How not to order like an idiot at Starbucks.
Having worked at Starbucks for five and a half years, there isn't really much I've learned that will help me get along in life, except for how to order a drink in such a manner that will make my life and the barista's life easier.
Drink ordering is done in a specific manner, and it's really not that hard to learn. Officially, it goes "Iced/Hot -> Decaf/Regular -> No. of Shots -> Size -> Syrup -> Milk Choice -> Add-ons -> Drink Name". In practice, I think Size should go right after the Iced/Hot option, because it lets the barista know immediately what cup to grab and start marking. If you're saying the size of the drink last, the barista won't be able to grab a cup and start marking it until you're done speaking and he's likely forgotten everything you've said. So at least say the size first.
When you say your drink all flip flopped and out of order, you're going to confuse the barista and you'll just end up repeating yourself, which will make you mad in the long run, so write your favorite drink down if you have to, you'll get the hang of it eventually.
Now, you only have to say a particular category if you're getting things different from the default. You wouldn't need to ask for a "Hot, Not-decaf, Double, Grande, Vanilla, 2%, with Foam, Latte", because that's what you get anyway when you ask for a "Hot, Grande, Vanilla, Latte" If you're not clear on the sizes, which I can understand, you can say small, medium, or large, and the barista shouldn't care. If he gives you static he cares way too much about his minimum wage job.
Also, learn the difference between drinks. There's no such thing as hot frappuccinos, and if you order an iced caramel macchiatto, it's not going to come out as the icey blended drink with whipped cream on top. If you wanted the frappuccino and complain about it, they'll make you one, but they'll call you an idiot as soon as you're out of earshot.
