Summer Skies Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Introduction
The Summer Skies Drink is a vibrant, fruity beverage inspired by Starbucks’ popular refreshers. Combining berry extracts with a creamy coconut twist and popping boba, it’s a delightful way to cool down on a warm day.
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 (see instructions)
- ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup raspberry popping boba
- Ice
Instructions
- 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 everything is fully combined and the spirulina powder is dissolved. Remove from heat, transfer to a large jar, and let cool completely.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker or large jar with a lid, add ½ cup of the cooled Summer Berry Refresher Base, ½ cup sweetened coconut milk, and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously until well mixed.
- Step 3: Place the raspberry popping boba into a tall glass, followed by a handful of ice. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass over the boba. Add a boba straw and enjoy your refreshing Summer Skies Drink.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan option, ensure the popping boba is free of gelatin or use fruit pearls instead.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the granulated sugar according to your taste.
- Try swapping coconut milk for almond or oat milk for a different creamy flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover Summer Berry Refresher Base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before using again. The assembled drink is best enjoyed immediately, as the boba can lose its texture over time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh berries instead of extracts?
Fresh berries have a different flavor profile and won’t provide the concentrated taste that extracts offer. However, you can muddle fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries to create a fresh fruit base, though the overall flavor will vary.
What is blue spirulina powder and can I omit it?
Blue spirulina is a natural algae powder that adds a vibrant blue color and subtle nutrients to the drink. You can omit it without affecting the flavor significantly, but your drink will lose its signature blue hue.
PrintSummer Skies Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Enjoy the refreshing taste of the Summer Skies Drink, a vibrant Starbucks copycat featuring a homemade summer berry refresher base blended with coconut milk, fruity popping boba, and a burst of berry extracts. This invigorating cold beverage delivers layers of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for cooling down on warm days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup raspberry popping boba
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Summer Berry Refresher Base: Add water, white grape juice, granulated sugar, citric acid, raspberry extract, blackberry extract, blueberry extract, and blue spirulina powder to a medium saucepan. Whisk continuously over low heat until all ingredients are fully combined and the blue spirulina powder is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture into a large jar. Let it cool completely at room temperature before using.
- Mix the Drink: In a cocktail shaker or a large jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine ½ cup of the cooled summer berry refresher base with ½ cup of sweetened coconut milk. Add a generous handful of ice to the shaker or jar, then shake vigorously until the mixture is fully blended and chilled.
- Assemble the Final Drink: Place ¼ cup of raspberry popping boba into a tall glass followed by a handful of ice. Strain the shaken summer skies mixture over the boba and ice in the glass. Add a boba straw and serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing layers of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blue spirulina powder provides a natural blue color and subtle flavor; substitute with butterfly pea powder if unavailable.
- The citric acid adds tartness; you can substitute with freshly squeezed lemon juice if needed but adjust quantity to taste.
- For a vegan option, ensure the coconut milk and popping boba are plant-based and free from animal-derived ingredients.
- Shake the drink well to combine layers and chill thoroughly for best texture and taste.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the sugar amount in the refresher base according to your preference.
Keywords: Summer Skies Drink, Starbucks copycat, summer berry refresher, popping boba drink, berry coconut milk beverage
