You order your favorite coffee every day, but have you ever stopped to wonder what really happens behind the counter? Baristas know plenty of tricks that can save you money, make your drink taste better, and even explain why some menu items aren’t always what they seem. The truth is, there’s a lot more going on in your local café than the friendly smile and steaming cup you see at pickup.
From clever cost-saving hacks to the secrets that keep coffee shops thriving, these insights might change how you look at your daily brew.
A Bigger Cup Doesn’t Mean More Caffeine
When you order a larger-sized drink, that doesn’t always mean you are getting more coffee. For example, a Starbucks Venti is 590 mL, which is much bigger than the Grande, which is only 437 mL. But both of these drinks are made with two shots of espresso. What makes up the rest of the drink? Pure milk.
So, if you want more caffeine in that extra-large latte, you'd better ask for an extra shot of espresso so you’re not just drinking milk.
Espresso Takes Time
The perfect shot of espresso takes about 18 to 22 seconds to pour out of the spout. If the espresso pours out faster, the coffee grounds are not packed correctly, and the espresso shot will be weak. You can’t rush a good thing! Don’t ask your barista to hurry up, or you may end up with weak coffee.
Barista School Exists
Many baristas actually attend barista school! There are many schools dedicated to the art of making coffee, and one of the most well-known is the Starbucks barista program.
Before becoming a barista at Starbucks, you must attend a two-week class where you learn about the history of coffee, how to properly froth milk, and the detailed, intricate coffee menu. Those baristas are well-trained, which is why your drinks taste so good.
Coffee isn’t supposed to Taste Like Candy
A good cup of coffee will be flavorful, rich, and irresistible, even if it is served without a sweetener. So many people think that coffee is like a dessert, but true coffee should be enjoyed with barely any sugar, so you can actually taste the flavor of the beans.
Sure, if it is crappy quality coffee, cover it up with all the sugar you want! But if you are in a real, high-quality coffee shop, try your drink without all the syrups and added sweeteners and see what you think. You may like it better!
Being Nice Matters
The people behind the coffee shop counter are PEOPLE! They are real humans with real emotions, so you should always say please and thank you when ordering your drink. The barista will appreciate your kindness. Shouldn’t we all be kind? It really will make the world a better place!
Cash May Be Disappearing
Do not be surprised if your local Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts stops accepting cash. The larger coffee shops are on their way to eliminating cash in the larger stores and becoming completely cash-free. You will be able to pay by card or using mobile payment apps, which will actually streamline the whole coffee ordering process.
When the counter employees don’t have to make changes or deal with cash, everything will operate faster.
Whole Milk is Number One
If you simply order a latte, your drink will be automatically made with whole milk. Whole milk is the standard coffee shop milk, which, as you may already know, has a lot of fat. But that is why those coffee shop drinks taste so rich! Be sure to specify the type of milk you want when you place your order.
Ask for Hot Milk
One sneaky way to get a makeshift latte at a fraction of the price is to order a black coffee and then ask for hot milk to add to your drink. The barista will likely use the espresso machine to heat up a little milk for you to add to your coffee. Voila! A pretend latte that tastes amazing and won’t break the bank.
The Secret Menu Exists
Starbucks was the first big coffee shop to come out with a secret menu. This is a menu that you can find online but isn’t posted in every store. The drinks on the secret menu are often really, really good!
Be sure to check out the secret menu before you order because you might find a drink that is extremely appealing! And don’t worry, all the baristas know the secret menu as well as the regular menu, so they can definitely make you that fancy drink.
Hot Water Isn't Free
Many coffee shops charge for hot water. Why? Because there is a lot more going into the cup than just water from the tap. The coffee shop has to pay for the electricity that heats the water, the cup, the lid, and the person who hands it all to you.
Plus, we know you are likely going to put your own tea bag into the hot water, something the coffee shop probably sells, too. They discourage you from doing this by charging you for hot water. You might as well just buy the tea!
Grinds for Gardens
Used coffee grinds can be very good for your garden. Many avid gardeners like to mix coffee grins into their soil to help feed plants. Many coffee shops will save the used grinds and give them out for free to any gardener in need. Ask your local coffee shop if they will give you some coffee grinds for your home garden, too!
Love Coffee? Try These Coffee Desserts
My guide to the best coffee desserts is filled with easy and mouthwatering coffee sweets from trusted recipes and tutorials that will teach you how to make them yourself. I chose these coffee dessert recipes because of their easy-to-follow instructions, beautiful photos, and bold coffee flavor.
Go to the recipes: Coffee Desserts
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