Starbucks Pink Drink is my favorite refreshing treat on warm days—light, creamy, and full of fruity strawberry flavor that tastes just like summer. I’ve started making it at home with simple ingredients like strawberry acai juice, coconut milk, and freeze-dried strawberries. It’s quick, customizable, and way more budget-friendly. Honestly, it might be even better than the original!
Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe
I’ve been low-key obsessed with the Pink Drink for ages. There’s just something about that creamy, fruity combo that hits every time. But let’s be honest—those Starbucks trips can really sneak up on your wallet. Then I thought, why not try making it myself at home?
And wow. This homemade version? Total game changer. It’s light, refreshing, and honestly tastes just like the one from the store (maybe even better because I can tweak it exactly how I like).
It starts with a base of passion fruit tea, layered with strawberry-berry juice (I use a cranberry-strawberry blend), and finished with a splash of creamy coconut milk. The vibrant color is eye-catching, and each sip bursts with the refreshing taste of summer.
Don’t forget to throw in some fresh or freeze-dried strawberries—they add a nice fruity burst and make it feel super special.
If you’ve been craving that Starbucks fix without leaving the house, this is the drink to try. I’ve been making it on repeat, and I swear, it’s become my favorite little afternoon ritual.
What You’ll Need
- TAZO Passion Herbal Tea Bags – The foundation of that vibrant pink hue and fruity taste. Steep longer for a bolder taste.
- Ocean Spray White Cran-Strawberry Juice – Adds sweet-tart fruitiness. Can sub with white cranberry juice + strawberry syrup if needed.
- Water – Keeps the drink balanced and not overly sweet. Don’t skip it!
- Unsweetened coconut milk adds a smooth, luxurious texture. Go for the carton version, not canned.
- Agave or Simple Syrup (Optional) – Sweeten to taste if you like it a bit more sugary.
- Freeze-Dried or Fresh Strawberries – For that classic Starbucks look and a juicy bite in every sip.
How to Make Starbucks Pink Drink
1. Steep the Tea with Juice:
In a tall glass or mason jar, I place 2 bags of a good quality acai berry or passionfruit tea (Tazo Passion works great!) and pour in 1 cup of cold white grape juice. It might sound unusual, but trust me — the juice gives it that signature Starbucks sweetness and body. Stir it briefly, then place it to the side.
In a second jar or cup, I do the same: 2 more tea bags + 1 cup of cold water. Let both steep for about 3–5 minutes. I always go the full 5 — it brings out that gorgeous pink color and bold berry flavor.
2. Discard the Tea Bags (Gently!):
Once the tea has finished steeping, I carefully take out the tea bags and dispose of them. I never squeeze them — that can release bitterness and mess with the clean, fruity flavor I’m going for.
3. Ice It Up:
Fill two large glasses with ice. When I want to go full Starbucks-at-home vibes, I use nugget ice or those mini cubes. Totally extra, but totally worth it. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll even pull out my reusable Starbucks tumbler.
4. Mix the Magic:
Pour the steeped juice and tea mixture evenly into your ice-filled glasses. Next, stir in coconut milk to your liking for a rich, creamy finish. I usually do about ¼ cup per glass, but it’s flexible. The way the pink and white mix together is consistently mesmerizing and oddly satisfying.
5. Sweeten It (If You Want):
Depending on how sweet your grape juice is, you may want to sweeten things up a bit more. I go for a small drizzle of agave or a splash of simple syrup — start with a teaspoon or two, stir, then taste. It’s easier to add more than to fix an overly sweet drink.
6. Add the Strawberries:
This is what makes it look like the real deal. Toss in a small handful of freeze-dried strawberries, or sliced fresh ones if you’ve got them on hand. The berries soak up the drink and become little bursts of flavor — and they look gorgeous floating in the glass.
7. Stir and Sip:
Give it all a gentle stir, pop in a straw, and you’re good to go. Cool, creamy, and bursting with fruity flavor—it’s like tasting summer in every sip. I’ve honestly made this during snowstorms just because it feels like a mini escape.
