Starbucks Sizes: A Complete Guide on Starbucks Cup Sizes for Beverage Lovers

Why is ordering at Starbucks not as simple as ordering a small, medium, or large drink? That’s because there’s some history behind Starbucks sizes, which are tall, Grande, and Venti. Regular drinkers might get used to the drink sizes, but it’s still very confusing, especially when you’re ordering a new or a specialty drink. Don’t worry; in this blog, we will bust the confusion surrounding Starbucks cup sizes once and for all. Let’s get into it: 

History behind Starbucks Sizes 

Starbucks is everyone’s favorite and for all the right reasons. You must have ordered Starbucks at least once in your life yet you still don’t know why the drinks are not ordered as simply as small, medium, and large. Why bother with Grande and Venti? Well, there’s a story behind it. 

It’s said that the former Chairman and CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, was very fascinated by the romance of the Italian coffee bar during his trip to Italy in 1983. He wanted to bring something special to the United States, which is why he didn’t want to stick with the regular small, medium, and large Starbucks sizes. 

In fact, he wanted to open a coffee shop, named II Giornale in the United States offering something more exotic than a simple cup of joe. This is why he also wanted to set different Starbucks cup sizes names than the regular ones. In the ‘90s, the Starbucks cup sizes were short, tall, and Grande. With the introduction of Venti, tall has become the new short and the short size has been eliminated long before; however, you can still ask for a short Starbucks cup size at the store. 

Starbucks Cup Sizes: Everything You Need to Know 

Today, there are not just short, tall, and grande in the store. The Starbucks sizes have evolved just like anything else and today, there are more sizes than you can imagine. Let’s have a look at them: 

Starbucks Sizes: Demi

Demi is derived from the French word demitasse, meaning half-cup. It shows that the cup was also used in Italy in 1906. It’s a small 3-ounce cup, which is only used for offering single or double espresso shots. This Starbucks cup size is only used for specific drinks and you can’t ask for a drink in a demi size. 

Starbucks Sizes: Short

Short was on the list of Starbucks sizes for a long time, until Demi was introduced. It’s an 8 oz cup that is used for hot drinks or the ones that usually only require a small cup. Other than that, it’s a perfect cup size for kids of all ages. However, it is no longer listed as an option on the list of Starbucks cup sizes, but you can still request it. Know that, not every Starbucks will give you a shorter version of the drink, so don’t get your hopes high. 

Starbucks Sizes: Tall

Looking for a regular cup of Starbucks drink? Don’t worry; the regular coffee at Starbucks now comes in a tall cup that is twice the size of a small cup. Whether you’re a fan of macchiato, latte, or mochas, you can order it with more milk and caffeine in a tall cup. Even some non-caffeinated drinks are also available in this size. In short, you’re having two cups of small six-ounce coffee in one size, so what’s better than that? 

Starbucks Sizes: Grande

Grande is a 16-ounce cup at Starbucks, which is the equivalent of a medium-sized cup. If you want a boost of taste and drink, then this is the perfect size for you. As compared to the tall cup, this one will have one extra shot of espresso in it. You can order both hot and cold drinks in this size without a hitch. 

Starbucks Sizes: Venti Hot 

Need more boost of energy? Order your drinks in a Venti size, which means twenty in Italian for 20 ounces of beverage. Handling a Venti might be a little difficult due to its large size, but it’s all worth it. In case you order an espresso in a Venti, then be prepared to be taken aback by the amount of shots in it. As compared to its counterparts, a Venti has exactly one more shot of espresso in it, i.e. four shots in total. The rest of the space is taken by syrup and milk in it. 

Starbucks Sizes: Venti Cold 

Venti Cold is bigger than Venti Hot by exactly 4 ounces. Yes, consider yourself in for a treat if you ask for this size. Starbucks doesn’t cover the ounces with ice, which is why they offer a bigger version for cold beverages, so the drink’s quantity is not affected by the ice in it. The extra 4 ounces are to cover the ice in each cold drink. Grab a Venti in your favorite flavor and binge-watch some Hollywood movies to enjoy your drink to the fullest. 

Starbucks Sizes: Trenta

Just when you thought there could not be a bigger size than Venti, Starbucks came up with Trenta. Among all Starbucks sizes, this one takes center stage as it offers almost 31 ounces for a drink. Trenta is only available for a few selected iced drinks. What’s better than having your favorite drink in the biggest available size? Just make sure you know this before you head to the closest Starbucks store to order your drink. 

Espresso Shots in Starbucks Drink Sizes

No matter which size you order at Starbucks, you will get the same taste and flavor… ever thought how? Why is there never anything wrong with the taste of the drink? That’s due to the balance of each ingredient in it. 

As the size increases, so does the amount of espresso, syrup, ice, etc. in each drink. If you need a full breakdown of the amount of espresso in each drink, then here’s what you need to know: 

Which Drink to Order in Different Starbucks Sizes? 

Now that you know what all Starbucks cup sizes mean, how much espresso they have, and the history behind their names, it’s time to find out what to order in different Starbucks sizes.  Although all drinks are good at Starbucks, there are some which are must-try for everyone. If you don’t know them, then today is your lucky day. 

What to order in Grande?

Most people at Starbucks prefer ordering a Grande as smoothies are usually served in this Starbucks cup size. If you prefer something medium in Starbucks, then this should be your go-to cup size. Some drinks that you must try in Grande are: 

• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie
• Chocolate Banana Smoothie
• Dragonfruit Smoothie
• Orange Mango Smoothie
• Cold Brew Smoothies 

What to order in Venti? 

If you’re ordering a Venti, then here’s what you must try in this Starbucks cup size: 

• Latte Macchiato
• Dragonfruit Drink
• Butterbeer Latte
• Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Peppermint Mocha

What to order in Trenta?

