Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
If you’ve ever craved that perfectly refreshing and subtly fruity Starbucks Pink Drink, then you’re in for a treat! This Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe is just what you need to recreate that iconic beverage right in your own kitchen — no pricey coffee runs required. I love how it’s light, vibrant, and just a little bit creamy from the coconut milk, making it a perfect pick-me-up on sunny afternoons or whenever you want a little tropical indulgence.
What makes this Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe especially worth trying is how easily you can customize it to your taste and how quickly it comes together. I’ve made it countless times for friends and family, and honestly, it’s always a hit. Plus, since you’re in control of the ingredients, it’s simple to keep it as natural and wholesome as you want. If you adore the Starbucks original but want to tweak it, this recipe is your new go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient brings its own twist that balances sweet, tart, and creamy notes. Using passion fruit tea as a base gives it that bright, fruity punch, while the coconut milk adds smoothness without weighing it down. Here’s what I usually keep stocked for this drink:
- Freeze-dried, fresh, or frozen strawberries: Freeze-dried gives a concentrated strawberry flavor without extra water, but fresh or frozen work great too if you want more texture.
- Passion tea (like Tazo brand): This is the heart of the pink hues and the fruity floral flavor, so pick a good-quality tea you enjoy sipping on its own.
- Strawberry sparkling water (such as Perrier): Adds a refreshing fizz and subtle strawberry enhancement, perfect for that light effervescence.
- White grape juice (optional): I like to add a splash for extra sweetness and depth, but if you prefer less sugar, you can skip it easily.
- Coconut milk: Use the light canned version or carton coconut milk for creaminess without heaviness—this is what really makes it feel indulgent.
- Ice cubes: Essential for keeping this drink icy cold and perfectly crisp on hot days.
Variations
I like to mix things up with this Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Don’t hesitate to play around with ingredients — the best version is the one you enjoy the most!
- Variation: Use almond or oat milk instead of coconut milk. If you’re not a coconut fan or just want a different creamy twist, I’ve swapped in almond milk with great results — it changes up the flavor but keeps that smooth texture.
- Variation: Add fresh mint leaves. During summer, I toss in some fresh mint for a cooling, herbal note. It feels extra fancy but only takes seconds.
- Variation: Make it vegan and lower sugar. Skip the white grape juice, and use unsweetened coconut milk and sparkling water without added sugars — it’s just as delicious and lighter.
- Variation: Use frozen mixed berries instead of strawberries. For a berry blend version, frozen raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully and add a beautiful color shift.
How to Make Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Brew Your Passion Tea
Start by brewing the passion tea strong and letting it cool completely. I usually steep two heaping passion tea bags or about 2 tablespoons of loose leaf in 1 cup of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavor really shines through. Then, pop it in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature until it’s chilled — this step is key because hot tea can melt your ice and dilute the drink too much.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a tall glass or shaker, add your freeze-dried or fresh strawberries, the cooled passion tea, strawberry sparkling water, and white grape juice if you’re using it. Give it a gentle stir or shake to mix. This layering ensures that the flavors marry beautifully without losing the fizz from the sparkling water.
Step 3: Add Coconut Milk and Ice
Pour in your coconut milk and add a generous handful of ice cubes. Stir gently to swirl the creamy coconut milk through the pink liquid, creating that signature beautiful color. A quick tip: don’t stir too vigorously — you want to keep some fizz and prevent the coconut milk from separating.
How to Serve Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint as a garnish—it makes the drink feel special and looks inviting. Occasionally, I drop in a few edible flowers for a fun surprise when serving to guests. These little touches really elevate the experience without extra effort.
Side Dishes
This Pink Drink pairs wonderfully with light, fresh snacks. I often serve it with a fruit salad, a lemon biscuit, or even avocado toast for a perfect brunch vibe. It’s refreshing enough to balance out something savory while adding a sweet, fruity note to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve hosted summer parties, I like to serve this Pink Drink in mason jars with colorful reusable straws. Sometimes I freeze strawberries in ice cube trays with a little pink tea inside them to add a cool, decorative twist that keeps the drink chilled without watering it down. Trust me, your friends will be impressed (and ask for the recipe) when you do this!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the brewed passion tea separately in the fridge—mix the sparkling water and coconut milk fresh before serving again. The fizz doesn’t hold up well over hours, but keeping tea cold means you can whip up a fresh Pink Drink anytime by adding the other ingredients.
