This copycat recipe for Starbuck’s Strawberry Acai Refresher is the real deal!
I actually prefer the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher, which I also have a recipe for. Find the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher recipe, here. However, I decided to make a copycat for you. That way you can enjoy this drink at home. Check out all of my Starbuck’s copycat recipes under the “Craving more?” heading, at the bottom of this post.
If you loved Starbuck’s Strawberry Acai Refresher, you’re going to love this copycat recipe because it tastes just like the real thing. Plus, all of the ingredients can be found on Amazon Prime, so you can make this ASAP!
For those of you who like the Pink Drink, check out the notes on the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
You’ll love this recipe if you…
loved Starbuck’s Strawberry Acai Refresher
don’t want to spend $5
wish you could drink one every day
want the option to make it caffeine-free, with less sugar, or vegan
*Disclaimer: some of the links on this post are affiliate links. Please refer to my Disclaimers and Policies page. Thanks!*
What is Starbuck’s Strawberry Acai Refresher actually made of?
I looked up the ingredients on the Starbucks website. Here is what was listed for the Strawberry Acai Refresher:
Water
Sugar
White grape juice concentrate
Natural flavors (I assume that’s the passion fruit)
Citric Acid (additive/preservative)
Natural Green Coffee Flavor (caffeine)
Freeze Dried Strawberry Pieces
Doing my research…
According to Starbuck’s, the Strawberry Acai Refresher is a strawberry-flavored drink accented by notes of passion fruit and acai. While doing research for this beverage, I came across a few recipes, but none of the recipes I found had green coffee bean extract. They also miss out on the ‘notes of passionfruit.’
Where to find the ingredients?
Next, I hopped on Amazon and looked for green coffee bean extract, passionfruit, powdered (freeze-dried) strawberry and acai. To make these refreshers, I decided to try out Monin’s passion fruit concentrate instead of trying to use fresh passion fruit; this product is sugar-free.
Caffeine: Powdered Green Coffee Bean Extract (vegan)
Powdered Freeze-dried strawberry (v/GF)
Powdered Freeze-dried acai (v/GF)
Passionfruit concentrate (sugar-free/vegan/GF)
Sliced Freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
How to make Starbuck’s Strawberry Acai Refresher
This recipe makes approximately 48 oz (without ice). Here’s how to make Starbuck’s Strawberry Acai Refresher:
Keep reading to see how you can make the Dragon Drink and other Starbuck’s favorites below.
First, I wanted to make sure my powdered products were going to dissolve, so I whisked it with the water until everything had dissipated. Then, I added the rest of the ingredients and stirred it until combined.
Pour into a pitcher or bottle to keep in the fridge. Gently stir or shake before serving. Pour over glass and top with fresh, frozen or freeze-dried strawberry slices.
Craving more?
Want more Starbucks copycat recipes? Check out these links…
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher recipe
Starbuck’s S’mores Frappuccino Recipe
Coconut Mocha Frappuccino Recipe
Starbuck's Strawberry Acai Refresher copycat recipe
The real deal Starbuck's strawberry acai refresher recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 c water
- 2 1/2 c white grape juice
- 2 1/2 tsp freeze-dried strawberry (powder)
- 1 tsp freeze-dried acai (powder)
- 3/4 tsp green coffee bean extract (powder), add more according to package directions for more caffeine
- 2 tsp passion fruit puree, plus more if needed, 1/4 tsp at a time to adjust flavor
- Ice
Instructions
- Add powdered ingredients with a few tablespoons of water and stir until dissolved. This will make a slurry (a loose paste) ensuring you don't have large chunks of powder throughout.
- Once the powder is thoroughly mixed, slowly stir in the last bit of water, passion fruit puree and white grape juice. I use a glass jar with a lid to break up any excess powder.
- Serve over ice with freeze-dried, frozen, or fresh strawberries.
Notes
store in a bottle or pitcher, agitating before use.
You may need to add more water to adjust the taste depending on how much ice you use.
The original refresher at my starbucks always tastes very watered down. I prefer to add a bit more strawberry powder/passion fruit.
When storing excess, leave out the extra strawberries. Add with ice before drinking.
The color may be different depending on the acai powder.
The sugar-free passion fruit option will adjust the taste slightly, and the measurements may not be exact, start by adding a little at a time.
For those who like the pink drink, replace the water with coconut milk
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Nature Restore USDA Certified Organic Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder, 8 Ounces, Non GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan -
Navitas Organics Acai Powder, 4oz. Pouch -
Monin Passion Fruit Puree 1 L 33.8 Fluid Ounces -
Maximum Strength Pure Green Coffee Bean Super Extract, 4 Ounce, Supports Metabolism for Weight Management and Fat Burn, No GMOs and Vegan Friendly -
Santa Cruz, Juice, White Grape, Organic, 1 Quart -
Sugar free option: Monin Passion Fruit Flavor Concentrate 375ml Bottle -
Augason Farms Freeze Dried Sliced Strawberries 6.4 oz
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 48 ozAmount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 31mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 6gSugar: 45gProtein: 9g
Nutrition facts are for personal reference only as calories may vary on a case by case basis.
