6 Drinks at Tim Hortons You Need to Try ASAP
Tim Hortons coffee is practically a national treasure in Canada. It’s there when you’re road-tripping, running late for work, or just trying to survive a Monday. And with over 650 US locations, it’s clear the love for that signature brew is spreading fast and wide.
Tim Hortons has an extensive drink lineup, but quality can vary from item to item. Some are cozy-hug-in-a-cup good, and others… well, let’s just say they taste like they were made by someone going through something.
So, in the name of research (and a mild caffeine addiction), it was vital to try all the coffee options Tim Hortons has to offer…and rank them.
Coffee Ranking Table (Quick View)
| Drink | Roast Level | Sweetness | Strength | Caffeine Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Blend Medium | Medium Roast | Low to Medium | Low | 205 mg (14 oz) |
| Dark Roast | Dark Roast | Low | High | 195 mg (14 oz) |
| Iced Cappuccino | N/A (Espresso-based) | High | Low | 200 mg (14 oz ml) |
| French Vanilla | N/A (Flavored Latte) | Very High | Low | 50 to 80 mg (14 oz) |
| Latte | Medium Roast (Espresso) | Medium | Moderate | 200 mg (14 oz), depending on the type |
| Cold Brew | Medium/Dark Roast | High | High | ~200 mg (16 oz) |
Top 6 Coffee In Tim Hortons
Here are some of the best drink options you can find at Tim Hortons, perfect for fueling your day or giving you that much-needed pick-me-up.
1. Original Blend
Tasting Notes: Smooth, mellow, and slightly nutty coffee beans.
This is the coffee equivalent of a flannel shirt: timeless, reliable, and somehow works with everything.
The Original Blend has that classic medium roast flavor that doesn’t try to show off. It’s not trendy, and that is exactly why people love it.
Drink a Large on an empty stomach before a 6:00 AM airport run and you’ll feel like you could fly yourself.
2. Dark Roast
Tasting Notes: Rich, smoky, deep, full-bodied coffee.
If the Original Blend is your easygoing friend, the Dark Roast is their intense older sibling who reads philosophy at parties.
Bold and full-bodied, it delivers a complex flavor profile with smoky undertones and a lingering depth that commands attention.
Perfect for those who appreciate a robust coffee experience with a touch of sophistication.
3. Iced Cappuccino
Tasting Notes: Creamy, icy, and sweet. Basically dessert with a caffeine alibi.
There’s no point pretending this is just coffee. It’s a milkshake that somehow sneaked onto the grown-up menu. I love it. Everyone loves it. Even people who claim to only drink black coffee “for the flavor” will steal sips of your Iced Capp when they think no one’s looking.
Creamy, frothy, and sweet with just the right touch of coffee kick, it’s the ultimate treat when you want a little indulgence with your caffeine fix.
Pro tip: Ask for chocolate milk instead of cream. Add chocolate drizzle while you’re at it. Game. Changer.
4. Latte
Tasting Notes: Smooth espresso, steamed milk, subtle flavor.
Tim Horton’s isn’t necessarily known for its espresso. But the latte will surprise you.
It’s may not be mind-blowing like your favorite café downtown with the art on top and jazz playing in the background, but it’s solid. If you want an espresso fix without the $6 price tag and the judgmental baristas, this will do just fine.
You can also add a shot of vanilla, caramel, or mocha. Basically, make it your own until you forget it started out plain.
5. Cold Brew
Tasting Notes: Smooth, slightly sweet, lower in acidity than regular coffee.
Tim Horton’s Cold Brew is actually kind of elite. It tastes like it took its time. Steeped for 16 hours, apparently, which is likely a big part of why it’s so smooth and rich.
It’s refreshingly mellow with subtle chocolatey and caramel notes, perfect for those who want a strong caffeine kick without the harshness of hot-brewed iced coffee.
You can get it with vanilla cream, which makes it dangerously drinkable.
6. French Vanilla
Tasting Notes: Aromatic with warm vanilla and subtle caramel hints.
French Vanilla at Tim Hortons is the perfect blend of rich coffee and indulgent sweetness.
This flavored latte combines smooth espresso with creamy steamed milk and a generous splash of vanilla syrup, creating a luscious, comforting drink that feels like a little dessert in a cup.
It’s a bit too sweet for my taste, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, this one’s definitely a winner.
What’s the difference between Tim Hortons in the USA and Canada?
While Tim Hortons carries the same name on both sides of the border, the experience of visiting a location in the United States can be quite different from going to one in Canada—and Canadian fans are quick to point this out.
Coffee Taste And Preparation
One of the biggest differences between Canadian and American Tim Hortons lies in the coffee itself.
In Canada, coffee is beloved for its smooth, mellow flavor. Drinks like the Original Blend and Iced Capp are typically premixed with cream and sugar, ensuring a consistent, comforting taste.
In contrast, U.S. locations often serve their coffee black by default, leaving customers to add their own cream and sugar. While this offers more customization, it can also change the flavor experience drastically.
Donuts And Baked Goods
Canadian Tim Hortons donuts, like the Boston Cream or Honey Cruller, tend to be softer, fluffier, and more generously filled. Timbits (the iconic donut holes) also taste fresher and are often more varied in flavor. Meanwhile, U.S. versions can be slightly denser, with different glazing or texture.
Portion Sizes And Menu Variations
In true American fashion, the U.S. generally offers larger portion sizes. A “small” iced coffee in the States might be a Canadian medium or even a large.
U.S. menus also sometimes include unique or experimental items that don’t appear in Canada, such as Chocolate Covered Strawberry Iced Capp & Latte, Loaded Hashbrown Omelette Bites, and Hazelnut Mocha Iced Capp with Nutella.
The Final Scoop
The options listed above are just a small taste of what Tim Hortons has brewing. There are comforting classics, sweet surprises, and bold blends that all bring something different to the table (or drive-thru window). It’s less about finding the “best” coffee and more about finding your coffee.
So go ahead: try something new, mix things up, and do not be afraid to order outside your usual. The worst that can happen? You get an excuse to go back and try again.
