Hidden Starbucks menu goes official — join now!

Starbucks has officially opened the gates to what was once a whisper among fans: the legendary secret menu is now real. Starting this week, Starbucks Rewards members can access four creative drinks under the “Offers” tab in the app. Even better: anyone with a unique drink idea can enter it for a chance to win up to $25,000.

This move marks a bold new chapter for the coffee giant, which is leaning into its customization-loving, social media–savvy customer base.

The secret drinks revealed

The first official batch of secret drinks is sweet, bold, and bursting with personality. Here’s what’s on the menu:

Cookies on Top: Cold brew with two pumps of vanilla syrup, topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream foam and cookie crumbles. Like a dessert in a cup.
Dragonfruit Glow-Up: A remix of the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher, blended with peach juice and Vanilla Sweet Cream for a vibrant, refreshing finish.
Lemon, Tea & Pearls: Black tea meets lemonade and raspberry pearls. Think Arnold Palmer—but bolder.
Just Add White Mocha: Shaken espresso with brown sugar and oat milk, mixed with white mocha sauce and topped with sweet cold foam.

These drinks are available for a limited time and will rotate weekly, encouraging urgency and exclusivity.

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A $25,000 recipe contest for fans

Alongside the secret menu, Starbucks has launched a nationwide drink contest that’s sure to stir up TikTok creators and at-home baristas. From July 14 to July 20, anyone in the U.S. can submit an original drink recipe.

Four finalists will have their creations added to the app from August 18 to August 25 and win $5,000 each. The winning recipe — voted on by the public — will receive a grand prize of $25,000, plus the bragging rights of being immortalized in Starbucks history.

Starbucks is encouraging entries with short videos, creative storytelling, and eye-catching presentations. “We want people to share not just the drink — but the emotion and inspiration behind it,” said Starbucks marketing director Alexia Leachman in an interview with NBC News.

A viral culture becomes official

The so-called “secret menu” has always been part of Starbucks fan culture — a list of drinks shared on Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok that weren’t on the menu, but could be ordered with the right lingo.

The company previously resisted formalizing these drinks, concerned about overwhelming baristas. But with Gen Z’s obsession with customization and millions of views on DIY drink videos, Starbucks saw the untapped potential — and embraced it.

“What was once an operational challenge is now a massive engagement opportunity,” explained Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol.

A timely digital strategy

The new initiative comes at a pivotal moment. Starbucks has recently faced criticism over price hikes and simplified menus.

Baristas, too, have expressed frustration over complex off-menu orders. By officially recognizing popular drinks, the company streamlines operations while enhancing both customer and staff experience.

The strategy also deepens digital engagement. Over 50% of Starbucks orders now happen through the app — a number expected to climb thanks to the secret menu rollout.

The future of fan-made drinks

Starbucks aims to make the secret menu a permanent, rotating space for creativity — updated seasonally and fueled by user input.

Future contests will likely include seasonal themes (Fall, Halloween, Holiday) and new interactive tools inside the app that let users build and name their drinks from scratch.

By doing this, the brand strengthens its identity as a symbol of personal expression, creativity, and cultural relevance.

The Bottom Line

Starbucks has transformed an underground phenomenon into a mainstream experience. The secret menu is no longer an insider-only hack — it’s now official, accessible, and rewarding.

More than launching drinks, the company is creating a platform where fans can become creators — and even win life-changing cash prizes.

The next time you open the Starbucks app, your new favorite drink might be waiting. Or, better yet — it might be yours.