Have you seen the gorgeous, vibrant layers of the Starbucks Tropical Butterfly Refresher and wished you could enjoy it at home? Now you can! This easy copycat recipe brings together the dreamy mix of tropical fruits and stunning butterfly pea flower tea for an Instagram-worthy drink that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Not only does this refresher taste like sunshine in a glass, but it’s a breeze to make with simple ingredients and household tools. Whether you’re looking to surprise your guests, upgrade your brunch game, or just treat yourself on a warm afternoon, this homemade tropical refresher fits every occasion. Don’t forget to check out our other refreshing drinks and creative treats for more beverage inspiration!
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How to make Tropical Butterfly Refresher
The Starbucks Tropical Butterfly Refresher layers juicy passionfruit-guava flavors with mango and coconut milk, topped by dramatic blue butterfly pea tea. The visual contrast makes this one of Starbucks’ most eye-catching drinks, while the flavor is a perfectly sweet-tart tropical escape. Below, learn the secrets to recreating this beauty at home—no barista required!
Nutrition facts
- Calories: Approx. 140 per serving
- Fat: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 1g
- Caffeine: 25mg (from green coffee extract—optional)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butterfly pea flower tea (brewed and chilled) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/2 cup white grape juice — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup guava juice — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (carton style, not canned) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 tablespoons passionfruit syrup — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 tablespoons mango syrup — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/8 teaspoon citric acid (or juice of 1/2 lemon, optional) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- Ice cubes — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- Fresh mango chunks or edible flowers for garnish (optional) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1-2 teaspoons green coffee extract (optional, for caffeine) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
Tools you’ll need
- Shaker or large mason jar with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kettle or saucepan (for steeping butterfly pea flowers)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Tall glasses
- Spoon (for layering)
Instructions
- 1. Brew Butterfly Pea Tea: Steep dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes until vibrant blue. Strain and chill thoroughly.
- 2. Mix Tropical Base: In a shaker, combine white grape juice, guava juice, passionfruit syrup, mango syrup, coconut milk, and a pinch of citric acid for tartness (optional).
- 3. Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake until the mixture is well combined and frothy.
- 4. Layer: Pour the tropical base into a tall glass over ice, leaving room for the tea.
- 5. Add Butterfly Pea Layer: Gently pour chilled butterfly pea tea over the back of a spoon so it floats atop for a layered look.
- 6. Garnish & Enjoy: Add fresh mango chunks or edible flowers for extra flair. Sip and stir for swirling color magic!
What to serve with
Drinks:
- Pair with sparkling coconut water or a cold brew coffee for a café-style brunch.
- Try alongside a frothy matcha latte for a full Starbucks experience at home.
Sides:
- Avocado toast, fruit parfaits, or vegan pastries complement this tropical refresher beautifully.
- For a treat, serve with fruity scones or coconut macaroons from our treats archive!
Variations
- Swap coconut milk for lemonade for a lighter, tangier drink.
- Add fresh strawberries, dragonfruit, or pineapple for a fruity twist.
- Omit green coffee extract for a caffeine-free refresher.
- Use sparkling water in place of part of the juice for a fizzy sensation.
- Make it a cocktail: Add a splash of rum or vodka for a boozy brunch treat.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Guava Juice:
- Pineapple juice
- A blend of mango juice and a splash of lemon juice
- Passionfruit Syrup:
- Peach syrup
- Orange juice concentrate (for a tart contrast)
- Coconut Milk:
- Almond milk
- Oat milk with a drop of coconut extract
- White Grape Juice:
- Apple juice
- Coconut water
- Butterfly Pea Flowers:
- Blue food coloring (visual substitute only)
- Hibiscus flowers (for a different color and flavor)
- Mango Syrup:
- Peach or apricot jam thinned with a little water
- Pureed ripe mango
- Citric Acid:
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
Ingredients
1/2 cup butterfly pea flower tea (brewed and chilled)
1/2 cup white grape juice
1/4 cup guava juice
1/4 cup coconut milk (carton style, not canned)
2 tablespoons passionfruit syrup
2 tablespoons mango syrup
1/8 teaspoon citric acid (or juice of 1/2 lemon, optional)
Ice cubes
Fresh mango chunks or edible flowers for garnish (optional)
1-2 teaspoons green coffee extract (optional, for caffeine)
Instructions
Steep butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes until blue, strain and chill.
Fill a shaker with white grape juice, guava juice, passionfruit syrup, mango syrup, coconut milk, citric acid, and green coffee extract if using.
Add ice, seal, and shake until well combined.
Fill two tall glasses with ice and pour the tropical juice mix in, leaving space on top.
Slowly pour chilled butterfly pea tea over the back of a spoon into each glass to float the blue layer.
Garnish with mango chunks or edible flowers. Serve immediately.
