15 Strongest Starbucks Drinks (Ranked By Caffeine)

Attention coffee fans! If you’re currently on the search for the perfect coffee drink that’s going to be able to energize you with a strong boost of caffeine on those extra sleepy days – you’re in the right place.

In this article, we are going to be talking you through the strongest (and most delicious) coffee drinks that you can get your hands on, so it only makes sense that we should be talking about Starbucks, right?

Read on for 15 of Starbucks strongest drinks, ranked by caffeine level!

Starbucks Strongest Drinks- Summary

If you don’t wish to read through the entirety of this article or you’re in a rush and need to get that caffeine fix – this section is for you.

Below, you will find a helpful breakdown of all of Starbucks’ strongest drinks… at the time of writing, that is!

Check out our easy-to-follow table below to decide which one is going to be your next order:

Strongest Starbucks Drinks- Ranked High To Low

Starbucks Strongest Drinks- Descriptions

Blonde Roast Coffee

Kicking this list off, we have the Blonde Roast line of coffees that Starbucks offers.

Boasting an incredibly smooth flavor that is elevated by hints of cream and a vanilla-like sweetness, Starbucks Blonde Roast is a lighter roast than standard espresso and contains around a 10% higher caffeine level than another espresso that Starbucks has.

Thanks to that, it means that if you were to order one of these coffees, you would be able to enjoy a concentrated dose of caffeine, while also being able to enjoy a light and mellow flavor that incorporates elements of creaminess, sweetness, and even a twang of citrus.

You’ll like this drink if:

Starbucks’ Blonde Roast coffees are perfect for those mornings when you need an extra shot of caffeine to help set you up for the day, or even on those late nights when you need to stay awake and want to remain alert and focused!

Pike Place Roast

Another great option for those in need of a strong cup of coffee is Starbucks Pike Place Roast, which comes complete with a strong and distinctive flavor.

Powerful yet balanced, Pike Place Roast combines a variety of different Latin American coffees that lend Pike Place Roast a distinctive flavor that is rich with notes of chocolate, toasted nuts, and cream.

It also comes with a high dose of caffeine, so it’s perfect for those extra early mornings when you need a little extra kick to get you up and running for the busy day ahead.

You’ll like this drink if:

If you’re a coffee fanatic and genuinely like the taste of a strong brew, then Pike Place Roast might be just what you need.

Besides its concentrated levels of caffeine that is sure to surge your energy levels and prepare you for anything that comes your way, it is also known for its strong and distinct taste – so it’s a win-win for those who love the flavor of coffee.

Cold Brew Coffee

Next up, we have selected Cold Brew Coffee – which is a firm favorite at Starbucks! If you haven’t already gotten around to trying it, Starbucks ’ range of cold brew coffees is steeped in caffeine and carefully brewed in cool water without touching any heat.

Thanks to that, it means that despite the fact that it has a higher caffeine content than standard filter coffee from Starbucks, it features a smoother than smooth taste that will keep you coming back for more. Yum!

You’ll like this drink if:

If you’re the type of coffee drinker that prefers a smooth flavor over one that comes with a kick, then you won’t regret trying out this drink from Starbucks.

Plus, as it’s only served over ice, it means that it’s also a great option for those who prefer an iced coffee drink to a more traditional, hot coffee.

Lots of people that drink Starbucks Cold Brew coffee claim that the coldness of this brew helps to wake them up more than the caffeine!

Iced Oat Milk Espresso

If regular coffee isn’t really your thing and you prefer an alternative to standard filter coffee – then you might be interested to learn a little more about the cult favorite in the Starbucks community – the Iced Oat Milk Espresso.

This specific type of drink is super versatile and uses oat milk instead of dairy milk, which makes it a great choice for those who prefer a milk alternative.

As for the caffeine content? Rest assured that, besides being high enough to perk you up for the day, you will also have the freedom to decide what type of caffeine dosage you’d like – as the Iced Oat Milk Espresso can be made with any espresso shot (or shots) that you would like!

