There is something undeniably special about treating yourself to a cafe beverage. Whether it is a sunny afternoon or a quick morning pick me up, holding that cold cup just feels good. However, making a daily habit of buying premium coffee shop beverages can hurt your wallet quickly. That is why learning to make your favorite Starbucks Drinks Recipes at home is such a rewarding skill. You get all the flavor and fun without the steep price tag.
This specific recipe is all about recreating that famous, creamy, and fruity pink beverage that took social media by storm. It is one of those Pretty Drinks that looks just as good as it tastes. With its pastel hue and floating strawberry slices, it perfectly captures the Starbucks Aesthetic that everyone loves to post online. Plus, making it in your own kitchen allows you to control exactly what goes into your glass.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. First and foremost, it is incredibly easy. You do not need to be a professional barista to whip this up. It is a simple matter of blending and pouring. If you are looking for a Fun Drink Recipe to try with friends or kids, this is a fantastic option because it comes together in minutes. The visual appeal is undeniable, making it a hit at summer parties or just for a quiet moment on the porch.
Another reason this recipe shines is the cost savings. When you look at Starbucks Drinks Recipes, the markup on ingredients is often huge. By buying a bottle of juice and a can of coconut milk, you can make multiple servings for the price of one medium drink at the shop. This makes it a smart choice for anyone who is budget conscious but still wants to enjoy trendy flavors.
Finally, this version is completely customizable. The original store version contains caffeine from green coffee extract, but when you make it at home, you get to decide. You can leave the caffeine out entirely for a kid friendly version or add a splash of green tea or herbal tea if you prefer. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking. Many Starbucks Drinks Recipes can be overly sugary, but here, you control the balance.
Ingredients
To get that authentic taste and texture, you need the right balance of liquids and fruit. Here is what you need to gather for this delicious drink.
For The Pink Drink
- 1 1/2 cups berry juice, such as Juicy Juice Berry or Strawberry Kiwi, chilled
- 2/3 cup canned coconut milk, room temperature or chilled
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 6 oz (about 6 large) frozen strawberries
- 2 Tbsp sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups ice, for serving
- 3 fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish (optional)
For The Whipped Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Step-By-Step Instructions
Creating Starbucks Drinks Recipes at home is often easier than you think. This process involves just a bit of blending and mixing. Follow these simple steps to enjoy your refreshing beverage.
Step 1: Make The Whipped Topping
If you are choosing to add the decadent creamy top, start here. Pour the heavy cream, one tablespoon of sugar, and the vanilla extract into a medium mixing bowl. You can also use a liquid measuring cup if it is wide enough to fit your beater blades comfortably.
Using an electric hand mixer, whip the heavy cream on high speed. You want to keep going until stiff peaks form. This usually takes a couple of minutes. Once it is thick and fluffy, set it aside for a moment while you prepare the drink base.
Step 2: Blend The Drink Base
Now for the main event. Grab a high speed blender. Add the berry juice, canned coconut milk, cold water, frozen strawberries, and the two tablespoons of sugar into the blender jar. The combination of frozen fruit and coconut milk is what gives many Starbucks Drinks Recipes that signature smooth texture.
Cover the blender securely. Blend everything until the strawberries are completely pureed and the mixture is a uniform pale pink color. This should take about 30 seconds. Ensure there are no large chunks of fruit left so the drink is smooth to sip.
Step 3: Assemble And Serve
Take your serving glasses and fill them with the 1 1/2 cups of ice. If you are using fresh strawberry slices for garnish, divide them among the glasses now, tucking them between the ice cubes for that pretty presentation.
Pour the pink drink mixture over the ice. If you made the whipped topping, spoon or pipe it generously over the top of the drink. Serve it right away to enjoy it while it is frosty and cold. This is truly one of the most delightful Starbucks Drinks Recipes you can make.
How To Store Leftovers
Like most fresh beverages, this drink is best enjoyed immediately after making it. The ice will melt and dilute the flavor if it sits for too long. However, if you mixed up a batch without ice and have leftovers, you can keep it in the refrigerator.
Store the liquid mixture in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You might notice that the coconut milk separates from the juice slightly as it sits. This is completely normal for natural ingredients. Just give the container a vigorous shake before pouring it over fresh ice to emulsify the ingredients again.
