I figured out how to get a cheap Starbucks iced latte (without doing anything hinky)!
By Kelli M
@spiderdust (14756)
San Jose, California
June 24, 2018 5:24pm CST
I order Starbucks sometimes, especially since I have a mobile app and often cash in my Shopkicks points for Starbucks gift cards. I don't really have any independent coffee shops that are convenient for me, so Starbucks it is for now (until that Dunkin Donuts opens up down the road).
Even though the gift cards are free, I try to make them stretch as far as I can, and for nearly $4 for an iced latte, that's not easy to do. But then I saw this suggestion on YouTube, tested it out, and it works.
First, you order an iced espresso in a larger sized cup than it would normally come in. For example, a doppio espresso (2 shots) comes in a tall cup. I order it in a grande cup. This makes sure there's plenty of room and they won't have to pour any off of the top.
I also request a splash of milk (or half & half, or heavy cream, or almond milk... whatever I feel like having in my "latte") and whatever sweetener I'd like (sugar in the raw, stevia, vanilla syrup, white chocolate mocha syrup... whatever strikes my fancy) added to the cup.
Ta da! This is essentially an iced mocha, and it costs between $2.45 and $3.05 (mocha syrup and white mocha syrup costs the most), depending on what I add to it. An iced latte made with the same things costs between $3.95 and $5.15!
The nice part is, it's completely ethical to order it this way, instead of ordering something in a bigger cup and then adding a whole lot of milk to my drink from the self service condiments area. That's just being cheap and irritates the baristas.
4 people like this
5 responses
@spiderdust (14756)
• San Jose, California
26 Jun 18
I make my own iced coffee (it's actually fairly easy), but sometimes I still get something when I'm not at home.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502189)
• Italy
26 Jun 18
@spiderdust When I go out I like a regular good espresso, there is only one barman here who knows how to make a serve a real one, I always go there.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14756)
• San Jose, California
26 Jun 18
@LadyDuck I no longer have an espresso machine (ours broke some years ago), but I have been wondering about a moka/stovetop espresso pot. Have you ever used one?
1 person likes this

@changjiangzhibin89 (17239)
• China
25 Jun 18
I have not heard of the iced latte.You seem to get it down to a fine art.