If you’re interested in trying out this drink for yourself but you’re not too sure of where to begin, then we recommend trying out a shot (or double shot, depending on how sleepy you’re feeling) of the Blonde Roast.

Developed exclusively by Starbucks, as many people claim that the mellow flavor blends perfectly well with the flavor of the oat milk present in this drink.

You’ll like this drink if:

As we have already touched upon above, you’re simply bound to love the Iced Oat Milk Espresso from Starbucks if you prefer a delicious coffee that incorporates an alternative to dairy milk.

You’ll also love it if you want the freedom to be able to decide how much caffeine you want in your drink – as the Iced Oat Milk Espresso can be made with any kind of espresso shot!

Caffe Americano

Are you the type of person who believes that less is more when it comes to a good old cup of coffee? If you answered yes to that question, then you might want to listen up – because the Caffee Americano might be the caffeine boost that you are on the hunt for!

This simple and totally delicious drink is the perfect option for those who are on the go and need a quick caffeine fix, or for those who prefer a more simplistic approach to their coffee drinking.

Unlike the other kinds of drinks on the Starbucks menu that often tend to come with a variety of fancy extras.

Caffe Americano is available in either a hot or cold option and will provide you with a generous dose of caffeine with minimal calorie intake, and a smooth, balanced taste that will be enjoyable and easy to drink.

You’ll like this drink if:

Just like we have mentioned above, the beauty of the Caffe Americano is its simplicity, so it’s a great option for those who are looking for a caffeine kick without the frills.

There’s also plenty of versatility to customize this drink to fit in with your personal preferences, and that also includes what type of espresso that you would like!

If you’re in the mood for a little extra kick of caffeine, you can always ask the barista for a stronger shot – such as their Blonde Roast shot.

Espresso

When it comes to giving you an energizing boost of coffee, there aren’t too many coffee drinks that will be able to reinvigorate your mind and sense like an espresso can!

One of the best things about espressos is that they are customizable and you’ll be free to add to them as you like. We really like this, as it means that you will be able to add milk if you like, or even ask your barista if they can swap out the regular espresso for something a little stronger.

In addition to that, espressos come in one small size, which means that they are an ideal option for those who are looking for a quick burst of coffee without overdoing it.

You’ll like this drink if:

Besides being a great coffee drink for those who prefer a more basic coffee drink, espressos are a great choice for those who are in a rush and would like a quick-fix as opposed to a larger coffee drink.

Almond Milk Cold Brew

If you’re interested in trying out cold brew but you would like an alternative to dairy milk, the Almond Milk Cold Brew is just what you are looking for!

If you haven’t already tried Starbucks ’ range of cold brew coffees yet, then rest assured that it’s more than likely going to become one of the new go-to’s that you order, especially when it comes to those days when you just need a little bit extra.

Carefully steeped in cold water during the brewing process so that it doesn’t touch any hot water.

It means that even though the cold brew has a much higher caffeine content than standard filter coffee from Starbucks does, it features a deliciously smooth flavor that won’t feel bitter or too strong.

You’ll like this drink if:

If you’re in need of a dairy-free alternative to the fan-favorite cold brew, the Almond Milk Cold Brew drink is a fantastic option for those who are in need of a highly caffeinated coffee that will still be enjoyable to drink, and won’t feel too bitter or strong.

Nitro Cold Brew

The Nitro Cold Brew is one of the lesser-known coffee drinks available at Starbucks, but it is also one of the strongest you can get – so it’s worth trying if you’ve never heard of it before.

The Nitro Cold Brew is essentially the exact same as the Cold Brew drink we have talked you through above.

However, the main difference is that this particular drink has been infused with nitrogen in order to give it a deliciously sweet and velvety foaming cream without any added sugar.

