If you’re someone who’s always on the hunt for something new and exciting at your local coffee shop, you’re in luck. While most coffee menus feature the usual lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos and an array of syrups, there’s a hidden world of secret menu items waiting to be discovered. These drinks aren’t advertised, but they’re just a simple combination of syrups, sauces, or flavor pairings that baristas will happily whip up for you if you know what to ask for. Even better? You can recreate these secret menu drinks right in your own kitchen. Here are some secret coffee shop creations to try!
1. Lucky Charms Iced Matcha Latte
Ever wished your matcha could taste like your favorite childhood cereal? Well, the "Lucky Charms Matcha Latte" is a drink that does just that. To make this delicious creation, ask for white chocolate and vanilla syrup in your matcha latte! The vanilla adds a sweet, comforting note while the white chocolate adds that smooth, creamy sweetness. The result? A cup that tastes surprisingly like Lucky Charms cereal, sweet and nostalgic. It’s perfect for those days when you want to channel your inner child while getting your matcha fix.
How to make it at home: Make some matcha tea and stir in vanilla and white chocolate syrups to taste. Pour your choice of milk over ice. Add your matcha/flavor and toss. You’ll feel like you’re sipping on cereal milk in the best possible way!
2. Nutella Latte
If you’re a fan of the iconic Nutella spread, then this one’s for you. To make a Nutella-inspired latte, ask your barista for a chocolate sauce and hazelnut syrup combination. The rich chocolate sauce pairs beautifully with the sweet, nutty hazelnut flavor, creating a drink that tastes just like Nutella in liquid form. It’s creamy, sweet, and decadent, just the way Nutella should be! Espresso pairs great with this flavor combo making lattes, cappuccinos, and shaken espressos a great drink for these flavors!
How to make it at home: Brew your favorite espresso, mix in chocolate sauce and hazelnut syrup. Add your choice of milk! You’ve got yourself a Nutella latte that’ll change your at-home coffee forever!
3. French Vanilla Dream
If you’re a fan of the smooth, comforting flavors of French vanilla, you’ll love this next creation. Simply ask for vanilla and hazelnut syrup to be added to your latte. The vanilla brings a smooth sweetness, while the hazelnut adds depth and a nutty finish, giving you the perfect French vanilla-inspired drink!
How to make it at home: Brew a shot of espresso, steam some milk, and mix in vanilla and hazelnut syrups. Top with a dash of cinnamon if you want to kick up the cozy factor.
4. Cinnamon Roll Latte
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, this latte will be your new fav. With the addition of brown sugar cinnamon syrup and white chocolate, you'll get the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy in every sip. The brown sugar cinnamon syrup adds a warm, spiced sweetness, while the white chocolate gives it a smooth, velvety richness, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top ties everything together for that true cinnamon roll experience.
How to make it at home: Brew a shot of espresso, steam your milk, and mix in brown sugar cinnamon syrup and white chocolate. Top with a generous dash of cinnamon for that final cozy touch.
A Final Tip: Customize Your Drink
Most coffee shops will be happy to make these secret menu items if you know the combinations of syrups, sauces, and flavorings to ask for. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your orders! Some baristas may even be able to suggest their own custom creations. These flavors can be added to most espresso/coffee drinks so don’t be afraid to ask for them in cold brew, iced coffee, americanos, and shaken espressos in addition to lattes! Next time you’re craving something a little different, try these secret menu drinks, or experiment with your own unique combos. You never know what delicious creation you’ll discover!
Making These Drinks at Home
The best part? Many of these drinks can easily be made at home with a few key ingredients like flavored syrups, espresso, milk, and the right sauces. The world of secret coffee drinks is all about creativity, and you can easily customize each drink to suit your personal taste. Plus, making these drinks at home means you get to enjoy your favorite coffee shop flavors without leaving the house! Stock up on your freshly roasted coffee beans here!