Refreshing Starbucks Pink Drink Copycat -

You've probably seen the vibrant pink drinks at Starbucks that everyone's talking about, and now you can create this revitalizing treat right in your kitchen. This copycat version lets you control the ingredients while capturing the same creamy coconut milk and fresh strawberry flavors that make the original so popular. As you discover the simple steps and key components, you'll reveal the secrets to crafting this Instagram-worthy beverage that tastes even better than the coffee shop version.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Combine coconut milk, fresh strawberries, and cooled green tea in a blender until smooth for a perfect Starbucks Pink Drink dupe.
Control sweetness by adding agave syrup or honey to taste, making it healthier than the store-bought version.
Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with freeze-dried strawberries for an authentic Starbucks appearance.
Use full-fat coconut milk for maximum creaminess, or light coconut milk for a lower-calorie alternative.
Store the drink covered in the refrigerator and serve chilled for optimal taste and refreshment.

Why you'll love this recipe

Whether you're a Starbucks fan or simply love invigorating drinks, you'll adore this homemade Pink Drink recipe for its simplicity and incredible taste.

You'll save money by making this revitalizing beverage at home, and you'll have complete control over the ingredients and sweetness level. The best part is that you can customize it to your heart's content by adding extra strawberries or adjusting the coconut milk ratio.

You'll appreciate how quickly this drink comes together, requiring just a few minutes of prep time. It's perfect for hot summer days, special occasions, or when you're craving something both pretty and delicious.

Plus, you'll feel good knowing exactly what goes into your drink, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.

[DIRECTIONS]:

Ingredient notes

Success in making the perfect Pink Drink copycat depends on selecting the right ingredients and understanding how each component contributes to the final result.

You'll want to pay special attention to these key ingredients that'll make your drink taste just like the real thing:

Choose full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture, or light coconut milk if you're watching calories.
Select fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor, making sure they're bright red and fragrant.
Pick a quality green tea that's been properly steeped and cooled to room temperature.
Use pure agave syrup or honey that dissolves easily, adjusting the amount to match your sweetness preference.
Proper hydration is essential for preventing dehydration, which can enhance your overall enjoyment of the Pink Drink.

Origin of the recipe

The beloved Starbucks Pink Drink first appeared on the chain's secret menu in 2016, when creative customers began customizing their Strawberry Acai Refresher by replacing water with coconut milk.

The drink's popularity exploded on social media, especially Instagram, where its photogenic pink color and fruity appeal caught everyone's attention.

You'll find it interesting that Starbucks officially added the Pink Drink to their permanent menu in 2017, responding to overwhelming customer demand.

The original recipe uses Starbucks' proprietary Strawberry Acai base, but you can create a similar taste at home using green tea and fresh strawberries.

While your homemade version might taste slightly different from the original, you'll love how you can adjust the flavors to match your preferences.

How to make the recipe

You'll want to start by gathering all your ingredients and tools, including fresh strawberries, coconut milk, and your favorite green tea.

Next, brew your tea and let it cool completely before blending it with the coconut milk, strawberries, and sweetener until you've got a smooth, pink mixture.

Finally, pour your creation into a tall glass filled with ice, add some freeze-dried strawberries on top if you'd like, and enjoy your homemade version of this popular drink.

Step 1. Gather Ingredients and Tools

Making this delightful Pink Drink starts with gathering several key ingredients and tools from your kitchen.

Before you begin mixing your invigorating beverage, you'll want to guarantee you've got everything within easy reach. Check your pantry and fridge for the essential components, and pull out the necessary equipment for a smooth preparation process.

Your blender should be clean and ready to go, as it's vital for creating that perfect smooth consistency.
Measuring cups and spoons will help you get the proportions just right.
A nice tall glass will show off your drink's beautiful pink color.
A long spoon for stirring and a sturdy straw for sipping will complete your setup.

With everything in place, you're ready to start crafting your homemade version of this popular drink.

Step 2. Brew and Cool Tea

Brewing your green tea marks the essential first step in creating this rejuvenating copycat drink.

Begin by heating your water until it's just before boiling, around 175°F, as boiling water can make green tea taste bitter. Add one tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves to your cup, and let it steep for 2-3 minutes.

Once you've brewed your tea, you'll need to cool it completely before moving forward with the recipe. You can speed up this process by adding a few ice cubes or placing the tea in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

If you're planning ahead, you can brew your tea the night before and let it chill overnight, making your drink preparation even easier the next day.

Step 3. Blend Ingredients Until Smooth

With your cooled tea ready, the next step brings all the magic together in your blender. You'll create that signature pink color and creamy texture by combining your ingredients in a specific order.