You’ll like this drink if:

What’s not to love about this delicious drink? The Nitro Cold Brew is, according to Starbucks “perfection in a drink” and we can’t help but agree with that sentiment!

The Nitro Cold Brew is packed full of caffeine to ensure that you’re able to get up and tackle the day, while also featuring a balanced and mellowed flavor that is elevated by the sweetness from the infused nitrogen without the need for adding any sugar.

Standard Iced Coffee

Our list just wouldn’t have been complete if we didn’t include good old-fashioned iced coffee!

Iced coffee is one of the most popular that Starbucks offers, and also just happens to be one of the drinks that features one of the highest levels of caffeine content, too.

Just like some of the other drinks that we have already listed in this guide, Starbucks Iced Coffee comes with the freedom to customize how you like, which means that you can opt for a stronger shot of coffee, ask for different milk – or even ditch the milk entirely.

One thing for sure – a Starbucks Iced Coffee is sure to get rid of the cobwebs!

You’ll like this drink if:

Is there ever a bad time to enjoy iced coffee?

No matter whether you’re trying to turn in all of your finals on time and need a coffee companion to see you through, or you’re gearing up for a busy day at work and you want to tackle all of your meetings with energy.

Iced coffee is a surefire way to ensure that you are focused, alert and ready for anything… no matter what the day may bring!

Iced Coffee Mocha

Last but certainly not least, we are rounding this article off with the Iced Coffee Mocha, which is a fantastic choice for anyone that wants an energizing kick of both caffeine and chocolate!

One of the best things about the Iced Coffee Mocha drink from Starbucks is that it can be enjoyed with a variety of different brews, which means that you will be free to ask your barista for your favorite espresso shot, such as the standard filter coffee roast or the Blonde roast.

Plus, given the fact that the Iced Coffee Mocha is relatively high in its caffeine content, you can rest assured that it’s not going to be too strong or bitter to drink simply due to the fact that the sweetness of the chocolate helps to mask the strength of the coffee.

It’s a great all-rounder choice and is sure to perk you up – regardless of whether you’re getting ready to tackle a full day of meetings, or simply want to get your day started off on the right foot.

You’ll like this drink if:

Fan of chocolate? If you answered yes to that question, then there’s simply no denying that you’ll like the chocolate flavor of this popular coffee drink.

Starbucks Strongest Drinks- How To Make Your Favorite Coffee Stronger

If your favorite coffee order from Starbucks didn’t make the list above, don’t panic! There are a variety of ways that you will be able to make your favorite go-to coffee stronger than it comes, and we’re here to show you how.

Read on for some top tips on how to make your favorite coffee from Starbucks stronger:

Tip #1-Ask The Barista To Add An Extra Shot

First things first, one of the simplest ways that you can amplify your favorite coffee is by simply asking your barista if they would kindly add an extra shot of coffee in the drink for you while they are preparing it.

For the most part, if you’re already a Starbucks regular, you’ll already be well aware that most baristas will offer you this option while you are making your coffee run order.

However, if for some reason your barista does not provide you with the option to add an extra shot to your coffee, then you could always just ask them to add it to your order before you pay.

Once you have asked your barista to add an extra shot of coffee to your go-to drink, your barista will then talk you through a variety of shots that you can choose from.

If you want your coffee to be caffeinated to the max, then we recommend storing it for a regular espresso shot.

However, if you’re not a fan of overly strong-tasting coffee, then you could alternatively decide to opt for a different type of coffee shot such as Starbucks blonde roast, which offers a much smoother and milder taste, and will be harder to detect in your drink.

Tip #2- Opt For A Blonde Roast Coffee

Alternatively, if you are open to swapping out your regular coffee go-to in place of something with a little more of a “kick” to it, then we think that you’ll love introducing a blonde roast coffee into your coffee order rotation.

Especially on those extra sleepy days when you need something that’s going to be able to help wake you up!

