Unlock the secret to your favorite Starbucks beverage right in your kitchen! In just a few minutes, with only three simple ingredients, you can effortlessly craft a deliciously sweet and vibrant Starbucks Pink Drink at home. Experience the perfect blend of fruity refreshment and creamy indulgence without the frequent trips to the coffee shop.
Discover the Allure of the Homemade Starbucks Pink Drink
The Starbucks Pink Drink has captivated hearts worldwide with its stunning appearance and irresistible flavor profile. For many, it’s a beloved treat, a refreshing escape that brightens any day. However, regular purchases can quickly add up, turning a simple pleasure into a costly habit. This is where the magic of a homemade copycat recipe comes in. Imagine enjoying that same delightful taste, whenever you desire, without breaking the bank or even needing special equipment like a blender.
This recipe transforms the highly sought-after Pink Drink into an accessible, budget-friendly option for everyone. It’s incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and no complex steps. The resulting beverage is a harmonious blend of fruity notes, a light body, and a wonderfully refreshing finish. If you’ve yet to experience this iconic drink, or if you’re a devoted fan looking for a convenient alternative, now is the perfect moment to try your hand at making it yourself. It’s an ideal beverage for a hot summer day, a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, or a beautiful addition to any gathering.
“Wow, so good! There is no reason to spend the money at Starbucks when this tastes just as good, if not better. It’s so easy too!!
– Donna”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Homemade Pink Drink
Freeze-dried strawberries are becoming increasingly common and can typically be found in the snack or health food aisle of most major grocery stores. Look near the nuts, dried fruits, or granola. Popular stores like Trader Joe’s often stock them. If you have trouble locating them locally, they are readily available online through retailers like Amazon. While freeze-dried strawberries add a lovely aesthetic and a slight concentrated burst of flavor, they are primarily for visual appeal. The drink remains absolutely delicious without them, so don’t hesitate to make it even if you can’t find this specific ingredient. Freshly sliced strawberries can also be used as a beautiful and tasty garnish.
Absolutely! The beauty of making copycat recipes at home is the freedom to customize them to your exact preferences. This recipe serves as a fantastic starting point, but feel free to experiment with the ratios until it perfectly suits your tastebuds. If you prefer a more pronounced strawberry flavor, increase the amount of white cran strawberry juice and slightly reduce the coconut milk. Conversely, for a creamier, milder drink, add more coconut milk. The key is to find a balance that you truly love, making this your personalized Pink Drink.
One notable difference between this homemade version and the original coffee shop offering is its caffeine content. Our recipe is naturally caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for any time of day, even before bed. The authentic Starbucks Pink Drink contains green coffee extract, which provides a mild caffeine boost but can be difficult for the average person to source for home use. If you happen to have access to green coffee extract and desire that subtle lift, you can certainly add a small amount to your homemade drink. However, its absence does not diminish the deliciousness or refreshing quality of this copycat recipe.
This homemade Pink Drink is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, when the flavors are freshest and the ice is perfectly chilled. Its deliciousness often means there are no leftovers! However, if you do find yourself with extra, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one to two days. Be aware that the texture of the freeze-dried strawberries, if added to the mix, may change and soften over time. For optimal freshness, if making a larger batch to store, it’s best to add the strawberries and ice just before serving each portion.
Yes, this recipe is incredibly adaptable and can easily be scaled up to suit your needs. Whether you’re making drinks for a crowd or simply want to have some ready in the fridge, feel free to double, triple, or even quadruple the quantities. You could prepare a pitcher full of the juice and coconut milk mixture. For the best presentation and texture, we recommend waiting to add the freeze-dried strawberries until you are ready to pour and enjoy each individual serving. This ensures the strawberries retain their crisp texture and vibrant appearance.
Key Ingredients for Your Refreshing Pink Drink
Crafting this delightful Starbucks-inspired beverage requires just three simple, readily available ingredients. The magic lies in their perfect combination, creating a flavor that’s both familiar and uniquely satisfying.
- Coconut Milk: The star ingredient that lends this drink its signature creaminess and subtle tropical notes. We recommend using a good quality, unsweetened coconut milk beverage (the kind found in cartons, not canned coconut milk for cooking). Brands like Silk Coconut Milk work wonderfully, providing a smooth texture without overpowering the other flavors. If you have dietary preferences or simply prefer a different plant-based milk, almond milk or oat milk can also be used, though they will slightly alter the creamy texture and flavor profile. Always ensure your coconut milk is well-chilled for the best results.
- White Cran Strawberry Juice: This is the primary flavor driver, responsible for the vibrant pink hue and the sweet, tangy strawberry-cranberry essence. Ocean Spray is a widely available and reliable brand for this specific blend, often found in the juice aisle. The combination of white cranberry and strawberry juice offers a sweeter, less tart alternative to traditional cranberry juice, making it perfect for the Pink Drink. If you can’t find this exact blend, a mix of regular strawberry juice and white cranberry juice, or even a strawberry-grape juice blend, could serve as a substitute, though taste adjustments might be needed.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These add a fantastic visual appeal and a concentrated burst of strawberry flavor and texture to your drink. They float beautifully and soften slightly as they soak, enhancing the drinking experience. While primarily a garnish, they do contribute to the overall enjoyment. As mentioned in the FAQ, these can be found in most grocery stores or online. Alternatively, fresh sliced strawberries make an equally delicious and pretty topping, providing a burst of juicy freshness.
