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GET IT NOWI 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- Milk Of Your Choice – I originally made this with heavy cream for richness and less sugar, but lately I’ve been reaching for regular milk (my kids’ fave), vanilla pistachio milk (my fave), or almond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)
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)
Skip the coffee shop! My homemade pink drink recipe is creamy, fruity, made with simple ingredients, and less than 4 grams of sugar.
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Instructions
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!
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
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:
57 Comments
Jen
1I 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!
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
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!
Carol L
0Your ingredients list and directions give different measurements….which is the correct set of measurements?
Thank you.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Carol, The recipe makes 2 drinks. The ingredient list has enough for 2 drinks, and the instructions say how much to put in each drink. Hope this helps!
Marcia
0So easy and delicious to make, thank you!
Anna
0My husband and I found this drink very refreshing and delicious. Good job
Adrian K Mills
0So I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this recipe!!! But you say it’s on 3.6 net carbs. So I entered it AFTER I drank it and my KETO app states that it is 16.7 net carbs
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Adrian, This recipe makes 2 servings. If you have questions about the net carbs, please refer to the nutrition policy. The Wholesome Yum app has all my recipes in it with net carb counts.
Jeanell
0Love this. I used the tazo passion tea concentrate with powdered swerve. This is my new favorite drink
Mary A
0Is this the same as the açaí strawberry refresher
Shanea Wilson
0I’d never heard of this until I found this recipe, but this is so good! I made the Tazo passion tea last night and mixed the sweetener in while it was hot so it dissolved good and put in the fridge overnight, so this morning I drunk it with breakfast and it only required a little ice and it all mixed up so good!!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Mary, Yes. I include instructions on how to order this drink as a keto-friendly version in the post. Enjoy!
Krysten Pacheco Lorenzo
0I cannot find where it says how to order it at Starbucks. Can you help me out?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Krysten, Under the first photo you will find the table of contents which will take you there.
Kristie
0I actually make my tea in advance and keep it cold in the fridge. It doesn’t curdle at all when mixed with heavy whipping cream. I also add the sweetener and vanilla. It’s always ready when I want a glass and I just need to add the heavy whipping cream. I’ve also experimented with other flavors of teas and always turns out perfect.
Jo-Ann Halloran
0Can a scoop of low carb vanilla protein powder added to this work? I need to up my protein for the day.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Jo-Ann, Yes, you can add protein to this drink. To prevent it from being powdery, I would combine it in a blender or with a hand mixer. Enjoy!
Teacia Marchesa
0I made this with Tart Cherry Tea (I’ve been drinking this for about a month for joint health as there are wayyyyyy too many carbs in the juice) and it’s fabulous!! I added the sweetener to the boiling water and it dissolved nicely! This is definitely going to be my go-to afternoon drink!
Judy
0I just love this pink tea!! I had to change the recipe to Stevia. 10 drops of Stevia is just perfect, along with a little bit of vanilla.
Deb B
0Great recipe! Another way to enjoy this recipe (my favorite) is to blend everything but the ice, and then freeze it. I either take it out just before it’s frozen solid, or I let it slightly thaw, stir, then eat!
Judy
0My tea was delivered yesterday from Amazon. It’s very hot in Southern California, so I made it today.
Mine had to be dairy free and I can only use Stevia.
The first time, I made it with coconut cream and two mini scoops of powdered Stevia. It was good
The second time (with the second half) are used almond milk and 10 drops of liquid Stevia.That was fabulous! I guess I don’t like it quite as thick. And may be it was sweeter ?
Yvonne H
0Another option: pour the Sparkling Ice drinks over ice & add a splash of heavy whipping cream. Stir til blended. My fav is the strawberry watermelon. Taste just like the pink drink. Try with other flavors. Super freshing & fast
Lisa Carney
0Can one use other fruit flavored tea for a variety?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Lisa, Sure! That should work well.
Betty
0It didnt work. It had no taste. I used half and half and the cream curdled. Made it again and again it curdled.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Betty, Are you sure you used the correct tea? It’s got quite a strong flavor. The cream may separate a bit in the tea – this happens if you get it at Starbucks as well. Using super fresh cream can help prevent or reduce curdling. If you don’t care for the texture, then try using unsweetened coconut milk.
JanP
0I just heard about this Pink Drink. It is so good!! I am going to try other fruit flavored tea. Blueberry sounds really good….anyway, I used vanilla nutpods creamer instead of HWC. Cuts way back on calories and still very creamy. And it did not curdle.
Reyna
0Very delicious and easy to make. My husband gave it two thumbs up
Erin
0Tazo also has an iced passion fruit tea in a 6 pack (I found it at Target for about a quarter of the price on Amazon). You brew it in hot water, remove the tea bag, and add cold water. If you don’t have allulose on hand, add your sweetener to the hot liquid as it brews and it works great.
Dorothy
0Can I use an herbal tea Instead of the Tazo tea! This drink looks very good and I would like to try it; but I only drink herbal teas.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Dorothy, The tea used in this recipe doesn’t contain any caffeine. If you are wanting to use your favorite herbal tea, then the recipe will still work fine.
Wendy Hollandsworth
0Hi! I could have sworn you had a Starbucks coffee utilizing espresso powder on your site. I ordered the powder but can’t find the drink anymore!!! Am I going crazy?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Wendy, I think you are looking for this: Keto Dalgona Whipped Coffee. Enjoy!
Carrie
0This is FANTASTIC! I am always eager to try out new recipes I find on Wholesome Yum, and this one did not disappoint! Thank you for coming up with great recipes and sharing them with us! You make altering an entire lifestyle so. much. better!
Bree
0Hi! 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
0Hi 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
0I 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!!
Yoli
0Hi 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
0Hi 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
0Hi again, I had already ordered the regular allulose before I saw this recipe. Will that work the same in this drink?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi 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.
JC
0Is 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
0Hi JC, The cream may separate a bit. If you don’t care for the texture, try unsweetened coconut milk.
CJ
0Which tea bags do I buy?(brand)
I bought the regular passionfruit bags- not the right thing.
Please help me.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi CJ, Starbucks owns Tazo Teas, so that’s the brand they use at the coffee shop.
Helene DiBartolomeo
0Loved it! Made for me and my 11 YO daughter.
Joann
0Thank you
Sharon
0I love making copycat recipes at home and this pink drink is one of my favorites, spot on!
Anjali
0I’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
0I love that I Can make this at home now! This is how I start every day! Thanks for the great post!
Dannii
0I 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.