Tips for Starbucks Pink Drink
Ready to level up your homemade Pink Drink game? These are the little tricks I’ve learned after making this drink way too many times (no regrets). From getting that dreamy blush color to nailing the chill factor, here’s how to get it just right—like, Starbucks who? kind of right.
Steep It Like You Mean It
Don’t rush the tea! Let it steep fully to get that deep, vibrant color and fruity flavor that really makes the drink pop. I usually double up on the tea bags—two per cup—to make sure the flavor shines through even after adding the other ingredients.
Cold Ingredients = No Melted Mess
This might be the most underrated trick: chill everything before you start. Cold tea, cold juice, cold coconut milk—it keeps the ice from melting too quickly and watering the drink down. Believe me, it truly has a significant impact.
Nugget Ice = Barista Vibes
I didn’t think ice mattered until I tried nugget ice (aka pebble or “Sonic” ice). It’s game-changing. It’s soft, chewy, and keeps your drink cooler longer without turning it into a diluted mess. Skip the crushed ice—your Pink Drink deserves better.
Pour with Style
If you’re going for that layered, gradient look you see all over Instagram, here’s the trick: pour the coconut milk slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the tea before you stir. It’s not just pretty—it makes you feel like a pro.
Frozen Pink Drink? Yes, Please
Some days call for a frosty version. Just blend everything together with a handful of ice until it’s smooth and slushy. It feels like sipping on a tropical getaway. I make this on those scorching summer afternoons when iced just isn’t cold enough.
Short on Time? Use Tazo Concentrate
If you spot Tazo Iced Passion Tea Concentrate at the store, grab it! It cuts out the brewing step completely. I usually do half water, half concentrate to start—then adjust depending on how sweet I want it.
Batch It Like a Boss
In peak summer, I’m making this drink on repeat—so I’ve started brewing a big batch of the tea ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to sip, add your juice, coconut milk, and ice. Boom—instant refreshment, zero hassle.
Variation Ideas
Want to mix things up? Here are some easy and delicious ways to customize your homemade Pink Drink:
- Change the Tea: Swap Tazo Passion Tea with hibiscus, raspberry, or peach herbal tea. Peach is especially amazing—light, fruity, and caffeine-free!
- Skip the Tea: No tea? Replace it with strawberry purée and include a small amount of water to offset the sweetness.
- Try a New Juice: No white cranberry-strawberry juice? Use white grape, apple, or even lemonade for a tangy twist.
- Add More Fruit: Toss in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for extra flavor and color.
- Switch the Milk: Coconut milk is classic, but almond, oat, or cashew milk work great too—each brings a unique creaminess.
- Make It Zesty: Add a squeeze of lime or a few mint leaves for a bright, refreshing kick.
- Add Fizz: Use sparkling water or club soda instead of still water for a bubbly upgrade.
- Top It Off: Whipped cream or vanilla cold foam adds a sweet, creamy finish—perfect for a treat!
Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 TAZO Passion Tea bags
- 1 cup White Cran-Strawberry Juice
- 1 cup filtered water
- ½–1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 2–4 tsp agave or simple syrup (optional)
- ½ cup freeze-dried or fresh strawberries
Instructions
- In a large glass or jar, add 2 tea bags and pour over 1 cup of cold white grape juice. Stir gently and set it aside to steep.
- In a second glass, place the remaining 2 tea bags, then pour in 1 cup of cold water. Stir and let it steep alongside the first.
- After about 3 to 5 minutes, both liquids should take on a vibrant pink hue. Remove and discard the tea bags.
- Fill two tall glasses with ice. Pour the tea-infused grape juice into each glass, then follow with the tea-infused water, dividing both evenly.
- Top each drink with coconut milk, adjusting the amount to your preference.
- Stir in agave syrup to taste.
- Garnish with a few slices of freeze-dried or fresh strawberries for that signature touch.
- Give it one last gentle stir, take a sip, and savor your refreshing homemade pink beverage!
