Starbucks Refreshers are a go-to drink, especially when the weather heats up.
They’re fruity, refreshing, and perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
But buying them often can add up.
That’s why we’ve gathered 18 easy copycat recipes that you can make right at home.
These recipes let you enjoy the same great flavors while saving money and customizing each drink to your liking.
From classic fruity blends to secret menu favorites, there’s something for everyone in this list.
18 Best Starbucks Refreshers: At A Glance
- Strawberry Açaí Refresher
- Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
- Pink Drink
- Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
- Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher
- Cool Lime Refresher
- Valencia Orange Refresher
- Paradise Drink
- Kiwi Starfruit Refresher
- Gummy Bear Refresher (Secret Menu)
- Fruit Punch Drink (Secret Menu)
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pink Drink (Secret Menu)
- Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade
- Peach Green Tea Lemonade
- Strawberry Lemonade Acai Refresher
- Blueberry Acai Refresher
- Sunset Refresher (Secret Menu)
- Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink
Essential Ingredients for Starbucks Refreshers
Base Ingredients
The foundation of any great Starbucks Refresher starts with a solid base.
The most common bases are green tea, coconut milk, and fruit juices.
Green tea adds a mild, earthy flavor and provides a subtle caffeine boost.
Coconut milk, on the other hand, gives a creamy texture that’s perfect for tropical or dessert-inspired Refreshers.
For a more straightforward, fruity profile, various fruit juices like pineapple, passionfruit, or lemon juice are often used.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners are key to balancing the flavors in your Refresher.
Simple syrups, like classic or vanilla, dissolve easily and add just the right amount of sweetness.
If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, sugar-free alternatives like stevia or sugar-free syrups work well without compromising flavor.
Honey or agave nectar can also be used for a more natural sweetness.
Each sweetener offers a different level of sweetness, so you can adjust according to your preference.
Add-ins
Add-ins are where you can get creative.
Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or mango chunks can enhance the natural flavors of your Refresher.
Freeze-dried fruit is another popular choice, as it adds a concentrated burst of flavor without diluting the drink.
For a bit of extra freshness, herbs like mint or basil can be muddled into the drink.
These add-ins not only boost the flavor but also make your drink visually appealing.
Equipment Needed
Making Refreshers at home is easy with the right tools.
A blender is essential if you’re incorporating any frozen fruit or making a frozen version of your Refresher.
A fine mesh strainer helps in removing any pulp or seeds from your fruit juices, ensuring a smooth drink.
You’ll also want to have a set of measuring cups and spoons to get your proportions just right.
Lastly, a sturdy pitcher or large jar is perfect for mixing and serving your homemade Refreshers.
How to Make Starbucks Refreshers at Home
Basic Method
Creating the base for most Starbucks Refreshers is straightforward.
Start by choosing your base ingredient.
If you’re using green tea, brew two tea bags in hot water and let it cool completely.
For a coconut milk base, simply measure out your desired amount and have it ready.
If you’re using fruit juice, make sure it’s freshly squeezed or of high quality.
Once your base is ready, combine it with water or another liquid if needed, like lemonade or sparkling water, depending on the recipe.
The ratio is typically 1 part base to 2 parts water, but you can adjust according to your preference.
Next, add your sweetener.
Stir in simple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free alternative until fully dissolved.
If your recipe calls for it, now’s the time to blend in any fruit or flavoring syrups.
Make sure everything is mixed well before adding ice.
Finally, pour your mixture over ice in a glass or a pitcher.
If you’re using fresh or freeze-dried fruit as add-ins, toss them in now.
Give everything a quick stir, and your homemade Starbucks Refresher is ready to enjoy.
Customizing Flavors
Customizing your Refresher is where you can make it truly your own.
Start by adjusting the sweetness.
If the drink is too tart, add a bit more simple syrup or honey.
For a less sweet option, reduce the amount of sweetener, or use a sugar-free syrup.
You can also play with the tartness.
If your drink is too sweet, a splash of lemon or lime juice can balance it out.
For a milder flavor, consider using a lighter fruit juice like white grape or apple instead of something stronger like passionfruit.
To intensify the flavor, add more fresh or freeze-dried fruit.
For a more subtle flavor, reduce the amount of fruit or use less concentrated juices.
You can also experiment with adding herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist.
List of 18 Starbucks Refresher Copycat Recipes
1. Strawberry Açaí Refresher
Start with a base of green tea and add a blend of strawberry puree and açaí powder.
Sweeten with simple syrup to taste.
Serve over ice with fresh strawberries for garnish.
2. Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
This tropical drink combines mango juice with dragonfruit powder or puree.
Mix with a green tea base and sweeten as desired.
Add dragonfruit pieces for extra texture and a vibrant pink color.
3. Pink Drink
The Pink Drink is a fan favorite.
Use a coconut milk base and mix it with strawberry juice or puree.
Add freeze-dried strawberries and sweeten with simple syrup.
Serve chilled over ice.
4. Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
For this berry-forward drink, make a hibiscus tea base and mix in berry juice, such as blackberry or raspberry.
Sweeten to taste and serve with fresh or freeze-dried berries for garnish.
5. Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher
Combine pineapple juice with passionfruit puree for a tropical flavor.
Mix this with a green tea base and sweeten as needed.
Garnish with pineapple chunks and serve over ice.
6. Cool Lime Refresher
This refreshing lime drink is perfect for a hot day.
Start with a base of lime juice mixed with a hint of mint.
Add a bit of green tea for depth and sweeten with simple syrup.
Serve over ice with fresh lime slices.
