This Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired) is the ultimate way to bring cool, café-style bliss to your own kitchen—bursts of fresh strawberries, vibrant tropical fruit, swirls of coconut milk, and that signature dreamy pink hue. It tastes like summer vacation in a glass, with no need for a barista’s hat or a coffee shop line.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant, Refreshing & Guilt-Free: Made with real fruit and light coconut milk, this drink is sweet and revitalizing without being heavy or cloying.
- Totally Customizable: Make it just the way you love—strawberry forward, extra creamy, or packed with intense fruit flavor.
- Stunning Café-Style Pink: The dragon fruit powder pops and dazzles, creating twisty marbled layers just like your favorite Starbucks treat.
- Easy to Prepare for a Crowd: Whip up a batch—this recipe scales for poolside pitchers, picnics, or anytime you want to impress friends with a homemade “secret menu” sipper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired) is how a handful of fresh, punchy ingredients come together for magic! Here’s what gives this trendy drink its irresistible flavor, creamy texture, and that picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy color.
- Fresh Strawberries: The heart of the drink—ripe, juicy strawberries are responsible for that candy-like brightness and naturally pretty hue.
- Passion Fruit Juice or Maracuja Juice: Adds a tropical tang, layering in sweet-tart notes just like Starbucks does.
- Red Grape Juice: This touch of grape amps up the flavor depth and enhances the pink color.
- Water: For simmering and blending, ensuring the flavors meld perfectly and nothing gets too intense.
- Earl Grey Tea: Two tea bags add a subtle floral-citrusy backdrop that’s mysterious and addictively aromatic.
- Dragon Fruit Powder: The secret to that signature vivid pink! Just a half teaspoon goes a long way for both color and a dose of antioxidants.
- Reduced-Fat Coconut Milk: This makes the drink creamy, dreamy, and perfectly plant-based without weighing it down.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries (optional): An extra burst of flavor and crunch—they float on top and make every sip a little more special.
- Ice Cubes: A must for the chill factor; feel free to pile them high!
- Additional Cold Water (optional): For stretching the batch or adjusting the strength to your taste—so you get the perfect glass every time.
Variations
This Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired) loves a remix, so feel free to play! Whether you have dietary tweaks, a favorite fruit, or just want to experiment, you can make your own version in minutes.
- Extra Creamy: Swap the reduced-fat coconut milk for full-fat coconut milk or dairy cream for an ultra-rich treat.
- Caffeine-Free: Replace the Earl Grey tea with hibiscus tea or simply skip the tea bags for a fruitier, no-caffeine sip.
- Berry Remix: Toss in raspberries or blackberries along with the strawberries for a deeper berry flavor and bolder color.
- Sparkling Twist: Top with a splash of sparkling water when serving for a fizzy, effervescent version (so fancy and fun!).
How to Make Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired)
Step 1: Simmer the Strawberries & Steep the Tea
Start by washing, hulling, and dicing your strawberries so they’re ready to burst with color. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, passion fruit juice, red grape juice, and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. As soon as it starts bubbling, toss in the Earl Grey tea bags. Turn the heat down low and let everything barely simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes—you want to soften the berries and infuse the fruit with that delicate tea aroma.
Step 2: Strain & Add That Signature Pink
Time to really capture all that goodness! Remove the pot from the heat, fish out the tea bags, and set it aside to cool for about 5 minutes. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a container—give the softened strawberries a gentle press with the back of a spoon to extract every drop of flavor and color. Whisk in the dragon fruit powder for an immediate, vibrant pop of pink. Let your fruity base cool completely, then chill it in the fridge so it’s icy cold and ready to serve.
Step 3: Assemble, Swirl & Enjoy!
When you’re ready for your café moment, grab your favorite glass and pop in some freeze-dried strawberries for crunch (totally optional, but highly recommended!). Add plenty of ice cubes, pour over your dazzling pink juice base (about half if making two drinks), and top it off with cold coconut milk. Watch those swirls of pink and creamy white mingle—absolutely mesmerizing! Give it a little stir, add a reusable straw, and enjoy the sweet taste of summer, anytime you crave it.
Pro Tips for Making Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired)
- Ultimate Pink Color: If you want that iconic “Starbucks pink,” make sure to fully dissolve the dragon fruit powder—stir it in while the juice base is still just warm.
- Berries Make a Difference: The riper and sweeter your strawberries, the brighter and sweeter your drink—taste a berry before starting for best results!
