Does the Starbucks Pink Drink Have Caffeine?

In this guide, we’ll go over the ingredients found in this drink to determine whether or not it contains caffeine. Let’s get to it!

What’s in the Pink Drink?

If you thought the Pink Drink’s vibrant color comes from food coloring, think again! It’s actually the strawberry acai base that gives it its pink color. Not only does it look good, but tastes amazing too! The base is made of the following ingredients: 

• Water
• Sugar
• Citric acid
• Natural flavors
• White grape juice concentrate
• Natural green coffee flavor
• Fruit and vegetable juice 
• Rebaudioside A

Then, sweetened coconut milk and strawberries are added to complete the drink. 

Does the Pink Drink Have Caffeine? 

Is there even caffeine in the Pink Drink? Yes, there is, but not from espresso or regular coffee. 

A 16-ounce Pink Drink from Starbucks contains around 45 milligrams of caffeine. That’s about half the caffeine found in a Starbucks espresso shot. This said, if you need some fuel on your way to work in the mornings, a Pink Drink will do the trick. 

So… where does the caffeine in the Pink Drink come from?

Starbucks spikes the Pink Drink with caffeine by using what’s called a natural green coffee flavor to the strawberry acai base. Green coffee is made by soaking unroasted coffee beans and then boiling them. It has less caffeine than regular brewed coffee; but has some caffeine nonetheless. 

Making the Pink Drink at Home  

We highly recommend recreating this creamy, refreshing beverage at home! It’s a great way to save yourself a trip to your local Starbucks and save a few bucks. You’ll also be able to:

• Control the sweetness levels of the beverage 
• Control flavors by adding more coconut milk, less grape juice, etc.. 
• Create kid-friendly or decaf beverages if necessary 

Getting your hands on the strawberry acai base, however, may be difficult (and expensive). If you wish to make a Pink Drink at home, following this simple recipe: 

Ingredients 

• Green coffee concentrate (1 tbsp green coffee beans/ 1 cup water)
• 1 acai berry tea bag
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup white grape juice
• 4 tbsp coconut milk 
• Fresh strawberries sliced
• 1 cup ice

Instructions 

1. To make the green coffee concentrate, soak 1 tablespoon of green coffee beans in 1 cup of water overnight. Next, simmer the coffee beans and water for 15-20 minutes. Let the mixture cool and pour it through a paper filter.
2. For the drink itself, boil the filtered water and pour it over the teabag. Steep until the water cools.
3. Add the grape juice and mix.
4. Fill your glass with ice and distribute the tea and grape juice mixture evenly.
5. Add coconut milk and the green coffee concentrate.
6. Stir and enjoy!

Can You Make a Pink Drink Without Caffeine? 

Making this beverage at home is simple. If you want to make it without caffeine, leave out the green coffee concentrate. This is great if you’re looking for a decaf beverage or want to make a kid-friendly alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor will slightly differ without the green coffee concentrate. It won’t be as “earthy”, but it will still be sweet thanks to the acai base.

Note: Just like you add honey to your coffee, you can add it to your Pink Drink to sweeten it up!

Conclusion 

In short, the Pink Drink does contain caffeine, but not from coffee or espresso. The caffeine comes from the green coffee concentrate. With only a few ingredients you can have a refreshingly delicious Pink Drink all in the comfort of your home. 

So, the next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up, you can count on the Pink Drink to save the day!