6 PJ's Coffee 'Secret Menu' Drinks And Customization Hacks You Must Try In 2025
Forget the printed menu; the true magic of PJ's Coffee of New Orleans lies in its hidden, 'secret' offerings. As of December 19, 2025, the most exciting beverages at PJ's are often the ones you have to ask for by name or, even better, customize yourself, using the chain's rich New Orleans heritage and premium ingredients like the Original Cold Brew™ and Viennese Blend. This guide dives deep into the most sought-after fan-favorite drinks and customization hacks, ensuring your next coffee run is anything but ordinary.
The concept of a "secret menu" at PJ's Coffee isn't a list of official, unpublished items, but rather a collection of legendary seasonal favorites, regional specialties, and brilliant customer-barista customizations that have gained a cult following. Mastering these off-menu orders is the key to unlocking a new level of flavor, blending the iconic Southern hospitality of PJ's with your personal taste. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of drinks you need to try right now.
The Art of the 'Secret Menu' at PJ's Coffee of New Orleans
PJ's Coffee, founded in 1978, prides itself on its commitment to quality, utilizing 100% Arabica beans and a signature cold-drip process that results in a less acidic, full-bodied Original Cold Brew™. This dedication to foundational quality is what makes the "secret menu" so successful—it provides a superior base for any customization. The secret menu is largely composed of three categories:
- Seasonal Legends: Drinks that were once on the menu for a limited time and are still possible to recreate if the flavors (like Bananas Foster or Gingerbread) are in stock.
- Regional Specialties: Items that are fan favorites in the Louisiana area but may not be on the menu at all locations, such as the famous Pralines & Cream flavor.
- Customer Customizations (Hacks): Creative combinations of existing syrups, milks, and toppings that elevate a standard drink into something truly unique.
To access these hidden gems, it’s all about knowing the ingredients and asking your barista politely. The staff at PJ's are often the source of these creative specialty crafted beverages and are usually happy to help you build your perfect cup.
6 Must-Try 'Off-Menu' Drinks and Customization Hacks
These are the most popular and buzz-worthy drinks that PJ's Coffee fans are currently ordering, often referred to as the true PJ's Coffee secret menu. Each one offers a unique taste of New Orleans flavor and coffee expertise.
1. The Legendary Bananas Foster Iced Latte
The Bananas Foster flavor is one of PJ’s most iconic, often returning as a seasonal favorite. It captures the essence of the classic New Orleans dessert: rich buttery rum, ripe banana, ice cream, and a hint of brown sugar.
- How to Order: Ask for an Iced Latte (or a Velvet Ice for a blended treat) and request the Bananas Foster flavoring. If the official syrup is unavailable, a skilled barista might be able to combine banana and caramel/vanilla syrups to get close to the flavor profile.
- Why It's Secret: It’s a seasonal item that fans crave year-round. Getting it off-season requires knowing to ask for the syrup.
- Entities/LSI: Bananas Foster, Iced Latte, Velvet Ice, buttery rum, brown sugar, New Orleans dessert, seasonal beverages.
2. The Pralines & Cream Velvet Ice
Pralines & Cream is a staple flavor in Louisiana, and a must-try at PJ's Coffee. While a Praline Chai Latte may appear seasonally, the Pralines & Cream Velvet Ice is a frozen, decadent twist on this Southern confection.
- How to Order: Start with a standard Velvet Ice (PJ’s signature blended sweet sensation) and specify Pralines & Cream flavoring. Alternatively, ask for a Vanilla Velvet Ice with a shot of Praline syrup and a caramel or butterscotch drizzle.
- Why It's Secret: The Pralines & Cream Iced Latte is highly recommended by locals, but blending it into a Velvet Ice (a frozen coffee drink) is the ultimate customization hack for a creamy, smooth experience.
- Entities/LSI: Pralines & Cream, Velvet Ice, Praline Chai Latte, blended sweet sensations, Southern confection, smooth, creamy.
3. The Turbo-Charged Voodoo Energy Drink
PJ's has embraced the energy drink trend with Big Easy-inspired creations like the Voodoo and Hurricane. The Voodoo is a Crescent City-inspired concoction that is often viewed as a specialty or regional offering, making it "secret" to those outside the PJ's core market.
- How to Order: Simply ask for the "Voodoo Energy Drink." If your location carries the line of energy drinks, this is an easy, non-coffee-based pick-me-up that showcases PJ's unique flavor concepts.
- Why It's Secret: These signature cocktails are often promoted regionally and can be a surprise to customers expecting only coffee. They represent a fun, alternative menu item.
- Entities/LSI: Voodoo, Hurricane, Crescent City, Big Easy, energy drinks, signature cocktails, non-coffee beverages.
4. The Elevated Iced Vanilla Latte Hack
Sometimes the best secret drink is a perfectly executed customization of a classic. The Iced Vanilla Latte is a standout choice, but the hack is to elevate its texture and richness.
