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How to Order a Hazelnut Latte at Starbucks: A Pro’s Guide

Ordering a Hazelnut Latte at Starbucks is a straightforward process, but mastering the nuances allows you to tailor your drink precisely to your preferences. Simply tell the barista: “I’d like a [size] Hazelnut Latte, [hot/iced], with [milk type] and [any customizations].”

Deconstructing the Perfect Order

Let’s break down each component of this formula for clarity:

Size: Choose from Tall, Grande, Venti, or Trenta (for iced only). Knowing your preferred size is the first step in personalizing your latte.
Hot or Iced: The fundamental choice that defines your experience. A hot latte is comforting and warming, while an iced latte offers a refreshing chill.
Milk Type: Starbucks offers a variety of milk options, including whole milk (the standard), 2% milk, nonfat milk, soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. Each affects the drink’s texture and flavor profile.
Customizations: This is where you truly personalize your latte. You can adjust the sweetness, add extra shots of espresso, request specific temperatures, and more.

A Step-by-Step Example

Imagine you want a medium-sized iced latte made with oat milk and a little less sweetness. Your order would sound like this: “I’d like a Grande Iced Hazelnut Latte with oat milk, and could you please do half the pumps of hazelnut syrup?”

Navigating the Starbucks Lingo

Familiarizing yourself with common Starbucks terms will make the ordering process smoother:

Syrup: Refers to the flavored sweeteners, like hazelnut, vanilla, or caramel.
Pumps: The standard unit for measuring syrup. Baristas use pumps to ensure consistent sweetness across drinks.
Shots: Refers to shots of espresso. A standard latte typically contains one shot for a Tall, two for a Grande, and two for a Venti (hot) or three for a Venti (iced).
Dry/Wet: Applies to cappuccinos, referring to the amount of foam. A dry cappuccino has more foam, while a wet cappuccino has more steamed milk. This is less relevant for lattes, but good to know.
Extra Hot: Indicates you want your latte heated to a higher temperature than the standard.
Custom Sweetness Levels: It is not unusual to ask the barista for adjustments to the number of syrup pumps, such as half pumps for a less sweet beverage.

Beyond the Basics: Mastering Latte Customization

The true power of ordering at Starbucks lies in customization. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Adjusting Sweetness: If you find the standard hazelnut latte too sweet, ask for fewer pumps of syrup. Alternatively, consider using a sugar-free hazelnut syrup for a guilt-free treat (availability may vary).
Adding Espresso: For an extra boost of caffeine, add an extra shot of espresso. This will intensify the coffee flavor and provide a stronger pick-me-up.
Temperature Control: Request your latte “extra hot” if you prefer a higher temperature. Be aware that this might affect the milk’s texture slightly.
Modifying Milk Foam: While not as prominent as in cappuccinos, you can still request more or less foam on your latte.
Adding Toppings: Consider adding a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor and aroma. Ask about seasonal topping options as well.
Blended Option: Ask for this item as a “Frappuccino”.

12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the standard recipe for a Hazelnut Latte at Starbucks?

A standard Hazelnut Latte at Starbucks consists of espresso, steamed milk, and hazelnut syrup. The number of syrup pumps depends on the size of the drink. Whole milk is the default, but you can customize it with any available milk alternative.

2. Can I order a sugar-free Hazelnut Latte?

Yes, Starbucks often offers a sugar-free hazelnut syrup. However, availability can vary by location, so it’s best to ask your barista. If available, request your Hazelnut Latte with the sugar-free syrup option.

3. How many calories are in a Hazelnut Latte?

The calorie count of a Hazelnut Latte varies depending on the size, milk type, and number of syrup pumps. A Grande with whole milk typically contains around 220-280 calories. Using nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup can significantly reduce the calorie count.

4. Can I order a Hazelnut Latte with almond milk?

Absolutely! Starbucks offers almond milk as a dairy-free alternative. Simply specify that you want your Hazelnut Latte made with almond milk when ordering.

5. What’s the difference between a Latte and a Macchiato?

A Latte consists of espresso and steamed milk, with a thin layer of foam on top. A Macchiato, on the other hand, is espresso marked with a dollop of foamed milk. The key difference lies in the layering and the milk-to-espresso ratio.

6. Is a Hazelnut Latte sweet?

Yes, a Hazelnut Latte is generally sweet due to the hazelnut syrup. However, you can adjust the sweetness by requesting fewer pumps of syrup or opting for the sugar-free version.

7. Can I order a decaf Hazelnut Latte?

Yes, you can order a decaf Hazelnut Latte. Simply request decaf espresso when placing your order.

8. Can I add other flavors to my Hazelnut Latte?

Definitely! You can combine hazelnut syrup with other syrups like vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon dolce to create unique flavor combinations. Experiment and find your perfect blend.

9. How do I order a Hazelnut Latte online or through the Starbucks app?

Open the Starbucks app or website, select “Order,” then choose “Hot Coffees” or “Iced Coffees” (depending on your preference). Customize your latte by selecting the desired size, milk type, and syrup. You can also add any additional modifications in the “Customizations” section.

10. What if I don’t like my drink?

Starbucks has a “Make It Right” policy. If you’re not satisfied with your Hazelnut Latte, politely inform the barista, and they will gladly remake it for you.

11. Can I use a Starbucks Rewards to redeem for a Hazelnut Latte?

Yes, you can use your Starbucks Rewards points to redeem for a Hazelnut Latte, just like any other Starbucks beverage. The number of points required depends on the size and customizations of the drink.

12. What are some good food pairings for a Hazelnut Latte?

A Hazelnut Latte pairs well with pastries like croissants, muffins, or scones. It also complements chocolate-based desserts and nutty treats. Consider pairing it with a chocolate croissant or a hazelnut biscotti for a delightful experience.