Enjoy Starbucks’ Summer-Berry Refresher at Home

Introduction

Summer is here, and Starbucks has a refreshing new hit: the Summer-Berry Refresher. This vibrant blue drink is packed with berry flavors and fun raspberry pearls that burst with flavor. With this easy copycat recipe, you can make this refreshing beverage at home and enjoy it all summer long.

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Note: Check also the simplified recipe video down the page! <3

Ingredients and Preparation

Berry Syrup

The berry syrup is the foundation of this drink, providing the sweet and tangy berry flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp blueberry extract
  • ½ tsp raspberry extract
  • ½ tsp blackberry extract
• Instructions:
  1. Combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the berry extracts.
  4. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.

Tips:

• Store the syrup in a mason jar in the fridge for up to a month.
• The syrup thickens as it cools, making it ideal for mixing.

Summer-Berry Refresher Base

The base is essential for creating the authentic flavor of the Summer-Berry Refresher.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup + 2 Tbsp berry syrup
  • 1 ⅓ cups water
  • ½ tsp citric acid
  • ½ tsp green coffee extract powder (optional)
  • ¼ tsp blue spirulina powder
• Instructions:
  1. In a large jar, combine the berry syrup, water, citric acid, green coffee extract powder, and blue spirulina powder.
  2. Shake well to mix.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips:

• Citric acid adds a tangy kick; lemon juice can be a substitute.
• Green coffee extract provides caffeine; omit if you prefer a caffeine-free drink.
• Blue spirulina offers a natural blue color; blue food coloring can be used as an alternative.

Making the Summer-Berry Refresher

Now, let’s put everything together to create your refreshing drink.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup Summer-Berry Refresher Base
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup raspberry pearls (with liquid)
  • Ice
• Instructions:
  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the refresher base and water to the shaker.
  3. Shake well to mix.
  4. Place raspberry pearls and their liquid at the bottom of a glass.
  5. Pour the shaken mixture over the pearls.

Tips:

• Use wide bubble tea straws to enjoy the raspberry pearls.
• The drink tastes like a berry popsicle or a blue Jolly Rancher.

Storing and Variations

Storing the Refresher Base

Keep your base fresh and ready to use.

• Store the base in a sealed mason jar in the fridge.
• It should stay fresh for about a month, allowing you to mix up drinks anytime.

Tips:

• Make a large batch on the weekend to enjoy throughout the week.
• Double the base recipe if you plan to serve it at parties or gatherings.

Variations

Experiment with different versions for new flavors.

• Lemonade Version:
  • Mix the base with lemonade for a sweeter, tart twist.
  • Example: Combine ½ cup base with ½ cup lemonade.
  • Tip: Add a slice of lemon for extra zest.
• Coconut Milk Version:
  • Mix the base with sweetened coconut milk for a creamy alternative.
  • Example: Combine ½ cup base with ½ cup coconut milk.
  • Tip: Garnish with coconut flakes for a tropical touch.

Tips:

• Add fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less berry syrup to your taste.

How to Store

Storing your ingredients properly ensures you can make the refresher whenever you want.

• Berry Syrup:
  • Store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to a month.
  • Example: Use leftover syrup for pancakes or yogurt.
  • Tip: Label the jar with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Refresher Base:
  • Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a month.
  • Example: Mix up a drink whenever you crave a refreshing treat.
  • Tip: Keep extra jars ready for quick preparation.

More Ways to Use the Base

The refresher base is versatile and can be used in various ways.

• Summer Cocktails:
  • Add a shot of vodka or gin for a refreshing cocktail.
  • Example: Mix ½ cup base with 1 shot of vodka and ice.
  • Tip: Garnish with a lime wedge for extra flavor.
• Popsicles:
  • Freeze the base in popsicle molds for a cool treat.
  • Example: Pour base into molds and freeze overnight.
  • Tip: Add whole berries to the molds for a fruity surprise.
• Smoothies:
  • Blend the base with yogurt and ice for a quick smoothie.
  • Example: Combine ½ cup base with 1 cup yogurt and ice.
  • Tip: Add a banana for extra creaminess.

Do Refreshers Contain Caffeine?

The original Starbucks Refreshers do contain caffeine from green coffee extract. If you want a caffeine boost, include the green coffee extract in your base. If you prefer a caffeine-free drink, simply omit it.

Tips:

• For a morning pick-me-up, include green coffee extract.
• For an evening drink, leave out the caffeine to avoid disrupting sleep.

Conclusion

Making Starbucks’ Summer-Berry Refresher at home is easy and fun. With these clear instructions, you can enjoy a refreshing, flavorful drink anytime. Perfect for summer parties or as a cool treat on a hot day.

Extra Insights:

• Freeze some of the berry syrup in ice cube trays to use in place of regular ice cubes for added flavor.
• Customize the drink with your favorite fruits or extracts for a unique twist.