- How to Order: Order an Iced Vanilla Latte (made with rich double espresso) and request it be made with half-and-half (for extra creaminess) and topped with Cold Foam and a Caramel Drizzle.
- Why It's Secret: This is a known barista customization that transforms a simple latte into a decadent, multi-layered treat. Customization is essential when ordering iced coffee at PJ's.
- Entities/LSI: Iced Vanilla Latte, double espresso, Cold Foam, Caramel Drizzle, half-and-half, Iced Coffee Customization, barista hack.
5. The Year-Round Chai Velvet Ice
If you are a fan of Chai Tea, the Chai Velvet Ice is a must-try smooth drink that often gets overlooked on the main menu. It takes the comforting spices of a Chai Latte and blends it into PJ's signature frosty, smooth Velvet Ice format.
- How to Order: Ask for a Chai Latte blended into a Velvet Ice. You can also specify a Gingerbread Chai Latte if you are ordering during the holiday season or if the syrup is still available.
- Why It's Secret: It's a popular combination that isn't always explicitly listed as a "Velvet Ice" flavor option, but is easily made by blending the existing Chai concentrate.
- Entities/LSI: Chai Velvet Ice, Chai Tea, Gingerbread Chai Latte, blended, frosty cold, smooth drink.
6. The Healthy Protein Velvet Ice
For the health-conscious coffee lover, this is the ultimate customization. PJ's offers a way to blend their signature Cold Brew with a protein boost, creating a guilt-free, delicious treat.
- How to Order: Request a Protein Velvet Ice. This concoction is made from PJ’s homemade, ultra low-calorie Original Cold Brew concentrate, blended with fat-free milk and a Protein Concentrate.
- Why It's Secret: While it may be listed on a specialty or alternative menu, it's not a standard flavor like Mocha or Vanilla, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a healthier, high-protein coffee option.
- Entities/LSI: Protein Velvet Ice, low-calorie, Original Cold Brew concentrate, fat-free milk, Protein Concentrate, healthy option.
How to Order Your PJ's Coffee Secret Drink Like a Pro
Ordering off the "secret menu" requires confidence, clarity, and Southern charm. Remember that the goal is to help the barista create your specialty crafted beverage efficiently.
1. Start with the Base: Always specify the base drink first. PJ's offers a variety of base options that are crucial to the final product, including their signature Original Cold Brew™, rich espresso, or the traditional Viennese Blend.
2. Name the Flavor Combination: Since you can't just say "Pralines & Cream Velvet Ice" at every location, be ready to list the components. For example, "Can I get a Velvet Ice with Praline syrup?"
3. Specify the Customization: Clearly state any hacks or additions. For the Iced Vanilla Latte hack, you would say, "Iced Vanilla Latte with half-and-half, topped with Cold Foam and a Caramel Drizzle."
4. Be Patient and Kind: If the barista seems unsure, politely explain the components. They are constantly refreshing their menu and innovating, but some seasonal syrups or regional favorites may not be available everywhere. A little Southern hospitality goes a long way!
Unlocking the PJ's Coffee secret menu is an adventure in flavor, blending the rich tradition of New Orleans coffee with modern customization. By knowing these fan-favorite recipes and hacks, you can transform your regular coffee run into a decadent, specialty experience, proving that the best drinks are often the ones you have to ask for.
Detail Author:
- Name : Manuel Bruen
- Username : wunsch.cecil
- Email : schneider.graciela@senger.org
- Birthdate : 2007-03-21
- Address : 2218 Daren Harbor Suite 956 Luzburgh, OK 61959
- Phone : 1-917-927-7604
- Company : Streich-Feest
- Job : Sports Book Writer
- Bio : Et cum exercitationem dolores. Architecto nulla sint magni debitis voluptatem. Qui aliquid deleniti qui dignissimos. Quo magni iste ipsum omnis reprehenderit dolores dolorem.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/rabernathy
- username : rabernathy
- bio : Ducimus cupiditate esse illo. A molestiae aut assumenda.
- followers : 6377
- following : 447
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/rasheed.abernathy
- username : rasheed.abernathy
- bio : Reiciendis tempore qui iste enim.
- followers : 688
- following : 2359
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/rasheed.abernathy
- username : rasheed.abernathy
- bio : Rerum qui culpa in aperiam minus perspiciatis laudantium. Nisi hic cum quis aliquam ut illum nesciunt. Porro ut ut totam voluptatem non.
- followers : 2728
- following : 1977
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/rasheed.abernathy
- username : rasheed.abernathy
- bio : Maiores earum dolore amet quam. Asperiores sunt quasi nam facilis.
- followers : 5682
- following : 690
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@abernathyr
- username : abernathyr
- bio : Dolores in corporis nihil sit ut ipsa. Qui inventore doloribus ea nesciunt aut.
- followers : 2991
- following : 1608
