Description: A refreshing and fruity beverage that’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. This copycat recipe captures the iconic taste of the Starbucks Pink Drink, offering a delightful blend of strawberries, cranberry juice, and creamy coconut milk.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup stemmed and sliced fresh strawberries, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups Ocean Spray White Cran-Strawberry Juice
- 1 cup sweetened vanilla coconut milk
- 4 teaspoons simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Small ice cubes
Preparation:
- Step 1: Prepare the strawberries by washing, stemming, and slicing them.
- Step 2: Gently crush the strawberries using a muddler in a pitcher.
- Step 3: Add white cran-strawberry juice, sweetened vanilla coconut milk, and simple syrup (if using) to the pitcher.
- Step 4: Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture over ice in glasses and garnish with additional strawberry slices.
Why will you love this recipe?
This homemade Starbucks Pink Drink recipe is a fantastic alternative to the coffee shop version, allowing you to customize the sweetness and ingredients to your liking. You’ll adore how simple and quick it is to prepare, making it perfect for a refreshing treat on a hot day or a fun beverage to share with friends and family. The combination of fresh strawberries, tangy cranberry juice, and creamy coconut milk creates a flavor profile that is both sweet and satisfying. Plus, you can feel good about knowing exactly what goes into your drink, avoiding any unwanted additives or excessive sugars found in store-bought versions. It’s a delightful, customizable, and healthier option that will surely become a favorite.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled over ice for a refreshing experience.
- Garnish with extra strawberry slices for a visually appealing presentation.
- Add a sprig of mint for an extra touch of freshness.
- Pair with light snacks like fruit skewers, yogurt parfaits, or granola bars.
- Serve at parties, brunches, or as a special treat for yourself.
Tips:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your desired level of sweetness.
- For a creamier drink, use full-fat coconut milk.
- If you don’t have vanilla coconut milk, you can use regular coconut milk and add a splash of vanilla extract.
- Make a large batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for easy serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 388 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 28 mg
- Potassium: 507 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 43 g
- Vitamin A: 118 IU
- Vitamin C: 46 mg
- Calcium: 48 mg
- Iron: 5 mg
Conclusion:
The Starbucks Pink Drink is a delightful and easy-to-make beverage that you can enjoy anytime. With its vibrant color and refreshing taste, it’s perfect for hot days, casual gatherings, or simply as a special treat. By making it at home, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more customized version. This recipe is a winner for its simplicity, flexibility, and the sheer joy it brings with every sip. So go ahead, whip up a batch and experience the magic of the Pink Drink in your own kitchen!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
- While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Allow them to thaw slightly before using, and be aware that they might release more liquid, potentially diluting the drink a bit. You may want to reduce the amount of ice you add to compensate for the extra liquid.
- What can I use if I don’t have simple syrup?
- If you don’t have simple syrup, you can easily make your own by combining equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool before using. Alternatively, you can use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener, but keep in mind that they may slightly alter the flavor of the drink.
- Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
- Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut milk or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with other plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Each option will impart a slightly different flavor, so choose one that complements the other ingredients. For a creamier texture, opt for a barista-style plant-based milk.
- How can I make this drink less sweet?
- To reduce the sweetness of the Pink Drink, start by omitting the simple syrup altogether or using it sparingly. You can also opt for unsweetened coconut milk and ensure that the cranberry juice you’re using is not overly sweetened. Adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Can I add other fruits to this drink?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits to create your own unique twist on the Pink Drink. Berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries would be excellent additions. You can also try adding slices of kiwi, mango, or pineapple for a tropical flavor. Just be sure to adjust the quantities of other ingredients as needed to maintain the desired consistency and flavor profile.
