Baristas share 6 underrated drinks they think customers should order more often

• Business Insider asked baristas to share the drinks they think customers should order more often.
• An Americano misto is a good substitution for a classic latte.
• A macadamia-milk latte is a great option for those who prefer or need milk alternatives.

Whether your go-to coffee-shop order is an Americano or an oat-milk latte, you may feel the desire to switch up your routine every now and then. However, figuring out what to order can be difficult.

That's why Business Insider asked baristas about the underrated drinks they think customers should order more often. Here's what they said.

If it's an option, order a pour-over coffee to enjoy the true flavor of a roast

Pour-over coffee refers to a drink that's made when hot water is poured over coffee grounds.

Alex Greene, head roaster at Gregorys Coffee, told Business Insider that although most coffee shops don't offer this beverage as an option, customers should opt for one if it's available.

"It's coffee in its purest form, so you get to enjoy what the farmer produced without any modifications or milk," Greene said.

An Americano misto is a fine substitute for an expensive latte

For coffee-shop visitors looking to save money without sacrificing flavor, Laila Ghambari, the owner of Guilder Café and Juniors Roasted Coffee, recommends ordering an Americano misto. This drink is made with espresso, water, and a layer of steamed milk.

"An Americano is just hot water and espresso. You can still get your typical flavoring and ask for an inch or two of steamed milk of your choice. It's still sweet and decadent but costs less than a latte," she told BI.

Spruce up your chai order with a shot of espresso

A chai latte is a popular drink that can be enhanced further with the addition of espresso.

"Adding an espresso shot to a chai latte not only boosts the caffeine contents of the drink but creates a blend of complex flavors that elevate a good drink to an excellent one," Yaretsy Flores, owner and barista at Casaroma Café, told BI.

This drink, known as a dirty chai latte, can be ordered hot or iced. Both are great options that deliver a delicious mix of chai and espresso.

A cortado is a good option for coffee lovers seeking a balanced profile

Daniel Mentado, owner of mobile coffee bar Sole Cafe, told BI he always recommends a cortado for its perfectly balanced flavor.

"Equal parts espresso and steamed milk create a smooth, rich drink that highlights espresso's bold flavor without being overpowering. Its smaller size ensures a satisfying experience without excessive milk, making it ideal for those who appreciate quality over quantity," Mentado said.

Iced-coffee enthusiasts should opt for a refreshing cold-brew lemonade

A cold brew is a popular option for coffee drinkers year-round, but Chris Dennis, barista and general manager of Ox Coffee, recommends ordering a cold-brew lemonade instead.

"Cold-brew lemonade, especially in the summer, combines two incredible concepts that complement each other well. The best option for this is a cold brew made from berry-forward blends," he told BI.

For those seeking milk alternatives, try an iced macadamia-milk latte

Connor Nerat, regional manager and barista at Spill the Beans, encourages adding macadamia milk to lattes over traditional milk alternatives.

"Macadamia milk is amazing because it has a natural sweetness that almond and oat milk don't have," he said.

Nerat added that a macadamia-milk latte is also low in calories.