Summer Skies Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Introduction

The Summer Skies Drink is a refreshing, fruity beverage inspired by Starbucks’ popular refreshers. With vibrant berry flavors and a creamy coconut touch, it’s perfect for cooling down on warm days.

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 (prepared)
• ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
• ¼ cup raspberry popping boba
• Ice

Instructions

1. 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 is fully incorporated. Remove from heat and transfer to a large jar. Let it cool completely before using.
2. Step 2: In a cocktail shaker or a large jar with a lid, combine ½ cup of the refresher base, ½ cup sweetened coconut milk, and a handful of ice. Shake thoroughly until well mixed. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Place the raspberry popping boba into a tall glass, then add a handful of ice. Strain the shaken drink into the glass over the boba. Insert a boba straw and enjoy your Summer Skies Drink!

Tips & Variations

• For an extra fruity twist, add fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries as garnish.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing sugar according to your taste preference.
• Use coconut milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk for a different flavor profile.
• If you can’t find raspberry popping boba, tapioca pearls or jelly cubes work well as substitutes.

Storage

Store any leftover refresher base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before using again. The prepared drink is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; stir gently before serving. The popping boba is best consumed immediately as it may lose texture over time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is citric acid used for in this recipe?

Citric acid adds a tart, citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness and enhances the berry flavors, mimicking the tangy taste of the original refreshers.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply use sweetened coconut milk or another plant-based milk, and ensure the popping boba does not contain gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients.

Summer Skies Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 122 reviews

This Starbucks-inspired Summer Skies Drink is a refreshing, vibrant beverage combining a homemade Summer Berry Refresher Base with sweetened coconut milk and raspberry popping boba. Perfect for warm days, this colorful drink is bursting with berry flavors and a hint of tropical coconut, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy with a fun textural pop from the boba.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 (prepared)
• ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
• ¼ cup raspberry popping boba
• Ice, as needed

Instructions

1. 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 the sugar and spirulina powder fully dissolve and all ingredients are well combined. Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the refresher base to a large jar. Let it cool completely before proceeding.
2. Mix the Drink: Pour ½ cup of the cooled Summer Berry Refresher Base into a cocktail shaker or a large jar with a lid. Add ½ cup of sweetened coconut milk and a handful of ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly combined and chilled.
3. Assemble and Serve: Place ¼ cup of raspberry popping boba into a tall glass, then add a handful of ice on top of the boba. Strain the shaken Summer Skies drink mixture over the ice and boba in the glass. Insert a boba straw and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• Blue spirulina powder not only adds a natural blue color but also offers antioxidants; adjust quantity for color intensity.
• If raspberry popping boba is unavailable, regular tapioca pearls or fruit jellies can be used as a substitute.
• For a vegan version, ensure the coconut milk is plant-based and sweetened without animal products.
• Citric acid adds tartness and balance; if unavailable, fresh lemon juice may be used but will alter flavor slightly.
• Prepare the Summer Berry Refresher Base in advance and refrigerate; it keeps well for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Starbucks copycat, summer drink, berry refresher, coconut milk beverage, popping boba, homemade Starbucks, refreshing drink