So we all know how sometimes when it's slower that it's nice to try some new things and drinks. I thought I would take a moment and share a few of my favorites. (P.S. This was inspired by the cloud foam and something I did today).

Keep in mind that most of these are either SUPER labor intensive or are simply incredibly hard to ring out properly...in other words, let's keep these as barista drinks. If you come into my store and order one, I WILL hand you a green apron and tell you to make it yourself...ok, just kidding. I love my job and dont want to lose it. But seriously, just enjoy...

Top 5 crazy Starbucks barista drinks:

5. Cheater Smoothie: So after they discontinued the smoothie last year I decided to have a little fun. This is a little sweet for a smoothie, but it's still really tasty. Apple juice to the first line on the cup and dump into the blender pitcher. Add a generous splash of strawberry puree (think about 2 tablespoons), a packet of blueberries, a banana, a small scoop of ice and 2 pumps of creme base. You can use the dried inclusions here if you want as well, but they tend to get a little gritty (remember the pokemon go anyone?) I like to blend this on the #2 setting, btw. Side note: instead of creme base, you can also use about a half of a Siggi's yogurt, but that's just something more to pay for. (PS I might try this with the cloud powder instead of the creme base. I dont know what it will do yet. If anyone beats me to it, please let me know how it turns out)

4. Cascara cloud foam macchiato: yes this was my creation today, but WOW it was good. For a grande, use 3 pumps cascara, 150ml milk, and 3 scoops of cloud powder. Blend on 4. Add a few ice cubes and top with w/ shots of espresso and a strike of cascara sprinkles.

3. Cold brew frappuccino: using cold brew concentrate instead of froast is ALWAYS a great idea. No way to ring it out though, fyi.

2. Peach Green Tea Frappuccino: MUST use nondairy milk! If you dont the peach infusion will curdle the milk...and no one likes chunky milk. I use coconut milk to the first line, peach infusion to the second, and an extra scoop of the green stuff in the blender (no classic though, too sweet).

1. London Frost: One of my all-time favorites. If you freeze fog, it becomes frost right? So basically I make a crazy concentrated Earl Grey hot tea...like 3 bags in a short. Set a timer for the tea bags (4 minutes works fine) so you dont over-steep and end up with a bitter taste. You will want to cool this off before you use it, so either drop your cup in a larger cup of ice water for a couple minutes after you brew it or think ahead enough to put it in the partner fridge for an hour or so. Use this as base in a vanilla bean frappuccino...think to use about the same amount as you would frap roast in a cafe vanilla. Blend and enjoy. Seriously strong lavender and vanilla flavors with that sweet smell of bergamot.

Hope everyone has fun with these. I would love to hear about other fun creations.