Coffee is always a good idea, but sometimes we feel a little bit more adventurous. Exploring the vast menu at Starbucks is reserved for those days. Some of our best finds are the refreshers. So what are refreshers at Starbucks?
They are an iced combo of fruit and caffeine. But it has something major in common with the regular brew.
Read on to find out the unexpected ingredient!
Topics Explored
- What Are Refreshers?
- Whatâs In A Starbucks Refresher?
- Types of Starbucks Refreshers
- Kiwi Starfruit
- Mango Dragonfruit
- Strawberry Acai
- Berry Hibiscus
- Summary: What Are Refreshers At Starbucks
- FAQs
What Are Refreshers?
Refreshers might seem like iced fruity lemonades, but theyâre a bit more special(1). They provide an additional boost of energy. The iced drinks are made with real fruit, green coffee extract, and sometimes tea.
Refreshers are available in big coffee chains and fast-food restaurants. Starbucks introduced the first refresher flavors Very Berry Hibiscus and Cool Lime, back in 2012.
Whatâs In A Starbucks Refresher?
The foundation of a Starbucks Refresher is the flavored base. The base is mixed with ice and freeze-dried fruit of the same flavor.
The flavor base is made with water, green unroasted arabica beans, sugar, and white grape juice.
Each flavor has a coconut milk version, lemonade version, and juice option. There are 13 refresher flavors but check which are available at your location.
Types of Starbucks Refreshers
The amount of choices is overwhelming â especially if youâve never had a refresher. Hereâs what each includes and what you can expect. By grouping them by flavoring base, weâll show you how one base can deliver several unique drinks when mixed with different liquids.
Kiwi Starfruit
The Kiwi Starfruit refresher base is a mildly tropical flavor. If youâre a fan of kiwi, youâll find the pieces of real fruit delightful. This is a summer base included in the Star Drink, Kiwi Starfruit Refreshers, and Kiwi Starfruit Refreshers Lemonade.
1. Star Drink
Star Drink combines Kiwi Refresher base with coconut milk ending up in a tropical milkshake. Itâs finished with a scoop of freeze-dried kiwi.
Flavor:
The flavor is sweet, smooth, with hints of candy. At first sip, itâs slightly tart, but the coconut milk rounds it out nicely.
How Itâs Made:
- Kiwi Starfruit Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Coconut Milk: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Kiwi: 1 scoop
2. Kiwi Starfruit Refreshers
The Kiwi Starfruit refresher pairs the base with water for a less caloric and more refreshing option. Without any additions, the base has its time to shine.
Flavor:
This option is more refreshing, less sweet, and you can taste the sourness of the starfruit. But at the same time, it leaves you longing for a punchier flavor.
How Itâs Made:
- Kiwi Starfruit Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Water: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Kiwi: 1 scoop
3. Kiwi Starfruit Refreshers Lemonade
Pairing the Kiwi Starfruit base with lemonade is the most enjoyable combo. The lemonade adds more freshness resulting in the best drink in this group.
Flavor:
Think of green Jolly Rancher, yellow Starburst, and watermelon gummies- combined! Itâs tart, sweet, sharp, and has you reaching for another sip.
How Itâs Made:
- Kiwi Starfruit Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Lemonade: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Kiwi: 1 scoop
Mango Dragonfruit
The Mango Dragonfruit base gained popularity because of its aesthetics, but the taste is nothing less attractive. Itâs the base of the three most photographed beverages Dragon Drink, Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers, and Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers Lemonade.
1. Dragon Drink
For the Dragon Drink, the Mango dragonfruit base is cut with coconut milk. The rich, pink drink is finished with a scoop of freeze-dried dragonfruit.
Flavor:
The mango flavor is dominating while you can barely taste the dragonfruit. It reminds us of fruit-flavored yogurt, especially with the crunchy pieces of dragonfruit.
How Itâs Made:
- Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Coconut Milk: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Dragonfruit: 1 scoop
2. Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers
The Mango Dragonfruit refresher combines the base with water. This lowers the calorie count and sweetness, bringing you only the original fruit flavors.
Flavor:
The original, unaltered base is not too sweet, tastes tropical with hints of berry. Itâs like no other refresher weâve tried, and the color is spot on!
How Itâs Made:
- Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Water: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Dragonfruit: 1 scoop
3. Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers Lemonade
Pairing lemonade with the Mango Dragonfruit refresher base makes the perfect lemonade. Adding a dose of sour yet sweet lemonade to the fruit-packed flavor is a winning combination.
Flavor:
The lemonades give the tropical flavor precisely what it was missing in the previous variations. Sweet, tangy, fruity, and oddly satisfying as a hot summer day pick me up.
How Itâs Made:
- Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Lemonade: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Dragonfruit: 1 scoop
Strawberry Acai
Strawberry Acai is one of the most requested bases, whether as a Pink Drink, Strawberry Acai Refreshers, or Strawberry Acai Refreshers Lemonade. Itâs widely popular as an ingredient in many secret menu drinks.