Erik Davison says
Heads up, the seller of the Acai powder has been having major quality issues. My bag was moldy and smelled rancid. I’ve reached out to them for a replacement. ALSO don’t be a dummy like me and accidentally grab apple juice instead of grape juice. 🤦🏻♂️
mandy says
Geez, thanks for letting me know. I’ll change the link. If you got it off amazon, you should be able to just return it. I’m sorry that happened to you. And, I know what you mean about the grape juice. I grab apple juice by accident all the time! Thanks again.
Erik Davison says
Yeah they’re not responding. Oh well. I put the powder in a new container and put it in the fridge as someone on amazon suggested. The smell definitely decreased so maybe it was just the bag? What is Acai powder supposed to smell like? It smells like dirt. And no matter how much i stir, I cant get it to dissolve.
mandy says
Hey erik. Ya, it kinda smells like dirt. I’ve tried a couple of powders and It doesn’t dissolve completely. That doesn’t bother me personally, but you can try using a blender. Honestly, I prefer the mango dragonfruit refresher, so I use the acai in yogurt, now. You could try it without (if the flecks bug you), let me know how it tastes.
Erik Davison says
Alright everyone, I’ve made this about 3 times now and I have some thoughts and tips! 🙂
1. Most importantly, I’ve found that you need to let it sit for a few hours for the flavor to really set. I tried drinking it right after finishing and it tastes very watery. However, after a couple of hours, I found that the flavor was MUCH stronger. So you might have some trial and error. I typically add a little more passion fruit puree and strawberry into mine.
2. Using hot water to make the paste helps dissolve the powders more. But Mandy is right, the acai powder will never fully disolve.
3. The Acai powder smelled awful out of the bag, but I took someone’s advice and moved it to a new container and refrigerated it and that helped the strong smell die down. It DOES smell like dirt so be aware of that, but it will not make your drink taste like dirt 😉
4. I personally love the lemonade sub for water, but be aware that it will be a lot sweeter. If you want it less sweet, but still have the lemon flavor, maybe just add some lemon juice!
5. No matter what I do, this doesn’t taste a lot like the Starbucks drink, BUT it’s really good anyway. If you are looking for a more healthy caffeine alternative to coffee or sodas, this is your best bet.
6. I did a lot of math, which I hate, to figure out if this $70 investment would be cheeper than starbucks. Yes, it is cheeper in the long run (less than half the price per oz of SB). But it is a risk. If you don’t like it, your $70 out with a bunch of ingredients you don’t need.
Thanks for the recipe and help Mandy!!
Olga says
Well, I’m disappointed. Spent $70 on all the ingredients and followed the exact recipe and it taste nothing like Starbucks one! Tried adding more water and still doesn’t work!
mandy says
Hi olga, I’m sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. When I buy refreshers from my starbucks they are always so watered down. When I make this recipe, I usually add a little extra strawberry powder (just my personal preference). Are you using passion fruit puree or the concentrate? The concentrate is sugar-free and will change the taste of the starbucks version. Hope that helps you!
Hanna says
Could I use green tea instead of green coffee extract?
mandy says
Hi hanna, green coffee extract and green tea are both different. The green coffee bean extract is mostly just for the caffeine boost. I don’t notice a difference in taste when I make the recipe without, but if you try it with green tea let me know how it turns out. Hopefully that helps you.
Graziella Puleo says
Is there a way to store the Mixed ingredients ?
For example, mixing multiple servings for future quick pouring
TIA
mandy says
If you are making the original version, you can place all of the ingredients into a large bottle or jug and shake before you pour into your cup. Just be sure to really mix the dry ingredients as best as you can when making the slurry to make sure large clumps don’t form. If you are making the pink drink, omit the coconut milk and pour that fresh in your cup just before serving. hope that answers your question!
Mommy Lisa says
Hi, will it change the taste if I leave out the green coffee?
mandy says
No, I’ve made it both ways. The green coffee bean is really just for the caffeine. I don’t notice that much of a difference.
Lorena says
I’m definitely having trouble with this – I bought your exact ingredients and am following the measurements exactly. My drink turned out very dark and tastes really bitter and tastes nothing like at Starbucks. I tried adding more water and playing with adding more passionfruit, but don’t want to go overboard with that if it’s something else I’m doing wrong/am missing. Anything you can suggest? I’m a little frustrated after having spent quite a large amount of money for these ingredients.
mandy says
Hi lorena, I’m so sorry you are having so much trouble.
1. please make sure you have the updated recipe card. Previously, I had made a mistake in the ingredients portion when filling in the card.
