Starbucks Secret Menu Contest: Win $25,000 for Your Custom Grande Creation!

Think your coffee order is iconic? It’s time to put your barista-level creativity to the test in the Starbucks Secret Menu Contest, where flavor meets fame—and $25,000 cash is up for grabs. Submit your custom Grande-sized drink creation, and if it dazzles with taste, originality, and viral-worthy appeal, you could rise to the top as the next coffee legend.

This isn’t just any drink order—it’s your signature masterpiece. Whether it’s a frosty fusion of chai and matcha or a caramel-laced espresso explosion, we want to see your best, boldest, most buzzworthy custom creation. Your job? Craft a drink so craveable it could sneak onto the menu. Our job? Reward the best with major cash.

The creator of the winning drink will take home the $25,000 Grand Prize, plus a $5,000 finalist prize. Three additional finalists will each receive $5,000, proving that yes—it absolutely pays to have good taste. This is your moment to stir up the world of coffee with flair, flavor, and a little foam magic.

Ready to shake, steam, and sip your way into Starbucks lore? Enter now and let your taste buds take the lead.

Limit: Only one contest entry is allowed per person. The minimum age limit to enter the giveaway is 18.

How to Participate in Starbucks Secret MenuContest:

Visit secretmenucontest.starbucks.com during the Entry Submission Phase and follow these steps to enter:

Step 1: Use the site’s menu simulator to create your favorite customized Grande (16 oz.) drink. This custom recipe will serve as your official Contest Entry.

Step 2: Complete the registration form with your full name and valid email address, then agree to the Official Rules to submit your entry.

Step 3 (Optional): You may upload a photo of your custom drink (JPG or PNG, max 10MB). The photo will not impact judging but must not contain offensive, infringing, or unlawful content.

Starbucks Secret Menu Drink Challenge Judging and Winner Selection:

During the Judging Phase, four Finalists will be selected through the following multi-step process:

Finalist Selection Process:

Computer Scoring:

All eligible drink recipes will first be evaluated using a computer model that scores based on ingredients, preparation methods, and creativity. High-scoring entries will move to the next stage.

Sponsor Judging:

A panel of expert judges will review the top entries and select 16 Semi-Finalist Recipes, ensuring each is unique. Judging will be based on:

Proud to Serve (taste, presentation, creativity) – 80%

• Feasibility (preparation practicality, cost, time) – 20%

Expert Panel Review:

A separate panel will evaluate the 16 Semi-Finalist Recipes on creativity, flavor balance, and current trends to select the 4 Finalist Recipes.

Random Finalist Selection:

If multiple entrants submitted the same Finalist Recipe, one will be randomly chosen to represent it. If only one person submitted a Finalist Recipe, they will automatically become the Finalist.

Finalist Notification and Requirements:

Finalists will be contacted via email on or around July 29, 2025. To confirm their status, each must return a signed Prize Acceptance Document within 3 days.

Public Voting to Determine Grand Prize Winner

During the Public Voting Phase, a poll will be posted on @Starbucks on Instagram, allowing users to vote for their favorite of the four Finalist Custom Drink Recipes.

Voting Limit: Onevote per person during the voting phase

The Finalist receiving the most votes will be named the Grand Prize Winner.

Starbucks Secret Menu Cash Contest Prizes:

One Grand Prize winner will receive $30,000 awarded via ACH transfer (includes $5,000 Finalist Prize + $25,000 Grand Prize) – ARV: $30,000

Three Finalist Prize winners will each receive $5,000 awarded via ACH transfer.

Total Prize Pool ARV: $45,000