Have you ever wished you could recreate the popular Starbucks Pink Drink at home? Well, now you can with this easy recipe! Made with fresh strawberries and creamy coconut milk, this delicious drink is perfect for a hot summer day. This Starbucks copycat recipe tastes just as good, if not better, than the original!
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If you're a fan of Starbucks but want to save some money, make this copycat version of the popular Pink Drink at home.
The Starbucks Pink Drink is a delicious cold beverage that has become a summer staple. With its vibrant pink hue and tropical flavors, it's no wonder people love it so much.
It has taken me a really long time, like 2 months, to get this drink just right. And I am so glad I persevered - because I finally achieved the perfect version!
This drink has a beautiful pink color, just like the coffee shop version. Enjoy it on a hot summer day or whenever you're in need of a fruity pick-me-up!
I think this homemade version is even better than the original, and way healthier too! It has just the right balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness.
Make sure to try my Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher Recipe and Strawberry Acai Refresher With Lemonade after this!
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🥤 What Is The Pink Drink From Starbucks?
Starbucks' Strawberry Coconut Drink, aka the Pink Drink, is a refreshing and popular cold drink that gained fame as a secret menu item. According to the Starbucks website, the Strawberry Acai Refreshers Beverage has "accents of passion fruit...combined with a creamy coconut beverage."
The drink quickly gained traction through social media and word-of-mouth, becoming a social phenomenon. Its vibrant pink color and delicious flavor combination made it an instant hit.
The Pink Drink starts with a strawberry acai base, a fruity blend of strawberry, açai, and green coffee extract. This base is combined with creamy coconut milk and topped with freeze-dried strawberries for flavor. The result is a slightly sweet, tangy, and creamy beverage that has become a favorite.
Due to its popularity and widespread demand, Starbucks eventually acknowledged the drink and officially added it to its menu as the Strawberry Coconut Drink. It is now a recognized and widely available cold drink at Starbucks locations.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This easy copycat recipe doesn't require fancy equipment or complicated techniques—all you need are simple ingredients. It's quick and easy to whip up a batch whenever you're ready for a delicious treat.
- Saves Money: Making a homemade Pink Drink is much more cost-effective than buying it from your local Starbucks whenever you're craving one. You can enjoy this tasty treat without breaking the bank.
- Refreshing and Tropical: The Pink Drink combines refreshingly sweet flavors with a tropical twist. With its base made of strawberries and acai berry tea with a splash of coconut milk, this beverage is both hydrating and revitalizing—a perfect choice for warm summer days.
- Healthier Option: With a homemade Pink Drink, you can control what ingredients go into the drink. This version has only 6 g of sugar, compared to 25 g in the Starbucks version.
- Perfect for Parties: Whether you're hosting friends or family, serving up a pitcher of homemade Pink Drink will definitely impress.
- Overall Deliciousness: Last, but certainly not least, the main reason why you'll love this recipe is simply because it tastes amazing! With its unique blend of fruity flavors and creamy undertones, the Pink Drink will satisfy your craving for a refreshing beverage anytime!
🍓 Ingredient Notes + Substitutions
The Copycat Pink Drink recipe is a refreshing drink that can easily be made at home. To recreate this iconic Starbucks drink, you will need a few key ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
- Strawberries. The base is made from fresh strawberries, which gives the Pink Drink its vibrant pink color and fruity taste. You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Acai tea. This herbal tea has a deep purple color, which contributes to the color of the drink. I tried using acai powder, but the color was more purple than pink. Use either loose-leaf tea or tea bags. You can also use passion tea concentrate or hibiscus tea, although the flavor and color may be slightly different.
- Coconut milk. This gives a creamy element to the drink. Starbucks uses a coconut beverage that is sweetened. For best results, I recommend using sweetened coconut milk that can be found in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store or Barista-style coconut milk. If you are not a fan of coconut milk, you can also use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries. These add both flavor and vibrant color to the drink. If you don't have freeze-dried strawberries on hand, fresh or frozen strawberries can be used instead, but they aren't as flavorful. I recommend using freeze-dried strawberries to achieve the closest resemblance to the iconic Starbucks Pink Drink.
- Green coffee bean powder: This optional ingredient can be added to the Copycat Pink Drink recipe. It provides a subtle caffeine boost, perfect if you are looking for an extra pick-me-up. However, if you prefer a caffeine-free beverage, feel free to omit this ingredient.
See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.
🥤 How To Make Strawberry Acai With Coconut Milk
This Starbucks Pink Drink copycat recipe yields two Grande-size refreshers (473 mL each) or approximately one Trenta-size refresher (887 mL).
To begin, prepare the strawberry puree that forms the base of the drink. Start by thoroughly washing 2 cups of strawberries.
Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them into halves or quarters. The size doesn't matter much since they will be mashed during cooking.
In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring occasionally until it starts to bubble. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, while using a potato masher to mash the strawberries as they cook.
