When you walk into Starbucks on a chilly evening, you don’t always want the buzz that comes with coffee. Maybe you’re winding down after a long day, or perhaps caffeine just isn’t your thing.
The good news is that Starbucks has plenty of hot drinks without caffeine that taste amazing and warm you right up.
From creamy steamers to soothing herbal teas, these drinks prove you don’t need espresso to enjoy something delicious.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet, fruity, or comforting, this list of the best hot Starbucks drinks without caffeine will help you find your next go-to order.
Why Choose Hot Starbucks Drinks Without Caffeine?
Not everyone wants or needs caffeine in their daily routine. Some people are sensitive to it, while others simply prefer to avoid the jitters or sleep disruptions that come with coffee.
Caffeine-free Starbucks drinks offer a perfect alternative that lets you enjoy the cozy atmosphere and delicious flavors without any of the downsides.
These drinks are ideal for:
- Evening relaxation when you don’t want to stay up all night
- Kids who want their own special Starbucks treat
- Anyone avoiding caffeine for health reasons
- People who just prefer the taste of non-coffee beverages
According to the National Sleep Foundation, consuming caffeine even six hours before bed can significantly disrupt your sleep quality. That’s why having great decaf options at Starbucks matters so much.
10 Best Hot Starbucks Drinks Without Caffeine
1. Steamed Apple Juice
This simple drink is often overlooked, but it’s absolutely perfect for cold days. Starbucks takes their apple juice and steams it until it’s warm and comforting.
The heat brings out the natural sweetness and makes it taste almost like homemade apple cider.
Why you’ll love it:
- Pure and simple flavor
- Great for kids and adults
- Budget-friendly option
- Naturally sweet without added sugar
You can ask your barista to add a pump of cinnamon dolce syrup to make it taste even more like traditional apple cider.
2. Vanilla Crème (Vanilla Steamer)
The vanilla crème is basically a warm hug in a cup. It’s made with steamed milk and vanilla syrup, creating a sweet and creamy drink that feels indulgent without being too heavy. Think of it as a liquid vanilla cupcake.
What makes it special:
- Smooth and velvety texture
- Customizable sweetness levels
- Available with any milk option (oat, almond, soy, coconut)
- Perfect base for adding other flavors
Try it with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra warmth.
3. Hot Chocolate
Starbucks hot chocolate is a classic for good reason. Made with mocha sauce and steamed milk, it’s rich, chocolatey, and topped with whipped cream.
This drink consistently ranks as one of the most popular caffeine-free drinks at Starbucks.
Why it’s a winner:
- Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth
- Whipped cream adds a fun texture
- Works great with different milk alternatives
- Can be customized with extra pumps of mocha
4. White Hot Chocolate
If regular hot chocolate feels too intense, the white hot chocolate offers a gentler, sweeter alternative.
Made with white chocolate sauce instead of regular mocha, it has a creamy, almost vanilla-like flavor that’s less rich but equally delicious.
What sets it apart:
- Lighter, sweeter taste than regular hot chocolate
- Beautiful presentation with whipped cream
- Perfect for people who find dark chocolate too bitter
- Blends well with raspberry or peppermint flavors
5. Caramel Apple Spice
This is Starbucks’ answer to caramel apple cider, and it’s amazing. They start with steamed apple juice, add cinnamon syrup, top it with whipped cream, and drizzle caramel sauce over everything.
It tastes like fall in a cup, no matter what season it actually is.
Why you need to try it:
- Combines apple, cinnamon, and caramel perfectly
- Feels festive and special
- Great alternative to coffee-based seasonal drinks
- The whipped cream and caramel make it feel like dessert
6. Passion Tango Herbal Tea
Looking for something fruity and refreshing? The Passion Tango tea is a vibrant blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple that’s naturally caffeine-free.
When served hot, it becomes a soothing drink with a beautiful red color.
What makes it stand out:
- Naturally sweet and tart flavor
- Zero calories without sweetener
- Beautiful bright color
- Contains antioxidants from hibiscus
Add a bit of honey or liquid cane sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
7. Mint Majesty Herbal Tea
The Mint Majesty tea is perfect when you need something calming. It’s a blend of spearmint, peppermint, and a touch of lemon verbena.
This herbal tea option helps settle your stomach and clear your head without any caffeine.
Why it’s great:
- Refreshing mint flavor that’s not too strong
- Naturally caffeine-free
- Can help with digestion
- Excellent with a pump of peppermint syrup
8. Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea
This tea is like drinking a peaceful sunset. The Peach Tranquility combines peach, candied pineapple, chamomile, and rose hips for a sweet, floral, and incredibly soothing drink.
It’s one of the best Starbucks hot drinks for relaxation.
What you’ll appreciate:
- Naturally sweet without added sugar
- Chamomile helps promote relaxation
- Fruity flavor that’s not artificial tasting
- Perfect before bedtime
9. Cinnamon Dolce Crème
Similar to the vanilla steamer but with a warm, spicy twist, the cinnamon dolce crème features steamed milk with cinnamon dolce syrup.
It’s topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon dolce topping that adds a sweet crunch.
Why it’s worth ordering:
- Warm cinnamon flavor feels cozy
- Sweet but not overwhelming
- The cinnamon topping adds nice texture
- Works beautifully with oat milk
10. Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Medicine Ball)
This drink became famous as the “Medicine Ball” because people swear by it when they’re feeling under the weather.
It combines Jade Citrus Mint tea (which has a tiny bit of caffeine) and Peach Tranquility tea (which is caffeine-free) with hot water, steamed lemonade, and honey.
While it’s not completely caffeine-free due to the green tea, the caffeine content is very low compared to coffee.
What makes it popular:
- Soothing for sore throats
- Combines mint, peach, and citrus flavors
- Honey adds natural sweetness and comfort
- Steam from lemonade feels therapeutic
Note: If you want this completely caffeine-free, ask your barista to use only the Peach Tranquility tea.
How to Order Caffeine-Free Drinks at Starbucks
Ordering decaf Starbucks drinks is easy once you know what to ask for. Here are some tips:
- Always specify “no coffee” or “caffeine-free” when ordering
- Ask about milk alternatives (oat, almond, soy, coconut, or nonfat)
- Request less syrup if you want to reduce sweetness
- Don’t be afraid to customize with extra flavors
- Check if seasonal drinks can be made without caffeine
According to Starbucks’ official nutrition information, most of their crème-based drinks and herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, making them safe choices for anyone avoiding stimulants.
Customization Ideas for Your Hot Drinks
One of the best things about Starbucks is that you can customize almost anything. Here are some ideas to make your hot Starbucks drinks without caffeine even better:
For steamers and hot chocolates:
- Add flavored syrups like hazelnut, toffee nut, or peppermint
- Try different milk options to change the texture
- Ask for extra whipped cream or cold foam on top
- Request chocolate shavings or cinnamon powder
For herbal teas:
- Add honey, agave, or liquid cane sugar for sweetness
- Mix two different tea flavors together
- Ask for steamed lemonade instead of hot water
- Try adding a splash of steamed milk for creaminess
Conclusion
Finding great hot Starbucks drinks without caffeine is easier than you might think. From the sweet comfort of a vanilla steamer to the soothing warmth of herbal teas, Starbucks offers plenty of options that let you enjoy delicious drinks without the buzz.
Whether you’re avoiding caffeine for health reasons, ordering for kids, or just want something cozy before bed, these ten drinks prove that you don’t need coffee to have an amazing Starbucks experience.
Next time you visit, skip the espresso and try one of these caffeine-free favorites instead. Your taste buds and your sleep schedule will both thank you.
