Top 10 Most Expensive Starbucks Coffees In The World

Starbucks Coffees that are Most Expensive: Starbucks, founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971, is a globally recognized chain of coffee shops with an impressive 30,000 outlets worldwide. The brand is celebrated not only for its high-quality coffee but also for its inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to relax and engage with one another.

Starbucks not only offers coffee but also an extensive assortment of teas, pastries, sandwiches, and other food items. Customers can easily order and pay for their purchases through digital means due to a strong online and mobile presence. The brand is committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing of its coffee beans and has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact.

History of Starbucks

The birthplace of Starbucks in 1971 was Seattle, Washington, founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker. Their inspiration came from Alfred Peet, a coffee roasting specialist, who motivated them to create a business that would provide the neighborhood with premium coffee.

Initially, Starbucks focused on retailing coffee beans and supplies rather than serving brewed coffee to customers. It quickly gained recognition for its high-grade beans and expert roasting techniques. In 1982, Howard Schultz joined the company as the Director of Marketing and Retail Operations.

Schultz, inspired by his Italian café experiences, dreamed of establishing a coffee shop where patrons could socialize and relax while enjoying their coffee. As the owners were unreceptive to his vision, Schultz left to create his own coffee enterprise, Il Giornale.

In 1987, Schultz purchased Starbucks from its original owners in order to merge it with his own business, with his vision for providing exceptional coffeehouse experiences fueling rapid expansion across America.

During the 90s, Starbucks became an instantaneous cultural icon, with its cafes serving as popular hangouts for individuals of all ages. International expansion began with Starbucks opening locations in Canada, Japan, and the UK.

Starbucks has faced various challenges in recent years, including criticisms regarding employee treatment and environmental impact. Efforts were made by Starbucks to address these concerns by increasing employee wages and implementing policies to reduce its ecological footprint.

Today, Starbucks leads the global coffee market with over 30,000 outlets in more than 80 countries. Its dedication to quality, sustainability, and community involvement ensures its continued popularity among coffee consumers worldwide.

Cultural significance

Since its inception in 1971, Starbucks has had a significant impact on culture. Being immensely popular and profitable, it has emerged as a symbol of both globalization and American culture.

Starbucks’ impact on culture, especially in the domain of coffee, has been substantial. Prior to Starbucks, coffee was primarily viewed as a utilitarian beverage for a quick morning pick-me-up or during work breaks. However, Starbucks changed this perception by introducing an inviting atmosphere and a wide range of coffee beverages, pastries, and other food options. This innovative approach turned coffee consumption into an experience, making Starbucks a social hub where people could enjoy coffee and conversation simultaneously.

Starbucks has significantly contributed to the concept of the “third place”, providing individuals with a space beyond home and work where they can relax, chat, work, or simply unwind. Their locations serve as popular gathering spots where people come together for conversations, work sessions, or simply to relax.

Operating across multiple countries and continents, Starbucks has become a symbol of globalization. Its iconic green and white color scheme and logo are instantly recognizable and have become ingrained in popular culture. Additionally, Starbucks is often associated with American ideals such as individualism, consumerism, and culture at large.

Starbucks has left a lasting cultural impact while also striving for environmental and social responsibility. The company has implemented measures to reduce its ecological footprint by investing in renewable energy and minimizing water usage. Additionally, Starbucks has been involved in various social initiatives such as fair trade and ethical sourcing of coffee beans, as well as enhancing employee compensation and benefits.

Starbucks has undeniably made a profound cultural impact, revolutionizing coffee consumption and reshaping perceptions about the beverage. Furthermore, it has become emblematic of globalization and American culture.

Popularity of Starbucks

Starbucks is a globally recognized and esteemed coffee brand with a loyal customer base. Its success can be attributed to various factors. Primarily, Starbucks is renowned for its coffee sourced from some of the world’s top coffee-producing regions. The company maintains strict standards for the quality and consistency of its beans, and its expert roasting techniques yield a unique aroma and flavor that patrons love.

