Whether you’re seeking your first caffeine fix, craving a creamy latte, or want to explore a new seasonal special, Caribou Coffee can feel like a wonderland of options. With a menu that spans classic drip coffees, hand-crafted espresso beverages, cold brews, teas, bakery treats and even energy drinks, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from decoding roast profiles to mastering barista lingo—so you can order confidently, customize like a champ, and leave with exactly the drink you envisioned.
Why Caribou Coffee? A Quick Intro for Newcomers
Stepping into Caribou Coffee feels like walking into your own neighborhood gathering spot. Whether you’re in a busy city center or a small‑town strip mall, you’ll find cozy seating, friendly faces, and a laid‑back vibe that makes it easy to linger over your drink.
What sets Caribou apart is its focus on handcrafted quality. Every beverage is made to order by a trained “BOUrista,” who ensures your espresso, latte, or cold brew is fresh, balanced, and tailored just for you. From classic drip coff ees to creative seasonal specials, you can expect consistency and care in every cup.
Caribou also takes sustainability seriously. They partner with small‑holder coffee farms around the world—building direct relationships that support farmers and promote ethical growing practices. Once the beans arrive, Caribou roasts them in‑house, allowing precise control over flavor and freshness. The result is a cup of coffee you can feel good about, from farm to mug.
Navigating the Caribou Menu: Categories & Coffeehouse Lingo
Before you step up to the counter, know the main menu sections and common terms you’ll encounter:
1. Brewed Coffee (“drip coffee”):
Classic hot coffee made by brewing freshly ground beans. Typically offered in Small (12 oz), Medium (16 oz) and Large (20 oz) sizes.
2. Espresso & Lattes:
Single or double shots of espresso pulled on an espresso machine; combined with steamed milk to create lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and more.
3. Cold Brew & Iced Coffee:
Slow-steeped cold brew concentrate, served over ice; or iced drip coffee. Caribou also offers sparkling and nitro options seasonally.
4. Teas & More:
A lineup of hot tea, iced tea, chai tea lattes, matcha and matcha-tea hybrids.
5. Signature & Seasonal Drinks:
Unique creations like the Mudslide Mocha, Cinnamon Sugar Latte or Honey Lavender Espresso Shaker. These rotate quarterly and tie into special promotions.
6. Energy Drinks & Other Refreshers:
Sparkling, vitamin-charged beverages in flavors like Salted Watermelon or Passionfruit Yuzu.
7. Bakery & Snacks:
Fresh pastries, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, protein bowls, and grab-and-go items. Don’t miss the Annie B’s Soft Caramel Stick or almond biscotti for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Pick Your Perfect Roast: Bean Basics
Caribou Coffee’s roast lineup spans the spectrum from bright, tangy light roasts to rich, bold dark roasts, all crafted from 100% Arabica beans and many bearing Rainforest Alliance certification. By understanding the fundamental differences in roast levels—light roasts’ crisp acidity, medium roasts’ balance of sweetness and body, and dark roasts’ smoky richness—you can match your palate to the perfect brew.
| Profile | Beans | Taste Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light roast | Amy’s Blend, Peru Single Origin, Daybreak Blend | Bright, citrusy, floral—great for first-timers |
| Medium roast | Caribou Blend, Caribou Blend Decaf | Smooth, sweet, with woodsy spice and caramelized sugar |
| Dark roast | Amy’s Blend, Bold North, Mahogany Blend | Bold, roasty, bittersweet—perfect for those who love a deep brew |
Espresso & Lattes: Customization 101
Espresso-based drinks form the core of Caribou’s handcrafted menu. Whether you’re ordering a latte, cappuccino, or mocha, here’s how to make it uniquely yours:
1. Choose Your Espresso Shot
- Single: One shot of espresso—perfect when you want flavor without an overwhelming buzz.
- Double: Two shots of espresso—standard for most lattes and cappuccinos, this gives you a stronger coffee profile and more caffeine.
