10 Strongest Coffee Type Starbucks Drink (2023)

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Written By Anh Dung Pham

Do you know what is the strongest coffee type Starbucks drink? Are you someone who needs an extra kick of caffeine to kickstart your day? If so, you’re in luck because Starbucks has a range of energizing and potent coffee options to choose from.

If iced drinks are more your style, worry not, because Starbucks has got you covered. Their iced shaken espresso and iced brown sugar oat milkshake espresso are two of the strongest Starbucks iced drink options available. These chilled beverages offer a refreshing twist on the classic cup of coffee while still delivering a powerful jolt.

For true coffee aficionados, Starbucks also offers a range of diverse coffee varieties. Their Starbucks reserve dark chocolate mocha and blonde roast filter coffee are known to be some of the strongest coffee options on their menu.

However, if you prefer a classic espresso-based drink, their clover-brewed coffee and filter coffee will not disappoint.

So, whether you prefer a strong hot drink or a chilled iced option, Starbucks has something to satisfy your craving for a powerful caffeine intake hit. In this article, barista Pham Anh Dung will guide you through the coffee for espresso and the coffee fermentation process in the strongest Starbucks drinks that will surely give you the boost you need in 2023.

What are the top 10 Strongest Coffee Type Starbucks Drinks?

If you’ve had a rough night and are looking for a major caffeine boost, consider checking out this list of the strongest coffee drinks at Starbucks. Find out exactly what to order and know how much caffeine is in each option.

Strongest Coffee Type Starbucks

However, if you’re looking for one of the strongest drinks at Starbucks, then this list is for you! From espresso shots to blonde roast coffee to coffee beans, find out the strongest drink your money can buy.

1. Blonde Roast Filter

This filter or drip coffee contains a surprising amount of caffeine! A hot Venti cup (20 ounces) contains 475 milligrams of caffeine. If you don’t like the taste of black coffee, ask for room for milk and add your favorite milk or milk alternative.

You can also ask for a splash of vanilla or caramel to sweeten and enhance the flavor profile. Or add your favorite sweetener yourself if you prefer a less bitter taste. Check out the best sugar alternatives.

Starbucks’ blonde roast is a lighter roast, meaning it has a milder, mellow flavor.

2. Pike Place Roast Filters

A 20-ounce cup of Pike Place Roast drip coffee contains 410 milligrams of caffeine. This medium roast coffee has a bolder flavor than the light roast.

It is Starbucks’ original roast and can be found in every Starbucks around the world. Most Starbucks locations use the Clover brewing system with small batches or single brews using Clover machines.

If you love that spicy taste, just add a splash of cream (if you like dairy too much) and notice how the profile shifts slightly from a strong coffee to a milder taste. This is one of the most popular Starbucks drinks.

3. Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee

If you order the Trenta size (31 ounces) of cold brew coffee, you’ll consume 360 milligrams of caffeine. This is a great option if you’re craving cold drinks.

Cold brew can be consumed as is, but flavored creams such as vanilla cream, pumpkin cream (seasonal), or salted caramel cream are very popular to spice up the flavor!

If you don’t add sugar, splash in your favorite milk or milk alternative to tone down that strong flavor. It only comes iced, but an extra blast of cold can help wake you up if you’re sleepy.

4. Oat milkshake espresso with brown iced sugar

This iced espresso contains 340 milligrams of caffeine in a 20-ounce venti cup. It is drink contains FOUR shots of espresso, and six pumps of brown sugar syrup, and is made with oat milk.

This drink is dairy-free, but if you want a little less sugar, ask for fewer shots of syrup. The espresso and sugar will definitely get you going after this ice-cold shaken espresso.

5. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew contains 320 mg of caffeine in the 30-ounce size. It consists of 4 pumps of vanilla syrup and a dash of sweet vanilla cream.

If you want to try this drink but want a lower-sugar option, you can order it with sugar-free vanilla syrup. Or, if you want a dairy-free option, you can order a cold brew with four pumps of vanilla syrup and a splash of your favorite dairy-free alternative.

