You're Only 2 Groceries Away From A Perfect Starbucks Pink Drink Dupe
Starbucks can brew quality a quality cup of joe, but we all know it offers much more than that. The company has a long list of original beverage items that have completely shaken up the coffee shop industry. For instance, the release of its most popular menu item, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, has undoubtedly made it into the zeitgeist of the 21st century. Originally invented and released by Starbucks, its 2003 introduction was nothing short of a coffee-cultural reset.
One of the most unique concoctions to emerge from Starbucks in more recent years is the Pink Drink — a "delicious blend of strawberry and acai fruit juice, green coffee extract, ice and coconut milk," as described by the Starbucks website. Originally a secret menu item, Starbucks released it as an official menu item in 2016 to the delight of many.
The Pink Drink is as sweet, vibrant, and refreshing as can be, but for Pink Drink devotees on a budget, it's not a very practical regular treat. Luckily, one TikToker has shared a homemade alternative that could easily pass for the real thing.
The TikTok that challenged the Pink Drink mystique
One TikToker posted a video sharing a simple recipe that allows Pink Drink fans to enjoy the flavors from the comfort of their own kitchens. The "Pink Drink DOOP," as the video is captioned, is made by mixing three parts Ocean Spray White Cran-Strawberry juice and one part Silk Coconut Milk over ice. Freeze-dried strawberries can also be thrown in to make the tribute drink more visually similar to the original, but, as the OP states, "it's not necessary."
The video has since gone viral, and other users have posted videos putting the recipe to the test. In one post, two taste testers declare that the combination is "identical." Some videos show taste testers making swaps to their convenience, like one opting for pink cranberry juice instead of the White Cran-Strawberry, and another pouring in oat milk instead of coconut milk.
The beauty of the homemade alternative is that it allows total control over ingredients and tweaks. It allows you to curate the Pink Drink of your dreams.
A swap for significant savings
Aside from making the Pink Drink experience more convenient, the dupe is also significantly more affordable. With the original TikTok recipe, a grocery bill for the ingredients would come out to around $8 or less if swapped to store-brand ingredients. A Starbucks Grande Pink Drink costs about $4.75 on average. Though the Starbucks price is lower up front, the grocery store ingredients may be a worthy investment for Pink Drink regulars, as one bottle and carton of each can make multiple servings of the drink.
Of course, even if the dupe tastes indistinguishable from the original product, it probably won't completely replace the experience of walking into your local Starbucks, bantering with the familiar employees, and hearing the sweet sound of them calling out your name and handing you a classic Pink Drink in all its beauty and glory. But if you find the Pink Drink to be a staple in your diet rather than an occasional beverage switch-up, a DIY swap may be worth considering.