101-Shot Latte Takes Biggest Starbucks Drink Record
— -- With the last drink clocking in at a measly 60 espresso shots, this 101-shot drink is definitely now the biggest free Starbucks drink on record.
Bill Lewis, a credit repair and identity theft expert in Florida, has over 10,000 Facebook followers and wanted to make the drink for them.
“Everybody always makes fun of my coffee selections on my Facebook page,” Lewis told ABC News.
Lewis typically orders an extra-hot 6-shot venti latte with vanilla and mocha syrups and heavy cream instead of milk. People often comment that it’s an expensive daily drink (nearly $10), so he wanted to have some fun with it.
He went to a dozen Starbucks before he found one in Fort Lauderdale that would make him such a large drink. Starbucks has spoken out against these record-setting drinks in the past, telling ABC News that drinks like these are “excessive and something that we do not encourage. We want to ensure our customers receive the highest quality and most delicious tasting food and beverage products from us and, we don’t believe that [these] particular beverage choice[s are] reflective of that.” They discourage stores from offering these beverages, which is why Lewis had difficulty finding one to participate.
“I went in yesterday morning at 6 a.m. and ordered the grande which has 2 shots in it,” Lewis said.
But that was only the beginning of filling his 160-ounce novelty mug. Lewis then added 99 shots of espresso, 17 shots of vanilla, 6 shots of mocha, and some matcha powder to add an extra 60 cents to the check.
“It tasted good,” he said of the final result. “It was a little strong.”
His total rang up at a whopping $0, because of the “My Starbucks Rewards” loyalty program, which allows customers to receive a free beverage or food item on their birthday as well as a free item after earning 12 Stars (earned through purchase). Customers can then customize the beverage however they wish. Without the rewards, the drink would have been $83.75.
Lewis shared his drink with friends and a homeless man who was outside the store.
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