresso, steamed almond milk for an increased nutty flavor, and homemade milk infused with hazelnut-praline.
You can get this drink iced, or as a frappuccino, if you’re feeling fancy.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Starbucks and Starbucks Reserve?
The main difference between regular and Reserve coffee is the quality of beans used.
Reserve coffees use rare, small-batch beans that are roasted to perfection and offer a more complex and full-bodied flavor than the average cup of joe.
For instance, regular Starbucks drinks tend to use regular Starbucks beans. These are typically mass-produced and not as high quality as the beans used in reserve coffees. The result is a less flavourful cup of coffee.
What Is the Starbucks Reserve Latte?
The Starbucks Reserve latte is made with Starbucks reserve espresso but the difference is that it’s made with more shots of espresso instead of just one in a typical Starbucks latte.
The largest size (the venti) has a whopping four shots of espresso in it. This gives it a much more intense coffee flavor and makes it higher in caffeine than a regular latte—ideal for those that need a boost.
The Starbucks Reserve latte is also more balanced with steamed milk and a light layer of foam. This makes it the perfect drink for coffee lovers who want a little something extra but love a traditional latte drink.
What Is a Starbucks Reserve Bar?
The Starbucks Reserve Bar is a specialty coffee bar that offers a more upscale experience than the typical Starbucks. The baristas at reserve bars are highly trained and knowledgeable about all things coffee.
They can make you any drink on the menu, as well as create custom drinks to suit your taste. In addition to coffee, the Reserve Bar also offers a selection of wine, beer, and small bites.
This makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or have a light meal with friends.
What Is the Starbucks Reserve Roastery?
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a one-of-a-kind coffee experience that offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how Starbucks reserve coffees are made.
The roastery is also a working coffee factory, where beans are roasted and packaged for distribution.
In addition to coffee, the roastery also offers a selection of pastries, bread, and sandwiches made fresh daily. This makes it the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring all things coffee.
Is Starbucks Reserve Coffee Better?
This is a bit of a mixed opinion. On one hand, it’s undeniable that Starbucks Reserve uses a much better type of coffee than regular Starbucks.
However, you can certainly be sure that Reserve is much less convenient in terms of location than a regular Starbucks.
Furthermore, some people prefer the simplicity of the standard Starbucks and think the more complex flavors of reserve coffees can be a bit much. It really depends on your personal preference.
However, we think it’s safe to say that Starbucks Reserve is at least worth trying if you’re a coffee lover.
Overall
Starbucks Reserve coffee is a step up from regular Starbucks coffee. It uses rare, small-batch beans that are roasted to perfection and offer a more complex, intense, and varied flavor.
If you’re looking for a richer, more intense coffee experience, then we recommend giving Starbucks Reserve coffee a try.
Happy Caffeinating!
