How to save money at Starbucks, according to the baristas who know best

Thanks to substitutions, endless flavors and add-ons, and secret menus and combos, pretty much any drink at Starbucks is fully customizable.

The only downside to these bespoke beverages is that often they end up costing more. 

Luckily, we found a Quora thread in which Starbucks baristas and loyal customers share their tips and tricks on how to conquer the menu without breaking the bank.

From how to order a Captain Crunch frappucino to how to get freebies regularly, here are the best takeaways.

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Max out on flavor

"Iced Teas are double-strength in pitcher and watered down for your final recipe. Ask for 'no water' for a much stronger (and, in my opinion, more effective) flavor," wrote Josh Whittington, a former Starbucks barista. 

Whittington also suggested, "Chai Lattes (hot) are made with hot water to even out the flavor. If you enjoy cinnamon/chai flavors, ask for a Chai Latte with no water. For even better flavor, ask for soy."

To get the most out of your coffee, Ibai Garcia says to order your beverage at kid's temperature. "By doing so they will serve you a drink at 135 degrees, which is way more pleasant to drink, and get the full flavor of the coffee," he said.

Self-described coffee fanatic Ryan Stenson says the best-tasting coffee at Starbucks is a short cappuccino. "It's the closest they come to making a regular double-shot cappuccino that you'd get at a top-tier (Blue Bottle, Stumptown, Four Barrell, etc.) coffee shop."

"Order Grande not Venti," wrote Jim Humphries. "If, like me, you're in it for the caffeine, don't bother with Venti, as both Grande and Venti contain 2 espresso shots." 

If you have a few minutes to spare, follow Stephen Carlson's advice and ask for a pour over. This way, you're guaranteed freshly-brewed coffee every time. 

Secret drinks worth trying 

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Doppio Macchiatto — "Soy, extra foam, ristretto (two shots of espresso over a thick bed of soy foam, no liquid. Ristretto means the shots are pulled short, adding an extra complexity to the flavor)." - Josh Whittington

Dirty Oprah — "To impress someone or get a chuckle, order a "Dirty Oprah," which is basically a dirty (shot of espresso) Oprah chai. Ask for no water because they usually dilute it with water." - Ricky Yean 

How to save some cash

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The Starbucks rewards program is meant to save you some money for frequent spending at the coffee shop. Longtime members like Tracy Chou know how to hack the system to save even more cash. "I use a registered Starbucks card so all my customizations (flavor shots, soy substitutions) are free," she wrote. 

"When making purchases, ask the cashier to ring up each purchase individually," advises Brandi Clevinger. Because each order gives you one star on your card, divvying up your order will fast-track you to your next free item. 

Low-calorie alternatives

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"My favorite substitute for any of the fall/winter latte flavors (which are both expensive and high in calories): a grande skim misto with 1 to 2 pumps of the flavor of your choice (hazelnut and peppermint are my favorites)," said Lauren Lachs. 

According to Lachs, a regular peppermint mocha with nonfat milk comes to around 370 calories. By ordering her drink combo, you get the same flavor at 110 calories. 

For a low-carb and sugar-free option, Kelly Dassow suggests ordering an iced coffee with heavy cream. "They have it  in the back and they will get it for you if you ask."

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