Today, we’ll be learning how to make a Starbucks drink that keeps me smiling all summer long. It’s a total gem known as the pink drink or a strawberry acai with coconut milk. My homemade version will delight your taste buds and keep ya chill all year long. In the news, it’s the best Starbucks pink drink copycat recipe that there is, period. I’ve tried em’ all – trust me, loves. Want more strawberry goodness? Try my strawberry caprese salad for another summertime treat, or get in on my fresh lemon recipes for a zesty treat.
I case you aren’t familiar. It’s a delicious drink that’s based off the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher recipe drink and their not-so-secret-menu Pink Drink.
Essentially the Pink Drink is the Strawberry Acai Refresher drink base plus coconut milk. The Pink Drink became so popular recently that it was eventually moved from Starbucks’ “Secret Menu” to their official menu. Want to know how to make strawberry acai with coconut milk? Of course you do. Read on.
Table of contents
What is the Starbucks secret menu?
The Starbucks secret menu contains drinks that are well known amongst Starbucks baristas and Starbucks superfans. This easy recipe secret menu item is my latest obsession. I serve it in a tall glass or large mason jar, featuring extra strawberries, cold water, ice cubes, white grape juice concentrate, and a few other natural flavors.
These favorite drink specials are usually created during a barista’s free time or at the request of a customer who knows exactly what modifications are needed to create the drink they want.
Because they aren’t official, some baristas might not know what you’re talking about when you ask for certain secret menu drinks. Or they might know it by a different name. For example, I simply love London Fogs. They are so cozy and are perfect for sipping on rainy days.
But so many times when I asked for one, I got blank looks from the baristas. I finally learned to ask for an Earl Grey Tea Latte. That’s not much of a problem for the Pink Drink, since it’s now an official drink on the Starbucks menu.
What is a Strawberry Acai Refresher?
The Strawberry Acai Refresher drink came first, and it serves as the base for the Pink tasty Drink.
A Starbucks refresher drink has a couple of main components that make it a “refresher.”
- Fruit juice
- Green coffee extract
- Scoops of fruit
The base is a concentrate that then has water added to it.
Does a Strawberry Acai Refresher contain caffeine?
The green coffee extract in the refresher is what gives these drinks the perk. So yes, there is caffeine.While green coffee extract doesn’t add flavor, it does add magical caffeinated energy we sometimes need to get us through the day.
What is Green Coffee and Green Coffee Extract?
Green coffee beans are raw, unroasted coffee beans. Coffee made from these beans has a much milder flavor and tastes more like herbal tea than coffee.
Green coffee beans contain high levels of chlorogenic acids, a group of antioxidants that provide numerous benefits.
Green coffee extracts are made by steeping the raw unroasted green coffee beans in water.
How is the Pink Drink different from the Strawberry Acai Refresher?
The difference between the Pink Drink and the Strawberry Acai Refresher is simple.
Instead of adding water to the strawberry acai base, creamy coconut milk is added instead. You can also use almond milk if you prefer.
Ingredients for How to Make Strawberry Acai with Coconut Milk
- White grape juice
- Lemon juice
- Fresh strawberries: you can use freeze-dried fruit if fresh strawberrys aren’t available
- Green coffee extract powder – can be found in three possible places in grocery stores: the health and nutrition section, the natural remedies area, or the coffee and tea section.
- Freeze-Dried strawberries are often located in the same section as raisins or other dehydrated fruits. Look in the snack aisle, health and nutrition section, or bulk areas of your local grocery store.
- Acai berry extract powder:can be found in two possible places in grocery stores: the health and nutrition section or the natural remedies area.
- Passion fruit extract powder: it can be found in two possible places in grocery stores: the health and nutrition section or the natural remedies area.
- Coconut milk: Canned full-fat coconut milk gives the creamiest texture and richest flavor, closest to the Starbucks version. Carton coconut milk works too, but it’s much thinner.
Tip
Pomegranate powder is a good substitute if you can’t find passion fruit powder.
How to Make the Strawberry Acai Refresher Base
Step 1: Combine the white grape juice, fresh strawberries, and freeze-dried strawberries in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. The strawberries should start to soften and lose their color.
Step 3: Remove from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Discard the strawberries.
step 4: Return the concentrate to the saucepan and turn the heat on to low.
Step 5: Add the green coffee extract, acai extract powder, and passion fruit extract powder.
Step 6: Whisk until the powders have dissolved as much as possible.
Step 7: Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Transfer to a mason jar and allow to cool completely before making a drink.
How to Make a Strawberry Acai with Coconut Milk Starbucks’ Pink Drink Copycat
Step 1: Fill a highball glass with crushed ice and freeze-dried strawberries. Set aside.
Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Strawberry Acai Base and coconut milk.
Step 3: Shake vigorously until the shaker’s surface is cold and sweating.
Step 4: Pour into the prepared highball glass and serve.
Tip
Shake or blend canned coconut milk before using. The cream naturally separates, making a smoother drink once mixed.
Substitutions and Modifications
- Coconut milk: I recommend canned full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest, smoothest texture. Carton coconut milk works too, but the drink will be lighter and less rich.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give the brightest flavor, but frozen work great and help keep the drink extra cold.
- Acai: Frozen acai packets give the best flavor and color, but acai powder can work in a pinch.
- Sweetener: Honey, agave, or maple syrup all work well here depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
- Make it lighter: Swap part of the coconut milk for coconut water or white grape juice for a more traditional refresher-style drink.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or collagen for a more filling afternoon drink.
Final Thoughts
Will you give this Starbucks copycat recipe a try? I sure hope so. Want more strawberries? Try my delicious Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe. It’s great if you are in the mood for a quick, delightful snack. Still not enough? Consider my Candied Oats for breakfast. It’s a crowd pleaser all year long.
Strawberry Acai with Coconut Milk Drink Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Strawberry Acai Base Ingredients
- 2 /12 cups white grape juice
- 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/2 tsp green coffee extract
- 1/2 tsp acai extract powder
- 1/4 tsp passion fruit powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Pink Drink Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Strawberry Acai Base
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- bag Freeze-dried strawberries, as desired
- 1 bunch Ice, ass desired
Instructions
Strawberry Acai Base Instructions
- Combine the white grape juice, fresh strawberries, and freeze-dried strawberries in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. The strawberries should start getting soft and losing their color.
- Remove from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Discard the strawberries.
- Return the concentrate to the saucepan and turn the heat on to low.
- Add the green coffee extract, acai extract powder, and passion fruit extract powder.
- Whisk until the powders have dissolved as much as possible.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Transfer to a mason jar and allow to cool completely before making a drink.
Pink Drink Ingredients
- Fill a highball glass with crushed ice and a handful of freeze-dried strawberries. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Strawberry Acai Base and coconut milk.
- Shake vigorously until the surface of the shaker has become cold and is sweating.
- Pour into the prepared highball glass and serve.
Notes
- Be sure to boil white grape juice, fresh strawberries, and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Fresh strawberries won’t work and will result in a pulpy texture.
- I like grape juice from Welches.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Be sure to boil white grape juice, fresh strawberries, and freeze-dried strawberries. Fresh strawberries won’t work and will result in a pulpy texture. Also, don’t worry ab out buying expensive hice – I like grape juice from Welches.