Secret menus—unofficial, creative combinations of standard menu options—have been a thing at many chains over the years, including Starbucks. Most remain secret, but Starbucks just pulled back the curtain by officially adding four "secret" drinks to their menu. Plus, they've launched a contest to find the next big drink and you could win big.
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Starting today, Starbucks is putting its most talked-about drink hacks front and center in the Starbucks app. The legendary “secret menu” that's fueled Reddit threads and fan sites with the likes of Butterbeer Frappuccinos and Thin Mint Cold Brews is now officially endorsed. Rewards members can tap the "offers" tab in the app and find the first four creations, each already customized and ready to order with a single click.
Here’s what's in the inaugural lineup:
Cookies on Top: Cold Brew with two pumps of vanilla syrup, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and a cookie crumble topping
Dragonfruit Glow-Up: Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher blended with peach juice and topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Lemon, Tea & Pearls: Black tea and lemonade with raspberry popping pearls
Just Add White Mocha: Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso upgraded with White Chocolate Mocha Sauce and Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
The move is inspired by Starbucks’ Not-So-Secret Menu broadcast channel on Instagram, where creative mashups have been shared for months. Now, these viral drinks can finally be ordered easily, without awkwardly reciting the recipe at the counter.
But Starbucks isn’t stopping there. To celebrate, they’re launching a contest to find their next big drink. From now through July 20, submit your dream drink customization via the secret menu contest page. Four finalists will snag $5,000 and see their drink featured in the app from August 18–25. The drink with the most fan votes on Starbucks’ Instagram wins an extra $25,000.
Sign up for Starbucks Rewards and order these formerly secret beverages for inspiration. Your big idea could pay off in a major way.