Starbucks Is Handing Out Free Drinks to Veterans on Veterans Day
Updated: Dec. 07, 2023
Starbucks' Veterans Day offer is back with a major change!
Thanksgiving may be the star holiday of November, but it’s not the only thing to celebrate as the year draws to a close. Veterans Day may not include large family gatherings and pumpkin pies, but it’s a chance to thank and honor the military community and other federal workers, especially with this Starbucks Veterans Day deal.
Along with many other restaurants and retailers, Starbucks is reviving its Veterans Day special. However, a free drink isn’t the only way they’re thanking veterans for their service.
What Is Starbucks’ Veterans Day Offer?
This year, Starbucks is offering a free tall (12-ounce) coffee for veterans, active-duty members and spouses. To take advantage of this deal, you’ll need to present your military ID or a state driver’s license with veteran status. The offer now extends to both hot and iced coffee, which, according to military.com, recognizes that “veterans represent younger generations of Americans who prefer nontraditional coffee.”
The deal is effective in stores and in the drive-thru but doesn’t apply to online orders. There’s also a limit of one coffee per customer, and you’ll still have to pay for any customizations—like these Starbucks secret menu items for Fall. It’s also important to note that while the Veterans Day offer includes iced coffee, it does not include cold brew.
Starbucks is also splitting a $200,000 donation to veteran-focused charities this year. They’ll be donating $100,000 to Team Red, White, and Blue, a health and wellness community for veterans, and Team Rubicon, a veteran-based disaster relief organization.
When Can I Get Starbucks’ Veterans Day Offer?
Starbucks’ Veterans Day special is available on Friday, Nov. 11, during store hours. Check with your local Starbucks and make sure they’re participating before hitting the drive-thru. If Starbucks isn’t your cup of tea—or in this case, coffee—there are plenty of other restaurants offering free food and drinks on Veterans Day. Check out the complete list of Veterans Day offers on the military website.
How Else Does Starbucks Support Veterans?
Starbucks doesn’t just give veterans free coffee—they also help provide them with jobs. In 2013, Starbucks started a dedicated veteran and military spouse hiring team. So far, they’ve hired more than 26,000 veterans and spouses. In 2021, they hired more than 7,700 veterans and military spouses. These positions offer 80 hours of military service pay annually when service obligations take them out of work.
Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks
Barbie Frappuccino
If you, like us, are obsessed with everything Barbie right now due to the anticipated release of the new Barbie movie, this drink is for you. Display your pink Barbie pride by trying this Starbucks secret menu recipe. How to order:- Start with a Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino
- Add 3 pumps of vanilla
- Add 1 scoop of dragonfruit inclusion, blended
- Top it off with whipped cream
Key Lime Pie Refresher
You can make a Key lime pie, or you can make things easier by ordering up this Key Lime Pie Refresher. How to order:- Start with a Venti Kiwi Starfruit Refresher with no inclusions
- Add light coconut milk
- Ask for vanilla sweet cream cold foam with 1 pump of funnel cake syrup blended in
- Top with caramel crunch topping
Caribbean Refresher
This tropical beauty was created by Holly Walker, who is an absolute Starbucks mastermind. How to order:- Start by ordering a Venti Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade with no inclusions (AKA the scoop of dragonfruit that usually comes in this drink)
- Ask for light kiwi juice and peach juice
- Ask for 1 pump of raspberry syrup and light passion tea to be poured on top of the drink
Strawberries and Cream Refresher
This one tastes just like Strawberries and Creme Creme Savers (remember those?) and it's so easy to order. How to order:- Start with a Venti Strawberry Acai Refresher with no water
- Add light strawberry puree and regular sweet cream
