This Starbucks CopycatStrawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher is the perfect summertime drink to cool you down on a hot day. Made with real strawberries, it is just as good, if not better, than the original Starbucks recipe!
2cupsfresh strawberrieswashed, hulled, halved or quartered
2tablespoonswater
2tablespoonsgranulated sugar
1tablespoonlemon juice
Acai Berry Tea
2acai berry tea bags
½cupfiltered water
How To Assemble the Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher
1cupstrawberry base
½cupbrewed acai berry tea
1cuplemonade
2cupsice cubes
2tablespoonsfreeze-dried strawberries for garnishoptional
1teaspoongreen coffee powderoptional
agave nectar, honey, or simple syrup to sweeten to tasteoptional
Instructions
Make Strawberry Base: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of strawberries, 2 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it bubbles, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, using a potato masher to break up the strawberries.
Brew Acai Tea: While the strawberries are cooking, brew the acai tea by placing ½ cup of boiling water in a mug and adding 2 acai berry tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags. Use your fingers to squeeze all of the liquid out of the tea bags before discarding. Let the tea cool down.
Strain Strawberry Base: Strain the cooked strawberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp. Use the back of a wooden spoon to get as much liquid out as possible. Transfer the mixture to a jar and refrigerate until cool. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Assemble the Drink: Add ½ cup of the strawberry base to each glass as well as ¼ cup of cooled acai tea and ½ cup of lemonade. Stir well to combine. Add ½ teaspoon of green coffee powder to each glass for a caffeine boost if desired. Add 1 cup of ice cubes to each glass and top with a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberries.
Serve: Stir with a straw and enjoy immediately!
Video
Notes
*This recipe makes 2 Grande-size refreshers (473 mL) or about one Trenta-size refresher (887 mL).
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Prepare the strawberry acai base ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding agave syrup, honey, or simple syrup.
Double or triple the strawberry acai base recipe so you can prepare a drink anytime you want in just a few minutes!