2. Pick Your Milk
- Dairy Options
- 2% (default)
- Non‑fat
- Whole
- Non‑Dairy Alternatives
- Oatmilk*
- Almond
- Coconut
- Soy
(No extra charge on Caribou Perks app orders)
3. Add Flavor (Standard Syrups)
- Vanilla
- Caramel
- Hazelnut
- Mocha
- White Chocolate
Seasonal syrups, when available, might include Cinnamon Sugar, Lavender, or Pumpkin Spice.
4. Adjust the Foam & Finish
- More Foam: Order a “dry” cappuccino (extra foam, less milk).
- Less Foam: Ask for a “wet” cappuccino or a “flat” latte (more milk, minimal foam).
- Extra Whip: Use 25 Perks points to top your drink with an extra swirl of whipped cream at no additional cost.
Cold Brew, Iced Coffee & Teas
When the weather warms up—or you simply crave something cold—Caribou Coffee has you covered with several refreshing, caffeine‑packed options. Here’s what to know before you order:
Cold Brew
- How it’s made: Coffee grounds steep in cold water for at least 16 hours, yielding a smooth, low‑acid concentrate.
- Flavors: Enjoy it straight for full strength, or try the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew for a touch of sweetness and creaminess over ice.
Iced Coffee
- How it’s made: Regular drip coffee is brewed hot, then rapidly chilled and poured over ice.
- Flavor profile: A brisk, brighter coffee taste—perfect if you like a sharper, more classic coffee flavor.
Sparkling & Nitro
- Sparkling Cold Brew (seasonal): Infuses your cold brew with bubbles for a lightly effervescent kick.
- Nitro Draft: Cold brew infused with nitrogen gas pours with a creamy, stout‑like head—no milk needed for texture.
Iced Teas & Tea Lattes
- Classic Iced Teas: Choose from black, green, or herbal blends served over ice.
- Seasonal Drinks: The Iced Honey Lavender Tea Latte (spring) combines tea, steamed milk, honey, and lavender over ice for a floral, cool treat.
Cold Add‑Ins & Toppings
- Cold Foam: A light, velvety layer—plain or flavored (like cinnamon or lavender)—that floats on top of your drink.
- Sweet Cream: Rich and slightly sweet, perfect on cold brew or iced coffee.
- Coconutmilk Cold Foam: Adds a tropical twist when topped on energy drinks like the Berry‑C, which also delivers a hefty dose of vitamin C.
Signature & Seasonal Sips: Limited-Time Treats
Caribou Coffee keeps things fresh by introducing seasonal specialties that capture the flavors of each time of year. Here are some recent highlights—each one available for a limited window, so don’t wait to try them!
Cinnamon Sugar Latte & Mocha
Inspired by everyone’s favorite fair treat, these drinks combine real cinnamon sugar with rich espresso and steamed milk (or chocolate, in the mocha version). You’ll notice warm, toasty notes of cinnamon balanced by just the right amount of sweetness—think churros in a cup. Perfect for crisp fall mornings or anytime you need a little spice in your day.
Honey Lavender Espresso Shaker
This elegant iced drink starts with bold espresso, honey syrup, and a hint of lavender. It’s all shaken together over ice, giving it a light, frothy texture and a beautifully balanced floral‑sweet flavor. It’s a great spring or summer pick‑me‑up when you want something both refreshing and a bit sophisticated.
Peppermint Mocha (Holiday)
Nothing says “holiday season” like this festive favorite. The Peppermint Mocha layers espresso, white‑chocolate sauce, and peppermint oil with steamed milk, creating a mint‑chocolate blend that feels like a candy cane in beverage form. Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for extra holiday cheer.