Moreover, Starbucks has crafted a welcoming and cozy ambiance within its establishments. The company’s coffee shops are designed to be a “third place” where individuals can gather, socialize, and appreciate the atmosphere. Starbucks’ focus on offering a distinctive and inviting experience has contributed to its triumph.

Starbucks owes its success to a combination of factors, including its exceptional coffee, customer-friendly retail environment, and commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. Additionally, the company has embraced digital innovation, enabling customers to conveniently place orders and make payments online or through the Starbucks mobile app.

Furthermore, Starbucks has taken multiple steps to minimize its environmental impact, such as investing in renewable energy sources and reducing waste. Ethically and socially conscious customers have embraced Starbucks’ initiatives towards sustainable and ethical sourcing of coffee beans. All these factors have helped build the brand’s strong identity and loyal customer base.

Types of Starbucks Coffee

• Americano
• Cold brew
• Iced coffee
• Latte
• Frappuccino
• Espresso
• Drip coffee
• Mocha

Why Do Some People Love and Criticize Starbucks?

• People greatly admire Starbucks for its premium coffee beans and expert roasting techniques, creating a truly memorable flavor experience that fosters love for the company.
• Starbucks offers a diverse range of beverages catering to various tastes and preferences, including traditional coffee drinks, specialty beverages, and seasonal items. This diversity ensures that there is something for everyone!
• Starbucks maintains consistency across its locations through a standardized menu and barista training program, providing customers with a reliable experience whenever they order their favorite beverage. Many patrons value this level of predictability.

When you place an order at any of these coffee chains.

• With Starbucks establishments, they are arranged to provide customers with a warm atmosphere featuring soft background music and comfortable seating. This results in a welcoming and amiable setting that many customers find soothing.
• For those addicted to coffee, Starbucks’ widespread availability makes it convenient to locate a nearby store to satisfy their coffee cravings.

• Just like mentioned earlier, some customers may perceive Starbucks coffee prices as higher when compared to other coffee shops.
• Certain individuals have criticized Starbucks, viewing it as a negative representation of corporate culture and globalization. The perceived lack of authenticity in the brand might be unappealing to some customers.
• Recently, Starbucks has faced criticism regarding its business practices related to ethics and the environment. Concerns have been raised about their adherence to fair trade policies, appropriate waste disposal, and labor standards.
• For some customers, the busy and noisy atmosphere at Starbucks locations can create an unwelcoming and unpleasant environment.
• While a significant amount of people enjoy Starbucks coffee, some may find the flavor too harsh or bitter for their taste buds.

The Reason Behind Starbucks’ Expensive Coffees

• Starbucks sets itself apart by sourcing premium coffee beans from the best plantations worldwide. This leads to their beverages being priced higher than those at other coffee shops due to the increased cost of these high-quality beans.
• Highly skilled roasters at Starbucks use specialized techniques and tools to roast the beans impeccably. This process demands a substantial amount in labor and equipment expenses, ultimately raising the prices of their beverages.
• Starbucks’ menu offers a wide range of specialty drinks that require extra ingredients like syrups, flavorings, and non-dairy milk alternatives. The addition of these extras results in the beverages being priced higher.
• Being a renowned and esteemed brand with a loyal following, Starbucks can charge premium prices for their products due to their brand value and customer base.
• Starbucks outlets attract customers with a distinct and appealing ambiance that demands additional investment in store layout and decor, consequently increasing beverage prices.
• Starbucks is committed to ethical and environmentally responsible business practices, paying fair prices to coffee producers while supporting environmentally sustainable agricultural methods. This leads to increased costs for coffee beans and other materials.
• Starbucks employees receive benefits such as healthcare, stock options, and tuition assistance, contributing to higher labor costs that reflect in the prices of Starbucks beverages.

