Don’t throw out that cold Starbucks yet! As a coffee expert, I’ve got 4 barista-approved tricks to reheat your Starbucks order to tasty perfection. Cold coffee deserves a second chance.
Just a little TLC using your microwave, stovetop, or steam wand can breathe piping hot life back into those sad leftover cups.
Say “No!” to drain pours. With my reheating magic, you can enjoy every last drop of your caramel macchiatos and pumpkin spice lattes while keeping wonderfully cozy.
Trust me friends, not all cold coffee belongs in the trash. Save money and reuse those fancy cups! Follow my quick reheating guide and sip happy today. 😊🚿
Can You Reheat Starbucks Coffee?
Yes, you can reheat any hot Starbucks coffee drink – lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, mochas…you name it. The milk-based drinks can be reheated, too. Just be aware that if it’s been sitting out at room temperature for over an hour, the milk may start to spoil, making your reheated drink taste gross.
However, reheating returns the flavor as long as it has been a short time.
I absolutely love treating myself to a Starbucks coffee drink. But I can’t even count the number of times I’ve been midway through a tasty latte or mocha only to get distracted and let it go cold.
Once a Starbucks coffee goes cold, that’s the end, and I’d have to sadly toss it. However, I was delighted to learn that you can reheat coffee from Starbucks and other coffee shops!
Best Ways To Warm Up Starbucks Coffee
Over time (and many revived cold coffees!), I’ve discovered several excellent ways to reheat Starbucks beverages. Here’s an overview of my favorite reheating methods. Keep reading, and I’ll provide more detailed instructions below!
Summary of Different Methods of Reheating Hot Starbucks Coffee
Microwave Method
– Requires: Transferring coffee from the cup to a microwave-safe container
– Process: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through
Stovetop Method
– Requires: Pouring coffee into a small saucepan
– Process: Gentle warming on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes
Steam Wand
– Requires: Pouring coffee into a metal milk pitcher
– Process: Hold under steam wand for just 5-10 seconds
Mug Warmer
– Requires: Place your mug on the warmer
– Purpose: Keeps coffee at an optimal drinking temperatureÂ
Top Ways to Reheat Starbucks Coffee
Comparison of Starbucks Coffee Reheating Methods
| Method | Time Required | Equipment Needed | Taste Impact | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microwave | 30 sec – 1 min | Microwave-safe cup | None if done properly | Easy |
| Stovetop | 2-3 min | Saucepan | None if done properly | Easy |
| Steam Wand | 5-10 sec | Milk pitcher, steam wand | None if done properly | Easy if you have equipment |
| Mug Warmer | N/A – keeps coffee warm | Electric mug warmer | None, preserves taste | Very Easy |
Key Things to Note:
- Microwave is the fastest method, while mug warmer keeps coffee hot for longest
- All methods won’t alter taste if heated properly and not overheated
- Steam wand is super fast but requires access to specialty equipment
- Mug warmer doesn’t reheat, just keeps already hot coffee warm
Method 1 – Using the Microwave
The microwave is my favorite way to quickly reheat a Starbucks coffee drink.
This method allows me to revive a cooled coffee in just 30 seconds!Â
I transfer the coffee from the takeout cup into a microwave-safe container – usually just a mug or small bowl. Not all containers are microwave-safe, so I’m always careful to use glass, ceramic, or certain heat-resistant plastics. No metals in the microwave!
After transferring the coffee drink, I heat it for 30 seconds, stir/mix gently, then continue reheating in 15-second bursts until it reaches my preferred temperature.
I take care not to overheat, or it risks boiling and scalding the milk, ruining the flavor. After 30-90 seconds, I again had a steamy cafe-quality coffee drink!
Method 2 – Using the Stovetop
When I have no microwave access, I use the stovetop to gently rewarm cooled Starbucks coffee drinks.
While not as lightning-fast as the microwave, warming drinks on the stovetop allows me to monitor the temperature closely and avoid overheating.Â
I pour the cooled cappuccino, latte, or other coffee beverage from its takeout cup into a small stainless steel saucepan to reheat on the stovetop.
I put the saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop burner, then slowly reheat it, stirring continuously with a whisk or spoon to distribute the heat evenly.Â
I let it warm up for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping the heat low enough that it doesn’t ever reach a boil.
When I see bubbling or steam rising, I remove it from the heat to prevent the milk from curdling or damaging the delicate flavors. Then it’s ready to pour carefully back into a mug and enjoy!
Method 3 – Using a Steam Wand
I love the speed and convenience of using a steam wand to reheat chilled Starbucks coffee. This method allows me to revive even room-temperature drinks in 5 to 10 seconds!
I invested in a home espresso machine mainly for making lattes and cappuccinos.
But I was delighted to discover its powerful steam wand attachment also does a killer job reheating cooled coffee drinks in no time flat.
My reheating process is simple: I pour the Starbucks coffee into a stainless steel milk frothing pitcher, then submerge the steam wand into the liquid.
After turning on the steam function, the drink is piping hot and ready to consume in less than 10 seconds! The key is keeping a close eye, so I pull the steamer away when it reaches optimal temp.
Some handheld milk frothers also have steam wands built in. While not quite as fast as an espresso machine, these can reheat drinks in under 30 seconds faster than a microwave. I’m so glad I discovered this reheating hack!
Method 4 – Using a Mug Warmer
While the previous methods focus on reheating coffee that has already cooled down, I also have a “proactive” trick for keeping a hot drink at the perfect temperature for longer.
The secret? An electric mug warmer!
These handy devices allow you to place a mug directly on the heated surface to maintain its heat for an extended period. I use my coffee mug warmer whenever I know I’ll be slowly sipping a hot drink over an hour or more.
Once I set my steaming Starbucks coffee on the warmer, it stays at an ideal 140-160°F – hot enough to enjoy slowly without getting bitter from overheating.
I plug in the device and place my mug directly on the surface, and it preserves the heat so I don’t have to gulp it down to avoid a lukewarm situation.Â
I love that mug warmers prevent me from having to reheat my coffee in the first place. It’s a great way to relax and savor my favorite Starbucks lattes and mochas for as long as possible!
My name is Michael Jones, and I’m a coffee enthusiast and expert based in the US. I run my own coffee shop, and I’m passionate about everything related to coffee. On my website, Coffee and Comfort, I share my knowledge and tips to help you elevate your coffee experience. Whether you’re a beginner brewer or a seasoned barista, I have something for everyone. I’ll teach you how to choose the right coffee beans, grind them perfectly, and brew a delicious cup of coffee at home. I’ll also share tips on how to make different coffee drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. But more than just teaching you about coffee, I want to help you create a coffee lifestyle that you love. Coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a way to connect with people and enjoy the simple things in life.