Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher (2-Minute Copycat Recipe)
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Try this Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher copycat recipe that actually tastes like the real thing. I tested multiple syrups side-by-side against the real Starbucks drinks. No cooking or simmering is needed. Instead, just mix six ingredients, and you have a tested copycat. My testing also included Strawberry Acai Lemonade and Pink Drink. You can also find their recipes here.
Prep Time
2 Minutes
Total Time
2 Minutes
Servings
1 (8 Ounce) Drink
Why This Recipe Tastes Like Starbucks
Strawberry Acai Variations
Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher
This drink uses the same base as the traditional refresher, but substitute lemonade for water at a 1:1 ratio.
Starbucks Pink Drink
Pink Drink also uses the Strawberry Acai base, but instead of water, substitute coconut milk at a 1:1 ratio. Use the coconut milk in the dairy case, not the canned kind.
Quick Answers
What is the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher made of?
The drink is made with ice, Strawberry Acai Base [Water, Sugar, White Grape Juice Concentrate, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Natural Green Coffee Flavor, Fruit And Vegetable Juice, Rebaudioside-A], and Freeze-Dried Strawberries. I took this ingredient list directly from Starbucks’ published ingredients.
My recipe went through lots of testing before I found the right combination. I tested making my own strawberry simple syrup. They never tasted anything like Starbucks. When I started using store-bought syrups, this copycat recipe became easy to make.
Is it cheaper to make my own refresher?
Yes! It’s much cheaper to make your own refresher once you make the initial investment of around $40. Yikes, I know that is a lot, but that’s about 5 or 6 refreshers. So if you drink them a lot, it is worth the investment.
Are Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refreshers caffeinated?
If you buy the strawberry acai at Starbucks, it is caffeinated. Because the base includes green coffee extract, you can’t make this drink caffeine-free. However, when you make the acai refresher at home, you can decaffeinate it. (That is how I make it.)
Skip the line and make Starbucks Strawberry Acai at home!
My love for Starbucks drinks has no bounds. But my love for saving money does! That is why I recreate so many Starbucks drinks at home.
Over the years, I have tested many methods, and every time I find one thing in common: pre-bought syrup tastes closer to what I can make. Several lawsuits back up this claim. (Source)
While the standard Refresher is my favorite, I have included recipes for the Strawberry Acai Lemonade and Pink Drink. They use the same base, so you just substitute lemonade or coconut milk to make them. Both are just as easy to make.
Ruth Grindeland
Key Ingredient Notes
Strawberry Syrup
I use Torani Strawberry Syrup, which has the same flavor. I love this syrup so much that I use it to make milkshakes!
Passion Fruit Syrup
I use the Monin Passion Fruit Syrup. I think it tastes better than the Torani.
Note: I tested both syrups side-by-side with different amounts next to a Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher. I kept testing until I found the right mix that matched Starbucks’ flavor.
White Grape Juice
Use simple white grape juice from the store. I opted for the generic Kroger brand.
Citric Acid
I tested this recipe with and without the citric acid. It adds a zingy flavor that matches the Starbucks flavor.
Green Coffee Bean Extract Powder
The Starbucks base has green coffee powder, but the flavor is very mild. Add this if you want caffeine in your drink.
Try one of my other Starbucks copycat drinks
Try my other Starbucks bakery copycat recipes
Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher (2-Minute Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 glass or mason jar
Ingredients
Strawberry Acai Refresher Base
- 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup
- ½ teaspoon passion fruit syrup
- ½ cup white grape juice
- ⅛ teaspoon citric acid
- ½ teaspoon green coffee bean extract powder (optional)
Flavor Mixer – Choose One of the three options below
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 cup coconut milk Use the coconut milk found in the dairy section.
Instructions
- Step One: Mix the base ingredients in a large glass or jar.
- Step Two: Add your preferred flavor to the jar and combine (water, lemonade, or coconut milk).
- Step Three: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Add a handful of fresh strawberries and pour the drink over the ice.
It was good and easy to copy
Hi Khaleesi, thank you so much! I am so happy you liked it!
My daughter was having her first slumber party, and we decided to make this drink. I bought citric acid ages ago and finally got to use it here. The syrups were easy to find online. Needless to say, these were a big hit with the girls, and we made them all a to-go cup when they left.
Hi Jere, I am so happy your daughter and her fiends liked this recipe. It’s so easy and fun!