7. Valencia Orange Refresher
A citrus lover’s dream, this refresher combines orange juice with a touch of lemon juice for extra zest.
Use a green tea base and sweeten it with honey or syrup.
Serve with orange slices.
8. Paradise Drink
For a creamy twist, mix coconut milk with pineapple and passionfruit juices.
This drink is rich and refreshing, perfect for a tropical escape.
Add sweetener to taste and serve over ice.
9. Kiwi Starfruit Refresher
This light and fruity refresher uses starfruit juice combined with kiwi puree.
Mix with a green tea base and sweeten as desired.
Garnish with kiwi slices for an extra burst of color.
10. Gummy Bear Refresher (Secret Menu)
This secret menu favorite combines peach juice with raspberry syrup for a candy-like flavor.
Mix with a green tea base and serve over ice with fresh berries.
11. Fruit Punch Drink (Secret Menu)
This drink is a fruity explosion, combining several fruit juices like orange, pineapple, and strawberry.
Mix with a green tea base and sweeten to taste.
Serve with a mix of fresh fruits.
12. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pink Drink (Secret Menu)
This indulgent drink combines the classic Pink Drink with a twist of chocolate.
Add a pump of chocolate syrup to the coconut milk and strawberry mix.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like treat.
13. Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade
A caffeine-free option, this refresher combines passion fruit tea with lemonade.
Sweeten to taste and serve over ice with a lemon wedge.
14. Peach Green Tea Lemonade
Mix green tea with peach juice and a splash of lemonade for a refreshing summer drink.
Sweeten with simple syrup and serve over ice with peach slices.
15. Strawberry Lemonade Acai Refresher
This tangy refresher blends strawberry juice with lemonade and açaí powder.
Use a green tea base and sweeten as needed.
Serve over ice with fresh strawberries.
16. Blueberry Acai Refresher
Combine blueberry juice with açaí powder for a rich, berry-flavored drink.
Mix with a green tea base and sweeten to taste. Garnish with fresh blueberries.
17. Sunset Refresher (Secret Menu)
This drink layers Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade and peach juice with Pineapple syrup to create a sunset effect.
Mix with a Light Passion Tea base and serve over ice for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy drink.
18. Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink
A creamy, fruity drink perfect for summer, this refresher combines guava juice with coconut milk and a hint of passionfruit.
Sweeten to taste and serve chilled.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Refreshers
Using Fresh vs. Freeze-Dried Fruit: Pros and Cons
When making Starbucks Refreshers at home, the choice between fresh and freeze-dried fruit can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your drink.
Fresh fruit adds a vibrant, natural sweetness and juiciness that enhances the drink’s overall freshness.
It also provides a more authentic texture, especially when using fruits like strawberries or mangoes.
However, fresh fruit can be more perishable, and depending on the season, it might not always be available.
On the other hand, freeze-dried fruit offers convenience and a more concentrated flavor.
It’s shelf-stable, meaning you can store it for longer periods without worrying about spoilage.
Freeze-dried fruit also absorbs liquid quickly, which can intensify the flavor of your Refresher.
However, it lacks the juiciness of fresh fruit and might not provide the same level of refreshment.
Adjusting for Dietary Needs
Customizing your Starbucks Refreshers to meet dietary needs is easy with a few simple adjustments.
For a vegan version, make sure to use plant-based milk options like coconut milk or almond milk.
Most Refreshers are naturally vegan, but double-check any add-ins, especially when using sweeteners or flavorings, to ensure they align with your dietary preferences.
If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, swap out regular simple syrup for a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit syrup.
These sweeteners offer a way to enjoy the drink’s flavors without the added calories.
Additionally, if you want to make a caffeine-free Refresher, replace the green tea base with herbal tea or simply use water or a juice base.
Presentation Tips
The way you present your Refresher can elevate the drinking experience.
Start by using clear glassware to show off the vibrant colors of your drink.
Layering different liquids, like in the Sunset Refresher, creates a visually appealing gradient effect.
Garnishing is another easy way to enhance the look of your Refresher.
Fresh fruit slices, mint leaves, or even edible flowers can add a touch of elegance and make the drink more inviting.
Ice is also key in presentation.
For a more upscale look, consider using large ice cubes or even fruit-infused ice cubes that add flavor as they melt.
Stirring the drink just before serving can help evenly distribute the ingredients, ensuring a balanced flavor in every sip.
These small touches can make your homemade Starbucks Refreshers just as Instagram-worthy as the ones from the store.
Conclusion
Now that you have 18 Starbucks Refresher copycat recipes at your fingertips, it’s time to get creative.
Experiment with different flavors, sweeteners, and add-ins to make these drinks your own.
Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and see what you like best.
We’d love to hear about your favorite recipes or any unique twists you’ve added.
Share your creations and let us know how you’ve made these Refreshers even better!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can I store homemade refreshers?
Homemade refreshers can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume them within 24 hours, especially if they contain fresh fruit or herbs, as these ingredients can lose their flavor over time.
Can I make these drinks in bulk?
Yes, you can make refreshers in bulk!
Simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need.
Store the bulk mixture in a large pitcher in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir and pour over ice.
This is a great option for parties or for having a ready-to-drink batch on hand.
What are some good substitutes for green tea or coconut milk?
If you prefer a caffeine-free option, herbal teas like hibiscus or chamomile make excellent substitutes for green tea.
They add a unique flavor without the caffeine.
For those who don’t want to use coconut milk, almond milk or oat milk are great alternatives.
They offer a similar creamy texture and can be easily swapped in most recipes.
