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What is the Starbucks Pink Drink?

Charl Joost
Last Updated: February 5th, 2024

Starbucks has a dazzling array of options, and the Starbucks Pink Drink is a popular choice. Given that the variety on offer can be somewhat bewildering at first, we will give you the low-down on this tasty beverage.

More about the Pink Drink

The Pink Drink is a Starbucks refresher with a strawberry acai base, ice, and coconut milk.

We look at a question many people wonder, does the pink drink have caffeine? We will explain the ingredients as well as the calories and a range of other interesting information. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Starbucks Pink Drink.

What is the Starbucks Pink Drink?

what is the starbucks pink drink

One of the favorite Refreshers on the Starbucks menu is the Pink Drink. It is a cool iced shaken drink that is perfect for those warmer days. It has a delicious strawberry flavor with coconut milk and strawberry acai in a typical Starbucks Refreshers base.

That being said, many people enjoy this drink at any time of the year, no matter what the weather is doing.

How is it different from the Strawberry Acai Refresher?

starbucks strawberry acai refresher
Image: Sharon Hahn Darlin

While both drinks are similar, the critical difference is that the Pink Drink uses coconut milk in place of water. This adds an extra dimension to the beverage that many people enjoy.

This is the only difference between the Strawberry Acai Refresher and the Pink Drink – the addition of coconut milk. It has a dramatic impact on flavor, texture, and color.

The Origin of the Pink Drink

Initially a “secret menu” item, the Pink Drink took off on social media. A collaboration between customers and baristas lead to this development back in 2017 when it was officially added to the Starbucks menu.

Suddenly the “secret” was available to all customers, and it proved to be a popular choice. It became known for the now famous “bubblegum-pink hue” and delectable flavors.

Pink Drink Caffeine

pink drink caffeine
Image: Starbucks

The Starbucks Pink Drink contains 45 mg of caffeine. This is based on a 16 fl oz serving. This allows you to enjoy the refreshing flavor while still getting a bit of a caffeine kick. It is a win-win.

All Starbucks Refreshers contain some caffeine. That is part of their appeal. It is, however, significantly less than their cold brew and iced coffee options.

The caffeine content is due to the use of the extract of green coffee. You will probably not note the caffeine taste but it is there. The reason for this is that they do not roast green coffee beans.

Pink Drink Calories

The calorie count for the Starbucks Pink Drink is 140. Of these, the calorie count from fat is 25. That is for the Grande which is 16 ounces.

Other sizes will deliver the following calories per serving:

  • Tall (12 ounces): 110
  • Venti (24 ounces): 200
  • Trenta (30 ounces): 270

Other Nutritional Information

  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sugars 25 g
  • Total Fat 2.5 g
  • Saturated Fat 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat 0 mg
  • Sodium 65 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates 28 g
  • Protein 1 g
  • Dietary Fiber 1 g

Pink Drink Ingredients

pink drink ingredients

This is a relatively complex drink which is part of the reason it is so refreshing and popular. The ingredients work well together to complement the beverage and give it a unique and enjoyable taste.

Here is what goes into the drink, in no particular order:

  • Strawberries
  • Coconut milk
  • Acai Base
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Ice
  • Concentrated white grape juice
  • Sea salt
  • Natural green coffee colorant
  • Vegetable and fruit juice
  • Tricalcium phosphate (less than 2%)
  • Xanthan gum
  • Guar Gum
  • Gellan gum
  • Corn Dextrin

Can You Get a Sugar-free Pink Drink at Starbucks?

sugar free pink drink

For those who want to avoid sugar, you sadly cannot get a sugar-free version. The ingredients such as the strawberry base, and the coconut milk contain sugar. The levels are, however, not extreme. You can safely treat yourself now and then provided you do not overdo it.

Is this a Dairy Free Option?

Yes, the Pink Drink at Starbucks contains plant-based coconut milk. This means that it is dairy free.

Do They Use Fresh Strawberries?

Logistically and seasonally, this would be a challenge. But fear not.

Starbucks uses real strawberries, but they are dehydrated and freeze-dried. During the process of blending with the other ingredients, they spring back to life and are as good as freshly picked strawberries.

Size Options

As will most Starbucks offerings, it is available in a range of sizes. Here are your choices for the pink drink:

  • Tall 12 fl oz
  • Grande 16 fl oz
  • Venti 24 fl oz
  • Trenta 30 fl oz

Copycat Versions

copycat versions

The popular beverage has spawned a range of copycat variations that people can make at home. While it is great to experiment, they are not likely to be as good as the real thing.

It is, however, good to know that can make something similar at home if you cannot get to a Starbucks for some reason.

Here is one recipe you could try:

Ingredients

  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Coconut milk
  • White grape juice
  • Water
  • TAZO Passion Herbal Tea
  • Sugar

While it does not contain much in the way of caffeine you can still create is similar flavor if that is what you are after. The TAZO Tea has passion fruit, orange peel, rose hip, and hibiscus for a tropical infusion.

You might have to experiment a bit with the ratio, but you should be able to make something tasty.

What Does the Starbucks Pink Drink Taste Like?

starbucks pink drink taste like

If you have not experienced this legendary drink, you are missing out. The Pink Drink is somewhat unique but given its popularity, it is clear that most people enjoy the blend of flavors.

It is refreshing on a hot day while many still enjoy it on cooler days.

Pink Drink Pricing

Given the elaborate ingredients and preparation, the pricing is reasonable. Depending on the size you order, they range from under $5 to just under the $6 mark for the larger options. A bit more than many other options but good value for money considering what you get.

Conclusion

There is little doubt that the Starbucks Pink Drink is a top favorite for many people. It has a unique taste but is refreshing and tasty. It is relatively healthy and fairly low in calories yet still gives you that essential caffeine boost.

Fortunately, it is no longer a secret and is freely available on the menu at your favorite Starbucks. Go and enjoy one, you won’t regret it.

Please give us feedback on your experience with the Starbucks Pink Drink. We would love to hear from you.

About The Author

Charl Joost

Charl is a trainer, public speaker, and professional writer. While he has been coached to niche down, he has many passions. These include golf, gardening, technology, and a decent cup of coffee or two. Charl loves to learn about new products and tries everything he writes about.

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