Save to Pinterest Standing in line at that famous coffee shop, watching the barista pour drinks with this gorgeous pink color, I kept thinking theres no way this should cost six dollars. The next morning I stared at my coconut milk carton and a bottle of strawberry syrup, deciding right then that I could crack this code. After four attempts and some strangely colored failures, I finally nailed the ratio that makes my kitchen feel like a fancy café every afternoon.
Last summer my sister came over looking completely defeated by a work project, and I handed her a glass of this pink magic. She took one sip, closed her eyes, and said this drink just fixed everything. Now whenever either of us has a rough day, we text each other pink drink emergency and meet at my kitchen counter.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Syrup: Store bought works perfectly, but homemade adds this fresh bright note that makes people ask whats your secret
- Coconut Milk: Use the unsweetened carton kind and keep it ice cold because warm coconut milk makes this taste completely wrong
- Cold Water: Essential for getting the right consistency without making it too heavy or rich
- Fresh Strawberries: These little floating pieces are what make it feel special and authentic to the original
- Ice Cubes: Dont skip these because the melting ice is actually part of what makes the flavors come alive
Instructions
- Mix Your Base:
- Pour the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and cold water into a shaker or large jar, then shake it like you mean it until everything is frothy and perfectly combined.
- Prep Your Glasses:
- Drop those fresh strawberry slices into the bottom of two glasses and fill them to the top with ice cubes.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Pour that beautiful pink mixture over the ice and strawberries, give it one gentle stir, and hand it to someone who needs a five minute vacation.
Save to Pinterest My kids started calling these princess drinks, which honestly makes me laugh every single time. Now whenever their friends come over, they beg me to make the pink drink, and I love watching eight year olds act like theyre at some fancy coffee shop while sitting at my kitchen island.
Getting the Sweetness Right
The first time I made this, I went way too heavy on the syrup because I wanted it really pink and really strawberry forward. Big mistake. The coconut milk needs to shine through too, so start with the recommended amount and add just a tiny splash more if you have a serious sweet tooth. The beauty is that you can taste as you go and adjust until its perfect for you.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add a drop of vanilla extract when Im feeling fancy, and it transforms the whole drink into something that tastes like a strawberry milkshake but much lighter. A friend of mine puts a tiny pinch of sea salt in hers, which sounds weird until you try it and realize it makes all the flavors pop like nobody business. These little tweaks are what make recipes feel like yours instead of just something you followed from a screen.
Serving Suggestions
The difference between this feeling like a homemade experiment and a café quality drink comes down to presentation. Use your nicest glasses, even if theyre just for yourself, and take those extra thirty seconds to slice the strawberries instead of just dumping them in whole.
- Clear glasses show off that gorgeous pink color better than anything else
- A fresh strawberry on the rim makes it feel like you put real thought into it
- Mint leaves are completely optional but they make every photo look ten times better
Save to Pinterest Some recipes are about technique and patience, but this one is about giving yourself five minutes of pure joy without any fuss or complicated steps.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Is this pink drink vegan and dairy-free?
Yes, this pink drink is completely vegan and dairy-free since it uses coconut milk instead of dairy products. All ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle or avoiding dairy.
- → Can I use fresh strawberries instead of syrup?
While the syrup provides consistent sweetness and flavor, you can make your own strawberry syrup by simmering equal parts fresh strawberries and sugar with a splash of water, then straining. This homemade option gives you control over sweetness and uses fresh fruit.
- → How do I make the drink less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of strawberry syrup to adjust sweetness to your preference. You can also add more cold water or coconut milk to dilute the sweetness while maintaining the creamy texture and pink color.
- → Can I make this pink drink ahead of time?
For best results, prepare this drink just before serving to maintain the frothy texture and fresh flavor. However, you can mix the liquid components together and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then add ice and fresh strawberries when ready to serve.
- → What type of coconut milk works best?
Unsweetened, chilled coconut milk from a carton works best for this drink as it provides the right consistency without overpowering sweetness. Canned coconut milk can be too thick and rich, though you can dilute it with water if that's what you have available.
- → Can I add caffeine to this drink?
Yes, you can add cooled green tea or white tea to the mixture before shaking for a caffeinated version similar to the coffee shop original. Simply replace some or all of the cold water with brewed, cooled tea.