4 min read
- Baristas find that overly complicated, excessively sweet, or misunderstood coffee orders can be quite frustrating to fulfill.
- Frappuccinos, heavily customized drinks, matcha lattes, and Starbucks-style orders at independent cafes rank among their major pet peeves.
- Conversely, simple orders, genuine appreciation, and light-hearted conversation can leave a positive impression and foster goodwill.
Customizing coffee orders has given customers unprecedented freedom. Social media platforms like TikTok have further popularized inventive beverages, showcasing drinks like The Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Cookie Frap. However, there’s a downside to ordering with many specifications, as baristas might respond with some skepticism.
While baristas may handle intricate orders with a smile, the experience may not be as pleasant as it seems, and the chances of receiving a personalized doodle may diminish. Here’s a list of orders that baristas dislike and their preferred alternatives, along with insider tips for a smoother experience.
Coffee Orders Baristas Hate
Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccinos
Frappuccinos, particularly the Mocha Cookie Crumble, rank high on the list of challenging orders. Former Starbucks employee Kaleigh French shared, “One drink I really disliked making was any Frappuccino, especially the Mocha Cookie Crumble. It involves too many steps to prepare.”
More Than Five Pumps Of Syrup
Requests for excessive amounts of syrup have become a real concern for baristas. As French notes, “The amount of syrup people ask for can be shocking. I’ve had orders where the syrup occupied half the cup.”
Others have echoed these sentiments on Reddit. One barista recounted a regular’s order for a no-ice, venti pink drink made with sweet cream, four scoops of vanilla powder, nine pumps of vanilla syrup, and vanilla bean cold foam—only for them to send it back, claiming it wasn’t sweet enough.
“Asking for more than six to eight pumps of syrup tells me you don’t really appreciate coffee,” another commenter noted.
Matcha Lattes
Despite appearing straightforward, matcha orders can frustrate baristas. French explained, “It’s such a hassle because the powder gets everywhere. Plus, when you shake it, it foams up, so half the cup ends up being foam.”
Many share this sentiment. A barista on Reddit mentioned that iced matcha with cold foam is one of the most annoying drinks to prepare, stating that no other drink brings them as much stress.
Starbucks-Style Drinks
“I always dreaded when a customer ordered a Macchiato, particularly a Caramel Macchiato, at the small coffee shop I worked at,” shared former barista Gaby Viano. “The Starbucks version is more like a caramel latte with a drizzle, whereas an actual Macchiato is an espresso with just a splash of milk.”
“People often misunderstand the Macchiato and assume it’s like the Starbucks version, which leads to confusion and complaints.”
Drinks You Don’t Even Know
Baristas can find it burdensome to accurately prepare drinks only for customers to be unhappy with them due to a lack of understanding of the beverage. If you have a specific request, it’s best to understand what you’re ordering to avoid disappointment.
Viano recounted an experience where a customer got upset after she added water to his Americano. “I was surprised because an Americano is simply water mixed with espresso. I had prepared this for him daily!”
Another barista shared their frustration with orders for ‘extra hot with no foam,’ pointing out that if you steam a drink thoroughly, it is naturally going to have some foam.
What Baristas Actually Enjoy
Compliment Their Latte Art
Baristas take pride in their craft and appreciate compliments on their latte art. Viano said, “I loved making hot lattes because it allowed me to practice my latte art. Seeing a customer’s reaction when they noticed the design was incredibly rewarding.”
She recalled, “The first time I saw someone take an aesthetic photo of a latte I crafted was an unforgettable moment.”
Feel Free To Overshare
Baristas are often there to lend an ear. Viano mentioned, “I enjoyed when regulars shared their experiences, whether venting about their jobs or relationships. It fostered a connection.” So, if you need someone to chat with, your barista is usually prepared to listen.
Cold Brew Customers Are A Favorite
While baristas enjoy crafting intricate drinks, they also appreciate simpler orders. Viano added, “I love when someone requests a cold brew. It’s straightforward—just pour it over ice.” She enjoys uncomplicated requests as they allow her to serve customers quickly without sacrificing quality.
“It’s nice to have simpler cocktails,” French agreed, mentioning chai as an example. “Starbucks often emphasizes speed over quality, which can hinder creativity.”
Key Takeaways
- Baristas often feel overwhelmed by overly complex and sweet coffee orders.
- Frappuccinos and heavy customization are among the most disliked orders.
- Positive interactions, like compliments, can enhance the customer experience.
- Understanding your order can help avoid dissatisfaction with your beverage.
- Baristas appreciate straightforward drink requests, such as cold brew.
- Sharing experiences with baristas can create enjoyable interactions.
FAQ
What are some common coffee orders that baristas dislike?
Baristas often find overly complicated drinks, excessive syrup requests, and Starbucks-style drinks problematic.
How can customers make the ordering experience better for baristas?
Keeping orders simple, providing genuine compliments, and understanding the drink can create a much better atmosphere.
What types of drinks do baristas appreciate preparing?
Baristas tend to prefer straightforward drinks like cold brews, as they are quick and easy to make.
In summary, while the freedom to customize coffee orders is appreciated, baristas have preferences that can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Understanding their insights can foster better interactions and delicious drinks.
