How to save money at Starbucks

[vafer]

1. "Ghetto" Latte - This makeshift coffee drink lives up to its name. To make, order one or two shots of espresso in a large cup. Fill the rest with milk from the condiment station. If it's too cold, microwave at home or the office. For a ghetto macchiato, substitute the regular milk for a portion of half 'n' half equal to the amount of espresso.

2. Short Cap - Some Starbucks sell a "short" cappuccino that isn't listed on the menu, but is only available by request. It's smaller and cheaper than the "tall," which is the smallest on the menu.

3. Black Coffee - Learn to like regular coffee. The expensive drinks at Starbucks are those dressed up with cream and sugar. Acquiring a taste for black coffee won't just save you money, it'll save you fat and calories as well.

4. Free Power - Instead of charging your laptop at home, bring it into Starbucks and charge it up for free.

5. Free News - Discarded sections of the day's newspapers are a staple at Starbucks. Instead of subscribing to a paper that you throw away after reading anyway, share with the Starbucks community.

6. The Hook-up - Starbucks employees get a free pound of coffee every week, which is often up for barter if you have something good to offer. I know a girl who worked at a doctor's office that traded a bag of free drug pens for a pound of Sumatran.

7. Osmosis - Sometimes all you need is a whiff of the coffee scent and the sound of whirring machines to trigger you into waking up in the morning. So walk in, take a deep breath, and drink in the morning energy. Leave as soon as you feel more awake and you've saved yourself the price of a coffee.

[markusk]

Love it!!!

[DivaJen]

Two more - bring your own cup and save ten cents.
Use the Starbucks inside Vons grocery stores and get every 8th drink free if you have a Vons club card.

[bjl584]

I've never been to a Starbucks. I don't even like coffee all that much.

[Mabuisakura]

Thanks!

[Ima saver]

i was going to say, just don't go! I have never been either!

[PetMom]

I buy the Starbucks House Blend at WalMart. 12 ozs. for $6.98 and
keep it in the freezer.

I never can get my husband to go to an actual Starbucks, the atmosphere in them is as addictive as their coffee. Just as well though as the few times we have been there we have loaded up on the delectable edibles they display.

[bigsaver]

I have never had a sip of coffee in my life and have no desire. I do work 80 hours per week, start work at 6am.

[crazy4deals]

Numbers 4 and 7 are hilarious. Great tips! Thx.

[poundwise]

I drink coffee, though not daily, and I like Starbucks. But really, saving money is not the chief thing on your mind if you are walking through those doors anyway. Just go when you can afford it and enjoy it, like any other luxury/entertainment/dining out expense.

If you want to save money on coffee buy it at Wal-Mart and get a thermos bottle.

[crazymom]

Ha! Thanks!

[shelbylovesmelby]

I just plain don't patron there. When I'm in the mood I get my cappicino's from the gas station @ a fraction of the price & earn reward points too.

[JustinH]

make you own pot of coffee at home using walmart great value coffee, and then dress it up with those fancy international delight creamers?

[Quynne]

Gas station capps are actually pretty good! lol. They are building a Starbucks around here with a drive thru! Oh No! Normally, I stay away because with 3 kids I never go in. Now I won't have to! lol. Well, the amazing amount of fat and calories will most likely keep me away.

[Sindel]

fortunately for me starbucks has never been a temptation. i just don't like the taste. the only time i buy their coffee is when i go there with a friend, but its more of a social thing than an "i lurve starbucks" thing...

and im not a foodie (or coffee-phile?) so i can't compare the difference between premium coffee or cheap instant coffee. if i do a blind taste test, ill probably fail every time!

[pjmama]

I like the osmosis tip, haha. I never knew they had a "short." I'll have to inquire about that next time.

[LuxLiving]

Buy the all-save brand at $1.75 a brick at the local store or .88 cents a brick at the scratch n/dent!

Luv me some cheap Joe!

[cschin4]

Every now and then I do get a hankering for a $6 cup of coffee! Latte please.
But, I think it is just easier to make at home. I just make some pretty strong regular black coffee (make stronger than you normally would). I have a 4 cup coffee maker so I usually just make 2 cups. Then, I put about 1/4 cup of milk (I like whole milk) into a mug and heat in the microwave until hot. Take the milk and put into tall glass. Then with a small hand blender, whip the milk till frothy.
In your mug, put in a couple of squirts of caramel or chocolate sundae syrup. Add coffee and milk last. Sprinkle with nutmeg, cinnamon, etc. I keep all the stuff handy in my coffee cupboard. When friends come over I make them Lattes and they really enjoy it. If you really want to be fancy, put some whip cream on top.

[Aleta]

I just posted the recipe that I use for the coffee that I make on another post, but I will list it again.

I make a pot of expresso coffee, scald the milk in a pot, use a see-through footed mug and pour the milk almost half way, add the amount of sugar you want, add some expresso coffee, add whipped cream so that it extends higher than the mug, shave chocolate - sprinkle it on top of the whipped topping, sprinkle some cinnamon, add a straw and enjoy.

[jedi]

Nice list! I have one to add... use your Starbucks coupon.. if you have one, that is.