Craving an iced coffee drink that’s strong, yet a little creamy? An iced americano with cream from Starbucks might be just what you need when you want a pick-me-up without all the extra sweetness and calories of their fancier Frappuccinos and lattes.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Order a grande or venti iced americano with room, then ask for cream or half & half on the side. Stir in as much or as little cream as you’d like to reach your desired color and flavor.
What Exactly is an Iced Americano at Starbucks?
When it comes to coffee options at Starbucks, the Iced Americano is a popular choice for those who prefer a strong and refreshing beverage. But what exactly is an Iced Americano? Let’s break it down.
It’s a Simple Shot of Espresso Over Ice
An Iced Americano is essentially a shot of espresso poured over a cup of ice, which is then filled with water. This creates a bold and smooth coffee drink that is perfect for those hot summer days or when you need a pick-me-up.
Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. This process extracts the rich flavors and caffeine from the beans, resulting in a concentrated and intense coffee shot.
When this shot is poured over ice and diluted with water, it creates the base of an Iced Americano.
The Iced Americano is known for its strong flavor profile and smooth finish. It provides a balanced combination of the bitterness from the espresso and the refreshing coolness of the ice and water.
Customize It to Your Taste
One of the great things about ordering an Iced Americano at Starbucks is the ability to customize it to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it black or with a splash of cream, you can make it your own.
If you prefer a creamy and indulgent Iced Americano, you can add a pump or two of Starbucks’ classic vanilla syrup or any other flavor syrup of your choice. This adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the drink.
For those who enjoy a nutty twist, you can opt for a shot of Starbucks’ signature hazelnut syrup. This adds a subtle and delicious nutty flavor to your Iced Americano.
Additionally, you can customize the strength of your Iced Americano by adding extra shots of espresso. This will give you an extra caffeine boost and intensify the flavor of the drink.
What Size Iced Americano Should You Order?
When it comes to ordering an iced Americano with cream at Starbucks, you have several size options to choose from. The size you choose can depend on your personal preferences and how much of a caffeine boost you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the different sizes and their benefits:
Short – Best for a Quick Jolt
If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, the Short size iced Americano may be your best bet. While it’s the smallest size option, it still packs a punch in terms of caffeine content. The Short iced Americano contains the same amount of espresso as a Tall, but in a smaller volume of water.
This means you’ll get a concentrated dose of caffeine in a smaller serving size. Perfect for those mornings when you need a jolt to get your day started!
Tall – A Standard Serving
The Tall size is the standard serving for an iced Americano at Starbucks. It offers a balanced ratio of espresso to water, providing a smooth and refreshing coffee experience. This size is great for those who want a moderate amount of caffeine without going overboard.
Plus, the Tall iced Americano with cream still leaves room for customization with additional flavors or sweeteners.
Grande – More Caffeine for a Bigger Boost
If you’re looking for an extra caffeine kick, the Grande size iced Americano is the way to go. With more espresso and water compared to the Tall, this size offers a larger serving and a higher caffeine content.
It’s perfect for those days when you need an extra boost to power through your morning or afternoon. Just be mindful of your caffeine tolerance, as too much can leave you feeling jittery or restless.
Venti – For Maximum Caffeine
For the ultimate caffeine experience, go for the Venti size iced Americano. With the largest serving size available, the Venti packs the most espresso and water, delivering the highest caffeine content among all the sizes.
This size is ideal for those who need a serious caffeine fix or have a high tolerance for coffee. However, it’s important to note that the Venti size is not recommended for those sensitive to caffeine or who have trouble sleeping after consuming it.
Remember, the size you choose ultimately depends on your personal preferences and caffeine needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick jolt or a maximum caffeine boost, Starbucks has a size option to suit your taste.
So go ahead and order that iced Americano with cream in the size that best suits your needs!
How to Add Just the Right Amount of Cream
When ordering an iced Americano with cream at Starbucks, it’s important to know how to add just the right amount of cream to suit your taste. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Ask for Room to Leave Space for Cream
When placing your order, make sure to ask for “room” in your cup. This means that your barista will leave some space at the top of the cup to accommodate your desired amount of cream. By doing this, you can easily add cream without overflowing the cup.
Specify What Type of Creamer You Want
It’s important to specify what type of creamer you prefer when ordering your iced Americano. Starbucks offers a variety of options, such as half-and-half, whole milk, non-dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk, and even flavored creamers.
Be sure to let your barista know your preference to ensure you get the perfect addition to your drink.
