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With Starbucks being renowned for its vast array of sweet, frothy concoctions, it’s easy to wonder if they still cater to those who love their coffee black and bold.
Well, you’re in luck!
In this article, I’ll answer your question, “Does Starbucks have black coffee?” and take you on a flavorful journey through the different black coffee options Starbucks offers.
I’ll ensure you’re well-equipped to order the perfect cup that suits your taste buds and give you some secret tips about placing your black coffee order.
So, are you ready to discover the secrets of black coffee at Starbucks?
Join me on this caffeinated adventure, and together we’ll dive deep into the enticing world of Starbucks’ black coffee offerings.
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Does Starbucks Have Black Coffee?
Starbucks offers black coffee options for those who prefer their coffee without any milk, sweeteners, or additional flavors. At Starbucks, you can choose from various black coffee options such as drip coffee, espresso, Americano, and pour-over coffee. Each type of black coffee provides a unique flavor profile, allowing you to select the one that best matches your taste preferences.
What The Heck Is A Black Coffee Anyway?
Before we talk about Starbucks’ black coffee options, let’s quickly recap what black coffee actually is and explore some popular types of black coffee, including my favorite – the espresso shot!
Black coffee is a term used to describe coffee served without milk, cream, or sweeteners. It highlights the pure essence of the coffee beans, accentuating their natural flavors, aromas, and acidity. Black coffee offers a clean, unadulterated taste, allowing the coffee’s complexities to shine.
The four most common types of black coffee consumed by coffee lovers every day are:
- An Americano is a popular black coffee option (with a fascinating history!). It’s created by adding hot water to a shot (or two) of espresso. This process dilutes the espresso, resulting in a beverage similar in strength and taste to drip coffee. The Americano offers a full-bodied flavor profile with balanced acidity and a rich crema.
- Espresso is a concentrated type of coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressures to extract the flavor and oils from the ground beans. The result is a small, intense shot with robust flavors and a thick, velvety crema. Espresso can be enjoyed independently, as a single or double shot, or as a base for other coffee beverages.
- A long black is another delightful black coffee option. Like an Americano, it involves pouring a double espresso over hot water. The critical difference is that the hot water is added first, preserving the espresso’s crema. This creates a stronger, bolder flavor profile compared to the Americano.
- Drip coffee is the classic black coffee choice for many. Drip coffee is brewed using a drip coffee maker or a pour-over method, where hot water is poured over the coffee grounds in a filter. The brewed coffee drips into a carafe or directly into a cup. Drip coffee tastes surprisingly good and is known for its smooth, consistent taste and the ability to highlight the unique characteristics of various coffee beans.
Let’s Explore Starbucks Black Coffee Options (Including My Recommendations)
I’ve spent considerable time exploring Starbucks’ black coffee options. I’m excited to share my thoughts with you so that you can savor every sip of these rich and flavorful offerings.
Pike Place Roast
When I first tried Starbucks’ Pike Place Roast, I was pleasantly surprised by its smooth, well-rounded taste. This hot brewed coffee, made with hot water and served without any additions like milk, sugar, or sweetener, is the quintessential black coffee experience.
The Starbucks baristas use the signature Pike Place medium roast blend at most Starbucks locations to make their hot brewed coffee.
What I love about this delicious blend is that it perfectly balances everything.
It’s not bitter, has little to no acidity, and has delightful tasting notes of sweet toasted nuts and chocolate that linger with every sip.
You can comfortably enjoy this blend without any sugar or other additions.
Featured Dark Roast
If you prefer something a little stronger or fancy a change, you can request that the barista brews your black coffee using a Starbucks dark roast coffee.
I would describe the experience of trying Starbucks’ Featured Dark Roast as adventurous.
These rich, bold roasts are perfect for black coffee enthusiasts craving intense flavor. Each dark roast boasts deep, earthy, and smoky notes.
My favorite dark roast is the Starbucks’ Caffè Verona blend!
Why?
Because it’s a full-bodied coffee that delivers satisfying richness without overwhelming bitterness. Dark cocoa and caramelized sugar notes create a comforting and indulgent taste.
Featured Blonde Roast
Embracing a gentler, more delicate cup of black coffee? Starbucks’ Featured Blonde Roast is a great choice. These lighter roasts highlight the beans’ natural sweetness and vibrant acidity.
One blonde roast coffee I enjoy is the Veranda Blend.
This coffee has an inviting aroma of soft caramel and light floral notes. A smooth, mellow taste teases the palate with hints of malt and toasted nuts.
The blonde roast tends to have a higher acidity level, so bear that in mind, especially if you suffer from a sensitive stomach or find coffee too acidic for your palate.
Starbucks Espresso Shot Options
Espresso has always been a favorite (at least for me!) for its concentrated and robust flavor:
- A single shot is perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
- A double shot provides an extra boost of energy.
Starbucks’ baristas showcase artistry in every pull of espresso. The espresso beans’ natural sweetness and rich, complex flavors are highlighted. Notes of caramel and dark chocolate make Starbucks espresso shots a delight.
I cherish the opportunity to personalize my espresso experience at Starbucks. Request an extra shot for a powerful caffeine jolt or an Americano by adding hot water.
Starbucks Cold Brew Black Coffee
Starbucks Cold Brew Black Coffee is another popular choice for those who enjoy black coffee.
Cold brew is brewed by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for about 20-24 hours. The result is a smoother, less acidic coffee with a naturally sweet taste.
Starbucks offers its signature, Cold Brew, served without milk or sweeteners, making it an excellent option for black coffee enthusiasts.
For a bolder flavor, I recommend trying the Nitro Cold Brew, infused with nitrogen, giving it a velvety texture and a rich taste.
The first time I tried Starbucks’ Nitro Cold Brew, I knew I had found something special. Cold brew coffee infuses nitrogen gas, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
The natural sweetness and rich flavor complement the velvety mouthfeel, delivering a unique and satisfying experience for black coffee enthusiasts. Explore new black coffee territory with Nitro Cold Brew.
Discovering Seasonal Black Coffee Offerings at Starbucks
Did you know Starbucks serves year-round favorites and introduces limited-time seasonal black coffee options?
These special offerings feature unique blends or single-origin coffees, allowing us to try out exclusive flavors we don’t usually enjoy.
Seasonal black coffee offerings often coincide with holidays, harvest seasons, or specific events.
Starbucks sources these limited-time coffees from renowned coffee-growing regions worldwide, letting us taste the distinct flavor profiles of each origin.
For instance, the Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend is a rich, full-bodied coffee available only during the fall season, specifically crafted to complement the flavors of a Thanksgiving feast.
This blend combines beans from Sumatra and Guatemala, creating a harmonious mix of spicy and herbal notes with a subtle sweetness that enhances any meal.
Trust me… it’s totally worth trying!
Another holiday favorite of mine is the Starbucks Christmas Blend. It captures the season’s spirit with its bold, spicy flavor profile.
This limited-time blend typically includes beans from Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions, creating a festive coffee experience with sweet maple notes, herbal spices, and hints of orange zest. It’s like a warm, comforting hug in a cup!
In addition to these holiday blends, Starbucks occasionally treats us to single-origin coffees as part of their seasonal offerings.
For example, Starbucks might feature a single-origin coffee from Ethiopia, renowned for its bright acidity and fruity flavors, or a coffee from Costa Rica, known for its smooth, balanced profile with hints of cocoa and nuts.