The Starbucks Pink Drink has taken the world by storm, becoming one of their most popular Refreshers. Made with a Strawberry Açaí base, coconut milk, and freeze-dried strawberries, this drink is as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!I’m excited to share my exact copycat version of this beloved drink, which tastes just like the real thing but at a fraction of the cost. This refreshing strawberry coconut milk beverage is perfect for any time of the year, not just summer.
By making this drink at home, you can customize it to your preferences and enjoy it without the need to visit Starbucks. Plus, it’s easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to make an exact copycat version of the Starbucks Pink Drink at home.
- Discover the easy-to-find ingredients needed to replicate this creamy, fruity drink.
- Customize the drink to your taste preferences and enjoy it any time of the year.
- Make large quantities for gatherings and events.
- Save money by making this popular Starbucks drink at home.
What is the Starbucks Pink Drink?
The Pink Drink, a creation of Starbucks, has become a favorite among coffee and non-coffee drinkers alike. It’s part of the Refresher line of cold drinks served at Starbucks, combining the strawberry acai base with coconut milk and freeze-dried strawberries to create a creamy version of the Strawberry Acai Refresher.
The Original Starbucks Creation
The original Starbucks Pink Drink recipe combines their Strawberry Acai Refresher base with coconut milk and freeze-dried strawberries. This unique blend gives the drink its distinct flavor profile – sweet, fruity, and creamy with notes of strawberry and coconut. The original recipe contains caffeine, about 45mg for a Grande size, thanks to the green coffee extract found in the base.
Why This Copycat Recipe Works
My copycat recipe captures the same flavor profile and visual appeal as the Starbucks version using readily available ingredients. By combining passion fruit tea, white cranberry strawberry juice, and coconut milk, we can perfectly mimic the Starbucks Pink Drink without requiring specialized ingredients. This recipe also allows for adjustments, such as making it caffeine-free if desired.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Pink Drink at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients that capture the essence of Starbucks’ signature flavor. The right combination of ingredients is crucial for achieving the authentic taste and presentation of this popular drink.
Passion Fruit Tea
The base of the Pink Drink is an herbal hibiscus tea, specifically Tazo Passion tea, which is flavored with orange peel and rose hips. This tea gives the drink its signature flavor. While Tazo Passion is recommended, any similar variety will work.
White Cranberry Strawberry Juice
Ocean Spray White Cran-Strawberry Juice is essential for the authentic flavor. Store brands won’t provide the same taste profile, so it’s best to use this specific brand for the best results.
Coconut Milk
For the creamy texture, use carton coconut milk, not the canned version. Chill shelf-stable varieties in the refrigerator before use. You can choose between sweetened or unsweetened coconut milk, adjusting the simple syrup accordingly.
Strawberries – Fresh and Freeze-Dried
Both fresh and freeze-dried strawberries are necessary for the authentic flavor and presentation. Add fresh slices to the glass before and after adding the liquids, and use freeze-dried strawberries for garnish.
| Ingredient | Brand Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passion Fruit Tea | Tazo Passion | Herbal hibiscus tea with orange peel and rose hips |
| White Cranberry Strawberry Juice | Ocean Spray | No suitable substitutes; avoid store brands |
| Coconut Milk | Carton variety | Chill before use; choose sweetened or unsweetened |
| Strawberries | Fresh and freeze-dried | Use both for authentic flavor and presentation |
Kitchen Tools Required
To make the perfect Pink Drink at home, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process easier and ensures consistent results every time you make it.
Essential Equipment
The basic tools you’ll need include a kettle and pitcher for brewing the passion tea, glasses for serving, and measuring cups for precise ingredient ratios. A bar spoon is particularly useful for this recipe as its long handle makes stirring easy, even with lots of ice.
Optional Tools for the Perfect Presentation
To elevate your Pink Drink to Starbucks-worthy status, consider using special glassware and reusable straws. Quality knives and a big, solid cutting board are also worth the investment for prepping strawberries and other ingredients.
- A kettle for brewing tea
- A pitcher for mixing and chilling the tea
- Measuring cups for accurate ingredient measurement
- A bar spoon for easy stirring
- Special glassware for serving
- Reusable straws for an authentic Starbucks experience
Having these tools on hand will make preparing the Pink Drink a breeze, saving you time and ensuring your drink looks great in every cup. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, the right tools make all the difference in creating a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion, using fresh water and following simple recipes.
Pink Drink Starbucks Recipe Step-by-Step
Creating the perfect Pink Drink at home is easier than you think with this step-by-step guide. To achieve that authentic Starbucks taste, we’ll need to follow a few simple steps.
Brewing the Perfect Passion Tea Base
The foundation of the Pink Drink is the passion tea. Brew it ahead of time, as it needs about 5 minutes to steep, plus time to cool. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pitcher in the refrigerator. For a stronger flavor, consider brewing a double-strength batch or using a carton of concentrate.
