If you’re as enchanted by Starbucks Strawberry Acai Pink Drink as I am, you’ll be thrilled to learn that you can recreate this beloved beverage right in your kitchen! As someone who has made countless runs to get my fix of this fruity, refreshing concoction, I’ve always been curious about the art of making it myself. With just a handful of ingredients and a splash of culinary curiosity, you can whip up your version of this popular drink, tailor-made to your taste.
How to make Starbucks Strawberry Acai Pink Drink
The Starbucks Strawberry Acai Pink Drink is a refreshing beverage made with a combination of Strawberry Açaí Refresher, coconut milk, and freeze-dried strawberries. It has a light, fruity flavor with a creamy texture, making it a popular choice, especially during warmer months.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of Starbucks VIA Refreshers Strawberry Acai (as the base; if not available, you can use any strawberry acai powdered mix)
- 1/2 cup of white grape juice (this replicates the sweet base of the original drink)
- 1 cup of coconut milk (preferably the kind found in cartons in the refrigerated section for the most authentic flavor and consistency; canned coconut milk can be too thick)
- 1 cup of ice (or as needed)
- Freeze-dried strawberries (for garnish and extra flavor; fresh strawberries sliced can be a substitute)
- A splash of passionfruit juice (optional, if you can find it)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Acai Base: Begin by stirring the Starbucks VIA Refreshers Strawberry Acai powder into a cup of cold water until it’s fully dissolved. If you have a powdered acai mixture, follow the instructions on the package, typically combining with water.
- Mix the Base with Juice: Mix the prepared strawberry acai base with the white grape juice in a serving glass. If you’re using passionfruit juice for a twist of extra tangy flavor, add it at this stage.
- Add the Coconut Milk: Pour the coconut milk into the glass with the acai and grape juice mixture, and gently stir everything together until you achieve that Instagram-worthy pink hue. The amount of coconut milk can be adjusted according to how creamy or light you want your drink to be.
- Finish with Ice and Strawberries: Fill the rest of the glass with ice and top it off with a handful of freeze-dried or fresh strawberry slices for that refreshing fruitiness and aesthetic appeal.
- Stir and Enjoy: Give the drink a thorough stir to make sure all the elements are combined, and you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Strawberry Acai Pink Drink.
Tips:
- Ingredient Proportions: Feel free to tweak the proportions of each ingredient to suit your taste. Some might prefer a stronger strawberry acai flavor or a creamier texture with more coconut milk.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the best drinking experience, make sure your coconut milk and grape juice are chilled before you start making the drink.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Depending on your sweet tooth, adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less white grape juice or a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar.
- Serving Style: If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider making a large batch and serving in a clear pitcher to show off the pretty pink color.
- Healthier Alternatives: For a lighter version, opt for light coconut milk and reduce the amount of white grape juice.
- Mixing Technique: To mimic the layered look sometimes seen in Starbucks stores, pour the coconut milk over the back of a spoon to help it float on top before stirring.
What to serve with
Serving the perfect accompaniments with your Starbucks Strawberry Acai Pink Drink can turn a simple beverage break into a delightful mini-meal or an elegant gathering moment.
Light Snacks
- Fruit Salad: Complement the fruity notes of the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Pink Drink with a colorful bowl of mixed fruits. Include berries, kiwi, mango, and pineapple for a tropical flair that enhances the drink’s flavor.
- Cheese and Crackers: Pair the drink with mild cheeses like mozzarella or soft goat cheese alongside whole-grain crackers for a more savory option.
- Mini Sandwiches: Prepare small finger sandwiches with cucumber and cream cheese or chicken salad. The light flavors won’t overpower your delicious Starbucks creation.
Breakfast Options
- Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and a mix of fresh fruits for a healthy and satisfying breakfast option that pairs wonderfully with the light, coconutty notes of the Pink Drink.
- Croissants or Pastries: Serve buttery croissants or assorted pastries to dip into the drink, blending creamy, flaky textures with the fruity beverage.
