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I Make My Pink Drink At Home Instead Of Going To Starbucks
This pink drink started as a copycat experiment after I finally tried the Starbucks version and totally got the hype. It’s creamy, fruity, and frothy, almost like a lighter fruit milkshake over ice. Here’s why I made my own homemade pink drik recipe — and why you’ll want to make it on repeat:
- Fruity, creamy, and yes, pink – This pink drink is such a joy to sip! Not only is the pink color so fun, the strawberries and cream flavor is light, sweet, and refreshing.
- Better for you – Once I realized how many artificial ingredients the original Starbucks version uses, and the artificial sweeteners in the secret-menu sugar-free version, I knew I had to make my own with better ingredients (just like I did with my copycat Starbucks egg bites!). Mine skips the sugary base and artificial syrups, but still has that fruity, creamy flavor I love. It also has just 3.6 grams of sugar, compared to 25 grams in the original!
- Just 5 simple ingredients – Plus water and ice! It only takes 5 minutes, and I actually love that it uses fresh strawberries instead of freeze dried.
- More wallet-friendly – I love a coffee shop treat sometimes, but making this at home costs so much less and honestly tastes even better to me. Even the kids like it.
If you love the Starbucks pink drink and want to make your own at home, you’re going to love my copycat version. Make it with me!
“Totally amazing!! I absolutely adore this recipe, not to mention it saves sooooo much money compared to getting it at Starbucks!”
-Lacey
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my pink drink recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Passion Tea – Gives the drink its signature fruity flavor and bright pink color without any added sugar. I use this instead of the strawberry Acai refresher juice!
- Strawberries – The Starbucks pink drink recipe uses freeze-dried strawberries. You can use them here if you want, though you may want to use a little less since the natural sugars are more concentrated. I usually go with fresh strawberries because they taste brighter and fresher (and less expensive). Frozen strawberries work great, too, and make the drink extra cold.
- Milk Of Your Choice – I originally made this with heavy cream for richness and less sugar, but lately I’ve been reaching for regular milk (my kids’ fave), vanilla pistachio milk (my fave), or almond milk more often, because they make it feel a little lighter and more refreshing. You can also use coconut milk, which is what Starbucks does in theirs.
- Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – This is my go-to powdered sweetener here because it dissolves completely, even in cold drinks. Pure confectioners’ allulose will work the same way — you’ll just need more because it’s less sweet — or you can use liquid allulose. Unless you want to add actual sugar, I don’t recommend other sugar alternatives (including most brands labeled “monk fruit”), because they won’t dissolve and can leave a grainy residue.
- Hot Water (to steep the tea), Ice (to make the pink drink iced), and Vanilla Extract (for flavor)
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How To Make A Pink Drink
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Steep the tea. Brew the passion tea bags in the hot water. I squeeze them over the cup before discarding to get every last bit of flavor.
- Fill the glasses. Fill two glasses with the ice and pour half of the tea over each.
- Top and serve. Add the strawberries, milk, powdered Besti, and vanilla to each glass and stir very well. Taste and add more sweetener if you like it a little sweeter.
My Recipe Tips
- Stir the pink drink very well to mix properly. Otherwise, the acidic tea base can react with the milk and cause it to separate. Sometimes it happens anyway, which is totally fine. If you don’t like it at all, you can blend the mixture before pouring over ice.
- My version is mildly sweet, so feel free to add more Besti. I prefer to sweeten to taste at the end rather than overpower it upfront. If you like your pink drink very sweet, you’ll definitely want more!
- Want to make pink drinks for a group? I recommend brewing a big pitcher of the passion tea ahead of time and keeping it chilled in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to serve, just pour the tea into individual glasses, then add milk, sweetener, ice, and strawberries.
- For a thicker version, blend in a powerful blender. This version reminds me of a slushie, but creamy.
- For more strawberry flavor, add the sliced strawberries while steeping the tea. This makes them softer, but I liked how it infused some strawberry flavor into the base.
- Want to order a lighter version at Starbucks? This isn’t exactly like mine, but when I have to order it, this version is much less sugar than their regular version: Ask for Passion Tango iced tea, no liquid cane sugar, 4 pumps sugar-free vanilla syrup, milk or cream (whatever you want), ice, and no water. This is a “secret menu” item!
Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat)
By
Skip the coffee shop! My homemade pink drink recipe is creamy, fruity, made with simple ingredients, and less than 4 grams of sugar.
Instructions
[ See step photos See my tips ]Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Steep the tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Squeeze each bag into the water before discarding it.
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Fill two glasses (at least 12 ounces each) with ice almost to the top. Pour half of the tea over each.
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Top each glass with 1/4 cup sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup milk of your choice, 1 tablespoon powdered Besti, and 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well. Add more sweetener to your taste if needed. Enjoy!
Did you make it? Leave a review or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 12-ounce drink (1/2 of the recipe)
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make a batch for a crowd, adjust the flavor, and prevent separation.
- Storage & meal prep: This pink drink tastes best fresh and only takes a few minutes, but you can brew tea and slice strawberries in advance.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Pink Drink
More Copycat Drink Recipes
I love a good coffee shop drink, but making them at home is so much better. Here are a few more of my favorites to try:
69 Comments
Jen
2I really like this its very good especially with fresh strawberries and I added coconut milk to mine and stevia. Definitely glad I saved it.
Wholesome Yum D
0That sounds so good, Jen! Love the combo with fresh strawberries and coconut milk. I’m glad you saved it, too!