With these three simple components, you are well on your way to enjoying a homemade beverage that rivals its coffee shop counterpart.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Starbucks Pink Drink
Making your own Starbucks Pink Drink is incredibly simple and quick. Follow these easy steps to create a perfectly balanced and refreshing beverage every time.
Prepare Your Glass: Start with a 16-ounce glass, or any larger glass if you prefer more ice or a bigger serving. Fill the glass generously with ice cubes. Ice is essential for chilling the drink and creating that signature refreshing sensation. If using freeze-dried strawberries, you can add a small handful to the glass at this stage. They will look delightful as the liquids are poured over them.
Add the White Cran Strawberry Juice: Carefully pour 8 ounces (equivalent to one cup) of the chilled White Cran Strawberry juice into the glass over the ice and strawberries. Watch the beautiful pink color begin to form! This juice forms the fruity base of your drink, providing its primary flavor and vibrant hue.
Introduce the Coconut Milk: Next, pour in 8 ounces (one cup) of the chilled Silk Coconut Milk. As the coconut milk mixes with the juice, you’ll see the color soften and become creamier, transforming into the iconic light pink shade of the Starbucks favorite. This step adds the essential creaminess and a hint of tropical sweetness that makes the Pink Drink so special.
Stir to Combine: Take a straw or a long spoon and gently stir the ingredients together. This ensures the juice and coconut milk are thoroughly blended, creating a uniform color and flavor throughout the drink. The freeze-dried strawberries, if added, will swirl around, adding to the drink’s appeal.
Garnish and Serve: For the perfect finishing touch, add a few more freeze-dried strawberries to the top of your drink. This enhances the visual presentation and provides an extra little texture when sipping. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, refreshing Starbucks Pink Drink!
Tips for the Best Homemade Pink Drink Experience
- Chilled Ingredients are Key: Always ensure your coconut milk and juice are thoroughly chilled before mixing. This results in a truly refreshing drink without excessive ice dilution.
- Quality of Ingredients: While simple, the quality of your coconut milk and juice will significantly impact the final taste. Opt for brands you enjoy.
- Customization: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios of juice to coconut milk to find your ideal sweetness and creaminess level. You can also add a splash of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Add Fresh Fruit: For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, consider adding fresh strawberry slices, or even a few raspberries, to your drink alongside or instead of freeze-dried strawberries.
- Make it a Party Pitcher: If hosting, prepare a large batch of the juice and coconut milk mixture in a pitcher. Store it in the fridge, and then pour over ice and add fresh/freeze-dried strawberries to individual glasses when serving. Remember the golden rule: equal parts of both liquids for a balanced taste.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed crafting this refreshing Pink Drink, you’ll love exploring other popular copycat recipes and fruit-inspired beverages. Here are some fantastic ideas to expand your homemade drink repertoire and satisfy your cravings for more delightful treats:
- Starbuck’s Egg Bites
- Starbuck’s Lemon Loaf
- Starbuck’s Cranberry Loaf
- Fresh Strawberry Milk
- The Best Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Strawberry Sweet Tea
- Strawberry Cream Floats
- The Best Pineapple Smoothie
- Best Blueberry Smoothies
- Agua de Melon (Melon Water)
- Copycat Orange Julius
- Cherry Limeade
- Homemade Pink Lemonade
- Southern Sweet Tea
- Baby (or Bridal) Shower Punch
- Ocean Water Punch
- Sparkling Strawberry Punch
- The Best Mango Smoothies
Originally published: August 2023
Updated and republished: March 2025
Starbucks Pink Drink
In just a few minutes, using only 3 simple ingredients, you could be sipping on your very own deliciously sweet Starbucks Pink Drink at home!
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 26 Reviews)
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Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1 serving (adjustable)
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Ocean Spray White Cran Strawberry, cold (one cup)
- 8 ounces Silk Coconut Milk, cold (one cup)
- Freeze-dried strawberries (for topping or mixing)
Instructions
In a 16-ounce glass with ice (or a pitcher for larger batches), combine 8 ounces of cold Ocean Spray White Cran Strawberry juice and 8 ounces of cold Silk Coconut Milk. Stir well with a straw or spoon until fully blended.
Top your drink generously with freeze-dried strawberries for garnish and an extra burst of flavor.
Video
Notes
- Refer to the FAQ section and ingredient list above for more detailed information on substitutions or common questions.
- Feel free to adjust the measurements to suit your taste. For a stronger white cran strawberry flavor, use more juice and less coconut milk, or vice versa for a creamier drink.
- Freeze-dried strawberries can be purchased at stores like Trader Joe’s or online retailers such as Amazon.
- This recipe is easily scalable for multiple servings. If preparing a pitcher, add the strawberries just before serving individual glasses. Always maintain equal parts juice and coconut milk.
- You can also place the freeze-dried strawberries at the bottom of the glass before pouring in the liquids. They tend to float to the top once stirred.
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 5mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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