Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe Without Strawberries

The Starbucks Pink Drink gets its fruity taste from a strawberry açaí base, and freeze-dried strawberry slices float on top. But maybe you don't have strawberries, don't like them, or simply want an easier version. Good news: the pink color and fruity flavor can come from tea and juice instead. This Starbucks Pink Drink recipe without strawberries uses passion fruit herbal tea, white cranberry juice and creamy coconut milk.

It's light, creamy, fruity and very pretty. It's also easy to make caffeine-free.

Quick Facts

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Tea brewing and cooling: about 30 minutes (or make it ahead)
• Servings: 1 large drink (about 16 oz)
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Diet: Dairy-free, vegan; caffeine-free when made with herbal tea

Ingredients

• 2 bags passion fruit herbal tea (a pink or red hibiscus blend)
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
• ¼ cup (60 ml) white cranberry juice (or white cranberry-strawberry juice)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) white grape juice
• ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk from a carton (the "beverage" kind, not canned)
• 1–2 teaspoons simple syrup or honey (optional)
• 1½ cups ice

Carton or canned coconut milk? Use the carton kind from the dairy aisle. Canned coconut milk is very thick and can make the drink heavy and lumpy.

About the color: Hibiscus tea is what turns the drink pink. When you add coconut milk, the bright red tea becomes a soft, creamy pink.

How to Make It

1. Brew strong tea. Steep the 2 tea bags in 1 cup hot water for 5–7 minutes. Using 2 bags makes a strong, deep red tea that stays colorful after you add milk.

2. Cool it. Remove the tea bags. Let the tea cool, then chill it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Hot tea will melt the ice and make a watery drink.

3. Add sweetener (optional). If you like it sweeter, stir the simple syrup or honey into the tea while it's still a little warm, so it mixes in easily.

4. Shake it. Add ½ cup of the cold tea, the white cranberry juice, white grape juice, coconut milk and 1 cup of ice to a shaker or a jar with a tight lid. Shake for 15 seconds until cold and slightly foamy.

5. Serve. Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and pour the drink over it.

You'll have a little tea left over. Keep it in the fridge for your next drink.

Tips for the Best Pink Drink

• Make tea ahead. Brew a big jar of strong tea and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Shake, don't stir. Shaking mixes the coconut milk smoothly and makes it foamy.
• Taste first, then sweeten. The juices already add sweetness. Many people need little or no syrup.
• Use white juices. They add fruity sweetness without changing the pink color.

Common Problems

The drink isn't pink enough. The tea was too weak. Use 2 tea bags and steep for the full time.

It looks curdled. Some coconut milks separate when mixed with acidic tea. Shake it well and drink it right away. Very cold ingredients help too.

It tastes watery. Too much ice melted. Chill the tea fully before shaking.

It's too tart. Hibiscus is naturally tangy. Add a little more white grape juice or syrup.

Variations

• With a little caffeine: Use a green tea and hibiscus blend instead of herbal tea.
• Sugar-free: Skip the juices and syrup. Use a sugar-free sweetener and a few drops of strawberry or raspberry extract.
• Other fruit: Add a few fresh raspberries or a slice of dragon fruit instead of strawberries.
• Sparkling: Top with a splash of berry-flavored sparkling water for some fizz.
• Creamier: Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla oat creamer.

When to Serve It

This drink is perfect for summer afternoons, birthday parties, baby showers or brunch. Make a pitcher version by multiplying the recipe, then shake each glass separately so it stays creamy.

Storage

Tea: Brewed tea keeps in a closed jar in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Mixed drink: Best served right away. If it sits, the coconut milk may separate. Shake or stir again before drinking. Don't keep a mixed drink longer than 1 day in the fridge.

Freezing: You can freeze the tea in an ice cube tray and use the cubes in your drink so it doesn't get watery.

Nutrition Estimate

Per drink (with juices and 1 teaspoon simple syrup):

• Calories: about 90–110
• Carbohydrates: about 20–22 g
• Sugar: about 18–20 g
• Fat: about 2 g
• Caffeine: 0 mg with herbal tea

Skipping the juices and syrup makes it about 30 calories.

FAQs

Does the real Pink Drink have caffeine?

Yes. The Starbucks version uses a base with green coffee extract. This homemade version has no caffeine when you use herbal tea.

Can I use regular cranberry juice?

Regular red cranberry juice works but is more tart and will make the drink darker. White cranberry juice is milder.

Can I use almond or oat milk?

Yes. The drink will be less tropical but still creamy. Oat milk makes it extra smooth.

Is it safe for kids?

With herbal tea, it's caffeine-free and fine for most kids. Check the tea label for any ingredients your family avoids.

More Recipes to Try

• Starbucks Copycat Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (coming soon)
• Low Calorie Starbucks-Style Iced Coffee (coming soon)
• Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home (coming soon)
• 30+ Easy Air Fryer Snacks Without Cheese
• Browse all recipes

A Final Note

Strong tea, cold ingredients and a good shake are all it takes. Keep a jar of brewed passion tea in the fridge, and a pretty pink drink is only a minute away.