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Hot enough for you?
This summer has brought record temperatures across the country, and thankfully Starbucks is offering thirsty customers some relief.
For a limited time, the coffee chain will reward the purchase of a grande or large drink with a second, totally free drink.
But that's not the only deal coming up. And to take advantage of them, you'll need to do a little legwork.
$3 Frappuccinos
On Friday, August 10, Starbucks is hosting one of their Happy Hour events.
From 3 p.m. to closing time, the chain's grande-size frappuccino drinks will be just $3.
That will save you $1.45 on most frapps, but even more on the chain's limited time Salted Caramel Mocha flavor.
Note that the deal does not apply to any bottled drinks, it can't combine with another deal, and that taxes are extra.
The catch - there's always a catch - is you need a Happy Hour invitation to get this deal.
You can sign up at Starbucks' Happy Hour site to get the invitation. You'll need to share your name, zip code, and a email address to qualify.
Members of Starbucks Rewards already qualify for an invitation, and will receive theirs automatically through the Starbucks app.
It's worth signing up for the Rewards program if you haven't already. Members get notices about upcoming deals, birthday rewards, convenient quick-pay and pre-order options, and free refills in-store.
Once you have your code, show your barista the invitation code and enjoy your discounted frapps!
BOGO Chilled Drinks
There's another Happy Hour coming up next week, and if you ask me it has an even better deal.
Next Thursday, August 16, Starbucks will offer a free grande or large iced beverage with the purchase of another grande or large iced beverage.
The deal only lasts from 3 p.m. to closing time, and does not include bottled drinks, Starbucks Reserve beverages, or frappuccinos (so grab those on the 10th).
Along with the always popular iced latte, you can get macchiatos, cold brew coffee, iced green tea infusions, iced tea, lemonade, and more with this great deal.
Just like any other Happy Hour deal, you'll need the invitation from the Starbucks website, or from your Starbucks app if you're a Rewards member.
With the scorching hot temperatures this month, it's the perfect time to treat a friend to a frozen treat and save a few bucks.
Just know that you can't combine this deal with other special offers from Stabucks.
More Ways To Save At Starbucks
I'm a devoted coffee drinker, and that means I spend way more than I should on my daily Starbucks order.
Saving money is something I'm always interested in, but not at the expense of my favorite drink.
So instead, I learned how to swap my order to get the same great taste for less.
Take a venti-size latte for example. Prices vary depending on where you live, but typically this drink costs 65 cents more than a double shot of espresso.
But take that cheap double espresso in a venti cup, and mix in your own milk. Suddenly, you have a regular latte, but save a little on every drink.
You can use a similar trick to swap a frappucinno for an iced latte. Ask for extra syrup and the flavor is practically the same.
Bear in mind, the economics of a massive coffee chain like Starbucks make these swaps guilt-free. Try them at your local mom and pop coffee shop and you'll probably get some dirty looks.
