Strawberry Refresher

You know that feeling when it’s 400 degrees outside, you’re questioning all your life choices, and your soul just needs to be quenched? This better than Starbucks Strawberry Refresher is that girl. It’s your fruity, fizzylife-saving sidekick for when it feels like a sauna outside. Even better? It tastes like it came straight out of a a specific chain’s cup, but you won’t need to fork over $7 to be refreshed. Whether you’re lounging on the patio or just trying to survivor your afternoon Zoom call, this drink’s got your back.

What stands out

This drink is everything we want in the summer — cold, bubbly, fruity and pretty to look at. It takes only a few simple ingredients most of which you probably already have: fresh strawberries, a squeeze of lemon, a little mint from the garden, and sparkling water to bring it all to life. It looks fancy, tastes fancy but comes together with zero effort and no errands. One sip and suddenly you’re not melting — you’re thriving. Before you know it, this one will be going on repeat until further notice. Plus, you can tweak it to your heart’s content add green tea for a little pep, sub in champagne if you’re feeling extra, or go sugar-free with a natural sweetener.

Strawberries: We like to use fresh strawberries to form the base of our refresher, but you could also use frozen strawberries for added chill.

Sugar: This isn’t just a cure-all for your sweet tooth. When sprinkled over the strawberries, sugar draws out moisture and dissolves, creating a syrupy base through a process called maceration.

Lemon juice: A citrusy squeeze of lemon gives this recipe its tangy flavor and balances the sweetness of the strawberry syrup. The acid also helps soften the fruit during the maceration process.

Mint: This bright herb puts the ‘fresh’ in refresher. We like to add a couple of leaves to the drink and a sprig for garnish.

Sparkling water: Bubbles make everything better! Choose your favorite flavor for added punch, or use unflavored sparkling water (we like Sanpellegrino) for an ingredient-forward refresher.

Ice: This refresher is just begging for a tall glass of sophisticated chill! We make our own slow-melting ice at home using this ice tray.

Kitchen tip

Coat the strawberries with sugar and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to soften the fruit and develop the juiciest strawberry syrup.

Swaps

1. If you don’t have fresh strawberries on hand, or if you just want a slightly more chilled version, use frozen strawberries.
2. Add mixed berries for a flavor (and antioxidant!) boost.
3. For a boozy version, add your favorite champagne Prosecco, or sparkling wine with just a splash of sparkling water.
4. Feel free to use Stevia or monk fruit as a sugar alternative – it may help prevent blood sugar spikes.
5. Add a couple of ounces of fresh brewed green tea for a caffeine fix. Or, if you’re going all in, add 1/2 a teaspoon of green coffee extract just like they do at Starbies.
6. Garnish your refresher with a sprig of mint and some freeze dried strawberries for a true Starbucks copycat version.

Serve it with

• A slice of this Whole Lemon Blender Cake for all the Starbucks copycat vibes.
• A plate of Watermelon Popsicles for the ultimate cool-down treat.
• This viral Polish Strawberry Pasta. (Don’t knock it til you try it!)
• An ah-mazing Strawberry Spinach Salad with a dressing you could chug.

Ingredients

Makes 2 drinks

• 10 strawberries, 1 cup
• 1 tablespoon honey, or sugar to taste
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 can sparkling water, any flavor you love
• 2 mint leaves
• ice, as much as you like

Equipment

• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Nakiri Knife
• Cutting Board
• Blender
• Mixing Bowls
• Ice Cube Tray

Method

1. Note: feel free to make it as sweet as you like so be sure to taste and adjust as needed.
2. Mash blend or food process the strawberries with the honey (or sugar) and lemon juice.
3. Add 1/2 of the strawberry syrup to a glass over ice.
4. Top off with any sparkling water of choice and enjoy!

Kitchen notes

• Berry Variations: This recipe works with frozen or fresh strawberries. You can also add mixed berries (blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries) for a flavor (and antioxidant!) boost.
• Boozy Refresher: Add your favorite champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine with just a splash of sparkling water for a grown-up version.
• Sweeteners: Feel free to use Stevia or monk fruit as a sugar alternative.
• Caffeine add-ins: Add a couple of ounces of your favorite fresh brewed tea for a caffeine fix. Green tea, black tea, and flavored teas like passionfruit all complement the flavor profile well. Or if you’re really going all in, add 1/2 a teaspoon of green coffee extract just like they do at Starbies.
• Toppings: Add a sprig of mint for garnish and some freeze dried strawberries for a true Starbucks copycat version.

Questions

Can we use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Since we’re muddling the strawberries, feel free to use fresh or frozen.

Are Starbucks refreshers healthy?

Starbucks refreshers are generally not considered healthy due to their high sugar and caffeine content. By making a homemade version, YOU get to control the ingredients and make it as healthy and as you want it!

Can we make this with alcohol?

Yes! This refresher pairs well with champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine and a splash of sparkling water.

Do STarbucks refreshers have caffeine?

Yes, they contain green coffee extract for a caffeine boost. If you like, you can feel free to add a couple of ounces of your favorite tea or 1/2 a teaspoon of green coffee extract for a true Starbucks copycat refresher.