How to Make Starbucks Pink Drink

Few drinks have captured the hearts of Starbucks fans quite like the Pink Drink. With its delicate blush, creamy texture, and bright strawberry notes, this beverage manages to be both refreshing and indulgent—a perfect treat for sunny days, brunches, or even as a pick-me-up whenever you need a splash of color. If you’ve ever wanted to avoid the coffee shop line or simply crave a customizable version, making the Pink Drink at home is the answer. Here’s everything you need to know, from ingredients and technique to creative tweaks and handy preparation tips.

Why Make the Starbucks Pink Drink at Home?

Drinks from the coffee shop are convenient, but let’s be honest—the cost adds up. Beyond savings, making the Pink Drink yourself gives you full control over what goes into the glass. Adjust sweetness, dial up the creaminess, or even swap in new flavors without any wait. Plus, the process is surprisingly easy.

Ingredients Overview

When it comes to capturing that signature Pink Drink flavor, it’s all about balance—fruity, slightly tart, rich yet still light. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Core Ingredients

Passion Herbal Tea
Brands like Tazo or similar hibiscus-based teas work well. Passion tea provides that vibrant color and subtle floral-acidic background.
White Cranberry-Strawberry Juice
Ocean Spray’s blend is ideal, bringing both a gentle tartness and the strawberry flavor that sets this drink apart. If unavailable, mix white cranberry juice with a bit of strawberry puree or syrup.
Unsweetened Coconut Milk (Carton)
Go for beverage-style coconut milk, not the canned kind. This ensures a smooth, drinkable consistency.
Strawberries
Use either freeze-dried for authenticity and texture, or fresh for a juicy bite and color pop.
Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar (Optional)
Sweeten to taste, adjusting for personal preference.
Water
Used for brewing tea and thinning juice as needed.

Optional Add-Ins

Mint Leaves – Adds brightness.
Lime Juice – For a tangy hit.
Other Berries – Raspberries or blackberries mix things up.

Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Role	Substitutes
Passion Herbal Tea	Color, flavor base	Hibiscus tea, berry-infused tea
White Cranberry-Strawberry	Sweet-tart berry note	White grape + strawberry syrup
Unsweetened Coconut Milk	Creaminess	Almond, oat, or cashew milk
Strawberries	Visual & flavor garnish	Raspberries, blueberries
Simple Syrup / Agave	Sweetener	Honey, stevia syrup, sugar syrup

Step-by-Step Recipe: Starbucks Pink Drink

Making the Pink Drink is straightforward. Here’s how to layer each element to get that signature look and taste.

1. Brew the Tea

Start with strong tea. Place two passion herbal tea bags in a heatproof container. Pour 1 cup of freshly boiled water over the bags and let steep for at least five minutes—the longer, the deeper the color and flavor. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool completely, or chill in the fridge for at least ten minutes.

Quick Tip

For a smoother taste, avoid squeezing the tea bags, which can introduce bitterness.

2. Prepare the Juice

Pour 1 cup of white cranberry-strawberry juice into a jug. If substituting, blend 3/4 cup white grape juice with 1-2 tablespoons strawberry puree for a balanced flavor.

3. Mix the Base

Combine the cooled tea and juice in a large pitcher. Stir well. At this stage, taste and decide if you want added sweetness—add simple syrup or agave, starting with a teaspoon.

4. Assemble Over Ice

Fill two tall glasses about three-quarters with ice. If you want that coffee shop feel, use nugget or “chewy” ice.

5. Add Coconut Milk

Pour about 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut milk over the juice and tea mixture in each glass. The coconut milk will swirl and create the ombré effect Starbucks drinks are known for. Gently stir for a uniform color and creamy consistency, or leave partly mixed for a layered look.

6. Top with Strawberries

Drop in freeze-dried or fresh sliced strawberries. Freeze-dried will float and soak up the pink color, while fresh berries add extra fragrance and juicy bursts.

7. Optional Finishing Touch

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a lime wedge if desired.

Adjustments and Customizations

One of the perks of making this at home is customizing it. Everyone prefers a different balance, so here are ideas to try:

Less Sweet: Choose unsweetened coconut milk and skip the extra syrup.
Sweeter: Add more agave or simple syrup.
Creamier: Use extra coconut milk, up to 3/4 cup per serving.
Dairy Alternatives: Almond or oat milk create slightly different but equally pleasant textures.
More Fruit: Mix in other fresh berries, or even blend for a smoothie-like version.
For an Occasion: Add a splash of rosé or rum for a grown-up Pink Drink cocktail.

Quick Variations

Frozen Pink Drink:
Blend all ingredients with a handful of ice until slushy.
Sparkling Pink Drink:
Replace some of the water with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy version.

Tips for the Perfect Pink Drink

Getting the texture and flavor right makes all the difference. Here’s what works best:

Chill Everything: Cold tea, juice, and coconut milk prevent rapid ice melt and preserve the flavor.
Strong Tea: Steep tea until deeply colored for a bolder base.
Add Coconut Milk Last: This gives the drink that beautiful layered appearance before stirring.
Choose Your Strawberries: Freeze-dried offer a classic look; fresh contribute more natural taste.
Prep Ahead: Brew tea and store in the fridge for easy assembly later.

Storage and Make-Ahead

If you’re hosting a group or planning ahead, making a larger batch saves time.

Brew Tea in Advance: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Juice Mixture: Mix juice with cooled tea ahead, keep chilled, and only add coconut milk and fruit right before serving to maintain color and consistency.
Avoid Premixing with Coconut Milk: If stored together, coconut milk can separate, but a quick stir will usually bring everything back together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Starbucks Pink Drink?

It’s a non-coffee beverage on the Starbucks Refreshers menu, blending passion herbal tea, strawberry flavors, coconut milk, and dried or sliced strawberries for a creamy, fruity, and refreshing experience.

Can I make a caffeine-free version?

Yes—choose a completely herbal passion or hibiscus tea blend with no added black or green tea. Always check the label.

What if I don’t have white cranberry-strawberry juice?

Mix white grape juice and strawberry puree, or use apple juice for a different twist.

Can I batch this for parties?

Absolutely. Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings, mix the tea and juice in a large pitcher, then add coconut milk and strawberries to individual glasses before serving over ice.

My drink isn’t pink enough. What can I do?

Steep the tea longer, use a more concentrated juice, or add a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for deeper color.

The Starbucks Pink Drink is more than a social media favorite—it’s a delicious, thirst-quenching treat you can make in minutes at home. With options to tweak flavors, add your favorite fruits, or even spike it for special occasions, this drink is as versatile as it is inviting. Skip the line and enjoy every sip, tailored just for you.

How to Make Starbucks Pink Drink
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