Easy Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher Copycat Recipe
Strawberry Acai Refresher – Starbucks style, but way cheaper and, dare I say, even better? It’s the perfect blend of sweet, fruity, and that little caffeine kick that gets you through the day without the coffee jitters. Seriously, you’ll wonder why you ever stood in those long lines. I even think it has more flavor too, maybe.
My fam? OBSESSED. My husband, Mark, literally begs me to make this every weekend. He calls it “that pink drink magic.” The kids are all about it too – and they love to help me make it. They get to smash berries and pour stuff… it can get messy, but that is okay. One time, I forgot to buy the acai powder and tried to substitute with blueberry juice. DO. NOT. DO. IT. It was… purple. And not in a good way. Live and learn, right?
Why You’ll Love This Easy Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher Copycat Recipe
- It’s way cheaper than hitting up Starbucks every day (hello, vacation fund!).
- You control the sweetness (I like mine a little tart, Mark likes his like candy – we can both be happy!).
- It’s ridiculously easy to make – like, almost embarrassingly easy. If you can boil water, you’re golden.
- It feels fancy, but it’s secretly healthy(ish). Strawberries are fruit! That’s gotta count for something, right?
- It’s the perfect excuse to use that blender you got as a wedding gift and have only used twice.
How to Make It
Okay, so first, you’re gonna want to brew your green tea. I usually use a couple of bags because I like it strong. Let that steep for like, five minutes or so, then FISH OUT THE BAGS. Nobody wants soggy tea bags in their drink.
While that’s brewing, grab your strawberries. Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch. Just let them thaw a bit so your blender doesn’t stage a revolt. Give ’em a good chop, then toss ’em in the blender.
Next, add in your acai powder, white grape juice, and a splash of simple syrup. If you don’t have simple syrup, just dissolve some sugar in a little bit of hot water – boom, you’re a bartender.
Pour in your cooled green tea. Now, BLEND BABY BLEND. Get it nice and smooth.
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Taste it! Is it sweet enough? Tart enough? Add more syrup or lemon juice as needed. This is YOUR drink, so make it how YOU like it!
Pour it over ice, maybe add some extra sliced strawberries for a fancy touch, and BAM! You’re done. Go enjoy your amazing Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher Copycat Recipe.
Ingredient Notes
- Green Tea: I usually use regular green tea bags, but sometimes I use flavored green tea (like jasmine) for a little something extra. Just make sure it’s not too overpowering.
- Frozen Strawberries: Fresh is great, but frozen are so convenient! Plus, they make the drink extra frosty. If you only have fresh, throw in a few ice cubes.
- Acai Powder: Don’t skip this! It gives the drink that signature flavor and a boost of antioxidants. You can find it at most health food stores or online.
- White Grape Juice: This adds sweetness and a nice, light flavor. If you don’t have it, apple juice works too, but it’ll change the color a bit.
- Simple Syrup: Equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. You can also use honey or agave if you’re feeling fancy.
- Lemon Juice: A little bit of zing! Balances out the sweetness and adds some brightness.
Recipe Steps:
- Brew green tea and let cool.
- Combine strawberries, acai powder, white grape juice, and simple syrup in a blender.
- Pour cooled green tea into the blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness.
- Pour over ice and serve.
What to Serve It With
Honestly? This is a perfect stand-alone treat. But if you’re feeling snacky, it goes great with a light salad, some fresh fruit, or even a slice of banana bread (because balance, people!).
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t over-blend! You want a smooth drink, not strawberry soup.
- If your strawberries are super tart, you might need to add more simple syrup. Taste as you go!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits! I’ve added raspberries, blueberries, and even a little bit of mango before.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftover (doubtful!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best within 24 hours, because the strawberries can start to get a little sad. But honestly, I’ve totally sipped on it the next day and it was still bomb. I’ve even had it for breakfast once. Don’t judge.
Variations and Substitutions
- No acai powder? Okay, this one’s tough. It really gives the drink its signature flavor. But if you’re desperate, try a little bit of cranberry juice or pomegranate juice. It won’t be the same, but it’ll add some fruitiness.
- Out of white grape juice? Apple juice works, but it’ll change the color and flavor slightly.
- Want it fizzy? Top it off with some sparkling water or club soda!
- Need a caffeine boost? Add a shot of green coffee extract.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Easy Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups white grape juice Preferably unsweetened
- 1 cup water Filtered
- 4 oz frozen strawberries Thawed or fresh
- 1 tsp acai powder
- 1 tsp green coffee bean powder
- 2 tbsp sweetener Optional, like agave syrup or simple syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes For serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a blender, combine the grape juice, water, strawberries, acai powder, and green coffee bean powder.
- Blend until smooth. Add sweetener if desired, and blend again briefly.
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes and pour the refresher over the ice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