6. Iced Caffè Americano Cold Venti

When you order a Venti (20-ounce) iced Caffè Americano, you get 300 mg of caffeine, which is sugar and dairy-free. It’s made with just four shots of espresso, ice, and water.

If you don’t like the strong, dark taste of an iced Americano, you can add your favorite sweetener or a splash of your favorite milk to change the flavor and tone it down a bit.

7. Quad Espresso

Have you ever ordered regular espresso as is at Starbucks? One quad contains four shots and 300 milligrams of caffeine.

It’s a bold flavor profile that will definitely wake you up morning, lunch, and night. It’s a great way to increase your consumption because it’s just espresso, no frills.

8. Nitro Cold Brew

The Nitro Cold Brew is a pumped-up cold brew coffee. Literally, it’s infused with nitric oxide bubbles so that when poured from the tap it has the frothy head of a Guinness beer, giving cold coffee a sweeter taste through this process.

The largest size available is Grande (16 ounces) which contains 280 milligrams of caffeine. If you want a slightly sweeter cold brew, this one is for you!

9. Iced coffee

Ah, the classic iced coffee. A 30-ounce Trenta size contains 280 milligrams of caffeine. This iced coffee is the perfect summer refreshment when you need some energy on a hot day.

It is sugar and dairy-free, but you can add your favorite sweetener and/or milk to enhance the flavor. I don’t overdo my caffeine content as much anymore, but I love the simple, bold flavor that this iced coffee offers.

10. Ice Caffe Mocha

One Venti has 265 milligrams of caffeine and the iced Caffè Mocha consists of three shots of espresso, 2% milk, and six pumps of mocha sauce. It’s like juicy chocolate milk!

Delicious and sweet, can also be made with non-dairy milk if desired. If you want the same caffeine boost but less sugar, you can also order fewer pumps of mocha sauce.

Tips for Customizing Your Caffeine Kick

As a barista, customizing orders to deliver extra caffeine is my specialty. If you’re someone who relies on a strong caffeine kick to get through the day, you’re not alone. Many people turn to coffee and other caffeinated drinks at Starbucks to give them an energy boost. And if you’re a fan of Starbucks, you have a wide range of options to choose from.

Tips for Customizing Your Caffeine Kick

From iced drinks to dark roast coffee, Starbucks has it all. But if you’re looking for the strongest caffeine kick possible, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to customize your order. Whether you prefer hot or cold, espresso-based coffee, there are ways to maximize the caffeine content of your Starbucks beverage. Here are my tips to spike your Starbucks drink with even more energy:

  • Ask for an extra shot – Add a shot to brewed coffees or espresso drinks for 75+ mg per shot
  • Try a Blonde Espresso – Made from light-roast beans, with more caffeine than regular espresso
  • Request a triple – For espresso or Frappuccinos, a triple shot amps up caffeine
  • Select a smaller size – The same amount of espresso in a smaller drink = a higher concentration
  • Choose cold brew – The cold steep method yields an especially caffeinated cup
  • Skip the dairy – Lattes contain milk which slightly reduces the espresso’s caffeine level
  • Say no to sweeteners – Added sugars dilute the coffee’s inherent caffeine content

At Starbucks, we’re committed to crafting the perfect custom beverage to power you through your day. Our trained baristas can recommend options to get you wired or help cut back on the caffeine – just ask!

Caffeine Content Comparison of The Strongest Coffees at Starbucks

To showcase how our drinks’ caffeine content can vary when it comes to getting much-needed caffeine drinks, Starbucks has become one of the go-to destinations for coffee lovers around the world. With a vast array of drinks to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which option will provide the strongest kick.

From strongest to weakest about the amount of caffeine, Starbucks offers a variety of caffeinated beverages to suit any preference. From their iced brown sugar oat milk to their popular cold brew, there is no shortage of options to choose from.

Caffeine Content Comparison of The Strongest Coffees at Starbucks

However, if you’re looking for the absolute strongest coffee at Starbucks, their Starbucks espresso roast is unrivaled in terms of caffeine amount. But don’t worry, if coffee isn’t your thing, Starbucks also offers a selection of their famous refreshers, featuring fruity flavors and a moderate amount of caffeine.

