Save to Pinterest My teenage daughter came home raving about this pink drink from that famous coffee chain, and honestly, I thought it was just another overpriced trend until she finally convinced me to try a sip. One taste and I immediately understood the obsession—this ridiculously simple combination hits every perfect note of sweet, creamy, and refreshing. Now we keep a mason jar of this sitting in our fridge at all times, especially during summer when the kitchen feels like an oven and nobody wants to turn on the stove.
Last summer, we hosted a backyard barbecue and I made a triple batch of this in one of those big glass beverage dispensers. Everyone kept circling back to refill their glasses, genuinely confused about what made it so delicious, and I had to laugh because the secret was just shaking coconut milk and strawberry syrup together. My neighbor actually asked for the recipe three separate times before she believed how simple it was.
Ingredients
- Strawberry syrup: Store-bought works perfectly fine, but homemade syrup made by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar gives this drink an incredibly fresh, vibrant berry flavor that really shines through
- Coconut milk: Use unsweetened, chilled coconut milk from a carton rather than canned coconut milk, which can be too rich and heavy for this refreshing beverage
- Cold water: This essential ingredient dilutes the coconut milk just enough to create that perfect, drinkable consistency without watering down the flavor
- Fresh strawberries: Thinly sliced strawberries add beautiful color and little bursts of fresh fruitiness in every sip
- Ice cubes: Plenty of ice keeps this drink perfectly chilled and slightly dilutes it as it melts, which actually improves the balance over time
Instructions
- Combine the base:
- Pour the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and cold water into a shaker or large jar with a tight-fitting lid. The mixture will look separated at first, with the pink syrup floating on top of the white coconut milk.
- Shake it up:
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until everything is fully combined and slightly frothy. The mixture should turn a beautiful, uniform pink color that looks absolutely gorgeous in the glass.
- Prep your glasses:
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes and add a generous handful of those fresh strawberry slices. The strawberries will float to the top and create the prettiest layered effect when you pour in the pink drink.
- Assemble and serve:
- Pour the pink drink mixture over the ice and strawberries, then give it one gentle stir to distribute everything evenly. Serve immediately and watch people's faces light up when they take that first sip.
Save to Pinterest My daughter started making this for her friends during study sessions, and it has somehow become their absolute favorite thing about coming over to our house. There is something incredibly satisfying about watching a group of teenagers get excited over something homemade instead of reaching for sugary sodas or energy drinks.
Making It Lighter
If you are watching your calorie intake or simply prefer something less rich, swap out the full-fat coconut milk for a light version or increase the water ratio slightly. I have also made this with almond milk and oat milk as alternatives, though coconut milk really does give the most authentic coffee shop taste.
Homemade Strawberry Syrup
While store-bought syrup is totally fine, making your own strawberry syrup is surprisingly easy and tastes infinitely better. Just simmer equal parts fresh strawberries and sugar with a splash of water until the strawberries break down completely, then strain out the solids. The resulting syrup captures that pure, intense strawberry flavor that makes this pink drink sing.
Serving Suggestions
This drink is absolutely perfect for summer parties, baby showers, or just lazy Sunday afternoons on the porch. I love serving it in clear glassware so everyone can appreciate that gorgeous pink color, and it pairs beautifully with light desserts like angel food cake or fresh fruit. For an adult version, a splash of vodka or rum transforms this into the most refreshing cocktail you have ever tasted.
- Add a sprig of fresh mint as a garnish for a pop of green against the pink
- Try freezing some of the drink mixture in ice cube trays to prevent dilution as the ice melts
- Double or triple this recipe easily for larger gatherings—it always goes faster than you expect
Save to Pinterest There is something so deeply satisfying about recreating those expensive coffee shop drinks at home, especially when they taste even better than the original. This pink drink has become our go-to summer staple, and I have a feeling it will become yours too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different milk instead of coconut?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk. However, coconut milk provides the creamiest texture and most authentic flavor profile that closely matches the original version.
- → How do I make homemade strawberry syrup?
Simmer equal parts fresh strawberries and granulated sugar with a splash of water over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids, then let cool completely before using.
- → Is this drink suitable for meal prep?
For best results, prepare this beverage fresh. The ice will dilute the mixture if stored too long, and fresh strawberries can become soggy. You can premix the syrup, coconut milk, and water in a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then add ice and strawberries when serving.
- → Can I make this less sweet?
Absolutely. Start with 2 tablespoons of strawberry syrup instead of the full 1/4 cup and taste before adding more. You can also use unsweetened coconut milk and add natural sweetness with extra fresh strawberries if desired.
- → What type of coconut milk works best?
Canned unsweetened coconut milk (full-fat or light) works best for achieving the creamy, frothy texture. Carton coconut milk beverages tend to be too thin and won't create the same rich mouthfeel. Chill the coconut milk well before shaking for maximum frothiness.
- → Can I add caffeine to this drink?
The traditional version contains green coffee extract, but you can add your own caffeine by mixing in cooled green tea, white tea, or a splash of cold brew coffee. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste, as these will alter the flavor profile.