Some drinks just feel like a vacation in a cup. The Starbucks Pink Drink is exactly that. With its dreamy blush hue, subtle sweetness, and creamy coconut twist, it’s become a cult favorite that manages to be both refreshing and indulgent. It first appeared on Instagram as a secret menu hack. Not long after, it earned a spot on the official menu and started showing up in grocery stores too.
But here’s the good news. You don’t need to queue up or splurge daily to enjoy it. This copycat Pink Drink recipe captures the fruity coconut flavor using simple ingredients. It comes together in under five minutes. Whether you’re sipping poolside or just craving something light and creamy, this version is pure joy.
Table of Contents
How to make the Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink
This homemade Pink Drink blends a strawberry acai base with creamy coconut milk, freeze-dried strawberries, and a touch of green tea for that gentle kick. Everything goes into a shaker or a mason jar, no special tools needed.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: 1 (16 oz glass)
Calories per serving: Approximately 140 kcal
Ingredients, instructions and tips
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup white grape juice
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 green tea bag (for light caffeine) or 1/4 tsp green coffee extract (optional)
- 1 tbsp freeze-dried açaí powder (or sub with mixed berry powder)
- 1/2 cup canned or carton coconut milk (unsweetened or sweetened)
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries (plus extra for topping)
- Ice to fill the glass
- Optional: 1–2 tsp simple syrup or agave, to taste
Instructions:
- Brew the base: Steep the green tea bag in 1/2 cup hot water for 3 minutes. Let it cool (or skip if using green coffee extract).
- Mix the refresher: In a shaker or large glass, combine white grape juice, cooled tea (or extract), and açaí powder. Stir or shake until dissolved.
- Add the coconut: Pour in the coconut milk and stir gently. It will turn that iconic soft pink color.
- Assemble: Fill a tall glass with ice and add the freeze-dried strawberries. Pour the pink drink mixture over the top.
- Taste test: Add sweetener if desired. Stir gently and enjoy.
Tip: For a foamier texture, shake all ingredients in a mason jar with ice before serving.
What to serve with the drink
The Pink Drink is more than just a thirst-quencher—it’s also a sweet treat in disguise. Pair it with light snacks like:
- Coconut macaroons or vanilla wafers
- A spinach and strawberry salad for a fruity match
- Mini banana muffins or lemon loaf (like Starbucks’!)
- A small granola bar or protein ball for balance
It’s a perfect brunch or afternoon pick-me-up, especially when you want something dairy-free, fruity, and slightly sweet.
Ingredient substitutes
- Base Juice
Original Ingredient: White grape juice
Substitutes:- Apple Juice: Less tart, still light
- Coconut Water: Adds more hydration and tropical flavor
- Berry Juice Blend: To deepen the color and taste
- Coconut Milk
Original Ingredient: Canned or carton coconut milk
Substitutes:- Almond Milk: Still light and nutty
- Oat Milk: Creamier texture but neutral flavor
- Soy Milk: Works well if you prefer higher protein content
- Açaí Powder
Original Ingredient: Freeze-dried açaí powder
Substitutes:- Mixed Berry Powder: Similar antioxidants and flavor
- Hibiscus Tea Concentrate: Tangy and colorful
- Leave out entirely for a simplified version
- Strawberries
Original Ingredient: Freeze-dried strawberries
Substitutes:- Fresh Strawberries: Slice thinly for infusion
- Dried Strawberries: Soak briefly in water to soften
- Raspberries: For a slightly tarter twist
- Sweetener
Original Ingredient: Simple syrup or agave
Substitutes:- Honey: Adds floral notes
- Maple Syrup: Deeper sweetness
- Stevia or Monk Fruit: Low-calorie options
- Caffeine Source
Original Ingredient: Green tea or green coffee extract
Substitutes:- Herbal Tea (like hibiscus or berry): Caffeine-free
- Skip entirely for a zero-caffeine version
- Matcha (tiny amount): For an energy boost with earthy flavor
Ingredients
-
1/2 cup white grape juice
-
1/2 cup cold water
-
1 green tea bag (for light caffeine) or 1/4 tsp green coffee extract (optional)
-
1 tbsp freeze-dried açaí powder (or sub with mixed berry powder)
-
1/2 cup canned or carton coconut milk (unsweetened or sweetened)
-
1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries (plus extra for topping)
-
Ice to fill the glass
-
Optional: 1–2 tsp simple syrup or agave, to taste
Instructions
-
Brew the base: Steep the green tea bag in 1/2 cup hot water for 3 minutes. Let it cool (or skip if using green coffee extract).
-
Mix the refresher: In a shaker or large glass, combine white grape juice, cooled tea (or extract), and açaí powder. Stir or shake until dissolved.
-
Add the coconut: Pour in the coconut milk and stir gently. It will turn that iconic soft pink color.
-
Assemble: Fill a tall glass with ice and add the freeze-dried strawberries. Pour the pink drink mixture over the top.
-
Taste test: Add sweetener if desired. Stir gently and enjoy.
