WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Making the Pink Drink at home is a fun and rewarding experience. This Starbucks-inspired recipe is not just delicious; it’s also customizable and cheaper than buying it at your local coffee shop. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this refreshing beverage right in your kitchen. The beautiful blend of flavors and colors makes it the perfect drink for hot summer days, special occasions, or simply treating yourself. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a fruity drink that feels indulgent without being overly sweet.
HOW TO MAKE Pink Drink
To make the Pink Drink, you will need to gather a few key ingredients and follow some simple directions. Let’s dive into what you need and how to prepare this tasty beverage.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup white grape juice
- 1 cup sliced/hulled, fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp acai powder
- ½ tsp passion fruit powder
- ½ tsp citric acid
- ½ cup Strawberry Acai Refresher Base
- ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
- 2 tbsp sliced/hulled, fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Ice
DIRECTIONS
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Prepare Strawberry Juice: Start by adding the water, grape juice, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, and sugar into a medium saucepan. Stir everything well. Turn the heat to medium-high and let it come to a simmer. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
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Strain the Mixture: After 10 minutes, take the saucepan off the heat. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the strawberries. Press down on the strawberries to squeeze out as much juice as you can. Discard the leftover strawberry pulp.
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Mix in Flavor Powders: Pour the strained strawberry liquid back into the saucepan and place it on low heat. Whisk in the lemon juice, acai powder, passion fruit powder, and citric acid. Stir until all the ingredients are completely combined. Please note that the acai powder may not fully dissolve, which is okay.
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Cool the Juice: Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the strawberry mixture into a large jar. Allow it to cool completely before using it in the drink.
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Make the Pink Drink: In a cocktail shaker or a large jar with a lid, combine ½ cup of the Strawberry Acai Refresher base with ½ cup of sweetened coconut milk. Shake it a few times until the mixture is well combined.
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Serve: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the pink drink mixture over the ice. Finally, garnish with a few slices of fresh strawberries on top and enjoy your homemade Pink Drink!
HOW TO SERVE Pink Drink
Serving the Pink Drink is simple and elegant. Once you’ve prepared the drink, pour it over ice in clear glassware to show off its lovely pink hue. Garnishing with a few fresh strawberry slices adds a nice touch and makes it visually appealing. You can serve it with a straw for easy sipping or as is for a more sophisticated look. This drink is perfect for summer parties, brunch gatherings, or refreshing drink breaks during a busy day.
HOW TO STORE Pink Drink
If you have leftover Pink Drink or you want to make it ahead of time, you can store it easily. Place the cooled Strawberry Acai mixture in an airtight container or jar and keep it in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, mix it with fresh coconut milk and serve it over ice. Do not freeze the drink, as the texture may change when thawed.
TIPS TO MAKE Pink Drink
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries enhance the flavor of the drink. Choose ripe and juicy strawberries for the best results.
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Adjust Sweetness: The sugar amount is adjustable based on your preference. Taste the strawberry mixture before you cool it, and add more sugar if you want a sweeter drink.
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Coconut Milk Choice: Using sweetened coconut milk gives a creamier texture, but you can opt for unsweetened if you prefer a lighter drink.
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Make a Bigger Batch: If you’re hosting a party or have friends over, consider doubling the recipe. The Pink Drink is always a hit!
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Be Mindful of Ice: If you’re planning to store the drink for later, consider serving it with ice in separate glasses. This prevents the drink from becoming watered down.
VARIATIONS
You can customize the Pink Drink in many ways to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:
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Tropical Twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice to the drink for a tropical flavor. It pairs well with coconut and strawberries.
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Berry Mix: Instead of just strawberries, mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries. This will give the drink a beautiful color and varied taste.
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Light Version: Use a sugar substitute to lower the calories. You can use stevia or another sweetener that fits your dietary needs.
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Herbal Infusion: For a refreshing twist, consider adding a few mint leaves or basil to the drink. This will provide a refreshing herbal contrast to the fruity flavor.
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Non-Dairy Options: If you’re dairy-free, the coconut milk works great, but try almond or oat milk for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make the Pink Drink without Strawberry Acai Refresher Base?
Yes, you can omit the Strawberry Acai Refresher Base, but the drink will lose some of its signature flavor. You can try using more strawberry juice or a different fruit puree as a substitute.
2. How long does the Pink Drink last in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, the Pink Drink’s strawberry mixture can last about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s best when consumed fresh.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, fresh strawberries usually provide better flavor and texture in the drink. If you are using frozen strawberries, make sure to let them thaw before using them in the recipe.
Making your own Pink Drink at home is simple, fun, and rewarding. With the right ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy this delightful beverage at your convenience. So gather your friends, mix up a batch, and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer all year round!