While the strawberries are cooking, it's time to get the acai berry tea ready. Begin by boiling ½ cup of water, then pour it into a mug. Add 2 acai berry tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes. Once the tea is done steeping, take out the tea bags and press them gently against the side of the mug, making sure to extract as much liquid as possible.
After cooking the strawberries, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer. This will ensure a smooth texture by removing any seeds or pulp. Gently press the strawberries using the back of a wooden spoon to extract all of the juice. Once done, store the strawberry base in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to three days.
To put together your strawberry acai with coconut milk, start with the strawberry acai base. Pour ½ cup of the strawberry base into a tall glass. Then, add ¼ cup of cooled acai tea. If you desire an extra caffeine kick, you can also include half a teaspoon of powdered green coffee extract in the mixture.
Next, mix in ¼ cup of coconut milk and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
To add a refreshing chill to your drink, place 1 cup of ice cubes into the glass. For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, top off the refresher with some freeze-dried strawberries.
Tip: You can also place all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker instead and shake it all up - just like Starbucks!
And that's it! Enjoy your delicious strawberry acai with coconut milk!
🤩 Expert Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in your strawberry acai refresher.
- Double the strawberry base and keep it in the fridge in a mason jar. It will last for 3 days in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly make a Pink Drink or Strawberry Acai Refresher anytime you like!
- When straining the cooked strawberry mixture, press down on the strawberries gently with the back of a wooden spoon to extract as much flavor as possible without pushing through any unwanted seeds or pulp.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a tablespoon or two of simple syrup, honey, or agave syrup to the drink.
- If you like your drink extra flavorful, use frozen strawberries instead of regular ice cubes. This will prevent dilution and add more flavor to your refresher.
- To make a large batch for parties or gatherings, simply multiply the ingredient amounts accordingly.
- Top your finished Pink Drink with whipped cream or cold foam to make it more indulgent.
❓ Recipe FAQs
The strawberry base can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add sugar or your preferred sweetener to taste.
Yes, of course! Feel free to garnish your Strawberry Coconut Drink with fresh strawberries.
Ensure the acai berry tea is caffeine-free, and do not add the green coffee extract powder.
While this recipe specifically calls for strawberries, you can try using other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist on flavors. However, keep in mind that it will alter the color and flavor of the drink.
A Starbucks Pink Drink is definitely not healthy. Even though a grande Pink Drink is only 140 calories, it has 25 grams of sugar.
🥤 More Starbucks Copycat Recipes
If you like this post on how to make a Strawberry Acai With Coconut Milk (Pink Drink), please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment below with your thoughts!
📋 Recipe
How To Make Strawberry Acai With Coconut Milk
Ingredients
Strawberry Base
- 2 cups fresh strawberries washed, hulled, sliced
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Acai Berry Tea
- 2 acai berry tea bags
- ½ cup filtered water
To Assemble Strawberry Acai With Coconut Milk
- 1 cup strawberry base
- ½ cup brewed acai berry tea
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries for garnish optional
- agave nectar, honey, or simple syrup to sweeten to taste if desired optional
- 1 teaspoon green coffee powdered extract optional
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Base: In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring occasionally until it starts to bubble. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Use a potato masher to mash the strawberries as they cook.
- Make the Acai Berry Tea: While the strawberries are cooking, it's time to get the acai berry tea ready. Begin by boiling ½ cup of water, then pour it into a mug. Add 2 acai berry tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes. Once the tea is done steeping, take out the tea bags and press them gently against the side of the mug, making sure to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Strain the Strawberry Base: After cooking the strawberries, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer. This will ensure a smooth texture by removing any seeds or pulp. Gently press the strawberries using the back of a wooden spoon to extract all of the juice. Once done, store the strawberry base in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to three days.
- Assemble the Pink Drinks: Pour ½ cup of the cooled strawberry base and ¼ cup of cooled acai tea into each glass. For a caffeine kick, add ½ teaspoon of powdered green coffee extract. Next, add ¼ cup of coconut milk to each glass. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add 1 cup of ice cubes to each glass and top it off with some freeze-dried strawberries.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in your strawberry acai refresher.
- Double the strawberry base and keep it in the fridge in a mason jar. It will last for 3 days in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly make a Pink Drink or Strawberry Acai Refresher anytime you like!
- When straining the cooked strawberry mixture, gently press down on the strawberries with the back of a wooden spoon to extract as much flavor as possible without pushing through any unwanted seeds or pulp.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a tablespoon or two of simple syrup, honey, or agave syrup to the drink.
- If you like your drink extra flavorful, use frozen strawberries instead of regular ice cubes. This will prevent dilution and add more flavor to your refresher.
- To make a large batch for parties or gatherings, simply multiply the ingredient amounts accordingly.
- Top your finished Pink Drink with whipped cream or cold foam to make it more indulgent.
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