If you love Starbucks’ Pineapple Refresher but don’t love the price (or the trip to the drive-thru), I’ve got you! This homemade version is just as good—maybe even better.
It’s tropical, sweet, and super refreshing.
The best part?
You can make it in minutes with simple ingredients.
Plus, you can control the sweetness and even make it caffeine-free if you’re serving it to kids.
Let’s make this sunshine-in-a-cup drink at home! 🌞🍍
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup pineapple juice (100% juice, no sugar added)
- ½ cup coconut milk (for that creamy Starbucks touch)
- ½ cup cold green tea (or coconut water for a caffeine-free version)
- 2 tbsp simple syrup (or honey/agave to taste)
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- ½ cup ice cubes
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional, but adds depth)
- Pineapple slices & lime wedges (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Want it extra tropical? Swap coconut milk for coconut water for a lighter, fruitier taste.
- Make it bubbly! Add a splash of sparkling water before serving.
- For kids, skip the caffeine. Just use coconut water or extra pineapple juice instead of green tea.
- Use frozen pineapple instead of ice. It keeps the drink cold without watering it down!
- Blending makes it even smoother. If you want a slushie-style refresher, toss everything in a blender.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or shaker (for mixing)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tall glass (for serving)
- Knife & cutting board (for garnishes)
Substitutions & Variations
- No coconut milk? Use almond milk or oat milk for a different twist.
- No green tea? Swap for white tea, herbal tea, or plain water.
- Less sugar? Skip the simple syrup or use stevia.
- Love mango? Add a few frozen mango chunks for a mango-pineapple refresher!
Make Ahead Tips
- Brew your green tea in advance and chill it in the fridge.
- Make a big batch and store it in a pitcher for up to 2 days in the fridge.
How to Make It
Step 1: Brew & Chill the Tea
If you’re using green tea, brew a cup and let it cool in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Blend the Base
In a blender, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, chilled green tea, simple syrup, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Add Pineapple & Ice
Add frozen pineapple chunks and ice cubes to the blender. Blend again until smooth.
Step 4: Pour & Garnish
Pour into a tall glass, add a few ice cubes, and garnish with pineapple slices and lime wedges.
Leftovers & Storage
- This refresher is best fresh, but you can store extra in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If it separates, just shake it up before serving!
- For a frozen treat, pour leftovers into ice cube trays and blend later for a quick refresher.
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got your very own Starbucks-style Pineapple Refresher at home! 🍍✨ It’s easy, delicious, and totally customizable. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below with your thoughts or any fun twists you added. Enjoy! 💛
