I have a soft spot for drinks that feel fun without being complicated, and this pink drink checks that box every time. It is light, fruity, and just creamy enough to feel like a treat without tipping into heavy. Plus, that soft pink color never fails to make people smile.
This version came from a lot of small kitchen tests, a few eye rolls from my teen, and finally a nod of approval that felt like winning an award. I wanted something that felt close to the original but still made sense at home, with ingredients I could actually find.
We do not make it every day, but when we do, it feels special. It is the kind of drink that turns an ordinary afternoon into a small moment worth pausing for. And honestly, it is much easier than it looks.
The flavor balance is what matters most here. Sweet strawberries, a gentle tropical note, and creamy coconut milk all working together instead of fighting for attention. Once you get that balance right, the rest is smooth sailing.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- Fresh strawberries – these bring the main fruit flavor and give the drink its natural pink color.
- Sweetened coconut milk – this adds creaminess and that signature soft finish.
- Water – used to help blend everything smoothly without overpowering the flavor.
- Passion tea concentrate – this gives the drink its light tang and subtle tropical edge.
- White grape juice – adds sweetness and depth without making the drink heavy.
- Sugar – used to fine-tune the sweetness so it tastes balanced.
- Ice – keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
- Non-fat milk – optional, for making a light vanilla cold foam topping.
- Vanilla-flavored syrup – optional, adds a gentle sweetness to the foam.
I always suggest tasting your strawberries before you start. If they are extra sweet, you might want a little less sugar. If they are slightly tart, that extra half spoon can make all the difference.
The coconut milk matters more than you think. I stick with the chilled kind meant for drinking, not the thick canned version. The texture stays lighter, and the flavor blends more smoothly.
How to make pink drink starbucks recipe?
Step 1 – Prep the strawberries
Start by slicing your strawberries. Set aside about half of them for later so you still get those pretty pieces floating in the drink. The rest can be roughly chopped since they are going into the blender.
This step is simple, but it sets the tone. Fresh strawberries bring brightness, and that freshness really comes through in the final sip.
Step 2 – Blend the base
Add one cup of strawberries to the blender along with water, white grape juice, passion tea concentrate, and sugar. Blend until everything looks smooth and evenly mixed, with no large fruit pieces left.
The smell at this stage is amazing. Fruity, a little tangy, and already tempting enough to drink as-is.
Step 3 – Build the drink
Fill each serving glass with ice, then pour in about half a cup of coconut milk. This creates the creamy base that softens the fruit flavors.
Slowly divide the blended strawberry mixture between the glasses. Give each one a gentle stir so the colors swirl together instead of fully mixing.
Step 4 – Add the finishing touches
Top each glass with the reserved strawberry slices. They add texture and make the drink feel more special, even on a regular day.
If you like a little extra flair, this is where the optional foam comes in.
Step 5 – Make the vanilla cold foam (optional)
Combine non-fat milk and vanilla syrup in a tall container. Blend until it turns light and foamy, then spoon it gently over the top of each drink.
Leave a little space at the top so nothing spills. That soft foam layer feels indulgent without being heavy.
Tips
- Taste the blended base before assembling and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Use chilled ingredients so the ice does not melt too quickly.
- Blend thoroughly to avoid pulpy texture.
- Stir gently to keep the color soft and layered.
- Serve right away for the freshest flavor.
I learned early on that rushing this drink makes it less fun. Taking an extra minute to taste and adjust makes the final result feel intentional instead of thrown together.
Why this homemade version works
Some copycat drinks miss the mark because they try to replace too much at once. This version focuses on balance instead of perfection. It does not try to be exact, it tries to be satisfying.
The combination of fruit, tea, and coconut milk hits the same notes without feeling artificial. It tastes fresh, and that freshness is something you notice right away.
When I first shared this at home, I was half expecting polite smiles. Instead, I got empty glasses and a request for refills. That was all the proof I needed.
Easy variations to try
Once you have the base down, it is easy to make small tweaks. These little changes keep the drink interesting without changing its personality.
