Taste Test: Starbucks’ Pink Drink and Strawberry Acai With Lemonade
Are these two drinks, which are part of Starbucks’ Refreshers series, worth the hype?
After its Pink Drink gained popularity in the United States as a secret-turned-permanent menu item, Starbucks has brought the famed beverage along with a more zesty counterpart to Singapore.
As part of the coffee chain’s launch of its Refreshers series locally, the Pink Drink with Strawberry Acai and Strawberry Acai With Lemonade are now available on delivery platforms and in stores.
Youthopia visited Starbucks’ Vivocity outlet to view the decorations and try out its new offerings.
Upon knowing the names of both drinks, admittedly it was not anything groundbreaking; strawberry has been featured in Starbucks’ Strawberry Black Tea Lemonade and Strawberry Zen Clouds Oolong Lemonade, both of which are part of its permanent menu already.
But once the new drinks were served, it was certainly a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
First and foremost, both drinks are indeed refreshing – the taste of fresh strawberry and açai are prominent, which was a breath of fresh air from the coffee chain’s existing syrup-centric fruity beverages such as the Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls.
True to its name and fame, the Pink Drink with Strawberry Acai is mixed with coconut milk to give it its light hue, which in turn gives the drink a creamy taste. Its slight sweetness and rounded flavour makes it a great beverage choice at the end of a tiring day.
As for its citrusy counterpart, the Strawberry Acai with Lemonade swaps out the coconut milk for lemon juice to add a tangy twist. Unlike the Pink Drink, this beverage brings a burst of flavours, just enough to give one a boost of energy on a sweltering hot afternoon.
Overall, the two drinks are well-suited to tackle Singapore’s tropical climate and the focus on fresh fruits over artificial flavours make them palatable for kids and adults alike.
The two drinks can be purchased through food delivery platforms (Grabfood, Deliveroo and foodpanda) and in stores in Tall, Grande and Venti sizes, with the Tall size priced at $6.60 for the Strawberry Acai with Lemonade and $7.10 for the Pink Drink with Strawberry Acai.
The limited edition reusable cold cups are not sold separately and only available in stores, while stocks last. The two drinks will form the core menu of Starbucks’ Refresher series, with other drinks to be added in due time.
