Work in millilitres first, then adjust by taste. Starbucks default counts are widely reported as 3 pumps in a tall, 4 in a grande, 5 in a hot venti and 6 in an iced venti, but pump counts can’t be carried between bars because pump sizes differ. One full Solano’s pump is 10ml.
| Starbucks size | Widely reported default | Estimated syrup* | Solano’s pumps to try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall, 12oz (355ml) | 3 pumps | About 22ml | 2 pumps (20ml) |
| Grande, 16oz (473ml) | 4 pumps | About 30ml | 3 pumps (30ml) |
| Venti hot, 20oz (591ml) | 5 pumps | About 38ml | 4 pumps (40ml) |
| Venti iced, 24oz (710ml) | 6 pumps | About 45ml | 4 to 5 pumps (40 to 50ml) |
*Starbucks doesn’t publish its pump volume. Sources vary, and about 7.5ml per pump is the figure most often given. Treat the table as an estimate, not an official recipe. Solano’s is not affiliated with Starbucks.
A simple way to get close
- Make the same size drink with a similar coffee and milk.
- Start with the Solano’s pumps in the table, then stir and taste.
- Go up or down by half a pump until it suits you.
- Write down the millilitres for next time.
Syrups differ in strength and sweetness, so the finished drink won’t match exactly. If your drink tastes sweeter than the café version, take off a pump. If the flavour disappears under the milk, check the shot before you add more syrup.