The Top 10 Most Expensive Starbucks Coffees Worldwide

• Super Venti Flat White – Priced at $148.99
• Grande Americano – Priced at $102.15
• Venti White Mocha Frappuccino 2 – Priced at $102.04
• Venti White Mocha Frappuccino – Priced at $101.50
• 120-Shot Americano – Priced at $92.55
• 100 Shot Caramel Frappuccino – Priced at $86.55
• 99-Shot Grande Latte – Priced at $83.75
• 77 Shot Venti Mocha Cookie Frappuccino – Priced at $71.35
• Venti Caramel Crunch Frappuccino – Priced at $57.75
• Venti Latte +70 Shots – Priced at $55.75

Wrapping up the list is William Lewis’ Super Venti Flat White coffee, priced at a staggering $148.99. William confidently entered his local Starbucks, holding an impressive coffee mug in both hands. He swiftly placed an order for a Super Venti Flat White with 170 shots of espresso and a hint of coconut milk for flavor.

This uniquely crafted coffee, complete with coconut milk and 170 espresso shots (equivalent to approximately 11kg of caffeine), stands out as one of the priciest Starbucks beverages on offer.

Elton Castee, a popular YouTuber with 3.6 million followers, recently ventured to set a new record for the most expensive Starbucks drink ever crafted.

In a video shared on his channel, Castee requested a $102.15 coffee, sparking attention and going viral swiftly. Despite surprising many of his fans, Castee actually holds the title for ordering the second most expensive Starbucks drink in history.

In 2017, he set a world record with his $102.15 Grande Americano. During the drink preparation, Castee used the Death By Caffeine Calculator to determine the amount of espresso shots that could be fatal to him. Post-receiving his coffee, he was spotted carrying a small, almost translucent white trash can to his nearby workplace.

In an effort to balance the intense experience, he opted for 102 espresso shots with a caramel drizzle. While offering to share with his companions, the coffee went unfinished. This distinctive encounter is bound to become a part of Starbucks’ legendary tales for generations to come.

A mission was undertaken by Thomas to create the most expensive Starbucks beverage in the world, a feat he eventually achieved. Due to the outlandish nature of the drink, only one daring retailer agreed to manufacture and package it in a metal can.

A concoction was crafted by Thomas using an excessive amount of ingredients, including 102 shots of espresso, 54 servings of a sweet drink, 70 pumps of white mocha syrup, four pumps of caramel flavoring, 5 mashed bananas for sweetness and thickness, 5.5 tablespoons of protein powder for maximum nutrition, and additional Frappuccino chips and liquid caramel to balance the energizing espresso and sweet Frappuccino.

The outcome was a fantasy for caffeine enthusiasts, boasting 7,800 mg of energy from the 102 additional shots and a substantial protein serving. Thomas’s White Mocha Frappuccino was truly a marvel.

Despite containing fewer shots of caffeine compared to the previous champion, the higher price was justified by the inclusion of ingredients such as bananas and protein. The innovative inventor utilized his rewards card to acquire the drink without any financial outlay, even managing to use his savings of $102.04 solely on the drink.

The Starbucks White Mocha Frappuccino, with its luxurious appearance, may not warrant its steep price tag of $101.50.

Justin, a devoted Starbucks enthusiast, recently broke a record by ordering the most expensive Starbucks beverage ever. Despite the company’s policy against such extravagant orders, Justin found a willing business to create his enormous drink.

Approaching his local Starbucks with a large plastic container and a crowd of curious onlookers, the resulting beverage was a White Mocha Frappuccino containing an astonishing 8,525 mg of caffeine – truly remarkable.

For most customers, sticking with the standard White Mocha Frappuccino without depleting their savings is likely the best choice. An extravagant order of 112 espresso shots, 55 Frappuccino roast pumps, 70 white mocha pumps, and 4 caramel syrup pumps was placed.

Including five bananas and 20 grams of protein powder aimed at maximizing its nutritional profile, the order arrived in an unexpected blue construction pail, leaving the customer unlikely to return to Starbucks anytime soon.

In today’s social media-centered world, the younger and wealthier generations are always eager to participate in viral challenges.

In 2015, Shaine Choen and Kiersten Vorv, two young women, undertook a challenge by ordering one of the most luxurious and expensive beverages at Starbucks called the Rewards Drink Quad Espresso, containing a remarkable 120 espresso shots.

Utilizing their Starbucks Reward birthday bonus, the duo obtained the drink for free, which would have otherwise cost them a substantial $92.55.

