The Perfect Starbucks Order for Every Day I’m Having During This Strange Summer
We can all agree: The past few months have been a time. And, while my roots keep on rooting and my apartment is somehow getting even smaller by the day, what’s keeping me going are the simple pleasures — macaroni and cheese for lunch and dinner (in the same day), new tie-dye couch wear, and ordering from Starbucks via the Starbucks app, which, with a few taps, fulfills my wishes almost instantly.
If you haven’t used the Starbucks app yet, then you’re in for a treat (in fact, many, many, tasty, cloud-foamed, coffee treats). It’s a quarantine dream that gives all your favorite foods and beverages direct access to your belly safely and speedily. You can find the nearest stores, check hours, order ahead, customize your own brand of brew like a barista — and pay for it all within the app (so no contact is required). Simply download the app from the app store; open it and enable location services; tap the “Order” icon at the bottom of the screen; and make your choice. Select the store for pickup (the app even estimates wait time) and grab your beverage and go.
I’ve been using the Starbucks app on nearly every day. Here’s a glimpse of my recent order history and the events of the day (yep, they correlate).
The Day: An awkward virtual reunion with former coworkers
The Order: S’mores Frappuccino® drink
Why I thought that reuniting with coworkers from my first (and worst) job via video conference was a good idea, I’ll never know. The experience felt like I’d left the body of the evolved human I’d like to think I’ve become and regressed to some version of myself from years ago. On a day like this one, the only thing that can conceivably lift my spirits is a S’mores Frappuccino® drink. The creamy blend of vanilla coffee, milk, ice, marshmallow whipped cream, milk chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumble is the kind of heavenly bliss that, in a single sip, obliterates everything negative in my life.
The Day: Multiple deadlines and zero time for anything else
The Order: Grilled Chicken & Hummus Protein Box
On those days when every single deadline hits simultaneously, I order the Grilled Chicken & Hummus Protein Box to keep myself from losing my focus and becoming very, very hangry. True to its name, it’s loaded with protein (22 grams to be exact) — which gets my creativity flowing — and a delicious mix of grilled chicken pieces, raw veggies, red pepper hummus, and glorious naan pockets.
The Day: I engaged in physical activity — beyond walking down the hallway to get the mail
The Order: Skinny Iced Caramel Macchiato
I never thought I’d have the motivation to work out from home, but thanks to some virtual training classes, I’m feeling the burn straight from the confines of my living room. After an intense sweat session, I go for a Skinny Iced Caramel Macchiato — the perfect way to cool down and perk back up to avoid an afternoon energy slump. The sweet caramel kick delivers pure satisfaction every. single. time.
The Day: A big virtual meeting
The Order: Southwest Veggie Wrap
When I have a video conference with a new client or a big boss, feeling like I’m on my game means putting on a blouse (even if I forgo actual pants) and starting my day with a Southwest Veggie Wrap. The Tex-Mex mix of scrambled eggs, black beans, potatoes, Cotija cheese, pico de gallo, and jalapeño cream cheese wrapped in a salsa tortilla is, in a word, delicious. And it’s filling, so if a meeting runs long, my stomach won’t cry out in hunger for everyone else to hear on speaker.
The Day: My AC system decided to take a personal day
The Order: Strawberry Açaí LemonStarbucks Refreshers® Beverage
When the heat and humidity wreak havoc on my energy (and my hair), I need a pick-me-up before my couch entices me into an extended siesta. This is when I call on the powers of a Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refresher® Beverage. Its sweet strawberry-meets-passion-fruit-and-açaí flavor cools me down like a dip in a pool. And thanks to its green coffee extract, I’m ready to get back to work like a boss.