Freezing
Freezing the entire Pink Drink isn’t ideal because it can separate when thawed. However, I often freeze the passion tea in ice cube trays for a quick, flavorful way to chill any future drinks without diluting them. These cubes are great for re-creating the exact flavor when you make it again.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really needed. If you want a warm drink, I recommend brewing fresh passion tea and skipping the sparkling water and ice—in that case, add coconut milk straight to the hot tea for a cozy twist on the Pink Drink.
FAQs
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Can I use regular tea instead of passion tea in this Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe?
You can use other fruity or herbal teas, but passion tea is key to getting the authentic flavor and pink color. If you choose a different tea, like hibiscus or berry blends, your drink will taste great but will have a different flavor profile.
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Is it possible to make this Pink Drink dairy-free?
Absolutely! The recipe uses coconut milk, which is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure your sparkling water and any additional ingredients are free from dairy additives for a fully vegan and dairy-free version.
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Can I store a prepared Pink Drink in the fridge for later?
It’s best to store components separately, especially the tea and sparkling water. Mixing them too early will cause the drink to lose its fizz and freshness. Assemble the Pink Drink right before serving for the best taste and texture.
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What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?
No worries! Fresh or frozen strawberries work just fine. Freeze-dried strawberries give a concentrated flavor and don’t add extra water, but using fresh or frozen will still give you that lovely strawberry taste—and you’ll get a bit more texture in your drink.
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How can I make this Pink Drink less sweet?
You can skip the white grape juice or use an unsweetened sparkling water. Also, using unsweetened coconut milk further reduces sweetness while keeping that creamy texture. Adjust to your taste preferences to keep it perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe feels like passing on a little tropical joy. It’s one of those drinks that feels fancy but is super simple to make — and that’s why I keep coming back to it myself. You’ll find it’s a wonderful blend of fruity, creamy, and refreshing, perfect for any time you want a break or a bit of extra sunshine in your day. Seriously, give this a try; whipping up your own Pink Drink at home might just become your new favorite ritual.
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Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (tea steeping time)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (about 12 oz) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This refreshing Pink Drink recipe is a delicious Starbucks copycat version, combining passion tea, strawberry sparkling water, coconut milk, and a hint of white grape juice for a subtly sweet and tropical taste. It’s perfect as a cool, fruity beverage that’s both vibrant and hydrating.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 tbsp freeze dried, fresh, or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup passion tea (such as Tazo brand)
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup strawberry sparkling water (such as Perrier)
- 2 tbsp white grape juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 handful ice cubes
Instructions
- Brew the Passion Tea: Begin by steeping 1 cup of passion tea using hot water, allowing the flavor to develop for 3 to 5 minutes. Then let it cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for a faster process.
- Prepare the Strawberries: If using freeze-dried strawberries, crush them slightly to release flavor. Fresh or frozen strawberries can be lightly mashed or blended to better infuse the tea.
- Mix Ingredients: In a pitcher or large glass, combine the cooled passion tea with the prepared strawberries, 1/2 cup strawberry sparkling water, 2 tablespoons of white grape juice (optional for added sweetness), and 1/4 cup coconut milk. Stir gently to blend all flavors harmoniously.
- Add Ice: Add a handful of ice cubes to the beverage to chill it thoroughly. Stir again to ensure the drink is well mixed and cold.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the Pink Drink into a serving glass. Optionally, garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.
Notes
- White grape juice is optional but adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the fruity notes.
- Use coconut milk for a creamy texture with a tropical flavor; canned or carton coconut milk works fine.
- Adjust the amount of sparkling water for preferred fizziness level.
- For a vegan and dairy-free drink, ensure the coconut milk is plant-based and no animal-derived ingredients are added.
- Freeze-dried strawberries release flavor quickly; fresh or frozen strawberries can be blended for stronger infusion.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.