However, Starbucks allegedly discouraged its baristas from preparing such significantly sized beverages as they do not endorse such record-breaking attempts. Nonetheless, unfazed by this, the two friends sipped their invigorating drink from large engraved Starbucks glasses with great excitement.

For some individuals, a single shot of espresso simply won’t suffice – they require at least 100 to feel fully awake. Renee, a resident of New York City, falls into this category.

In March 2015, she took her love for coffee to the next level by purchasing a Caramel Frappuccino priced at a staggering $86.55 from her preferred Starbucks outlet. Served in a large, shake-style glass and generously topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce, the drink was a luxurious treat.

Renee managed to acquire the beverage for free using her Starbucks rewards card. The Frappuccino combined coffee, whole milk, and 100 shots of espresso, along with additional caramel syrup, whipped cream, and ice. To ensure safety and satisfy taste preferences, a few Frappuccino chips were added as a final touch.

Having the courage to order a “101-Shot Grande Latte,” an extravagant specialty beverage that set William Lewis back an astounding $83.75, must be admired!

To outwit Sameera Raziuddin’s “most expensive drink at Starbucks” challenge, William E. Lewis Jr. from Pembroke Pines in Florida decided to order an extravagant Starbucks latte with 101 espresso shots, matcha powder, mocha powder, 17 pumps of vanilla syrup, and 101 shots of espresso for his order – creating an exquisite flavor experience in one spectacular sip!

Outwitting Raziuddin on price by ordering a coffee that would have cost $83.75 without his Starbucks Rewards, Lewis holds Starbucks’ Limited Edition Metal Card made of stainless steel – a special card obtainable by only 5,000 elite customers worldwide.

Making headlines, Jarrod Johnson, a well-known Starbucks enthusiast, purchased the Venti Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino, one of the most expensive beverages the coffee chain has to offer.

On his birthday, July 2nd, Johnson visited his local Starbucks in Barboursville, West Virginia, and boldly ordered the costly drink, which contained five frappuccinos, 77 shots of espresso, and a variety of syrup drizzles.

Costing $71.35, Johnson was able to take advantage of a free offer from Starbucks’ Rewards program and even brought a cooler with him to enjoy the drink later at home, earning recognition in the Starbucks community.

Sameera Raziuddin, a medical student and resident of Florida, made headlines for her remarkable coffee order.

Seeking to stay alert during grueling sessions, Sameera ordered a 192-ounce Venti Caramel Crunch Frappuccino from her local Starbucks, containing an astonishing 60 shots of espresso, generous portions of caramel syrup, white mocha, Tazo chai, hazelnut, and vanilla beans.

Served in a 1.5-gallon container with a cork stopper and an additional drizzle of caramel, this extraordinary coffee cost $57.75 and was ordered and paid for at a Pembroke Pines, Florida Starbucks location.

Although expensive at $57.75, Raziuddin enjoyed it free of cost due to her Starbucks Rewards membership.

Ordering the first drink on the menu required patrons to bring their own bucket due to its size.

Priced at a staggering $55.75, this beverage contained caramel syrup, two pumps of vanilla syrup, and a whopping 70 espresso shots – totaling 4480mg of caffeine, not an ideal start to the day.

Interestingly, customers who ordered this drink redeemed their complimentary birthday drink rewards card instead of paying for it.

Consuming the entire beverage remains unknown, but ingesting that much caffeine while trying to remain awake can’t be easy.

Bottom Line

Starbucks, an esteemed coffee chain with a dedicated following, commands higher prices for its goods due to its established brand and clientele.

Customers are drawn to Starbucks stores by their unique ambiance, enhanced by layout and decor costs, which contribute to higher beverage prices.

Starbucks emphasizes ethical and environmentally responsible practices, paying fair rates to coffee producers and supporting ecological agriculture methods, leading to higher material costs.

Employee benefits such as healthcare, stock options, and tuition assistance drive up labor expenses, affecting beverage costs at Starbucks, an iconic cultural symbol changing how people socialize and work at coffee shops worldwide. Despite criticism, Starbucks remains popular among coffee lovers globally.