Why pay full price for a Starbucks concoction when a little ordering jujitsu can produce the same drink for less? Reader Kelly devised a way to order her Starbucks Tazo Chai latte for half the price:

I spend far too much money there, and lately have been experimenting with combinations to get my delicious drinks for cheaper, but tasting the same using the Secret Menu codewords and with the help of the confessions of a Starbucks barista. The newest version? A knock off Tazo Chai latte for half price.

I simply ask for a chai tea misto, with two bags so it’s nice and strong, and half cinnamon and half vanilla syrup, with lots of foam. I sprinkle a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla on the foam and BAM! I’ve halved my drink allowance for the week, but not lost any of the flavour.

Great work, Kelly! Do you have secret money-saving drink formulas of your own? Send your recipes to us at tips [at] consumerist dot com.

(Photo: chewywong)

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