Start with 2-3 Tbsp and Adjust to Taste
A good starting point for adding cream to your iced Americano is 2-3 tablespoons. This will give you a creamy and smooth flavor without overpowering the coffee. However, everyone’s taste preferences are different, so feel free to adjust the amount of cream to your liking.
Remember, it’s always better to start with less and add more if needed.
Experiment with different amounts until you find the perfect balance of coffee and cream. Don’t be afraid to try different ratios to find your personal preference.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to add just the right amount of cream to your iced Americano at Starbucks. Enjoy your customized drink!
Optional Add-Ons to Make it Your Drink
When ordering an Iced Americano with Cream at Starbucks, you have the opportunity to customize your drink with a variety of optional add-ons. From sugar or sugar substitutes to flavor syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, there are plenty of ways to make your drink unique and perfectly suited to your tastes.
Additionally, you can also opt for extra espresso shots or choose from a selection of dairy-free milk options. Let’s explore each of these add-ons in more detail:
Sugar or Sugar Substitutes
Do you prefer your coffee sweetened? Starbucks offers a range of sugar or sugar substitute options for you to choose from. Whether you prefer regular sugar, raw sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute like Splenda or Stevia, you can request your desired sweetener when ordering your Iced Americano with Cream.
Remember, the amount of sweetener can be adjusted to your personal preference, so don’t hesitate to let the barista know how much or how little you’d like.
Flavor Syrups Like Vanilla, Caramel or Hazelnut
If you enjoy a flavored coffee, you can take your Iced Americano with Cream to the next level by adding a flavor syrup. Starbucks offers a range of delicious options, including vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut.
These syrups add a hint of sweetness and a burst of flavor to your drink, making it even more enjoyable. Whether you have a favorite flavor or want to try something new, this is a great way to personalize your Iced Americano.
Extra Espresso Shots
Are you in need of an extra caffeine boost? You can request additional espresso shots to be added to your Iced Americano with Cream. This is perfect for those who prefer a stronger coffee taste or need an extra pick-me-up throughout the day.
Depending on your preference and caffeine tolerance, you can ask for one or more extra shots to make your drink just right.
Dairy-Free Milk Options
If you have dietary restrictions or simply prefer non-dairy milk, Starbucks has you covered. You can choose from a variety of dairy-free milk options, including soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk.
These alternatives offer a creamy texture and a unique flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy your Iced Americano with Cream without any dairy. Just let the barista know which milk option you prefer, and they will be happy to accommodate your request.
Remember, when ordering your Iced Americano with Cream, don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking. Whether it’s adding sugar or sugar substitutes, flavor syrups, extra espresso shots, or dairy-free milk, these optional add-ons can enhance your drink and make it truly yours.
So the next time you visit Starbucks, go ahead and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect Iced Americano with Cream!
Helpful Hints for Ordering Your Drink
Know the Lingo – ‘Iced Americano’
When it comes to ordering your drink at Starbucks, it’s important to be familiar with the lingo. If you’re a fan of strong, bold coffee, then the ‘Iced Americano’ is the way to go. An Iced Americano is made by combining shots of espresso with water over ice, resulting in a refreshing and energizing beverage.
It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy the taste of espresso but prefer a lighter and cooler option.
Specify Size First – ‘Grande’
Once you’ve decided on the type of drink you want, it’s time to specify the size. At Starbucks, the sizes are typically referred to by Italian names – Tall, Grande, and Venti. For an Iced Americano, you might want to go with the Grande size, which is 16 ounces.
It’s a good balance between a smaller size and a larger one, giving you just the right amount of coffee to enjoy.
Then Say ‘With Room’
When ordering your Iced Americano, it’s important to specify that you want “room” in your cup. This means leaving some space at the top of the cup for you to add your desired amount of cream or any other additional ingredients you might want.
Saying “with room” ensures that your drink is not filled to the brim, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
And Ask for Cream on the Side
If you prefer to have cream in your Iced Americano, it’s best to ask for it on the side. This way, you have control over how much cream you add to your drink and can adjust it to your taste. By requesting cream on the side, you can customize your Iced Americano exactly the way you like it, whether that’s a little cream or a lot.
Conclusion
With just a few tips on ordering, you can customize a Starbucks iced americano with cream to your ideal taste and caffeine level. The drink offers the bold espresso flavor you expect from an americano, cut by just the right amount of creaminess to give you an energizing yet smooth iced coffee experience.
So next time you’re craving a chilled coffee drink that’s unfussy yet satisfying, order up an iced americano with room and watch the barista work their magic!
