Pink Drink Recipe (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Introduction
The Pink Drink is a refreshing and vibrant beverage inspired by Starbucks’ popular refresher. Made with fresh strawberries, tropical flavors, and creamy coconut milk, it’s perfect for a sunny day or whenever you need a fruity pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup white grape juice
- 1 cup sliced/hulled fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp acai powder
- ½ tsp passionfruit powder
- ½ tsp citric acid
- ½ cup Strawberry Acai Refresher Base
- ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
- 2 tbsp sliced/hulled fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the water, grape juice, 1 cup of strawberries, and sugar to a medium saucepan, stirring to combine. Heat the mixture to a simmer, then let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: After simmering, strain out the strawberries, pressing them to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and return the liquid to the saucepan.
- Step 3: Warm the strawberry liquid over low heat and whisk in the lemon juice, acai powder, passionfruit powder, and citric acid. Whisk until well incorporated; the acai powder may leave some specks, which is normal.
- Step 4: Remove the mixture from heat and transfer it to a large jar. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Step 5: To make the Pink Drink, combine ½ cup of the Strawberry Acai Refresher Base with ½ cup sweetened coconut milk in a cocktail shaker or jar with a lid. Shake well until blended.
- Step 6: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the shaken Pink Drink over the ice, and garnish with the remaining fresh strawberry slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; frozen can be substituted but may alter texture.
- Adjust the sugar to your taste by using honey or agave syrup as alternatives.
- For a vegan option, ensure the sweetened coconut milk is plant-based and free of additives.
- Try adding a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
Storage
Store the Strawberry Acai Refresher Base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir well before using. The prepared Pink Drink is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Reheat is not recommended; simply stir and serve cold with fresh ice.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are unavailable. Thaw them before simmering, but note that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
What is acai powder and where can I find it?
Acai powder is made from freeze-dried acai berries, known for their deep antioxidant properties and rich flavor. It is commonly available in health food stores or online.
Print
Pink Drink Recipe (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Pink Drink recipe is a delicious Starbucks copycat featuring a refreshing blend of strawberry, acai, and passionfruit flavors mixed with sweetened coconut milk. It’s a vibrant, fruity iced beverage perfect for cooling down on a warm day or satisfying your craving for a lightly sweetened, tropical-inspired refreshment.
Ingredients
Strawberry Syrup Base
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup white grape juice
- 1 cup sliced and hulled fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp acai powder
- ½ tsp passionfruit powder
- ½ tsp citric acid
Pink Drink
- ½ cup Strawberry Acai Refresher Base (prepared syrup)
- ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
- 2 tbsp sliced and hulled fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Ice (as needed)
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Syrup Base: Add the water, white grape juice, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, and granulated sugar to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine and heat the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to extract flavors.
- Strain the Strawberry Mixture: After simmering, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the strawberries to extract all the flavorful juice. Discard the solids and return the strained liquid back to the saucepan.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Over low heat, whisk in the lemon juice, acai powder, passionfruit powder, and citric acid into the strawberry liquid. Continue whisking until everything is well combined. Note that acai powder may leave some specks and won’t fully dissolve.
- Cool the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the strawberry syrup to a large jar. Allow it to cool completely before using or storing.
- Prepare the Pink Drink: In a cocktail shaker or a large jar with a lid, combine ½ cup of the cooled Strawberry Acai Refresher base with ½ cup of sweetened coconut milk. Shake several times until the mixture is well blended and frothy.
- Serve: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the pink drink mixture over the ice, and garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh strawberry slices. Enjoy immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- The acai powder won’t fully dissolve and may leave specks; this is normal and adds to the authentic appearance and taste.
- Sweetened coconut milk adds creaminess and sweetness; substitute with unsweetened if preferred but adjust sugar accordingly.
- Store leftover Strawberry Acai Refresher base tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar in the syrup base according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pink Drink, Starbucks copycat, Strawberry Acai, Refreshing drinks, Iced beverage, Coconut milk drink, Summer drink