- Bagels and Cream Cheese: Opt for plain or fruit-flavored cream cheese on a toasted bagel to enjoy with your Pink Drink for a fulfilling morning.
Desserts
- Macarons: These delicate French cookies come in various flavors and beautiful colors that not only complement the aesthetics of the Pink Drink but also match its sweet profile.
- Vanilla or Berry Sorbet: A light, refreshing sorbet mirrors the refreshing profile of the Pink Drink, especially on hot days. Choose berry flavors for a match in taste or vanilla for a nice contrast.
- Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake: Serve slices of these light cakes to dip into the drink or to savor alongside, balancing the sweetness with a subtle, airy texture.
Ingredients Substitutes
The Starbucks Strawberry Acai Pink Drink has gained significant popularity for its refreshing taste and visually appealing pink hue. It’s a delightful blend of the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refreshers Beverage with creamy coconut milk and a scoop of strawberries. However, you might not always have access to the exact ingredients, or you may want to customize the drink to suit dietary restrictions or flavor preferences.
Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refreshers Beverage
Homemade Substitute: Brew green tea and chill it as the base. Mix in white grape juice to replicate the fruity undertone. For the acai flavor, add acai powder (available at health food stores) or acai juice. Adjust the proportions to taste, aiming for a balance between the tartness of acai and the sweetness of the grape juice.
Flavor Enhancers: Add natural strawberry or raspberry extract to the mixture to intensify the fruitiness. These are widely available and can provide a deeper berry flavor.
Coconut Milk
Dairy-Based Substitute: If you’re not a fan of coconut milk or have an allergy, light cream or whole milk can be used as a rich, creamy alternative that still offers a luxurious texture to the drink.
Other Non-Dairy Milks: Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can serve as non-dairy substitutes. Each will alter the flavor profile slightly; almond milk offers a nutty flavor, while oat milk is sweeter and creamier, more closely mimicking the mouthfeel of coconut milk.
Scooped Strawberries
Fresh Fruit Substitutes: Fresh strawberries are preferable for their texture and flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen strawberries (thawed) can work as a good alternative. Other berries like raspberries or sliced cherries can also complement the drink’s flavor profile.
Dried or Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These make for an interesting texture variation and can be more convenient while retaining the intense strawberry flavor. They rehydrate slightly when mixed into the drink.
Liquid Cane Sugar
Substitutes: Simple syrup is an easy homemade substitute that dissolves equal parts of sugar and water. For a healthier sweetener, honey or agave syrup can be used, though these will slightly alter the flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
Ice
Creative Alternatives: To avoid diluting the drink as the ice melts, you can make ice cubes from the green tea base or coconut water. This keeps the drink flavorful and chilled for longer.
Final Thoughts
With these simple steps and helpful hints, you can savor the blissful taste of a Starbucks Strawberry Acai Pink Drink anytime the craving strikes.
More Starbucks Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 pack of Starbucks VIA Refreshers Strawberry Acai
- 1/2 cup of white grape juice
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 cup of ice (or as needed)
- Freeze-dried strawberries
- A splash of passionfruit juice (optional, if you can find it)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Acai Base: Begin by stirring the Starbucks VIA Refreshers Strawberry Acai powder into a cup of cold water until it's fully dissolved. If you have a powdered acai mixture, follow the instructions on the package, typically combining with water.
- Mix the Base with Juice: Mix the prepared strawberry acai base with the white grape juice in a serving glass. If you're using passionfruit juice for a twist of extra tangy flavor, add it at this stage.
- Add the Coconut Milk: Pour the coconut milk into the glass with the acai and grape juice mixture, and gently stir everything together until you achieve that Instagram-worthy pink hue. The amount of coconut milk can be adjusted according to how creamy or light you want your drink to be.
- Finish with Ice and Strawberries: Fill the rest of the glass with ice and top it off with a handful of freeze-dried or fresh strawberry slices for that refreshing fruitiness and aesthetic appeal.
- Stir and Enjoy: Give the drink a thorough stir to make sure all the elements are combined, and you're ready to enjoy your homemade Strawberry Acai Pink Drink.