As we have already touched upon above, Starbucks’ range of blonde roast coffees is blended to have a much higher level of caffeine in it as opposed to their standard roasts.

However, even though Starbuck’s range of blonde roast coffees is designed to have a higher level of caffeine, it has been carefully blended to have a mellow and mild taste, so the increased levels of caffeine won’t taste bitter on your tongue!

Not only that, but one of the best parts about opting to get a blonde roast coffee is that Starbucks often has a blonde roast variation for all of their regular coffees.

Which means that you’ll still be able to order your favorite coffee while still being able to enjoy a much higher level of caffeine intake than you would normally get.

More caffeine and your favorite go-to coffee order? It’s a win-win!

Tip #3- Steer Clear Of Frappuccinos

If you’re in need of a surge of caffeine and you’re heading down to your local Starbucks to get your fix, then you’d be making the right choice to make sure that you steer clear of frappuccinos!

Even though frappuccinos are totally delicious and contain coffee, they’re designed to be more of a refreshing, cool drink that will provide you with a hit of sugar rather than caffeine.

So it should come as no surprise to hear that frappuccinos often tend to have one of the lowest caffeine levels of Starbucks whole drinks menu.

Nevertheless, if you’re in need of a caffeine fix and you really want to order your favorite frappuccino, then you could alternatively ask your barista to add an extra shot of coffee to help boost the amount of caffeine that you’ll be getting.

Beware though, as frappuccinos already have quite a high level of sugar content inside them, combining the sugar with a relatively high hit of caffeine could cause you to become dizzy or even shaky shortly after drinking.

Which is something to keep in mind – especially if you are prone to high blood sugar levels.

Tip #4- Swap Out A Standard Espresso Shot For A Long Espresso Shot

If you don’t want to try out a new drink (or even want to order one of the drinks we have listed above but make it even stronger) then one way that you could do this is by asking your barista if they would kindly add a long shot of espresso into your drink in place of the standard shot it would usually have.

If you’re not overly sure of what a long espresso shot is, it is essentially espresso that has had more water run through it in order to raise the number of caffeine levels present in the finished brewed espresso.

Thanks to that, it means that if you were to ask your barista to put a shot of it in your favorite, go-to coffee Starbucks drink, you would be able to enjoy an increased amount of caffeine.

Just perfect for those busy days when you need an extra boost of energy to get you through your hectic schedule!

Frequenty Asked Questions

Is Espresso A Stronger Drink Than Regular, Standard Coffee?

As far as caffeine levels are concerned, yes, espresso is generally brewed to be far stronger than standard coffee is.

The thing is, though, you can’t hit up your local Starbucks and order a venti espresso to go, because they only come in one, small size due to their high levels of caffeine.

Therefore, while espresso does contain a higher caffeine content than standard filter coffee, you’re going to end up getting a higher level of caffeine in your coffee simply because you will be able to buy your filter coffee in a large size.

There’s nothing stopping you from asking your barista to chuck an extra-strong shot of espresso in your regular filter coffee drink, though!

What Starbucks Drink Will Keep Me Awake?

If you’re feeling extra sleepy and you need a Starbucks coffee that’s going to help perk you up, then your standard order at Starbucks might not be enough to help see you through whatever task you need to complete!

Perhaps you didn’t sleep so well last night and have a busy day ahead of you, or maybe you plan on pulling an all-nighter to study and want a drink that’s going to help get you through.

There are plenty of options available for you to choose from at Starbucks that will be able to give you the concentrated dose of caffeine you need to boost your focus levels… you just need to know what they are!

One of the best options for you to try is one of Starbucks blonde roast coffees, as they are specifically blended to have a higher amount of caffeine content with a mild, mellow flavor that won’t feel bitter on your taste buds.

However, if you want something that’s going to be able to boost your energy levels and fast, then you could also opt to try Starbucks’ iced Americano coffee, as it has very high levels of caffeine.