2. If you’re using the passionfruit concentrate instead of the puree, keep in mind, it won’t be as sweet. The concentrate is the sugar-free version.
3. make sure you are using white grape juice.
4. omit the green coffee bean extract until you get the mixture right.
5. Add powdered strawberry and acai into a small bowl, use just enough water to make a loose paste then add the liquid. If it helps, I have a quick video in the recipe card showing you the process.
Let me know if that helps.
Kareen says
Do you just switch out all the water for the lemonade? I’m trying to make the strawberry acai lemonade version.
mandy says
Yes, replace the water with lemonade. Depending on the lemonade you use, you may need to adjust the amount or add some water to thin out the flavor. Let me know what you do. Maybe it’ll help someone else looking for the lemonade version!
Melissa P. says
Hi!
Can I use Tazo’s Passion Fruit Tea instead of the purée? Thank you!
mandy says
Hi melissa, I have not tried that but if I did, I would brew with 2 tea bags. If you give it a go, let me know how it turned out. Maybe it’ll help someone else out, too.
Jennifer says
For the white grape juice concentrate, is this the frozen cans of welch’s grape juice concentrate or the plastic bottles of white grape juice which states “made from concentrate”.
Thank you!!
mandy says
Hi jennifer. I buy a bottle of welch’s white grape juice.
Sarah Miller says
Hi just wondering if u have tried to make the pink drink with this refresher? I bought all the ingredients and want to add coconut milk to make my own pink drink
mandy says
Hey sarah, just replace the water with coconutmilk for the pink drink. You may have to adjust the ingredients slightly (ie add more strawberry powder or add more passionfruit puree), but that’s going to be taste preference.
And make sure you use refrigerated coconutmilk like the so delicious brand NOT canned coconutmilk. Starbucks uses sweetened coconut milk but I prefer unsweetened –just personal preference.
Hope that helps!
Sarah Miller says
Thank you for the tips!
Paige says
Hey I was wondering if you can make this caffeine free or minimize the caffeine?
mandy says
Hi paige! Of course! Just omit the green coffee bean to make it caffeine-free.
Harley says
Hi, I was just wondering if we needed both the concentrate and the puree for this recipe or if only one was necessary?
mandy says
Only one. The concentrate is a sugar-free option for those who want a less sweet version while the puree contains sugar. The puree will give you a closer result to the original.
Katlynn says
Hi,
I was wondering if there were any other options for the passion fruit? I am having troubles finding it at my local grocery store and wasn’t sure if i could use a juice or a drink packet?
Thank you!
mandy says
Hi katlynn. Since passionfruit is kind of hard to find, I’ve provided links directly in my blog post, the ingredients section, and the recommended products section of the recipe card for where you can purchase it. I have only ever used passionfruit puree for this recipe, but juice or syrup may also work. If you give it a go, let me know what you did. Maybe it’ll help someone else, too.
Vickie says
How much of each ingredient per 48 ounces??
With coronavirus my starbucks is closed. I’m having withdrawals. Thank you.
mandy says
Hi vickie, the measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page. Are you having trouble viewing them? Please let me know so I can try to fix the problem.
Laura says
What are the exact quantities of the ingredients you don’t have any of that listed
mandy says
Hello Laura. Do you mean the measurements? I have updated this recipe card. Can you tell me if you can see it now? Thanks for letting me know.
alice cooper says
HOW do you have over 50 reviews and only 4 comments? Kind of nervous to commit to these ingredients and this recipe, if I don’t get to see that people have been trying this… whether the recipe was great as-is, just okay or I just need to make modifications to taste.
mandy says
HI alice!
The recipe card allows for reviews without leaving a comment. I realize that is really frustrating for users, but not everyone wants to write! Hope that answers your question.
Caroline says
I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. I’m following every direction, but my drink tastes nothing like it does at Starbucks. I bought all of your exact products. Any recommendations?
mandy says
Hi caroline. I’m sorry you are having such trouble. The passion fruit that I had recommended in this recipe is sugar-free which changes the flavor slightly. I would first start by adding (or reducing) the water content. Typically I have to add more water. If that doesn’t help, the next step I would take is changing the amount of passion fruit. I hope that helps! Hold tight, I will be updating this recipe within the next week with some updates I’ve been testing. Thanks for your patience!
mandy says
Hey caroline, just wanted to let you know I’ve updated the recipe. I realized I had not doubled some of the ingredients. I’m so sorry for the confusion. I hope this helps!
Danielle says
How many times can you make the recipe using the amazon ingredients? This is my favorite starbucks drink and think this could be worth it. Do you have a recipe for the lemonade version?
mandy says
I believe it was over 30 times before you had to repurchase something. I can’t quite remember the exact number. Also, for the lemonade, just replace the water with lemonade. This may take some trial and error depending on the sweetness of the lemonade you are using. If you find it to be too sweet, you can try adding a bit of water to thin out the flavors.
Hope that helps you!