Yoli
2Hi there, I just made my own pink drink. I bought the Tazo Passion Tea Is that the right one? Doesn’t taste quite like Starbucks but very tasty. Thank you for making this for all of low carber’s
Wholesome Yum M
2Hi Yoli, Yes, you have the right tea. It is not the same as the sugar-filled version you get at Starbucks, but it is close to the keto version. Enjoy!
Yoli
2Hi again, I had already ordered the regular allulose before I saw this recipe. Will that work the same in this drink?
Wholesome Yum M
2Hi Yoli, Allulose isn’t as sweet as the Besti Monk Fruit Allullose Blend. Increase the amount to 3 tablespoons as your baseline and adjust to taste.
mima
1I wondering if i have to use Tazo tea bags or if i can use any other flavor of tea bags
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Mima, You can use other flavors but it would change the color and flavor of the recipe.
Carol
1I’ve had the original high-carb version, but I love this low-carb version even more. I added a little extra liquid stevia to mine, and it was delicious, refreshing and guilt free. I will definitely make again on repeat this summer. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Wholesome Yum D
1This sounds perfect for summer, Carol. I love that it’ll be on repeat for you.
Lacey
1totally amazing!! I absolutely adore this recipe, not to mention it saves sooooo much money in comparison to getting it at Starbucks! I definitely added a bit too much vanilla so it was a bit bitter, but that’s totally on me lol. Will be making this all the time now! Thanks a million! <3
Rebecca Price
0I made the Pink Drink as you wrote it using heavy whipping cream.The strawberry taste pops out and I got that fresh fruit taste immediately. It’s so creamy and pretty that it would make a good breakfast drink or after lunch pick – me – up drink. I do agree this drink would be a good drink to make the base (tea, powdered sweetener, and heavy whipping cream) in advance to save time. Summer is going to be the perfect season for the Pink Drink to SHINE!
RP
Wholesome Yum D
0Love hearing this, Rebecca. I agree this definitely feels like one of those recipes made for summer.
Bree
1Hi! I haven’t tried the recipe just yet but it looks wonderful! I have two questions, I was wondering if I can use monk fruit whole earth sweetener or monk fruit in the raw sweetener? I also was wondering if you have any good suggestions for those who are lactose intolerant, like I am, for what they can use instead of heavy cream. Would coconut milk or almond milk work just fine?
Wholesome Yum M
1Hi Bree, It will depend on how well those sweeteners dissolve in liquid. If they don’t dissolve well, you may want to run your sweetener through a spice grinder or high powdered blender to powder it. The best sweetener is Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend because it does dissolve so well in liquids. As for the dairy, feel free to replace the cream with either coconut or almond milk. The Starbucks version actually uses coconut milk. Enjoy!
Bree
1I love Starbucks Pink Drinks and I didn’t know for this recipe if I were to use coconut milk, (like they do in the shop), if that would mess with any of the ingredients you used in your recipe. I’ll make sure to buy the monk fruit sweetener that you are suggesting!! Thank you so much for your help and i’ll defiantly tell you how it comes out tomorrow!!
JC
1Is it just to be expected that the cream part is going to somewhat “curdle” when it interacts with the citric acid in the tea? Or is there a secret to not have the curdled appearance in your drink? I have used Heavy Whipping cream and also tried using Milkadamia (nut milk)…both still give that curdled appearance. It tastes great. Why doesn’t my starbucks drink look this way?
Wholesome Yum M
1Hi JC, The cream may separate a bit. If you don’t care for the texture, try unsweetened coconut milk.
CJ
1Which tea bags do I buy?(brand)
I bought the regular passionfruit bags- not the right thing.
Please help me.
Wholesome Yum M
1Hi CJ, Starbucks owns Tazo Teas, so that’s the brand they use at the coffee shop.
Helene DiBartolomeo
1Loved it! Made for me and my 11 YO daughter.
Joann
1Thank you
Sharon
1I love making copycat recipes at home and this pink drink is one of my favorites, spot on!
Anjali
1I’ve never tried Starbucks’ pink drink recipe because of the high sugar content. I’m so excited to try your version at home! It looks just like their drink but looks so much better for you!
Nicole Triebe
1I love that I Can make this at home now! This is how I start every day! Thanks for the great post!
Dannii
1I keep hearing so much about this pink drink, but I haven’t tried it yet. I am going to have to make my own. It looks amazing.
David Price
0Where can I get the correct teabags for this? Most teas labeled Passion have NO passionfruit flavor or passionfruit ingredients.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi David, Passion tea does not usually have passionfruit, the main ingredient is hibiscus. I use these tea bags for this recipe.
Lisa Moody
0This turned out fabulous! I made it with coconut milk and used the pre-made POM white peach passionfruit tea (little bottle) to save time. SO GOOD!!!
Wholesome Yum D
0That sounds delicious, Lisa. Thanks for sharing!
veronika
0This definitely saves me money instead of buying at Starbucks. I can always adjust to my liking on sweetness. This is our new favorite for the summer.
Wholesome Yum D
0I’m gad this will be a summer favorite for you, Veronika. Making it at home is such a great way to customize the sweetness and save some money, too.
Serena
0Hi! Great tips! Can you explain why to ask for ‘no water’ when ordering the altered the Starbucks pink drink? Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Serena! I recommend “no water” just because it waters down the pink drink, but you can have them add it if you prefer.
Holly
0Would like to make this. Would mango ginger tea work and can I use half and half?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Holly, It wouldn’t be pink, but yes, you can definitely do that and it sounds delicious! The carbs would be higher using half and half.
Jennifer C
0I just made this. I’m in love! If I had known that keto could taste so good, I would have started years earlier!