1. Pink Drink
The Pink Drink combines the refresher base plus coconut milk for a milky strawberry drink. It has a light but creamy texture with pieces of freeze-dried strawberries around.
Flavor:
Love pink Starbursts? Youâll love the Pink Drink. Each sip comes with hints of passion fruit, strawberries, light sweetness, and the coconut milk balances with a neutral aftertaste.
How Itâs Made:
- Strawberry Acai Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Coconut Milk: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Strawberry: 1 scoop
2. Strawberry Acai Refreshers
Mixing the Strawberry Acai base with water gives you the Strawberry Acai Refresher. Itâs very light with a watery texture and more pronounced caffeine flavor.
Flavor:
Strawberry Acai Refresher is very refreshing with pronounced strawberry flavor and hints of passion fruit. As itâs coupled with water, you can feel the sharpness of the green coffee extract.
How Itâs Made:
- Strawberry Acai Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Water: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Strawberry: 1 scoop
3. Strawberry Acai Lemonade
Sweet strawberries pair well with lemon juice in the Strawberry Acai Lemonade. The base is accompanied by sugary and sour lemonade making the ultimate summer drink.
Flavor:
This luscious lemonade takes the prime. Itâs rich with a tangy kick. With mild hints of caffeine, this drink tastes refreshing, energizing, and delicious.
How Itâs Made:
- Strawberry Acai Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Lemonade: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Strawberry: 1 scoop scoop
Berry Hibiscus
Blackberry fans have their go-to base too! The Berry Hibiscus base brings together hibiscus flowers and blackberries making the Violet Drink, Very Berry Hibiscus Refreshers, and Very Berry Hibiscus Refreshers Lemonade.
1. Violet Drink
The Violet Drink started as a campaign with Lady Gaga back in 2017. It combines the Berry Hibiscus base with coconut milk producing a pale violet drink.
Flavor:
Think of a forest fruit smoothie but light and a little biting. You can definitely taste the hibiscus, but the pieces of blackberry and creamy coconut milk make up for the sourness.
How Itâs Made:
- Berry Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Coconut Milk: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Blackberries: 1 scoop
2. Very Berry Hibiscus Refreshers
Pair the Berry Refresher base with water, and you get the pure flavor. Itâs very low in calories with a good amount of caffeine.
Flavor:
If you love sweet drinks, this is not the drink for you. If youâre looking for a well-balanced refreshers, go for this one! Sharp but very refreshing with delicious muddled berries.
How Itâs Made:
- Berry Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Water: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Blackberries: 1 scoop
3. Very Berry Hibiscus Lemonade
Combining the Berry Refresher base with lemonade makes a strong drink. The fruit juice, rich lemonade, and caffeine can boost your energy more than a cup of coffee.
Flavor:
Itâs much sweeter than the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher, yet with more dominant tanginess. However, the blackberries balance the sharp taste to an extent.
How Itâs Made:
- Berry Refreshers Base: 1 part
- Lemonade: 1 part
- Ice: 2 parts
- Freeze-Dried Blackberries: 1 scoop
Summary: What Are Refreshers At Starbucks
If you donât like the taste of coffee but love coffee shop strolls, the refreshers are an excellent choice.
What are refreshers at Starbucks? Sweet, fruity iced drinks with a substantial amount of caffeine coming from green arabica beans.
You have a vast selection of flavors and can combine them with coconut milk for creaminess or lemonade for sweetness. Or pair the base with water to cut on the calories!
FAQ
What is a Starbucks Refresher?
A Starbucks Refresher is a drink made with a refresher base, ice, and scoops of real fruit. The refresher base includes fruit juice, sugar, water, fruit flavoring, and green coffee extract. Itâs cut with water, coconut milk, or lemonade, creating different refreshers. Then the refresher is shaken with ice and topped with freeze-dried fruit.
Is there caffeine in Starbucks Refreshers?
Each Starbucks refresher contains caffeine(2). The base is made with green coffee extract, delivered from unroasted green arabica beans. However, refreshers are not as strong as coffee. A grande size contains 45 mg, while a venti has 70 mg of caffeine. But beware if youâre caffeine-sensitive or youâre watching your intake.
Are Starbucks Refreshers being discontinued?
Refreshers are far from being discontinued. In fact, theyâre at their peak of popularity because of social media. Thousands of Instagrammers and TikTokers rave about the refreshers. If you find some of the drinks unavailable at your nearest location, itâs because of ingredients shortage. Each season new refresher flavors are added and rotated.
Verified Sources
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FAQs
What are refreshers at Starbucks? âș
Starbucks Refreshersâą beverages are offered in multiple formats, making it easy for our customers to reenergize wherever they are: Handcrafted Starbucks Refreshersâą beverages: Made with green coffee extract, a natural source of energy, and real fruit juice to create a thirst-quenching, low calorie beverage.