- Customize Creaminess: Adjust the coconut milk to your taste for either light, refreshing vibes or a more luscious dessert-like treat.
- Chill Everything: For the boldest color and coldest sips, chill your serving glasses and even the coconut milk before assembling the drinks.
How to Serve Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired)
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with the garnishes—a handful of freeze-dried strawberries on top adds a grown-up crunch and a hit of tartness, while fresh strawberry slices along the rim make for a gorgeous presentation. If you want to get extra fancy, scatter a few edible flower petals or a tiny wedge of passion fruit for that tropical, “vacation alert” look.
Side Dishes
This Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired) is delicious all on its own, but if you’re serving it at brunch or as an afternoon snack, try pairing it with lemon loaf, buttery shortbread cookies, or a light fruit salad. The drink’s sweet-tart flavors and creamy textures work beautifully alongside pastries and fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation—pour the drink into mason jars for a rustic, summery vibe, or mini glass bottles if you’re hosting a party or picnic. Create “ombre” effects by pouring coconut milk slowly over the ice. For an ultimate coffee shop effect, serve with colorful straws and tuck a mini paper umbrella on top. Swoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover strawberry base or a pre-mixed Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired), stash it in a glass jar or pitcher in the fridge. It’ll keep well for 1–2 days—just give it a good shake or stir before serving, as natural separation is totally normal.
Freezing
While freezing the fully assembled drink isn’t recommended (the coconut milk can separate oddly), you can freeze the fruit juice base in ice cube trays. When you’re ready for another round, just pop a few flavorful cubes into your glass and pour coconut milk on top for a frosty, ultra-chilled version!
Reheating
This drink is meant to be enjoyed ice cold, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if your strawberry base is too chilled to dissolve dragon fruit powder, you can briefly warm a small portion (don’t let it get hot) to mix, then cool it before assembling your drinks.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of milk instead of coconut milk?
Absolutely! While coconut milk gives that signature creamy “Starbucks” taste, you can swap in almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based (or dairy) milk you love. Just be aware that the flavor and thickness may change slightly.
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What if I can’t find dragon fruit powder?
No worries—the drink will still be delicious without it, but the color will be a paler pink. For a pop of color, you can use a tiny pinch of beet powder or simply stick to the natural pink from the strawberries and grape juice.
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Is there a way to make this Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired) sugar-free?
Yes! Look for unsweetened passion fruit and grape juices, and rely on super-ripe, sweet strawberries to bring out the natural sugars. You can also add a little monk fruit or stevia to taste if you want extra sweetness with fewer calories.
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Can I prep this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Make the strawberry-passion fruit base a day in advance and keep it cold. Just before serving, add your freeze-dried strawberries, ice, and pour in the coconut milk for the freshest color and taste. This makes Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired) a showstopper for brunches and BBQs!
Final Thoughts
So go ahead—treat yourself (and maybe your friends) to a tall, frosty glass of Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired). It’s pure sunshine, sweet sips, and summer smiles all in one dreamy, homemade creation. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to keep your fridge stocked all season long!
Print
Summer Pink Drink (Starbucks Inspired) Recipe
- Prep Time: 00:05
- Cook Time: 00:05
- Total Time: 01:00
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Boiling, Chilling
- Cuisine: Inspired by Starbucks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and fruity summer drink inspired by the popular Starbucks pink drink, featuring a blend of fresh strawberries, passion fruit juice, red grape juice, Earl Grey tea, and coconut milk, topped with freeze-dried strawberries for an added crunch.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture:
- 5.3 oz. (150g) fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) passion fruit juice or maracuja juice
- 1/3 cup (80ml) red grape juice
- 3/4 cup (180ml) water
- 2 bags of Earl Grey tea
- 1/2 tsp. Dragon fruit powder*
Additional:
- 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk (fat reduced)
- some freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
- ice cubes for serving
- additional cold water (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: Wash, dry, and dice the strawberries. Combine with juices and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, add tea bags, and simmer until strawberries are soft. Remove from heat, cool slightly, strain, add dragon fruit powder, and chill.
- Serve the Drink: Place freeze-dried strawberries in a glass, add ice cubes, pour in the strawberry mixture, fill with coconut milk, stir, and enjoy!
Notes
- If making smaller drinks, add cold water to stretch the mixture. You can also mix the strawberry mixture with coconut milk in advance and store in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
