Starbucks Rewards changes/devaluation

[Dan]

I'll have a misto with 4 shots over ice in a venti cup, and you know what, hold the coffeee 

ALOL! Who's going to be the first try this 

[Dan]

Apparently, a misto (coffee with steamed milk) codes at a 50 star item. You can then add a shot of espresso (presumably more than one), and it still codes as 50. This is the hot drink I get the most and it used to be 125.

Now on SD. Hope y'all had a fun run.

[Dan]

I'll have a misto with 4 shots over ice in a venti cup, and you know what, hold the coffeee 

Anyone tried this yet?

[yuds70]

Anyone tried this yet?

I would have by now, but only have 49 stars....

ETA: I have asked them to separate extra shots from the coffee before when redeeming rewards - they were not happy to - but they did in the end as a 'one time' favor.

[shaulyaakov]

I did find out that apparently cold brew is included in the free refill program. So you can buy a Brewed coffee, spill it out, and then get a cold brew refill.

YMMV, as while officially refills should be allowed to go between hot and cold drinks, I have found that most baristas do not know this and will I sit that if you ordered a hot drink, your refill can only be hot, but they would be wrong.

I don't know if free refills work on award drinks. I have never tried.

[voldemort]

I don't know if free refills work on award drinks. I have never tried.

Of course they do, the refill has nothing to do with your original drink. Starbucks sells refills for .54 cents, But it’s free for (gold?)Members as long as it’s rung up as a refill.

Now what you can do is get a brewed coffee with 50 stars,drink/spill it out and than get an iced coffee refill for free.
50 stars instead of 150

[Redbull3]

Anyone tried this yet?

Lol it's a little too nutty no. But my DW usual (about 2x a week) is a venti misto anyway with sf cinamon dolce syrup that usually runs $4.40ish so it's a great value for us to get that for 50 stars (vs using 125 stars on my $7.30ish drink pre-change). So we owe a debt of gratitude to @shaulyaakov

[Yonah]

Tried hacking this a little myself.
I got a brewed coffee
Almond milk
Cinnamon Dolce syrup,
Two shots of espresso
For 50 stars.

I ordered via the app, and then when I came in I asked for a cup of ice. Poured the coffee over the ice and Voila!

[unicorn_cactus]

Of course they do, the refill has nothing to do with your original drink. Starbucks sells refills for .54 cents, But it’s free for (gold?)Members as long as it’s rung up as a refill.

Now what you can do is get a brewed coffee with 50 stars,drink/spill it out and than get an iced coffee refill for free.
50 stars instead of 150

I am ashamed to admit that I do this. I at least try to be discreet and pretend to drink a little hot coffee. I guess I am the epitome of frugality or simply being cheap.

[shaulyaakov]

I am ashamed to admit that I do this. I at least try to be discreet and pretend to drink a little hot coffee. I guess I am the epitome of frugality or simply being cheap.

Is there an issur of Bal Tashchis here? Not sure it's worth violating the issur for the sake of $3-4.

[Yonah]

I am ashamed to admit that I do this. I at least try to be discreet and pretend to drink a little hot coffee. I guess I am the epitome of frugality or simply being cheap.

As I mentioned above, almost all starbucks will give you a cup of ice - just ask for a cup of Ice when you pick up your drink and pour it over.

[shaulyaakov]

As I mentioned above, almost all starbucks will give you a cup of ice - just ask for a cup of Ice when you pick up your drink and pour it over.

That wouldn't solve the potential kasharus issue of hot coffee vs. getting a cold-brew.

[gozalim]

Is there an issur of Bal Tashchis here? Not sure it's worth violating the issur for the sake of $3-4.

i'm pretty sure this wouldn't be bal tashchis, as the savings itself is a purpose.
Would not doing it be bal tashchis of $3?

[shaulyaakov]

i'm pretty sure this wouldn't be bal tashchis

Why? You are getting coffee for the sole reason of throwing it out to get a new one. How is it not?

[Yonah]

That wouldn't solve the potential kasharus issue of hot coffee vs. getting a cold-brew.

I was assuming the person was "traveling"

Seriously - how is Cafe Misto not a kashrus issue, but Regular coffee is?