Starbucks recently released a bottled version of its viral Pink Drink. I tried both beverages to see
Redeem now - Starbucks recently released a bottled version of its popular Pink Drink.
- The Pink Drink took off in 2016 when customers began adding coconut milk to an existing beverage.
- I tried both and found that the bottled version is almost identical to the barista-made drink.
Starbucks recently released a bottled version of its popular Pink Drink. I got my hands on a bottle and compared it to the version baristas whip up in-store.
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in.The coffee chain announced the bottled beverage in April, along with several new and returning products.
According to the announcement, the Pink Drink has been on the menu since 2017. It was unofficially born the year prior, when customers began ordering Strawberry Açaí Refreshers and adding coconut milk, which gave the drink its name and signature baby-pink hue.
Per the menu, the drink is a combination of passion fruit, strawberries, and coconut milk poured over ice.
I had never tried a Pink Drink and wanted to try the in-store version first
Before I got my hands on the new ready-made Pink Drink, I wanted to try the original and see what all the hype was about.
The 16-ounce grande drink cost me $5.43 at my local Starbucks and, according to the app, was 140 calories.
The first thing I tasted when sipping a Pink Drink was the strong strawberry flavor. This was only amplified by the actual sliced strawberries that are added to the cup.
It tasted like gourmet strawberry milk — light and refreshing.
The coconut milk added a creaminess but not much flavor, and the drink wasn't as thick as I expected it to be.
While I'm more of a coffee drinker, I can see how this drink would appeal to those trying to cut down on caffeine or who just want something different.
The bottled Pink Drink was hard to find
I initially thought that the grocery store Pink Drink would be easy to find, but I was woefully wrong.
The drink was sold out at Walmart and Target, so I turned to Amazon only to find out a 12-pack was retailing for $65.
Finally, I tracked it down at Kroger and paid $3.99 for the coveted beverage.
According to a recent TikTok, even beauty influencer James Charles — who loves the Pink Drink so much he dubbed it a "Pinkity Drinkity" — had trouble tracking it down.
@jamescharles @Starbucks ♬ original sound - James CharlesThe premade Pink Drink's flavor is spot-on to the other version
I poured the Pink Drink over ice and was surprised to see how similar it looked in color to the version I bought at Starbucks. It had 150 calories and was 14 ounces — two less than the grande drink.
Flavor-wise, the taste was nearly identical to a freshly made Pink Drink. The only difference was that the strawberry flavor was even more intense in this version — almost candy-like. I would imagine this is because the Pink Drink bought at Starbucks can become diluted when the ice melts.
One of the only differences was the drink's consistency. This Pink Drink was thicker than the one made in-store, but just as creamy.
Like the original, there was very little coconut flavor in this Pink Drink, perhaps it was overpowered by the strawberry.
Since this version sits on store shelves, fresh strawberry pieces are out the question, but I honestly didn't miss them. You could always add your own at home.
I can see Pink Drink devotees loving the convenience of the store-bought version
While I still think a coffee-based beverage will be my Starbucks go-to, I did enjoy trying both incarnations of the viral Pink Drink.
They were fresh and fruity and made for a perfect treat on a hot summer day.
In terms of taste and appearance, Starbucks nailed it, and the bottled Pink Drink tastes and looks just like the original. Plus, its cheaper than the barista-made Pink Drink and not to mention more convenient.
The only downside I see is not being able to find it at a store near you.
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