Whether you prefer your morning coffee hot or cold, Starbucks has something to offer every caffeine enthusiast. So, the next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up, head to Starbucks and discover their wide range of options, from their traditional Clover coffee to the bold and smooth Starbucks nitro cold brew, here is a side-by-side overview of some popular Starbucks menu items:

BeverageTall (mg)Grande (mg)Venti (mg)
Brewed Coffee260360410
Cappuccino150225250
Latte75150225
Americano225300360
Cold Brew155235310
Chai Tea Latte90135175
Hot Chocolate254050

As you can see, our espresso-based beverages like cappuccinos and lattes generally contain less caffeine than made coffee. However, you can always customize your drink to pack more of a punch!

Benefits and Drawbacks of High Caffeine Consumption 

Coffee is a popular morning beverage for many people, offering a much-needed boost of energy to start the day. Starbucks, a renowned coffee chain, is well-known for the variety and strength of its brews. From their Pike Place brewed coffee to their iced coffee, Starbucks offers options for those seeking a potent caffeine kick.

If you’re looking for the strongest coffee, Starbucks has a top 10 list, including their four shots of blonde espresso and their Starbucks Reserve roast, which has less caffeine but still packs a punch.

Benefits and Drawbacks of High Caffeine Consumption

However, high caffeine consumption also comes with drawbacks. A single cup of coffee contains varying amounts of caffeine and excessive intake can lead to negative effects on sleep, digestion, and overall health. 

While caffeine absolutely energizes, I always recommend consuming it in moderation. Some key things to consider:

Potential Benefits

  • Increased alertness, focus, and concentration
  • Improved athletic performance
  • Elevated metabolism and fat-burning
  • Lower risk of certain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
  • Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and the risk of chronic illness

Potential Drawbacks

  • Jitters, anxiety, rapid heartbeat if over-consumed
  • Withdrawal symptoms like headaches if stopped abruptly after regular use
  • Sleep disruption, especially later in the day
  • Minimal nutritional value – doesn’t replace a healthy diet
  • Physical dependence and disrupted sleep patterns if overused daily

The key is to carefully monitor your intake and listen to your body’s cues. Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400mg of caffeine per day. I recommend starting slowly with your caffeine consumption and adjusting based on how you feel.

Tips for Caffeine Safety

Here are my top tips for enjoying coffee and its energizing benefits while minimizing risks:

  • Limit intake to 1-2 caffeinated drinks per day
  • Avoid caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
  • Choose decaf or herbal teas later in the day
  • Consider tea, which has less caffeine than coffee
  • Look for signs of dependence like headaches or fatigue without caffeine
  • Gradually cut back if experiencing unpleasant side effects
  • Check with your doctor about caffeine and any medical conditions

Moderation and self-awareness are key when harnessing the power of caffeinated beverages. As with most things, too much caffeine can have detrimental effects. Be mindful of your individual tolerance and needs.

At Starbucks, our customers’ health and welfare are our top priorities. If you ever require guidance on tailoring the perfect beverage to suit your lifestyle and caffeine preferences, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to share our passion for coffee with you and ensure your experience with our Maccas coffee bean selection leaves you feeling fantastic!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions I get asked about the strongest Starbucks coffee drink:

The Starbucks beverage with the most caffeine is our Triple Espresso, made with 3 consecutive shots totaling about 225 mg. For made coffee, Blonde Roasts have the highest caffeine level.

Starbucks coffee is generally stronger than home-brewed due to our specialized high-pressure brewing equipment. It extracts more caffeine and flavor from our premium beans.

No, while the Venti size contains 20 oz for both drinks, coffee actually has more caffeine. A Venti latte has about 225 mg while a Venti Pike Place roast coffee has 410 mg.

While we don’t offer it on the menu, most locations can make a quadruple espresso if requested. However, I’d recommend sticking to a triple or less per serving.

Surprisingly cold brew often contains less caffeine than hot brewed iced coffee. However, cold brew’s smooth flavor makes the caffeine seem more intense.

I hope this guide equips you with the knowledge to customize the perfect Starbucks drink to energize your day! Let me know if you have any other questions. For more in-depth coffee knowledge and insights into conquering different types of coffee, visit lido18.com.