Strawberry Cobbler Refresher
Nothing says summer like strawberry cobbler! How to order:- Start with a Venti Iced Green Tea
- Ask for it to be shaken with coconut milk and strawberry pure
- Add 2 pumps of brown sugar syrup
- Top with brown sugar cold foam and toasted honey topping
Pink-a-Colada
It's like a pina colada, but prettier! How to order:- Start with a Venti Pink Drink with no inclusions
- Add 4 pumps of pineapple ginger syrup
- Top it with vanilla sweet cream cold foam, and ask for 2 pumps of pineapple ginger syrup and strawberry puree to blended into it
Minnie Mouse Frappuccino
We love our Disney Parks copycat recipes, but this one's another pink-hued original courtesy Totally the Bomb. Make like a Mouse and get ordering! How to order:- Start with a Grande White Mocha Cream Frappuccino
- Add light strawberry puree
- Add 1 scoop of java chips
- Add 1 scoop of dragon fruit inclusions
- Finish it off with some mocha cookie crumble topping
Honey Peach Freeze
We're feeling real peachy about this pairing on the Starbucks secret menu. How to order:- Start with a Venti Blended Lemonade with peach juice and a splash of guava juice
- Ask your barista to strip up the inside of the cup with agave
- Top with vanilla sweet cream foam and toasted honey topping
Orange Dreamsicle Float
DQ just brought back its Dreamsicle Dipped Cone, but if you prefer your creamsicle in drink form, you'll love this one. How to order:- Order a Tall Vanilla Bean Frappuccino in a Venti cup
- Purchase a bottle of orange juice from the Grab and Go section
- Ask your barista to fill the cup to the third line with OJ
- Add the Vanilla Bean Frap on top of the orange juice
- Top with vanilla sweet cream cold foam
- Finish it off with whipped cream
Orange Lemon Smoothie
If it's not summer yet, bring the tropics to us!
How to order:
- Start with a Venti Blended Lemonade, and make sure you ask for the drink to be blended on the smoothie setting
- Buy a bottle of orange juice from the Grab and Go section and ask them to blend about half the bottle in
- Add 2 pumps of vanilla syrup
- Add 2 pumps of classic syrup
- Top off with vanilla cold foam
Blackberry Caramel Macchiato
Look at those gorgeous layers!
How to order:
- Start with a Venti Iced Macchiato
- Ask for a scoop of blackberries to be blended into the milk
- Top with vanilla sweet cream foam, and ask for it to be blended with blackberries
- Top the drink with blackberry inclusions and caramel drizzle
The Great Pumpkin Latte
Could anything make the classic Halloween Peanuts special It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! better? This drink might. How to order:- Start with a Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Ask for half the pumpkin sauce to be replaced with toffee nut syrup
Pineapple Dole Whip Drink
Can't make it to Disneyland this year? No problem. You can whip up the famous Dole Whip at your closest Starbucks. How to order:- Start with a Grande Paradise Drink Refresher
- Add sweet cold foam on top, and ask for it to be blended with vanilla bean powder
Betty White Frappucino
The icon's 100th birthday would've been on Jan 17th, 2022, and what better way to celebrate her life than with a Frap of her very own? TotallyTheBomb.com came up with this drink for the Starbucks secret menu to celebrate Betty White, the ultimate Golden Girl. How to order:- Start with a Grande White Mocha Frappuccino
- Add 1 pump of hazelnut syrup
- Add 1 pump vanilla syrup
- Top it off with caramel crunch topping
Hocus Pocus Latte
It's not Halloween without the Sanderson sisters! Order this spooky, sweet coffee to get yourself in the Halloween state of mind. How to order:- Start with a Venti Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Add 2 pumps of white mocha sauce
- Add 2 pumps of apple brown sugar syrup
- Finish with extra caramel drizzle and cinnamon dolce topping
Squid Game Frappucino
Whether you've binged all the way through the hit Korean show or still aren't convinced, this frap is sure to be a winner. And yes, it looks just like the guards' uniforms, which are actually pink, not red. This recipe comes to us courtesy Totally the Bomb's Holly Walker, and it's super easy to order. How to order:- Start with a Grande Strawberry Creme Frappuccino
