Starbucks Launches “Secret Menu” Drinks in App — And You Could Win $25,000 for Creating One
Starbucks is officially lifting the veil on its long-rumored “secret menu.” Starting Monday, July 14, the coffee giant is making fan-favorite custom drinks available directly through the Starbucks app, in a new feature under the “Offers” tab — and it’s more than just a fun promotion. It’s also a chance for customers to win a $25,000 grand prize by submitting their own creative drink ideas.
📱 What Is Starbucks’ New Secret Menu?
For years, Starbucks fans have shared inventive customizations on social media — from pumpkin cheesecake frappuccinos to s’mores hot chocolates — creating a sort of underground menu beloved by both customers and baristas. Now, Starbucks is making those custom creations official with a rotating in-app “secret menu” that showcases unique beverage combinations.
The first round of featured drinks includes four cold beverages that push the creative boundaries of the standard menu:
- Coffee Cookie Crumble Cold Brew
A cold brew base with two pumps of vanilla syrup, topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and finished with cookie crumbles. - White Chocolate Mocha Shaken Espresso
Starbucks’ Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso gets two pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce, plus a topping of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam for a decadent twist. - Blended Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
The colorful Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher is blended with peach juice and topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam — a creamy, fruity combo. - Raspberry Pearl Iced Tea Lemonade
A vibrant blend of black tea and lemonade, elevated with raspberry-flavored popping pearls — a playful take on the classic Arnold Palmer.
These beverages are available for a limited time and will change as part of a rotating selection of secret menu drinks.
🏆 The $25,000 Secret Menu Challenge
To take things a step further, Starbucks is giving fans the chance to become part of this secret menu revolution. Between July 14 and July 20, customers can submit their own custom drink ideas via the Starbucks app.
- How to Enter: Submit your drink customization idea within the app.
- Finalist Rewards: The best entries will be chosen as finalists. Each will receive $5,000 and have their drinks featured in the app from August 18 to August 25.
- Fan Voting: During that period, fans will vote for their favorite drink.
- Grand Prize: The winner with the most votes will take home $25,000 and the honor of having their drink crowned the ultimate secret menu item.
This contest not only celebrates creativity but also recognizes the influential role fans and baristas have played in shaping Starbucks’ drink culture over the years.
☕ Why Now?
While Starbucks has never officially acknowledged a “secret menu” until now, the company is clearly embracing the social media culture that has kept its brand fresh, fun, and interactive. By bringing custom creations directly into the app — and turning fans into contributors — Starbucks is making the experience feel more personal and engaging.
Whether you’re a cold brew lover, a refresher addict, or a shaken espresso enthusiast, there’s something in this launch for every type of coffee (or tea) fan. And if you’ve ever come up with a drink that wowed your friends or went viral online, now’s your chance to make it official — and get paid for it.
