I think customers like the honesty. I usually recommend something similar that I do like. I also say something like "however a lot of people do like it" to sound less negative. Unless it's the funnel cake frap because nobody likes that

i just give them my honest opinion. usually i’ll describe what it tastes like first and then follow up with like “personally, i don’t like it” bc everyone is different?? its tricky but i try to encourage ppl to try it themselves

I am as honest as possible without being too discouraging. Like apple brown sugar tastes like yankee candle smells but that’s a little harsh so I usually tell them about that syrup flavor combo and that they definitely need to be a fan of brown sugar to like it. It depends on how bold I think I can be at the time. Sometimes I really do just tell the truth like with strawberry funnel cake. Shits nasty.

I have pretty extreme taste, I don't like anything sweetened so when I get that question I spin it toward what is really popular, try to divine what the customer is craving by talking to them. I have recommended a white chocolate mocha to someone and a mocha Frappuccino to someone else, things I would never personally enjoy, and they both came back to tell me they love it

ngl i’m a bit too straight up because it’s like the customer is giving me an opportunity to break out of my barista persona. and as others said, they likely appreciate the honest input and also the peace of mind knowing their barista isn’t trying to pull a mall salesperson moment

it does make for funny moments when i go too overboard tho (re: once a customer asked if we had hazelnut syrup and i didn’t catch on that he probably wanted it so i said “yes but it’s kind of disgusting, why?”)

I always ask them “did you want the company’s opinion or my personal opinion” and 10/10 times they always want my honest opinion lmao

I gain immense satisfaction from being entirely honest with our customers about our products. I'll tell them honestly whether I like a thing, whether it sells well, and what the general barista consensus is about said thing.

My old store manager used to constantly yell at me, because I would tell people the Cherry syrup tasted like Robitussin…

im always pretty honest about it when they ask. specifically the apple crisp macchiato. i do like it, and i will tell that to the customer, but i also will tell them that its very unpopular, and if they order it and dont like it, we will gladly make them something else. if they are willing to try it, or are on the fence, i offer things that may make it taste better. like in my opinion it tastes a whole lot better upside down and with cinnamon powder, and sometimes little suggestions will make them at least try it.

If I don’t like something or haven’t tried it I just tell them “it’s been pretty popular” and leave it at that.

My problem is I've actually liked the funnel cake and apple crisp drinks, so I usually tell customers that I think its worth trying, but I've heard a lot of mixed reviews so I'd remake it if they didnt like it.

Give them the honest truth. They’re usually pretty happy after the fact

the syrup itself is really good with white mocha. just like everyone here is saying, always make suggestions! if you get down time maybe try mixing the syrup with other things & see if you like it any other way

My go-to with something I either don’t like or can’t have (bc im vegan) is “it’s been very popular!” Lol

Apple crisp I describe as “if a latte and a spiced apple cider had a baby” lol

What I’ve been saying is


“So I’m gonna be real with you, fruity coffee is not my thing. But that’s just me. I’ve got coworkers who are obsessed with it. The apple brown sugar flavor is fall in a cup and if you have a nostalgia kick for some apple jacks cereal it’s definitely the drink for you..”

I always tell them which drinks are popular. I can’t drink certain popular items due to allergies and it’s the best I can do.

“Some people do like it, but I’m personally more a fan of xyz”