- Add 1 scoop of dragon fruit inclusion
- Add 2 pumps of white mocha
- Top off with mocha drizzle
Apple Martini Refresher
Fall might be the season for apples, but honestly, this refresher is great any time of the year. How to order:- Start with a Venti Kiwi Starfruit Lemonade
- Add 3 pumps of apple syrup
- Top it off with light lemonade
Pumpkin Pie Frappuccino
Classic pumpkin pie flavors, but in a frappucino? Yes, please. How to order:- Start with a Grande Pumpkin Creme Frappuccino, and ask for it to be made with heavy cream
- Ask for cinnamon dolce syrup and cinnamon powder to be blended in
- Top with whipped cream and cinnamon dolce sprinkles
Pumpkin Butter Cold Brew
We love Starbucks' fall menu, and we love it even more when we can customize the seasonal offerings! How to order:- Start with a Venti Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew with no vanilla syrup
- Add 3 pumps of white mocha sauce
- Add 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce
- Add 1 pump of chai
- Top it off with cinnamon powder on top of the cold foam
Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice
Potterheads, have you ever wished you could sip pumpkin juice in the Great Hall? Well, we can't get to Hogwarts, but we can get a cup of this "magical" juice with some secret know-how. How to order:- Start with a Grande Apple Juice
- Add 1 pump of cinnamon dolce
- Add 1 pump of chai
- Add 2 pumps of pumpkin spice
- Ask for light ice
Candy Corn Frappuccino
Halloween means candy corn season is here—and it's the perfect time to turn it into a Frappucino! How to order:- Start with a Grande Pumpkin Cream Frappuccino
- Ask for 1 additional pump of pumpkin sauce
- Ask for some caramel drizzle, but only at the bottom of the cup
- Ask for no pumpkin powder on top of the whipped cream
Luna Lovegood Refresher
Banish the Nargles with this Refresher that's as quirky as Luna! How to order:- Order a Venti Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade
- Ask for light kiwi base and light strawberry puree
- Top it off with vanilla sweet cream cold foam with more strawberry puree blended in
Draco Malfoy Refresher
This Harry Potter-inspired Refresher will make you feel like a true Slytherin. How to order:- Start with a Venti Star Drink with no inclusions
- Add 2 pumps of pineapple syrup
- Ask for cold foam made with coconut milk and one scoop of matcha powder
Fear Street Frappuccino
If you loved R.L Stine's Fear Street series, you're definitely going to be a fan of this frightfully delicious Frap. How to order:- Start with a Grande Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
- Add 2 pumps of funnel cake syrup
- Finish with strawberry drizzle
Team Edward/Team Jacob Frappuccino
Twilight fever is back in the air, and we're definitely picking teams. How to order a Team Jacob Frappuccino:- Order a Grande Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappucino
- Add 2 pumps of raspberry syrup
- Top with strawberry drizzle
- Start with a Grande Vanilla Bean Frappucino
- Add 2 pumps of peppermint syrup
- Add 1 pump of mocha sauce in the bottom of the cup
- Ask for strawberry drizzle
- Finish with whipped cream
Wendy's Inspired Frosty Frappuccino
This drink combines chocolate and caffeine in the best way. How to order:- Start with a Grande Mocha Frappuccino, asking for it to be made with heavy whipping cream
- Add 2 pumps of vanilla syrup
- Add mocha drizzle
Peach Cobbler Frappuccino
Our favorite spring dessert in a cup? Yes, please. How to order:- Start with a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Add 2 pumps of peach syrup
- Add 1 pump of cinnamon dolce syrup
- Blend in whipped cream
- Top with more whip and cinnamon dolce topping
Strawberry Shortcake Latte
Tangy strawberries, sweet vanilla and crunchy biscuit—there's nothing better than strawberry shortcake! Get it in drink form next time you go to Starbucks. How to order:- Start with a Venti Iced Latte, and ask for it to be blended with strawberry puree
