Love the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher? This easy homemade version is fruity, slightly tangy, and naturally sweetened. It blends strawberries, acai, and a subtle caffeine boost from green coffee or tea. Customize the sweetness or add a fizzy twist.
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks-Inspired Refresher
Tastes just like the original—sweet, fruity, and tangy, made with real fruit and natural sweeteners. Ready in 10 minutes, fully customizable, and more budget-friendly than Starbucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Acai Base: Acai powder, cold water or coconut water, and honey or maple syrup for a fruity, slightly tart foundation.
- Strawberry Blend: Fresh or frozen strawberries with cold or sparkling water for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Optional Starbucks Touch: White grape juice for authenticity, green coffee or tea for caffeine, and lime juice for a citrusy boost.
- For Serving: Pour over ice and garnish with fresh strawberries and mint for a refreshing finish.
How to Make It Just Like Starbucks
- Use White Grape Juice: Add ½ cup for natural sweetness and that signature Starbucks flavor.
- Green Coffee Extract for Caffeine: Mix in ¼ teaspoon or swap for steeped green tea for a light energy boost.
- Shake It Like Starbucks: Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker or sealed jar for a smooth, chilled texture.
How to Make It Without a Blender
No blender? No problem. Mash fresh strawberries with a fork and strain for a smooth texture, or use unsweetened strawberry juice for an easy alternative.
Possible Variations
- Tropical Twist: Swap the water for coconut water and add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical flavor boost.
- Citrus Boost: Enhance the tangy flavor by adding extra lime juice or a splash of lemon juice for more brightness.
- Creamy Version: Mix coconut or almond milk for a smooth, creamy take—similar to Starbucks’ Pink Drink.
Storage & Serving
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir before serving and pour over fresh ice with strawberries and mint for the best taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without acai powder?
Yes. Swap acai powder with pomegranate powder for a similar boost or leave it out for a more strawberry-forward refresher.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store the refresher in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake or stir before serving to mix any natural separation.
If you love refreshing homemade drinks, try my Starbucks Matcha Drinks for a creamy, antioxidant-rich option, this Pineapple Cucumber Juice for a hydrating and tropical blend, or the Pomegranate Juice for a bold, tangy drink packed with nutrients.
Starbucks-Inspired Strawberry Acai Refresher
Ingredients
For the Acai Base:
- 4 tsp acai berry powder
- 2 cups cold water or coconut water
- 2-4 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or a natural sweetener of choice
For the Strawberry Blend:
- 2 cups resh or frozen strawberries (sliced)
- 2 cups old water (or sparkling water for fizz)
Optional Add-Ins for the Starbucks Touch:
- 1 cup white grape juice (for that signature Starbucks flavor)
- ½ tsp green coffee extract or green tea
- fresh lime juice
Instructions
- In a glass or small bowl, mix the acai berry powder with cold water or coconut water. Use a small electric whisk or stir vigorously to dissolve any lumps. For a perfectly smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine sieve. Add your preferred sweetener, stirring until fully dissolved.
- If using fresh strawberries, slice them and blend with cold water until smooth. If using frozen strawberries, blend them directly with water for a slushy consistency.
- Pour the strawberry blend into the acai base and stir well. If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the mixture. If you enjoy a more textured drink, leave the fruit bits in.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the Strawberry Acai Refresher over it. For a fizzy twist, top with sparkling water.
- For an extra Starbucks-like touch, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a handful of sliced strawberries, and a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish.
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