What’s in the Starbucks Pink Drink?
Are you curious about the Starbucks Pink Drink and what’s in it? This iconic bubblegum-pink beverage is known for its fruity flavor and photogenic appearance, but what’s the story behind its creation and ingredients? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Pink Drink’s recipe, nutritional information, and popular variations.
The History of the Pink Drink
The Pink Drink wasn’t always a Starbucks menu staple. In fact, it started as a secret menu item, whispered among loyal customers and baristas in the know. The drink gained widespread popularity on social media, with Instagram users sharing photos of its vibrant pink color and refreshing taste. Eventually, Starbucks Partner Hours caught wind of the Pink Drink craze and added it to their official menu in 2017.
What’s in the Pink Drink?
So, what exactly is in the Pink Drink? The base of the drink is a Strawberry Açaí Refresher, a juice blend that includes flavors like strawberry, açaí, and passionfruit. This fruity mixture is then combined with coconut milk, instead of water, to create a creamy and slightly sweet taste. Finally, freeze-dried strawberries are added to the top, which rehydrate in the beverage and add an extra burst of flavor.
The Pink Drink also contains a small amount of caffeine, thanks to a green coffee extract that’s included in the Strawberry Açaí Refresher. The caffeine content is minimal, however, so it won’t leave you feeling jittery like a regular cup of coffee.
Nutritional Information
If you’re counting calories or watching your sugar intake, you may be wondering about the nutritional value of the Pink Drink. A 16-ounce grande Pink Drink made with coconut milk contains 140 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 25 grams of sugar.
While the Pink Drink isn’t the healthiest item on the Starbucks menu, it’s not the worst either. It’s a better choice than sugary sodas or energy drinks, but it’s still important to consume it in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 6 teaspoons (or 24 grams) of added sugar per day, while men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons (or 36 grams) per day.
Variations of the Pink Drink
The Pink Drink has become so popular that many customers have started customizing the recipe to suit their tastes. Some popular variations include:
Very Berry Hibiscus Pink Drink
This variation uses the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher as the base instead of the Strawberry Açaí Refresher, giving it a slightly different flavor profile.
Dragon Drink
This drink swaps the Strawberry Açaí Refresher for the Dragonfruit Mango Refresher, which gives it a bright pink color and tropical taste.
Pink Ombre Drink
This variation is made by pouring a layer of coconut milk on top of a regular Strawberry Açaí Refresher, creating a two-tone effect.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Pink Drink may have started as a secret menu item, but it’s now a popular choice for anyone looking for a refreshing and fruity drink. Whether you’re sipping on the original recipe or trying out a customized variation, the Pink Drink is a fun and tasty option for coffee shop aficionados. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and colorful, give the Pink Drink a try and discover its irresistible flavor for yourself!
