Starbucks hot tea (Photo by Savvapanf Photo on Shutterstock)
For many coffee lovers, Starbucks is synonymous with their morning caffeine fix. Yet tucked away on their menu is a carefully curated selection of hot teas that offer a soothing alternative to espresso drinks. From classic English Breakfast to soothing herbal blends, these tea offerings have earned a devoted following among those seeking warmth and comfort in a cup. But which of their steamy selections are the best Starbucks hot tea drinks that truly stand out from the rest?
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Top 7 Starbucks Hot Tea Drinks, According to Experts
1. Chai Tea Latte
When it comes to Starbucks’ most-ordered tea drink, the Chai Tea Latte reigns supreme, according to Homegrounds. It’s a masterful fusion of bold black tea and warming spices that brings together the best of both worlds for tea enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. The magic lies in its perfectly steamed milk and cloud-like foam topping, creating that signature Starbucks experience.
What makes this drink truly special? Coffee Affection says how it elevates the simple chai tea concept to new heights. Rather than sticking to the basics, Starbucks crafts a luxurious blend where aromatic spices like clove and cinnamon dance with creamy steamed milk, striking that perfect balance between spicy and sweet notes.
The drink has earned quite a reputation for being the ultimate comfort beverage, as Shopfood puts it. Its bold, spice-forward profile makes it a standout among Starbucks’ hot tea offerings, perfect for those moments when you’re craving something both cozy and invigorating. The combination of traditional chai spices with Starbucks’ signature preparation method has clearly struck a chord with tea lovers everywhere.
2. Teavana London Fog Tea Latte
Looking for a tea that’s both sophisticated and comforting? According to Shopfood, Starbucks’ London Fog Tea Latte takes the crown as their finest hot tea offering. This elegant blend combines citrus brightness with vanilla sweetness and delicate floral notes, making it an ideal choice any time of day.
For those watching their intake, Coffee Affection says this drink as a lighter alternative to the chai tea latte, with fewer calories, less sugar, and a gentler caffeine kick. The combination of Italian bergamot, lavender, and vanilla creates a delicate flavor profile, and pro tip: switching to soy milk amplifies those lovely vanilla notes.
This isn’t your grandmother’s Earl Grey – Homegrounds describes it as an elevated take on the classic tea, perfect for when you’re feeling a bit fancy. The secret lies in the carefully balanced mix of vanilla syrup, bright bergamot citrus, and subtle lavender undertones, creating what’s become a beloved upgrade to the traditional cup of Earl Grey.
3. Mint Majesty Tea
When you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something pure and simple, Restaurant Clicks recommends Starbucks’ Mint Majesty as a perfectly balanced herbal option. This isn’t your typical overwhelming mint tea – instead, it offers a refined take on the classic.
Coffee Affection points out that while it shares similarities with the Jade Citrus Mint tea, this version swaps lemongrass for lemon verbena, creating its own unique personality. The mint still takes center stage, but there’s a lovely citrus accent that keeps things interesting.
For those new to mint tea, StarbMag suggests this caffeine-free option as an ideal starting point. Its subtle sweetness and peppery notes create a warming, calming effect that showcases why mint tea has stood the test of time as a beloved herbal remedy.
This is StudyFinds Associate Editor Sophia Naughton’s go-to tea order. “This is one of the only decaf tea options at Starbucks, and, as someone who is sensitive to caffeine, I am drawn to it,” says Naughton. “The mint isn’t overwhelming, but still refreshing. If you are a hot tea lover like me, you will not regret trying out this minty mug.”
4. Matcha Tea Latte
For those seeking a wellness boost with their tea, Starbucks’ Matcha Latte packs a powerful antioxidant punch. Coffee Affection says that unlike traditional green teas, this version offers a non-bitter, creamy experience – though they caution it’s quite indulgent in terms of calories and sugar.
Homegrounds is particularly enthusiastic about this vibrant green creation, ranking it as Starbucks’ top hot tea offering. The combination of matcha powder and steamed milk creates an exceptionally smooth drinking experience.
If you are sensitive to caffeine-induced panic, Shopfood points out that matcha offers a more steady caffeine release. It’s an energizing alternative to coffee without the associated jitters. The drink delivers a gentler pick-me-up that won’t leave you crashing later.
5. Emperors Cloud And Mist Tea
For green tea purists, Shopfood describes Starbucks’ Emperor’s Clouds and Mist as a delicate experience with subtle sweetness and smoky notes. The tea leaves, sourced from mountainsides in China, create a brew that’s both authentic and refined.
According to Coffee Affection, this is an ideal afternoon pick-me-up, noting it’s completely free of calories and sugar. With its mild caffeine content, it offers just enough lift without overdoing it.
Homegrounds captures the essence of this tea’s appeal – it’s the kind of drink that leaves you feeling like you’re floating after a sip, thanks to its unique combination of sweetness and smoky undertones.
6. Jade Citrus Tea
According to Coffee Affection, Starbucks’ Jade Citrus Mint Tea delivers bright citrus flavor without the calories and sugar of lemonade. The blend combines lemongrass and lemon verbena with spearmint for a refreshing twist.
Want a mint tea that’s soothing and rises to a new level? Restaurant Clicks says this is it. Why? It’s the perfect comfort drink for cold days, and is especially enjoyable as a to-go option when you’re trying to stay cozy indoors.
There’s a unique duality of this green tea and herb fusion – it manages to be both warming and cooling at once, creating an invigorating, wellness-focused experience (Shopfood).
7. Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte
Starbucks’ Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte is a smooth blend of Sri Lankan and Indian black teas, sweetened with cane sugar and topped with milk foam. It offers a gentler caffeine boost for those looking to avoid jitters (Coffee Affection).
For those seeking a sweeter start to their day, Homegrounds describes it as an elevated take on English breakfast tea, combining steamed milk and liquid cane sugar for a luxurious latte experience.
It’s all in the quality. Restaurant Clicks praises the high-quality black tea leaves used in this sophisticated drink, noting how the creamy milk creates a rich but balanced flavor profile. It’s a great option for switching up your morning beverage routine.
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