Love copycat Keto Starbucks drinks? Try my keto frappuccino, keto hot chocolate, and keto coffee. The Starbucks pink drink is ALL the hype right now, and rightly so. While the traditional beverage is loaded with sugar, I’ve given it an easy low carb makeover!
What is the Starbucks pink drink?
The Starbucks pink drink is a popular iced beverage made with their strawberry acai refresher drink mix and coconut milk. While delicious, the classic drink packs over 30 grams of carbohydrates, 24 grams of which is added sugar! Luckily, with a handful of basic ingredients and a few minutes, you can have this same cult favorite. Here’s why I LOVE this keto version:
Way cheaper. A tall pink drink at Starbucks will cost you around $5 meanwhile, this low-carb version comes in at a quarter of that! Easy to customize. From the tea to the sweetener and milk, every element of this recipe can be customized to suit your preferences–or save you a trip to the grocery store. More refreshing. Unlike the classic drink, this won’t spike your blood sugar or make you have a sugar crash midday. I’d call that refreshing.
Ingredients needed
Passionfruit and strawberry teabags– Unsweetened tea bags. The traditional Starbucks drink uses passionfruit and strawberry flavored teas, but any flavor can be used. Granulated sweetener of choice– I used allulose, but monk fruit sweetener or erythritol can also be used. Boiling water- To mix with the teabags and sweetener to make a mock syrup. Ice– A must for any chilled beverage! Heavy cream AND coconut milk– The combination of the two gives the drink richness without being overpowering or heavy. You can use one or the other if you prefer. Pink food coloring– Optional, but gives it the pink color.
How to make a keto Starbucks pink drink
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Steep the tea. In a small bowl, add the tea bags and sweetener. Pour the boiling water over it and let sit for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and whisk to combine. Step 2- Add milk and cream. In a large jug, add the ice. Pour the sweetened tea mixture, followed by the heavy cream and milk, and whisk until combined. If desired, add the red food coloring.Step 3- Serve. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Recipe tips and variations
Make it in advance. If I’m not going to drink this right away, I’ll omit the ice and refrigerate it until I’m ready to serve. Then, I just give it a stir to re-mix the cream and pour it over a glass with ice. Make a strong tea. Use a very concentrated and full-flavored fruit tea. If your tea flavoring is weak, add more tea bags to the hot water. The flavor will get diluted once you add the sweetener and milk. Adjust the sweetness. Once all of the ingredients are mixed together, give it a taste and add more sweetener as needed. Alternatively, you can add some sugar-free syrups. Or make a less-sweet tea. When I’m not craving a super sugary tea, I’ll use half fruit tea and half green tea. If you don’t add the food coloring, it won’t be very pink, but it’ll still taste delicious. Add more strawberries. For more flavor, I always like to toss in some freshly sliced strawberries or one teaspoon of freeze-dried strawberries.
Storage instructions
To store: The pink drink should be stored in the refrigerator at all times. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Starbucks has now introduced a secret menu, which actually includes a keto version of their pink drink. If your barista is unfamiliar with it (some have said their local Starbucks doesn’t know how to do it), here is how you can create your own! To order– Sugar free iced passion Tazo tea, 1 pump sugar free vanilla syrup, two pumps of heavy cream and freeze dried strawberries. If you prefer a sweeter pink drink, request an extra pump of syrup. To freeze: Pour the drink into a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. You must thaw it completely before drinking.
More keto drinks to try
Almond milk latte Coconut milk smoothie Almond milk smoothie Peppermint mocha
Originally published March 2021, updated March 2024