Mixing the Drink Components
Now, let’s assemble our Pink Drink. Fill glasses with ice cubes or crushed ice. Divide the prepared passion fruit tea evenly among the glasses. Add sliced strawberries to each glass, followed by simple syrup to taste. Pour in the Ocean Spray White Cran-Strawberry juice, dividing it equally among the glasses.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Slowly pour coconut milk into each glass, distributing it evenly. Garnish with freeze-dried strawberries for added flavor and visual appeal. Give the drinks a gentle stir to combine the ingredients. Serve immediately to enjoy at their freshest and coldest.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Order |
|---|---|---|
| Ice | Fill glass | 1st |
| Passion Tea | Evenly divided | 2nd |
| Sliced Strawberries | As desired | 3rd |
| Simple Syrup | To taste | 4th |
| White Cran-Strawberry Juice | Evenly divided | 5th |
| Coconut Milk | Evenly distributed | 6th |
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pink Drink
To take your Pink Drink to the next level, consider these expert tips. Crafting a Starbucks-identical Pink Drink at home requires attention to detail and a few insider secrets.
Getting the Right Tea Strength
For a stronger tea flavor, consider brewing a double-strength batch or using a carton of concentrate. This will ensure your Pink Drink has a robust taste, just like the original.
Making Simple Syrup at Home
Creating your own simple syrup is straightforward. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, simmer until dissolved, and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
| Syrup Type | Ratio | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Syrup | 1:1 Sugar to Water | Refrigerate up to 1 month |
Ice Selection and Presentation
Using pebble ice can make your Pink Drink look and feel more authentic, just like at Starbucks. If you don’t have pebble ice, regular ice cubes are a good alternative.
Proper Strawberry Preparation
Don’t forget to garnish your Pink Drink with fresh and freeze-dried strawberries. This adds a touch of elegance and authenticity to your drink.
Customizing Your Pink Drink
One of the best things about making your own Pink Drink is the ability to customize it to your taste. The original recipe serves as a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your perfect blend.
Sweetness Adjustments
You can adjust the sweetness level to your liking by varying the amount of simple syrup or using different sweeteners like honey or agave. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a bit more simple syrup or try using white grape juice, similar to Starbucks’ version.
Fruit Variations
To give your Pink Drink a unique twist, try adding different fruits or flavor combinations. You can muddle fresh strawberries or other berries, or even add a splash of peach or raspberry syrup for extra flavor. Experimenting with fruits like dragon fruit or mango can also create exciting variations.
Milk Alternatives
While coconut milk is traditional in the Pink Drink, you can easily substitute it with other milks like oat milk, almond milk, or half-and-half. If you’re not using coconut milk, consider adding a few drops of coconut extract to maintain that distinct coconut flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Advance preparation is key to effortlessly serving the Pink Drink at your next event. With a few simple steps, you can have this refreshing drink ready to go whenever you need it.
Preparing Components in Advance
You can brew and cool the passion fruit tea up to 2 days in advance. Combine the cooled tea with simple syrup and juice in a pitcher, cover, and store it in the refrigerator. This mixture is perfect for making large batches or preparing for parties. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and sliced strawberries, then pour in the tea mixture. Finally, add coconut milk and freeze-dried berries, and give it a stir.
How Long Will It Keep?
The pre-mixed tea and juice combination can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s best to leave out the ice until serving. Store the mixture in a sealed mason jar or pitcher to maintain freshness. By preparing components in advance, you can assemble a fresh-tasting Pink Drink in under a minute.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Elevate your at-home Starbucks experience with creative serving suggestions and pairings for the Pink Drink. Serving your Pink Drink in a stylish way can make it feel like a special treat.
Presentation Ideas
Add some flair to your glasses with decorative straws, such as red and white striped straws or heart-patterned straws for Valentine’s Day. You can also garnish your drink with sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of coconut flakes to give it a fresh and Instagram-worthy look.
Perfect Starbucks-Inspired Pairings
This Pink Drink recipe pairs perfectly with sweet treats like strawberry-glazed sugar cookies, cake pops, or raspberry swirl cupcakes. For a more casual snack, try pairing it with a warm slice of banana bread or a sweet blueberry muffin. Serving it in a saved Starbucks cup with a lid and straw adds to the authentic experience.
| Food Pairing | Description |
|---|---|
| Strawberry-glazed sugar cookies | Sweet and tangy, perfect for a special treat |
| Banana bread | Warm and comforting, great for a casual snack |
| Cake pops | Bite-sized and fun, ideal for parties or gatherings |
Conclusion
With this comprehensive recipe, you’re just steps away from enjoying your favorite Starbucks treat without leaving your kitchen. Making the Pink Drink at home allows for cost savings and customization to your taste. This caffeine-free alternative to coffee drinks is perfect for anyone seeking a refreshing treat. While the original Starbucks version has 110 calories per 12oz serving, our homemade version has 135 calories. I encourage you to experiment with the recipe to make it your own. Enjoy your delicious Pink Drink at home, perfect for any time of the year!
