Starbucks has officially accepted the “secret menu” craze by launching a section for custom beverage creations in its app. Starting Monday, July 14, 2025, fan-favorite customizations will become an official part of the Starbucks app, allowing customers to browse, customize, and order personalized drinks. The launch also kicks off with a nationwide contest, inviting fans and even Starbucks baristas to submit their most inventive drink ideas for a chance to win a major cash prize and see their creation featured in the app.
What is the Starbucks secret menu?
The new Secret Menu tab (found under “Offers” in the app) will now showcase rotating different drink ideas that change over time. These are based on real drinks created by customers. You won’t need to write down instructions or hope your barista understands on the app — these custom drinks can now be ordered right in the app.
This update marks the first time Starbucks is officially supporting the secret menu created by its fans. Personalized drinks will now be a regular option, rather than just a one-time special request.
What are the first drinks on the Starbucks secret menu?
To kick off the Secret Menu launch, Starbucks is debuting four custom drinks that showcase fan-favorite flavors and creativity. Cookies on Top is a sweet treat for cookies and cream lovers, made with Cold Brew, two pumps of vanilla syrup, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, and cookie crumble topping. For something fruity and refreshing, the Dragon Fruit Glow-Up puts a twist on the Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade Refresher by adding peach juice blend, blending the whole drink, and topping it with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam. Lemon, Tea & Pearls offers a fun textural taste by combining black tea and lemonade with raspberry-flavored popping pearls. Finally, just adding white mocha gives the Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso a dessert upgrade with two pumps of White Chocolate Mocha Sauce and a cloud of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam on top.
How can I win $25k?
From July 14 to 20, customers and Starbucks employees can submit their best custom drink recipes for a shot at secret menu stardom. Four finalists will be chosen to have their drinks featured in the app from August 18 to 25, with each winner receiving $5,000. Then it’s up to the fans—between August 18 and 20, Starbucks will host a vote on Instagram (@Starbucks) to choose the grand prize finale winner, who will walk away with a $25,000 payday.
You can check out full contest details at: https://secretmenucontest.starbucks.com/create-drink
So whether you’re a cold foam lover, a refresher remixer, or just someone who loves a good flavor combination, this is your moment. Starbucks isn’t just recognizing creativity; it’s rewarding it. Your dream drink could be the next secret menu star and maybe even earn you $25,000. Time to start sipping and scheming your Starbucks win!
About The Author
