Starbucks Copycat Pink Drink Recipe

Fruity, creamy, and refreshing, this homemade Starbucks-inspired Pink Drink captures the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and coconut milk for a café-quality experience at home.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Serves:
2 drinks
An overhead shot of a tall clear glass filled with a vibrant pink beverage, ice cubes floating prominently throughout the drink. Slices of fresh strawberries are visible through the glass, suspended in the creamy pink liquid that shows a subtle marbling effect where the coconut milk meets the strawberry base. The glass sits on a white marble countertop with scattered fresh strawberries, a small jar of acai powder, and a few green tea bags artfully arranged nearby. A metal straw tilts from the glass, and condensation beads on the outside catch the soft natural light streaming in from a nearby window, giving the drink an irresistibly cool, refreshing appearance.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 green tea bags (preferably Tazo Zen)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">480ml hot water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp acai berry powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp white sugar (or to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml unsweetened coconut milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g fresh strawberries, sliced (plus extra for garnish)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes, for serving</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Measuring jug</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Brew the green tea by steeping the 3 tea bags in 480ml of hot water (about 85°C, not boiling) for 5 minutes. The proper temperature ensures you don't scorch the tea leaves, which would result in a bitter taste. Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool completely (about 30 minutes at room temperature or speed up by refrigerating).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Once the tea has cooled, stir in the acai berry powder and sugar until completely dissolved. The acai powder not only gives the signature pink color but also adds antioxidant properties to your drink. If you're having trouble dissolving the powder, use a small whisk or shake in a closed container.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the sliced strawberries to the tea mixture and let them infuse for at least 10 minutes (longer for a stronger flavor). The natural juices from the strawberries will enhance both the color and the fruity profile of your drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring jug or bowl, pressing gently on the strawberries to extract maximum flavor without adding pulp. Reserve a few strawberry slices for garnish if desired.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stir in the vanilla extract – this adds a subtle sweetness and complexity that elevates the drink beyond a simple fruit tea. The vanilla helps to simulate the creaminess found in the original Starbucks version.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes (approximately halfway). Pour the strawberry-tea mixture over the ice, filling each glass about two-thirds full. The ice not only chills the drink but also provides the signature dilution level found in the original.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Gently pour the coconut milk over the tea mixture in each glass, allowing it to create beautiful swirls as it incorporates. Don't stir immediately – this creates the impressive layered effect that makes the Pink Drink so Instagram-worthy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Add a few fresh strawberry slices to each drink as garnish, and serve immediately with a straw. For the authentic experience, stir gently before drinking to combine the coconut milk with the tea mixture. Your homemade Pink Drink should have a creamy mouthfeel balanced by the refreshing fruit flavors.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 bar
🔥 Calories: 215 calories
🥑 Fat: 9 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 32 g
🍭 Sugar: 18 g
🍗 Protein: 3 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 42 mg
🧂 Sodium: 95 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones for this pink beverage?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well as a substitute for fresh ones. Thaw them partially before using to allow their juices to release more easily. The frozen berries may actually create a more vibrant pink colour, though they might slightly water down the final drink compared to fresh strawberries.

What's the best coconut milk to use for creating a creamy strawberry drink?

For the creamiest results, use full-fat canned coconut milk (not coconut cream) thinned with a bit of water. If using refrigerated coconut milk beverage, choose an unsweetened version that contains fewer additives. The brand Chaokoh or Thai Kitchen offer excellent creaminess that mimics Starbucks' version.

Is there a caffeine-free alternative to using green tea in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute green tea with caffeine-free options like hibiscus tea or white tea (which has minimal caffeine). Hibiscus provides a beautiful pink colour naturally, complementing the strawberry flavour, while maintaining the refreshing profile. For a completely caffeine-free version, fruit-based herbal teas work well.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.