- Add 3 pumps of brown sugar syrup
- Add 1 pump of classic syrup
- Add vanilla sweet cream cold foam, and ask for it to be blended with strawberry puree
- Finally, top off the drink with strawberry inclusions and salted brown butter topping
Fuzzy Peach Refresher
Spring=peach season! Get your fill of the fuzzy fruit with this midday pick-me-up. How to order:- Start with a Venti Mango Dragonfruit Refresher with no water and no inclusions
- Ask for it to be made with half peach juice
- Add 2 pumps of vanilla syrup
- Finish it off with a splash of coconut milk
Oatmeal Cookie Latte
This latte takes advantage of the oat milk that's now available at Starbucks. How to order:- Start with a Venti Iced Latte made with oat milk
- Add 2 pumps mocha
- Add 2 pumps brown sugar syrup
- Top with oat milk foam
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte
You can recreate the nostalgic flavor of your favorite childhood cereal with this drink. How to order:- Start with a Venti Iced White Chocolate Mocha
- Add 2 pumps of white chocolate mocha
- Add 3 pumps of cinnamon dolce
- Top with whipped cream, cinnamon and Sugar in the Raw
Dole Whip Frappuccino
You can take a trip to Disney, learn how to make Dole whip at home or go to Starbucks and order a Dole Whip Frappuccino. How to order:- Start with a Tall Vanilla Creme Frappuccino
- Add 6 pumps of pineapple-ginger syrup
- Top with whipped cream
Blueberry Muffin Frappuccino
Look at that gorgeous color! This is another Starbucks secret menu creation from @starbucksisbae, of course. How to order:- Start with a Grande Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Ask for 1 pump of hazelnut syrup and fresh blueberries to be blended in
- Top with whipped cream and caramel crunch topping
French Toast Frappuccino
You can make anything into a Frappuccino—including the best Saturday morning breakfast of all time. How to order:- Start with a Grande Cafe Vanilla Frappuccino made with sweet cream
- Add 1 pump of cinnamon dolce syrup
- Add 1 pump of hazelnut syrup
- Top with cinnamon dolce powder
Good Luck Charm Frappuccino
@starbucksisbae starts this drink with a Green Tea Frap. How to order:- Start with a Grande Green Tea Frappuccino made with coconut milk
- Add a splash of lemonade
- Add a scoop of vanilla bean powder
Golden Girls Frappuccino
Need to pick up a pick-me-up for a friend? This sweet Frappuccino should do the trick! How to order:- Start with a Grande White Mocha Frappuccino
- Add 1 pump of hazelnut syrup
- Add 1 pump of vanilla syrup
- Finish this treat with caramel crunch topping
Shortbread Cookie Frappuccino
This Girl Scout Cookie-inspired Frappuccino has some serious cookie flavor. How to order:- Start by ordering a Grande Cafe Vanilla Frappuccino
- Add 2 pumps of hazelnut syrup
- Ask for whipped cream and caramel crunch topping on the top and the bottom of the drink.
Samoa Frappuccino
The Starbucks Samoa Frappuccino is an ode to the Girl Scout cookie that's covered in chocolate, caramel and coconut. How to order:- Start with a Grande Caramel Crunch Frappuccino made with coconut milk
- Add 1 pump of toffee nut syrup
- Ask for mocha drizzle on the bottom and top of the cup
Credit to Starbucks pro Holly Walker for this recipe.
Raspberry Cheesecake Frappuccino
This gorgeous Raspberry Cheesecake Frappuccino is courtesy of @vincoeats on Instagram. How to order:- Start with a Grande White Mocha Frappuccino
- Add 1 pump hazelnut syrup
- Add 1 pump raspberry syrup
- Finish with whipped cream, a light strawberry purée drizzle and caramel crunch topping
Thin Mint Frappuccino
If you’re a fan of the most popular Girl Scout cookie in America, this Thin Mint Frappuccino is for you. How to order:- Start with a Green Tea Frappuccino
- Add java chips
- Add mocha syrup
- Add peppermint syrup
Chocolate Mousse Cold Brew
This Starbucks secret menu drink is a Venti, so there's more to love! How to order:- Start with a Venti Sweet Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew, but with only 2 pumps of vanilla
- Add 4 pumps of mocha
- Ask to blend 2 pumps of mocha syrup into the foam
- Top with cookie crumble topping.