Trenta is the biggest size and is only available for selected drinks. Some tea options that you can order in Trenta size at Starbucks are:

• Iced London Fog Tea Latte
• Iced Guava Black Tea/Lemonade
• Starbucks’ Medicine Ball

If you’re looking into some cold brew options, then here’s what you can try in the Trenta size: 

• Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew
• Starbucks Reserve Cold Brew
• Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
• Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

You can also get a few fruity refresher drinks in Trenta size at Starbucks, such as: 

• Blueberry Acai Refresher
• Kiwi Starfruit Lemonade Refresher
• Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
• Violet Drink
• Star Drink
• Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher

What is the Best Value Size at Starbucks?

With so many Starbucks cup sizes, it can often become difficult to order anything. To think, which drinks offer the most value is quite difficult, but according to Starbucks employees, Grande and Venti give the most value for money. Here’s what I do:

‘Simply get a Venti and ask for two Grande empty cups and share the drink with my friend.’  

You can divide the cost with your friend and enjoy a conversation with your friend over a coffee. What’s better than that? 

What is the Best Value Drink at Starbucks?

There are still many people who have not tried Starbucks yet… but that does not mean you won’t. There are a few beverages on the menu of Starbucks that are extremely affordable for everyone. So whether you’re going to Starbucks for the first time or have been there a lot, these are some of the best value drinks that you must try out in a Starbucks cup size of your choice: 

Iced Chai Latte

Who does not love a cold chai latte? Starbucks is one of the best places to get it from as it’s rich in color, taste, and smell. The top picks from Starbucks have to be chai Frappucino and chai latte, but the latter one has a more appealing price tag. 

Chai Tea

Chai tea is another great option to try out at Starbucks for a burst of flavor. Both chai latte and chai tea are different and have a unique flavor of their own. Chai tea is made by boiling the chai tea bags in hot water to bring out the bold flavors of the spices, then it’s poured into the cup with milk and sugar to get the traditional chai experience. 

Iced Coffee

Another affordable drink that you can get at Starbucks cafe is Iced Coffee. This refreshing, sweetened iced coffee is just what you need to get the much-needed caffeine kick after a tiring day. Moreover, Starbucks adds 200 reward points to the customer’s account, which can be used for a complimentary drink later on. In short, you get to fulfill your caffeine needs and also use your reward points as well. 

Iced Americano

Iced Americano is an optimal choice for all caffeine lovers who don’t want to put a strain on their wallets. The best thing about it is that you can personalize the drink as per your choice by adding an extra shot of espresso, some vanilla, or even a splash of milk. Iced Americano already contains a lot of ice, water, and espresso shots, so get ready to feel refreshed with just one sip of this budget-friendly drink from Starbucks. 

Honey Citrus Mint Tea

Wondering which beverage to get in different Starbucks sizes? Honey Citrus Mint Tea has to be it! This drink was once part of the secret menu known as the Medicine Ball, but due to its popularity, the tea made its way to the regular menu. It’s a soothing drink with a blend of steeped tea, honey, and lemonade. This flavorful beverage is even great for calming cold symptoms due to its powerful ingredients. It’s the best option for someone seeking a budget-friendly treat. 

Blended Strawberry Lemonade

Do you want to try something different than regular coffee and tea? If yes, then don’t forget to try out Blended Strawberry Lemonade in your favorite Starbucks sizes. It’s a caffeine-free beverage, but it is extremely refreshing, especially during the summer days. You can further customize the lemonade by adding flavored syrup such as vanilla or peppermint syrup. Make sure to have it in your favorite Starbucks cup sizes next time you visit the cafe!

What is the Best Starbucks Size on a Diet?

If you’re on a diet, then going crazy on a Venti is not a good idea. The best thing is Starbucks understands the importance of sweet consumption and puts all information about the drinks, including the calories in each of them on their website and app too. Here are some drinks from Starbucks that you will instantly fall in love with. 

• Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew: The drink has honey as a natural sweetener. It has only 50 calories. 

• Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refresher: This refreshing beverage has only 90 calories in it. 

• Iced Passion Tango Tea: Almost all Starbucks teas are low in calories and double in flavor. This one only has 45 calories. 

• Iced Flat White: This drink contains 150 calories and has a hint of espresso in it too to give you a boost of energy. 

• Iced Blonde Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte: This sweet and refreshing latte comes with only 150 calories. 

• Iced Black Tea Lemonade: This Starbucks drink is perfect as a low-calorie option and has only 90 calories in it. 

FAQs about Starbucks Sizes

What are the basic Starbucks cup sizes?

There are a total of six Starbucks cup sizes. They are Demi, Short, Tall, Grande, Venti, and Trenta. 

What is the biggest Starbucks size?

The biggest cup size at Starbucks is Trenta. It is a 30-ounce drink, but it’s only available for selected drinks. 

What is the smallest Starbucks size?

The smallest Starbucks size is Demi, which can only hold 3 fluid ounces. It’s mainly used for espresso shots. 

Are Starbucks cups reusable? 

Starbucks has recently introduced a cup that is made from polypropylene and can be used as many as 120 times before they are put out for recycling. 

Can I get all the drinks in Trenta?

No. Trenta is not available for all drinks, you can only get very selected drinks in the Trenta cup size. 

Is water free at Starbucks? 

Yes. You can get a free refill of water with ice from Starbucks. However, some Starbucks stores may charge an amount for taking water without buying any other items. 

Is there a secret cup size at Starbucks?

Yes. Short is a secret-sized cup, which is not present on the menu, but can be provided if requested. 

How many shots of espresso are in Venti?

Venti has only three shots of espresso in it.