Pour your cooled green tea and coconut milk into the blender first, creating a smooth base.
Add fresh strawberry slices and your chosen sweetener (agave or honey).
Blend these ingredients for about 30 seconds until they're completely smooth.
Finally, add your ice and blend again until you've reached a perfectly slushy consistency.

Once you've finished blending, you'll notice the drink has taken on that beautiful pink hue that makes it so famous.

If you'd like your drink a bit thinner, you can add a splash more coconut milk and give it one final pulse in the blender.

Step 4. Add Garnish and Serve

The final artistic touch transforms your homemade pink drink into a truly Instagram-worthy creation.

Pour your blended mixture into tall, clear glasses, and add a handful of freeze-dried strawberries on top for that perfect Starbucks-inspired look. You'll want to serve your drink right away while it's still icy cold and perfectly mixed.

For an extra special presentation, you can thread fresh strawberry slices onto a wooden skewer and rest it across the top of your glass, or add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of green.

Don't forget to include a colorful straw – it's not just pretty, but also practical for enjoying every last sip of your invigorating creation.

Step 5. Serve Chilled in Glassware

Now that your beautiful garnishes are in place, selecting the right glassware and serving temperature will guarantee your pink drink stays invigorating from first sip to last.

For the best presentation and enjoyment, you'll want to follow these essential serving tips:

Choose tall, clear glasses to showcase the drink's stunning pink color and layered ingredients.
Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before pouring to maintain ideal temperature.
Fill glasses about three-quarters full to prevent spillage and leave room for any additional ice.
Serve immediately with wide-diameter straws that can handle both the liquid and fruit pieces.

Remember to keep any unused portion refrigerated and covered.

Your homemade pink drink will taste best when it's properly chilled, around 38-40°F, allowing all the flavors to blend perfectly while remaining pleasantly cool.

If you liked this you may also like

Fans of this revitalizing Pink Drink copycat will certainly enjoy similar fruit-infused beverages that capture the same vibrant, Instagram-worthy appeal.

You'll love trying the invigorating Dragon Drink, which combines mango and dragon fruit with coconut milk for a tropical twist.

For a berry-packed alternative, the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher offers a tangy blend of blackberries and green coffee extract.

Don't miss out on the Violet Drink, featuring the sweet notes of Very Berry Hibiscus mixed with creamy coconut milk and real blackberries.

If you're craving something different, try making a Passion Tango Tea Lemonade at home, combining exotic fruits with a citrus kick that's perfect for warm summer days. Additionally, these drinks can be refreshing and rich in antioxidants, enhancing both flavor and health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh Ones?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries in your pink drink!

They'll work just as well as fresh ones, and they might even make your drink colder and more invigorating. Since frozen strawberries are often picked at peak ripeness, they'll give you great flavor, and you won't need to add as much ice.

Just keep in mind that frozen berries might make your drink slightly thicker.

How Long Can I Store the Prepared Drink Mix?

You can store your prepared drink mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

After that, the ingredients might start to separate and the flavors could begin to change.

When you're ready to enjoy your stored drink, just give it a good shake or stir to remix the ingredients.

For the best taste and texture, though, you'll want to drink it fresh.

Will Almond Milk Work as a Substitute for Coconut Milk?

Yes, you can use almond milk as a substitute for coconut milk in your pink drink, though you'll notice some differences in taste and texture.

While coconut milk provides a richer, creamier consistency, almond milk offers a lighter, nutty flavor that's still delicious.

If you're watching calories or prefer a less creamy drink, almond milk makes a great alternative that'll still give you that Instagram-worthy pink color.

What Type of Green Tea Works Best for This Recipe?

You'll find that plain green tea works best as a base, but jasmine green tea can add a lovely floral note that complements the strawberries.

If you're looking for something more traditional, stick with brands like Tazo or Teavana's plain green tea.

For an interesting twist, you could also try green tea with hints of peach or passion fruit, which pairs wonderfully with the coconut milk.

Can I Make This Drink Sugar-Free?

You can definitely make this drink sugar-free by using natural alternatives.

Try sugar-free coconut milk and unsweetened green tea as your base. Instead of agave or honey, you can use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol to taste.

The natural sweetness from the fresh strawberries will also help create that signature flavor you're looking for, while keeping the drink completely free of added sugars.

Conclusion

You'll find this homemade pink drink to be an absolute game-changer for your beverage routine. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy this revitalizing treat whenever you'd like, without the coffee shop prices. Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, this copycat recipe delivers the perfect balance of fruity and creamy flavors that'll keep you coming back for more.