Starbucks launched the Blended Passionfruit Guava Lemonade Energy Refresher in 2023 as part of its expanded line of caffeinated, fruit-forward Refreshers, responding to customers’ requests for more energizing, slushy-style beverages. This frozen drink quickly became a favorite for its vibrant color, smooth icy texture, and substantial caffeine kick.
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What makes Starbucks’ Blended Passionfruit Guava Lemonade Energy Refresher special
Starbucks describes this Refresher as a “refreshing mix of passionfruit and guava flavors, swirled together with blended lemonade for a smooth, frozen sip worth savoring.” Central to its appeal is the carefully balanced fruit base—guava and passionfruit juice blends—combined with tart lemonade. The signature slushy consistency is achieved by blending ice until it’s pourable but not watery. Unlike other Refreshers, this one includes green coffee extract, supplying 105mg of caffeine per grande (16 fl oz) serving, plus B vitamins for an energizing effect. The copycat recipe uses green coffee extract for both the caffeine content and subtle flavor, replicating Starbucks’ energizing profile and clean finish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup guava juice blend
- 1/4 cup passionfruit juice blend
- 1/2 cup lemonade
- 1/2 teaspoon green coffee extract (liquid or powder) — Buy on Amazon
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
Tools you’ll need
- High-powered blender (for best slushy texture)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glass (16 oz)
- Straw
How to make it
- Add all ingredients: Pour 1/2 cup guava juice blend, 1/4 cup passionfruit juice blend, 1/2 cup lemonade, 1/2 teaspoon green coffee extract (liquid or powder), 1 tablespoon simple syrup, and 1 cup ice into your blender. For the closest match, use the exact ratio Starbucks does: a 1:1 blend of guava-passionfruit base to lemonade. Chill your juices and lemonade beforehand to keep the ice from melting too quickly—this keeps the drink thick and cold.
- Blend to slush: Blend on high for 20-30 seconds, stopping as soon as the ice is finely crushed and the mixture is thick, smooth, and pourable. Do not over-blend—if it turns watery, you’ll lose the signature frozen consistency Starbucks is known for. This step is crucial for the right texture.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the mixture. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more simple syrup and pulse briefly to combine.
- Serve immediately: Pour into a tall (16 oz) glass and serve with a straw. The drink should be smooth and icy, not fully liquefied, with a vibrant pink hue and a refreshing aroma.
How close is it to the original?
This recipe delivers a flavor and slushy texture that’s impressively close to the Starbucks version, especially if you use high-quality guava and passionfruit juice blends, and authentic green coffee extract (to match the 105mg caffeine per grande). Some home blenders may produce slightly chunkier ice or less silky texture, but careful blending minimizes the difference. Most reviewers describe the original as sweet, vibrant, and smooth—some compare the taste to a watermelon Jolly Rancher, while others note the pronounced guava and balanced tartness from lemonade. A handful find it a bit too sweet or slightly artificial, but overall, it’s considered a refreshing, energizing summer treat. This copycat matches the sweetness (36g sugar), caffeine, and color of the real thing, though Starbucks’ proprietary juice bases and industrial blenders may yield a more consistent finish.
Variations
- Swap simple syrup with agave or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Replace green coffee extract with brewed green tea (chilled) for a less-caffeinated version, but note the flavor will change and caffeine drops.
- Add a splash of coconut water for a tropical twist.
Ingredient substitutes
- If you can’t find guava or passionfruit juice blends, use a tropical juice blend containing both flavors; adjust amounts for balance.
- Store-bought lemonade works, but homemade lemonade with real lemon juice gives a brighter, tangier edge—see our other copycat drinks for lemonade recipes.
- Green coffee extract is available online; if unavailable, skip it for a non-energizing, kid-friendly version.
Storage
This drink is best enjoyed immediately. If you need to make it ahead, blend all liquids together and chill, then add ice and blend just before serving to maintain the slushy texture.
FAQ
- How do you make a passion fruit refresher at Starbucks? Baristas combine a passionfruit-guava juice blend with lemonade, ice, green coffee extract, and simple syrup, then blend until slushy.
- What lemonade does Starbucks use for their refreshers? Starbucks uses its own classic lemonade base, which is a sweet, slightly tart, filtered lemonade.
- Does the passion fruit refresher have caffeine? Yes, the Blended Passionfruit Guava Lemonade Energy Refresher contains 105mg of caffeine per grande (16 oz), from green coffee extract.
- Did Starbucks get rid of their energy refreshers? No, the Blended Passionfruit Guava Lemonade Energy Refresher is still on the menu as of June 2024.
- Why did Starbucks discontinue guava? While some guava drinks have been rotated out, this particular blended Refresher remains available as of mid-2024.
- What is the lawsuit against Starbucks mango dragonfruit refreshers? A lawsuit alleged misleading naming because some Refreshers didn’t contain the named fruit juice; this does not impact the guava passionfruit version, which is made with actual juice blends.
For more frozen drink inspiration, explore our collection of copycat drinks and summer treats.
Ingredients
1/2 cup guava juice blend
1/4 cup passionfruit juice blend
1/2 cup lemonade
1/2 teaspoon green coffee extract (liquid or powder)
1 cup ice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
Instructions
Add guava juice blend, passionfruit juice blend, lemonade, green coffee extract, simple syrup, and ice to a blender.
Blend on high until the ice is finely crushed and the mixture is thick and slushy, about 20-30 seconds.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Pour into a tall glass and serve immediately with a straw. The drink should be smooth, icy, and pourable.
