### Selecting Milk Options Starbucks UK offers a variety of dairy and plant-based milk options. You can substitute the default milk in any beverage with: * Whole milk or semi-skimmed milk * Oat dairy alternative * Almond dairy alternative * Coconut dairy alternative * Soy dairy alternative ### Adding Syrups and Sauces Syrups and sauces are the primary way to alter the flavor profile of a drink. Standard syrup flavors typically available year-round include vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. Sugar-free options, such as sugar-free vanilla, are also generally available. Seasonal sauces, such as pumpkin spice or white chocolate mocha, can be added to drinks when they are in season. ### Toppings and Extra Modifications To complete a custom drink, you can add extra toppings or modify the strength and temperature of the beverage: * Whipped cream (or vegan whipped topping when available) * Caramel or chocolate drizzle * Extra espresso shots (or decaf shots) * Whipping style (such as extra hot or iced) ## Popular Customization Concepts
While you cannot order these drinks by their unofficial names, these popular ingredient combinations are widely enjoyed by customers who customize their orders: * **Chocolate Hazelnut Hot Chocolate:** Order a standard Hot Chocolate and ask to add hazelnut syrup. This combination mimics a classic chocolate-hazelnut spread flavor. * **Caramel Macchiato Frappuccino:** Order a cream-based Frappuccino, add vanilla syrup, and request a shot of espresso poured over the top (affogato style) along with caramel drizzle. * **Cookies and Cream Frappuccino:** Order a Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino and ask to swap the mocha sauce for white chocolate mocha sauce. * **Cinnamon Bun Latte:** Order a standard Latte, add brown sugar syrup (or cinnamon syrup when available), and top with a dusting of cinnamon powder. ## Best Practices for Ordering Custom Drinks To ensure your drink is made correctly and to make the process smoother for the barista, follow these guidelines:
### Order by Ingredient, Not by Name Baristas do not have recipes for unofficial menu items on their screens. Always list the base drink size, the base drink itself, and then each specific modification. For example, instead of asking for a "Nutella Hot Chocolate," ask for a "Grande Hot Chocolate with two pumps of hazelnut syrup." ### Use the Starbucks App Customizing your drink through the official Starbucks UK mobile app is often the easiest way to see exactly what syrups, toppings, and milk options are currently in stock. It also allows you to see the final price before checking out. ### Be Aware of Extra Charges Most customizations, such as adding extra syrup pumps, espresso shots, or certain plant-based milks, incur an additional fee. These charges will be added to the base price of the drink. ### Keep it Simple Drinks with too many modifications can become unbalanced in flavor and take longer to prepare. Limit your customizations to two or three key changes for the best results.