Ways to Order: In-Store, Drive-Thru & Mobile
No matter how you like to get your caffeine fix, Caribou Coffee makes it easy and convenient. Here’s a quick guide to each ordering method and how to make the most of it:
1. In‑Store Ordering
There’s nothing quite like stepping into a café, breathing in the aroma of freshly ground beans, and chatting with your “BOUrista.” In‑store ordering is perfect when you want to:
- Ask questions about the menu or today’s roast
- Smell those fresh espresso shots as they’re pulled
- Enjoy a moment to relax—maybe linger over a magazine or catch up with a friend
Pro tip: If you’re experimenting with a new flavor or need advice on customization, in‑store is the way to go. Your barista can guide you through milk swaps, syrup pairings, and foam levels to dial in your perfect drink.
2. Drive‑Thru
Pressed for time? Caribou’s drive‑thru lets you grab your favorite drink without leaving your car. To keep things smooth and quick:
- Speak clearly and in order: size, drink name, customizations, and extras (for example, “I’d like a double tall latte with oat milk, two pumps vanilla, extra hot, please.”)
- Have your payment ready—using the app or a contactless card speeds things up
- Pull forward to the pick‑up window and enjoy your piping‑hot beverage on the go
3. Mobile App & Online Ordering
Caribou Coffee App
- Earn double Perks points — 2 points for every $1 spent on app orders versus 1 point in-store
- Unlock app‑only perks like bonus point events and free non‑dairy milk upgrades
Order Ahead
- Place your order up to 24 hours in advance to skip the line or drive‑thru wait
- Save your favorite customizations so reordering is as simple as a tap
Delivery Partners
- Find Caribou on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and other platforms for delivery straight to your door
- Keep an eye out for delivery fees and minimum‑order requirements—sometimes it pays to order ahead or swing by the café if you’re nearby
Caribou Perks® Rewards: Loyalty Hacks
Caribou Perks is free to join and packed with extras:
| Perks Milestone | Reward |
|---|---|
| 25 points | Add-on: whip, flavor shot or espresso |
| 50 points | Any size brewed coffee or hot tea |
| 50 points | Any bakery item (excludes bagels) |
| 100 points | Bagel & cream cheese |
| 175 points | Any beverage, any size |
| 175 points | Any breakfast sandwich or snack |
| 200 points | $5 off online order |
| 250 points | XL beverage upgrade |
| 250 points | Any lunch item |
| 300 points | Free shipping on any Caribou online orders |
| 400 points | Any rowler or canteen of coffee or tea. |
Getting the most out of Caribou Perks® is easy once you know the tips and tricks. Here’s how to stretch your points and enjoy more freebies:
- Birthday Treat
Celebrate your special week with a free drink of any size—no limits, whether you crave a latte, iced tea, or even a blended Cooler®. Just place your order anytime during your birthday week. - Extra Perks
As a Perks member ordering ahead, you get non‑dairy milk upgrades at no extra charge, perfect for oat, almond, coconut, or soy. You’ll also receive sneak peeks of new seasonal drinks, plus app‑only promotions like bonus‑point days and secret coupons. - Referral Bonus
Love Caribou? Share the love—and earn 175 points for each friend who signs up using your unique referral link. That’s enough for a free brewed coffee or bakery item, just for spreading the word.
Advanced Tips & Pro Lingo
Ever feel like the coffee world has its own secret code? Here’s a quick guide to ordering like a pro without the snooty jargon.
- “Short” size: Secret 8 oz option (not on menu board); ideal for a strong espresso treat.
- “Half-caff”: One shot decaf + one shot regular espresso—perfect middle ground.
- “Moose”: Caribou’s term for an extra shot of espresso.
- “Dirty chai”: Chai latte with a shot of espresso.
- Temperature requests:
- “Extra hot” (+10°F above standard 160°F)
- “Kids’ temp” (~130°F for little ones)
Conclusion
Whether you’re navigating your very first order or aiming to streamline your routine visits, mastering Caribou Coffee’s menu boils down to knowing your preferences, speaking up about customizations, and taking advantage of digital tools like mobile ordering and Caribou Perks®. With these pro tips in hand, you’ll place every order confidently, enjoy each sip exactly how you like it, and make the most of all the perks Caribou offers.