You can swap fresh strawberries for frozen ones if that is what you have. The flavor stays strong, and the drink ends up even colder and thicker.
For a lighter coconut taste, mix coconut milk with a splash of almond milk. It softens the creaminess but keeps the drink smooth.
If you prefer less sweetness, cut back on the sugar and rely more on the grape juice. The drink stays balanced, just a bit more subtle.
When and how to serve it
This drink shines on warm afternoons, but it also works as a fun treat with breakfast or brunch. It feels festive without being over the top.
I like serving it in clear glasses so the color shows through. It sounds small, but presentation adds to the experience.
If you are making it for guests, prep the blended base ahead of time and assemble just before serving. That keeps everything fresh and saves you stress.
Sometimes I make a double batch and let everyone customize their own glass. Extra strawberries, more ice, or extra foam. It turns into a little activity instead of just a drink.
Storage and make-ahead notes
This drink is best fresh, no question. The flavors are brightest right after blending, and the texture stays just right.
If you need to prep ahead, you can store the blended strawberry mixture in the fridge for up to a day. Give it a good shake before using.
Once coconut milk and ice are added, it should be enjoyed right away. Waiting too long changes the texture, and that creamy balance gets lost.
I learned this the hard way after saving a glass for later. It was still drinkable, but not the same. Fresh really is best here.
This pink drink has become one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It feels familiar, but never boring. And every time I make it, it reminds me why simple things done well are often the most satisfying.
Pink Drink Starbucks Recipe
Description
This Starbucks Pink Drink copycat recipe brings the iconic, refreshing beverage home! A light and fruity blend of strawberries, passion fruit, acai-inspired flavors, and creamy coconut milk—this drink is perfect for warm days or whenever you're craving a little pink pick-me-up. Our version uses accessible ingredients like Tazo Iced Passion Tea Concentrate and white grape juice to mimic the original Strawberry Acai Refresher base that Starbucks no longer sells in retail packs.
ingredients
Pink Drink Base
Vanilla Cold Foam (Optional)
Instructions
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Reserve about ½ cup of sliced strawberries for topping. Place the remaining chopped strawberries in a blender.
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Add Tazo Iced Passion Tea Concentrate, white grape juice, cold water, and sugar to the blender with the strawberries.
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Blend on high speed until completely smooth.
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Fill two tall glasses halfway with ice. Add ½ cup of chilled coconut milk to each glass.
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Divide the blended strawberry mixture evenly between the two glasses. Stir gently to combine.
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Top each drink with the reserved sliced strawberries.
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(Optional Cold Foam)
In a separate container, combine non-fat milk and vanilla syrup. Use an immersion blender or handheld frother to whip until thick and foamy (about 30–60 seconds). Spoon foam over each drink just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Serving Size 1 grande (16 oz)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 140kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.5g4%
- Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
- Sodium 65mg3%
- Potassium 180mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 27g9%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 23g
- Protein 1g2%
- Calcium 20 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- No Tazo concentrate? Brew strong hibiscus or passion fruit herbal tea and chill it as a substitute, though flavor may vary.
- Lower sugar option: Use unsweetened coconut milk and reduce or omit added sugar. The drink will be less sweet but still flavorful.
- Frozen strawberries work too! Just add a splash less water if using frozen fruit to avoid dilution.
- Serving tip: For best texture and temperature, use very cold ingredients and plenty of ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t this taste exactly like the Starbucks version?
Starbucks uses a proprietary Strawberry Acai Refresher base that isn’t sold to consumers. This recipe uses Tazo Iced Passion Tea Concentrate and white grape juice to closely replicate the flavor profile after the original refresher packets were discontinued.
Can I make this keto-friendly or sugar-free?
Yes! Substitute the white grape juice with a sugar-free berry infusion, use unsweetened coconut milk, and replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Note that the natural sugars from strawberries will still contribute some carbs.
What’s the calorie count per serving?
Each serving (about 16 oz) contains approximately 140 calories, 27g total carbs, 2.5g fat (all saturated), and 1g protein, matching the nutritional profile of a Starbucks Grande Pink Drink [[6]].