It is not recommended to freeze the finished drink, as the texture of the coconut milk can change when thawed, becoming grainy rather than smooth. Fresh is always best when it comes to creamy Starbucks Drinks Recipes.
Tips
If you want to make your drink look exactly like the store bought version, pay attention to the strawberries. The original often uses freeze dried strawberry pieces rather than fresh ones. Freeze dried fruit rehydrates slightly in the liquid but keeps a nice texture and intense color. Using a handful of freeze dried strawberries for garnish works wonderfully and they store longer in your pantry than fresh fruit.
For those who feel the strawberry flavor needs a boost, try adding a tiny bit of natural strawberry flavoring. About half a teaspoon can make the fruit notes pop without adding extra sugar. This is a secret trick in many Starbucks Drinks Recipes to ensure the flavor punches through the creamy coconut milk.
Let us talk about caffeine. The cafe version is a “refresher” which means it contains green coffee extract. If you want that energy boost, you can buy green coffee extract powder online and add a small amount to the blender. Alternatively, you can steep some hibiscus tea or green tea and replace the cold water in the recipe with the chilled tea. Just be aware that hibiscus will make the pink color much darker and more vibrant.
Sweetness is subjective. Depending on how sweet your strawberries or your juice brand is, you might want to adjust the sugar. You can use anywhere from one to three tablespoons. Honey or agave syrup would also work well as a substitute for granulated sugar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Lastly, for a lighter option, you can skip the whipped topping. This simple swap reduces the calories by about 150 per serving, making it a lighter treat. However, if you are in the mood to indulge, feel free to increase the cream recipe to make a mountain of foam on top.
Conclusion
Mastering Starbucks Drinks Recipes like this one opens up a world of delicious possibilities right in your own kitchen. You save money, you control the ingredients, and you get the satisfaction of creating something beautiful. This copycat pink drink is refreshing, creamy, and bursting with berry flavor. It is the perfect beverage to brighten up your afternoon or to serve to friends during a weekend hang out. Give it a try and see just how easy it is to bring that coffee shop vibe home.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free. Just double check the labels on your berry juice and any additives to be absolutely sure. Most standard ingredients listed here do not contain gluten.
Does This Drink Have Caffeine?
As written, this recipe is caffeine free because it uses water and juice. The original version from the coffee shop does contain caffeine from green coffee extract. If you want to replicate that, you can add green coffee extract or use chilled green tea in place of the water.
What Is The Best Coconut Milk To Use?
For the closest texture to the original Starbucks Drinks Recipes, canned coconut milk is usually best because it is thicker and creamier than the carton variety found in the dairy aisle. However, you can use the carton type if you prefer a thinner drink with fewer calories.
Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
This easy-to-make chocolate protein ice cream is rich, creamy, and packed with protein, perfect for a refreshing treat without the guilt. Made with simple ingredients and your Ninja Creami, it’s a satisfying dessert for any time.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Ninja Creami pint container, combine the chocolate protein shake, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, sweetener, and a pinch of salt. For an even creamier texture, add the optional guar gum or pudding mix.
- Using a small milk frother or whisk, mix all ingredients thoroughly until no clumps remain and the base is smooth.
- Secure the lid on the pint and place it on a level surface in the freezer. Freeze for at least 24 hours until frozen solid.
- Once fully frozen, place the pint into the outer bowl, secure the processing lid, and lock it into the Ninja Creami machine.
- Select the ‘Lite Ice Cream’ function and let it run a full cycle. If the texture is powdery or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk or protein shake and process again using the ‘Re-Spin’ function.
- If using mix-ins, create a small well in the center of the ice cream, add your desired items, and process using the ‘Mix-In’ function.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade protein ice cream straight from the pint.
Notes
Taste the base before freezing and adjust sweetener if needed. Frozen desserts tastes less sweet, so aim for slightly sweeter than you prefer.
Do not fill the pint past the max fill line, as the mixture will expand during freezing and processing.
A full 24-hour freeze is essential for the best, creamiest texture. Rushing this step can result in an icy or soupy consistency.
Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla protein with frozen berries or adding mint extract for a mint-chip version.
Nutrition
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