Starbucks Ordering Oddness

...or "How I accidentally saved about a buck at Starbucks." I went to my local Starbucks the other day and decided I'd like a Doubleshot on Ice, which is featured on the menu this summer.

So after a short wait in line, I got to the cashier and asked for a "Doubleshot on Ice," which consists of a double-shot of espresso shaken with ice, a splash of milk, and simple syrup (i.e. sugar and water). When I went to pick up my order, I realized what I got was a literal double-shot of espresso over ice (and, strangely enough, with a bubble lid--the ones they use when you ask for whipped cream).

I looked at my receipt, and sure enough, my order had rung up as an "Iced Doppio Espresso" for $1.95 rather than $3.25 or so for a Doubleshot on Ice. Now I know from experience that they would have remade my drink for no extra charge but it was easy enough to walk over to the condiment bar, stir in a packet of sugar and a splash of half-and-half for the same result. It does make you wonder what that extra dollar-plus is for though.

Typically at Starbucks, you're usually paying extra not for coffee but for more milk or syrup(s). Given that there's not much milk or syrup here, it seems like what you're left paying for is the extra labor (adding the milk and syrup and the shaking--Starbucks bills the drink as their only shaken espresso beverage). Maybe I'll try ordering again and see what I end up with next time.

Photo via Starbucks.