What are in refreshers? âșIngredients. Ice, Strawberry Acai Base [Water, Sugar, White Grape Juice Concentrate, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Natural Green Coffee Flavor, Fruit And Vegetable Juice, Rebaudioside-a], Freeze-dried Strawberries.
How are refreshers made? âșAccording to Starbucks, the ârefreshers beverages are made with real fruit juice and are lightly caffeinated with Green Coffee Extract.â They have a natural source of energy with relatively low calories â a perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
How much caffeine is in a Starbucks Refreshers? âșHow Much Caffeine Do Starbucks Refreshers Contain? All Starbucks Refreshers contain 45 milligrams of caffeine per 16-ounce serving. 16 ounces is equal to a Grande-sized drink at Starbucks, and the caffeine in Starbucks Refreshers comes from the green coffee extract.
How do they make Starbucks Refreshers? âș- 3 c water.
- 2 1/2 c white grape juice.
- 2 1/2 tsp freeze-dried strawberry (powder)
- 1 tsp freeze-dried acai (powder)
- 3/4 tsp green coffee bean extract (powder), add more according to package directions for more caffeine.
- 2 tsp passion fruit puree, plus more if needed, 1/4 tsp at a time to adjust flavor.
- Ice.
We bring you another retro classic from, British sweet making institution Barratt, Refreshers! They're fruit flavour, fizzy sweets in a roll and you'll find raspberry, lemon, lime and orange flavours in the mix.
Are Starbucks Refreshers full of sugar? âșAll four flavors of Starbuck Refreshers are pre-mixed with sugar. This means you cannot get a sugar-free Refreshers drink.
What are Starbucks Refreshers sweetened with? âșStarbucks Refreshers are iced beverages made with real fruit juice, stevia (a natural sweetener) and green coffee extract, which provides a natural source of caffeine. At less than 100 calories for a Tall or Grande, it won't destroy your diet, either.
Are Starbucks Refreshers just juice? âșTo be considered a Refresher, the drink needs to have that green tea extract, fruit juice and some kind of fruit. Otherwise, it's just another juice!
What is the base of a refresher? âșRefreshers are iced Starbucks drinks that contain fruit juice, green coffee extract, and scoops of fruit. They're a great alternative for anyone who wants a Starbucks drink but doesn't love coffee or tea. They're also fairly low calorie when compared to other Starbucks drinks.
How much coffee is in a refresher? âș
How Much Caffeine Do Starbucks Refreshers Have? All Starbucks refresher drink types have the same caffeine content, but this depends on the cup size your order. A tall (12 fl oz) refresher drink has 35 mg of caffeine and a grande (16 fl oz) has 45 mg of caffeine.
Do Starbucks Refreshers have real fruit? âșHand-crafted with real fruit pieces, the drinks have been designed to offer ultimate hydration, with all the same personalisation, taste, and innovation you expect from the Starbucks Experience.
Does a refresher have more caffeine than coffee? âșNo, Refreshers do not have more caffeine than coffee. In fact, a 16 oz grande size Refresher contains 45 mg of caffeine. For comparison purposes, an iced coffee has 165 mg of caffeine and a cold brew coffee contains 205 mg.
Is Starbucks Refreshers healthy? âșThis light, fruity drink is perfect for a summer day. The Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher is bright pink and has green coffee extract and zero grams of fat. It's a healthy drink with real fruit juice and blackberries, and this iced beverage has only 70 calories in a Grande serving.
Does the pink strawberry Refresher have caffeine? âșMade with Strawberry AçaĂ Refresher, Starbucks' Pink Drink has a tiny bit of caffeine thanks to some green coffee extract. Instead of water, the refresher is mixed with coconut milk to create the shade of pink that makes it so photo-worthy.
Do refreshers have a lot of caffeine? âșDo Refreshers have more caffeine than coffee? No, Refreshers do not have more caffeine than coffee. In fact, a 16 oz grande size Refresher contains 45 mg of caffeine. For comparison purposes, an iced coffee has 165 mg of caffeine and a cold brew coffee contains 205 mg.
Do Starbucks Refreshers taste like coffee? âșStarbucks Refreshers are lightly caffeinated iced drinks made with green coffee extract and real fruit juice. The green coffee extract is made from unroasted arabica coffee beans. It's for anyone who wants a cold drink with caffeine but doesn't like the taste of coffee.
What is the best refresher from Starbucks? âș- Very Berry Hibiscus Lemonade Refresher.
- Kiwi Star Fruit Lemonade.
- Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade.
- Dragon Drink.
- Pink Drink.
- Strawberry Acai Lemonade.
- Mango Dragonfruit Refresher.
- Strawberry Acai Refresher.
All four flavors of Starbuck Refreshers are pre-mixed with sugar. This means you cannot get a sugar-free Refreshers drink.
Is Starbucks refreshers healthy? âșThis light, fruity drink is perfect for a summer day. The Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher is bright pink and has green coffee extract and zero grams of fat. It's a healthy drink with real fruit juice and blackberries, and this iced beverage has only 70 calories in a Grande serving.