How To Speak Starbucks (Slideshow)

The default setting on most drinks is hot. So if you like your latte iced, ask for that first.

You might not even know all of the sizes at Starbucks! For instance, are you aware of the short? You can order any drink "Short," which is just eight ounces, even though it doesn't even appear on the menu. You won't save much in the way of money, but if you're looking for that tiny perfect cappuccino, this is the ticket for you. Otherwise, your options include the 12-ounce "Tall," (the standard small size), the 16-ounce "Grande," the large "Venti," (which is 20 ounces for a hot beverage and 24 ounces for a cold one), and then there's the Trenta, which is 31 stupendous ounces of sugar-caffeine-blend (only available for cold drinks).

Regular, Decaf, and Half Caf. If you order an espresso drink (like a latte) half caf, one of your espresso shots will be caffeinated and the other will be decaf.

Looking for more or less caffeine than what your size usually comes with? You can order a single (solo) shot, double (aka doppio) shot, a triple, or a quad. If you're ordering a short or a Tall, your drink already comes with one shot of espresso, if you order a Grande or Venti, it comes with two, and if you order an iced Venti or Trenta, you'll get three.

Your options include: Skinny (this is skim, and will also imply that you want sugar-free syrup to your barista, should you be ordering a drink that involves syrup). 2 percent (this is the default), Whole, Organic, or Soy (soy at Starbucks is always vanilla-flavored soy). Some Starbucks also carry almond milk, but this doesn't happen everywhere.

I know, you already chose hot or iced. But if you're getting a steamed drink, you can also choose the specific temperature:  "extra hot" means 180 degrees, and "kids' temperature" comes out at 130 degrees.

If you're getting a cold drink, here's where you can personalize the level of ice. Are you a cruncher? Ask for "extra ice." Like it less watery? "Light ice" is your order.

If you're looking for no whip, extra whip, sugar substitutes like Splenda, or your macchiato made upside down, this is the spot for that extra-special request.

Do you want more foam or more milk than the standard levels in your cappuccino? Here's where you can ask for your drink "wet" (the milk gets less frothed) or "dry" (more foam than usual). 

You want a coffee, a machiatto, a latte, a mocha? This is where you actually place the meat of your order. And here you're done!