Summer Skies Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Introduction
The Summer Skies Drink is a vibrant and refreshing beverage inspired by Starbucks’ popular refreshers. This fruity, colorful drink combines berry flavors with a creamy coconut finish, perfect for warm days or anytime you want a tropical treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup white grape juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp citric acid
- 1 tsp raspberry extract
- 1 tsp blackberry extract
- ¼ tsp blueberry extract
- ¼ tsp blue spirulina powder
- ½ cup Summer Berry Refresher Base
- ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup raspberry popping boba
- Ice
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Summer Berry Refresher Base by combining water, white grape juice, sugar, citric acid, raspberry extract, blackberry extract, blueberry extract, and blue spirulina powder in a medium saucepan. Whisk over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the spirulina powder is fully incorporated.
- Step 2: Remove the mixture from heat and transfer it to a large jar. Let it cool completely before using.
- Step 3: In a cocktail shaker or large jar with a lid, combine ½ cup of the Summer Berry Refresher Base, ½ cup sweetened coconut milk, and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously until well mixed. Set aside.
- Step 4: Place ¼ cup raspberry popping boba into a tall glass, then add a handful of ice.
- Step 5: Strain the shaken Summer Skies Drink into the glass over the popping boba and ice. Serve with a boba straw and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use natural fruit extracts to enhance the authentic berry flavors without added artificial colors.
- Substitute sweetened coconut milk with almond milk or oat milk for a different creamy texture.
- Chill the refresher base overnight for a quicker serving experience.
- Adjust the sugar amount to taste for a less sweet or more intense flavor.
Storage
Store the Summer Berry Refresher Base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or stir before using. Prepare the finished drink fresh, as the popping boba and ice are best enjoyed immediately and do not store well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the Summer Skies Drink vegan?
Yes, using sweetened coconut milk keeps the drink vegan. Ensure that the popping boba you choose is also vegan-friendly, as some may contain gelatin.
What is blue spirulina and where can I find it?
Blue spirulina is a natural blue pigment derived from algae, used here to give the drink its vibrant color without artificial dyes. It’s available online or at health food stores in powder form.
PrintSummer Skies Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
This Starbucks-inspired Summer Skies Drink combines a refreshing blend of berries and creamy coconut milk with fun popping boba for a tasty, vibrant beverage perfect for hot summer days. The homemade Summer Berry Refresher Base is infused with blue spirulina and mixed berry extracts, creating a colorful and flavorful iced drink that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Summer Berry Refresher Base
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup white grape juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp citric acid
- 1 tsp raspberry extract
- 1 tsp blackberry extract
- ¼ tsp blueberry extract
- ¼ tsp blue spirulina powder
Drink Assembly
- ½ cup Summer Berry Refresher Base
- ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup raspberry popping boba
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Summer Berry Refresher Base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, white grape juice, granulated sugar, citric acid, raspberry extract, blackberry extract, blueberry extract, and blue spirulina powder. Whisk the mixture over low heat until all ingredients are fully combined and the blue spirulina powder is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and transfer the base into a large jar. Let it cool completely before proceeding.
- Mix the Drink: Pour ½ cup of the cooled Summer Berry Refresher Base and ½ cup of sweetened coconut milk into a cocktail shaker or a large jar with a lid. Add a handful of ice and shake or swirl vigorously until well mixed and chilled. Set aside.
- Assemble the Drink: Place ¼ cup of raspberry popping boba at the bottom of a tall glass. Add a handful of ice over the boba. Carefully strain the mixed Summer Skies Drink from the shaker or jar into the tall glass, allowing it to pour over the ice and boba. Insert a boba straw and enjoy your refreshing summer drink!
Notes
- Blue spirulina powder gives the drink its vibrant blue color and adds antioxidants.
- Citric acid enhances the tartness and helps preserve the refresher base.
- If you cannot find raspberry popping boba, regular boba or fruit pearls can be used alternatively.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the sugar amount in the refresher base.
- Shake the drink well before serving to ensure the coconut milk and berry base are well combined.
Keywords: Starbucks copycat, summer drink, berry refresher, coconut milk, popping boba, blue spirulina, iced beverage
