Copycat Starbucks Summer Drinks

Summer is definitely a time for ice-cold drinks. I grew up drinking Lipton’s sun tea all summer long! Nowadays, I still love a good sun tea but made with higher quality loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags. There are so many wonderful cold drink options for summertime, including Starbucks teas and coffee-inspired treats!

Today, we are going to take some of the most popular cold drinks from Starbucks and remake them into similar, healthier, tastier versions. Our twists on these recipes are paleo-friendly and free from synthetic flavorings, harmful dyes, and microplastics. It’s time to have a little fun and stay hydrated in the process!

Recreating your favorite Starbucks drinks is fun and easy! We will be sharing our Farmhouse copycat recipes for popular Starbucks summer drinks like the pink drink, the strawberry acai refresher, the lavender oat milk chill, and the Starbucks chocolate cold foam recipe. These healthier, more affordable versions of refreshing Starbucks favorites are the perfect way to keep cool and beat the summer heat.

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Why Make Your Own Starbucks Copycat Drinks

Here are some of the top reasons to skip the drive-thru and whip up your own recipes instead: 

• Save money: If you go out for coffee or tea often, the price can start to add up pretty quickly. Making Starbucks recipes at home is a more affordable but equally delicious way to enjoy all the flavors you love. 

• Personalize to your liking: Homemade recipes are easy to customize to your heart’s desire. You can have complete control over how sweet or strong your drink is. After all, everyone has different preferences.

• Enjoy seasonal drinks year-round: Once you’ve perfected your favorite Starbucks summer drinks, you can make them any time you want. You won’t ever need to wait again for the seasonal menu items to arrive!

• Healthier options: When you make your own drinks, you know exactly what is going into your cup. You can use high-quality ingredients that you trust and avoid harmful additives and unnecessary sugars. 

• Creativity: What better way to have fun than to experiment with your favorite flavors and presentations? You can enjoy a beautiful and refreshing drink without having to leave your house, and you’ll have a great time making it too.
• Stay True to your Values: Last, and of course not least, making these drinks at home allows me to keep my dollars where it is important and avoid spending them on companies who do not support my conservative Christian pro-life values. It's important to vote with your dollar!

4 Starbucks Summer Drinks to Make at Home

These step-by-step instructions for Starbucks copycat recipes are easy to follow and come together with just a handful of ingredients. This list of recipes features chocolatey, fruity, and floral flavors, meaning there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

1. Pink Drink Starbucks Recipe

Strawberry flavor is the star of the show in this easy, refreshing recipe. It’s a pretty and perfectly pink drink with a wholesome twist on the Starbucks favorite. Our version skips artificial flavors giving you a naturally sweet, homemade Pink Drink with real farm-fresh ingredients!

Customization Ideas:

Here are a few different ways that you can take this pink drink Starbucks recipe to the next level.

• Make it bubbly: Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist!
• Boost the fruit flavor: Stir in a few extra strawberries for a richer taste.
• Extra creamy: Blend with ice for a frozen treat.

2. Starbucks Iced Coffee Recipe with Chocolate Cold Foam

If you like the taste of coffee but are not a fan of how it makes you feel, you are sure to love this twist on a classic Starbucks iced coffee recipe. This version features our Farmhouse Chocolate Conniption Not Coffee® Tea and is topped off with a delightful homemade chocolate Starbucks cold foam recipe.

3. Starbucks Strawberry Açai Refresher Recipe

Our very own Farmhouse Teas Copycat Açaí Berry Refresher is made with Barn Raising Berry Organic Herbal Tea! This version combines the rich, tart berry flavors of aronia berries with a refreshing, lightly sweetened tea base. 

Aronia berries are packed with nutrients similar to açai berries and taste similar, too. While acai berries aren’t essential to achieve the vibrant flavor and nutritional profile of this drink, we’re using more common, antioxidant-rich berries instead, making it just as refreshing and much easier to enjoy with ingredients you can actually find. The result is a flavorful, non-caffeinated herbal twist on the traditional Starbucks açaí berry refresher. 

 Sweetness Notes:

• Coconut water is mildly sweet and hydrating, but not as sweet as white grape juice.

• If you're going for a closer Starbucks copycat, you may want to:

  • Use white grape juice instead of coconut water, or

  • Add an extra teaspoon of honey to make up the difference.

• You can also do half coconut water, half white grape juice for a good balance of hydration and flavor.

4. Copycat Starbucks Lavender Oat Milk Chill

With a distinct flavor and a vibrant purple color, the lavender series drinks are some of the most unique Starbucks summer drinks. Made with a simple homemade lavender syrup, our caffeine-free lavender drink has a refreshing floral flavor in every sip.

Customization Ideas:

If you are recreating the lavender oat milk chill at home, here are some fun ways you can mix things up. The only thing better than an ice cold drink in the summertime is a frozen treat!

• Increase the floral flavor: Add more lavender syrup if you prefer a stronger floral note.
• Change up the sweetener: You can swap honey with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Frozen treat: Blend extra ice with the mixture for a smoothie-like consistency.

Tips for Making Your Own Starbucks Copycat Recipe

Whether you’re recreating a classic Starbucks iced coffee recipe or the beloved pink drink Starbucks recipe, there are a few things you should do when making Starbucks summer drinks to keep the process as easy and enjoyable as possible.

• If the recipe is made with a tea base, use a French press to steep the tea to perfection.
• Serve your iced drink in a fun cup like our handcrafted stoneware mug. Mugs are not just for hot drinks! Insulated cups are also great for iced summer drinks as they tend to keep the ice from melting for a while.
• Experiment with different types of non-dairy milks. Depending on your personal preference, you might like the taste of coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk more. 

Starbucks Summer Drinks Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a drink paleo-friendly?

Paleo recipes are made with whole, natural, unprocessed ingredients. Drinks that contain natural sugars rather than added sugars, are made with dairy-free milk options, and are free from artificial ingredients are considered paleo-friendly.

Can I make cold foam without a frother?

Yes, if you don’t have a frother on hand, you can make cold foam using a mason jar. Pour the mixture into a mason jar, seal the lid tightly, and shake vigorously until foamy. Be sure that your non-dairy milk of choice is cold, as it is easiest to froth at this temperature.

What is the best non-dairy milk to use for Starbucks recipes?

The best non-dairy milk for you will depend on the type of flavor and texture that you prefer. Oat milk is known for its creamy texture, almond milk is loved for being light and subtle, and coconut milk is popular for its rich, distinct flavor.

Brighten Up Your Summer Drinks 

With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll soon be on your way to enjoying homemade Starbucks drinks all summer long! Our copycat Starbucks recipes are loaded with just as much flavor as the originals but are ultimately healthier and more affordable — and, of course, so fun to make too! Even the kids will enjoy these this summer when they are begging for a special treat. This time, you can say yes, knowing they have the best ingredients and that they are super affordable when made at home!

If you are a Starbucks lover who wants to cut back on your coffee intake (and save a ton of money), be sure to check out our FREE Coffee Drinkers Guide to Loose Leaf Tea ebook!

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