Winnie the Pooh Frappuccino
This drink was created by Ryan Gawlik, a Starbucks barista and TikTok creator. How to order:- Start with a Grande Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Add 1 pump of honey
- Add 1 pump of dark caramel sauce
- Add 1 pump of cinnamon dolce syrup
- Add a sprinkling of cinnamon powder
Cookies and Cream Cold Brew
Our favorite ice cream flavor in coffee form? Sign us up! This sweet drink was developed by our friend Holly Walker over at Totally the Bomb. How to order:- Start with a Venti Sweet Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew
- Add 2 pumps of vanilla
- Add 4 pumps of white mocha
- Then, ask for 2 pumps of regular mocha syrup in the cold foam
- Top with mocha cookie crumbles
Love Bug Frappuccino
This chocolaty, fruity creation was also developed by Starbucks genius Holly Walker for Totally the Bomb. How to order:- Start with a Grande Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino
- Add 1 pump of raspberry syrup
- Add 1 scoop of java chips
- Ask the barista for mocha drizzle and cookie crumbles on top of the whipped cream
Love on the Rocks
This is a fruity tea drink with serious smoothie vibes. How to order:- Start with a Venti Passion Tea, unsweetened, with no water
- Add 4 pumps of raspberry syrup
- Add light coconut milk
- Add light strawberry puree
- Ask the barista for cold foam with strawberry puree blended in
Orange Drink
Remember the peach ring gummies from your childhood? Imagine that in a drink. That's what you'll get in this sweet, satisfying orange drink from the Starbucks secret menu. How to order:- Start with a Venti Iced half-sweet Black Tea Lemonade
- Add peach tea and a splash of soy milk
Baby Yoda Frappuccino
Yes, the Baby Yoda craze has made it to Starbucks. This Star Wars-themed drink would be perfect for May 4th. How to order:- Start with a Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino
- Ask for caramel drizzle in the cup
- Top it with whipped cream, more caramel syrup and caramel crunch topping
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Drink
For an ombre secret menu drink that's as indulgent as it is Instagram-friendly, order up this chocolate-covered strawberry drink. How to order:- Start with a Venti Cold Brew
- Add 2 pumps raspberry syrup
- Top the drink with cold foam, strawberry puree and mocha drizzle
Tiramisu Frappuccino
If you love tiramisu and other tiramisu-inspired recipes, we know you'll love this sweet treat. How to order:- Start with a Coffee Frappuccino
- Add 1 pump mocha sauce
- Add a half pump of caramel
- Add a half pump of vanilla
- Add a half pump of toffee nut
- Add a half pump of hazelnut syrup
- Add a shot of espresso affogato
Butterbeer Frappuccino
This magical twist on a Starbucks classic will leave Harry Potter fans spellbound. How to order:- Start with a Creme Frappuccino
- Add 3 pumps caramel sauce
- Add 3 pumps toffee nut syrup
Three Cs Latte
This triple threat packs a punch of cinnamon, chocolate and caramel flavors! How to order:- Start with a Grande Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Add 1 pump mocha sauce
- Add 1 pump caramel syrup
Purple Drink
Starbucks' pink drink is a summertime staple. Meet its equally photogenic counterpart on the Starbucks secret menu: the purple drink. How to order:- Start with an Iced Passion Tango Tea
- Add a splash of soy milk
- Add vanilla syrup
- Top with a scoop of blackberries
Nutella Frappuccino
Who doesn't love Nutella? Everyone is sure to love this Frappuccino inspired by the universally-loved spread. How to order:- Start with a Grande Coffee Frappuccino
- Add 2 pumps of mocha sauce
- Add 2 pumps of hazelnut syrup
- Top with whipped cream
Dirty Chai Latte
Add an extra dose of caffeine to the Starbucks chai latte you know and love for an afternoon super boost. Try it hot or iced. How to order:- Start with an iced or hot chai latte
- Add 1 shot of espresso for a tall, 2 shots of espresso for a grande, and 3 for a venti
Cotton Candy Frappuccino
This caffeine-free candy-colored treat is a great Starbucks drink for kids—and kids at heart. How to order:-  Start with a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Ask for it to be blended with raspberry syrup
Layered Lemonade
This gorgeous ombre lemonade on the Starbucks secret menu is trendy and tasty. How to order:- Start with a lemonade
- Ask for a layer of strawberry puree to be blended with peach citrus white tea infusion
- Then, ask the barista to put the strawberry puree mixture on the bottom and the top
Originally Published: November 07, 2022
