Starbucks Refreshers are fun iced drinks that come in a range of fruity flavors and vibrant colors. They are lightly caffeinated and perfect for those looking for a quick caffeine pick-me-up without the usual tea and coffee flavors. A hot summer favorite, refreshers have been part of the Starbucks line since 2012.
Refreshers can be confusing to order because of the way they are named. They also come in a few variations, making the deciding even more complex for Starbucks rookies.
Here we bring to you the only guide you will ever need to order your refreshing drink to spruce up a sweaty summer afternoon.
What’s in a Starbucks Refresher?
All Starbucks Refreshers are made using three main ingredients, which are then hand-shaken with a big scoop of ice. The caffeine in these drinks comes from the green coffee extract in the flavoring base of the drink.
Starbucks does not make decaffeinated fruit bases, and all Starbucks Refreshers contain 45 mg of caffeine in their Grande serving.
You also get a load of delicious ‘inclusions’, which are basically freeze-dried pieces of real fruit for extra flavor and texture.
As of 2022, Starbucks Refreshers are available in three primary flavors:
- Mango Dragonfruit
- Strawberry Acai
- Pineapple Passionfruit
Any Refresher you choose will contain any one of these flavors as its fruit base plus a few other ingredients.
Fruity base:
The name of every Starbucks Refresher reveals the fruits used to make its base. So, if you pick a Mango Dragonfruit Refresher, expect to taste mango and dragonfruit. Similarly, in the Strawberry Acai Refresher, you will get strawberries and acai. The last one is the Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher, which contains (yes, you guessed it right!) pineapples and passionfruit!
Water, lemonade, or coconut milk:
All Starbucks Refreshers are made using water, lemonade, or coconut milk. You can also easily ask your barista to customize your Refresher by doing a half-and-half of water and lemonade or water and coconut milk. Starbucks uses its specialty lemonade and coconut milk (Starbucks calls it ‘coconut milk’) mixes for its drinks, including these ones.
Inclusions:
All Starbucks Refreshers include a bunch of dried fruit pieces. These add a lovely texture to the drink. Some Secret Menu Refreshers however skip the dried fruit inclusions for other kinds of toppings like flavored teas, cold foam, and syrups.
Also check: Best strawberry drinks at Starbucks.
15 Best Starbucks Refresher Drinks You Must Try
As of 2022, the official Starbucks menu offers three main refresher flavors: mango dragonfruit, strawberry acai, and pineapple passionfruit. But that’s not all. Strap on tight because this list also includes a whole bunch of delicious Secret Menu Refresher recipes that you may or may not have heard of. The nutrition box figures contain figures for the Starbucks 16 oz. Grande cup size. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the 15 best Starbucks Refresher Drinks for 2023.
1. Dragon Drink
If you are looking for a burst of tropical flavors, Dragon Drink is for you. Sweet mango and cool dragon fruit come together in a creamy coconut base to make this delightful drink.
As with all Starbucks Refreshers, this one is hand-shaken with ice. You also get a whole scoop of refreshing dragon fruit bits for that extra ‘bite’ in your drink. Dragon Drink will transport you to that dreamy beachside vacation you deserve to take.
Here is the recipe for the Starbucks dragon drink to make it at home.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 130 |
| Sugar | 23 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
2. Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher
A variation of the creamy Dragon Drink, this one also brings together sweet mangoes and cool dragon fruit flavors in a tropical-inspired pick-me-up.
The Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher gets its zing from a vibrant lemonade that is used as the base of this drink.
It is also hand shaken with ice and includes a scoop of real diced dragonfruit. This one is ideal to shake up those sleepy summer afternoons.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 140 |
| Sugar | 31 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
3. Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
This tropical-inspired energizer is a refreshing mix of sweet mango and cool dragon fruit flavors. The extra scoop of diced dragon fruit makes this drink even more delicious.
The Mango Dragonfruit Refresher is a slightly watered-down version of its zingier and creamier cousins: Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher and Dragon Drink.
It is, however, low on calories and sugar, so you never have to worry about going overboard with one. It is perfect for those long afternoons by the pool.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 90 |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
4. Paradise Drink
Looking for paradise? Then this sunshine yellow drink is for you. Paradise Drink brings together the tropical flavors of pineapple and passionfruit along with a whole lot of diced pineapple and creamy coconut milk.
This is one of Starbucks’ newest additions to its line of refreshers. It was launched in Jun 2021, and it has as quickly become a hot favorite among Starbucks aficionados.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 140 |
| Sugar | 23 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
5. Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Refresher
Starbucks describes this drink as ‘sunshine in a cup’, and they couldn’t have said it better. Sweet pineapples and tart passionfruit are married in a refreshing lemonade base to make this zingy Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Refresher.
Starbucks takes it a notch further (if that’s even possible) with the added diced pineapple fruit pieces. This one is a bomb drink and a must-try in the summertime.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 140 |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
6. Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher (new)
This fresh and light drink is like an escape to a tropical island. The Pineapple and Passionfruit Refresher contains a fruit base of pineapple and passionfruit and is hand shaken with water and ice.
It is fairly low in sugar compared to some of the other Starbucks Refreshers and made better with the inclusion of pineapple fruit pieces. This refreshing drink will both hydrate and give you a boost of energy.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 100 |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
7. Pink Drink
Once a Secret Menu drink, Starbucks’ Pink Drink made its way into Starbucks’ official menu in 2017. It has ever since been one of its most-loved refreshers of all time.
The Pink Drink can be identified from its iconic bubblegum-pink color and is best described as spring in a cup. This delightful beverage brings together crisp strawberry and passionfruit flavors in a creamy coconut milk base.
Dried strawberry pieces are added as inclusions. Don’t forget to click a few photos for Instagram when you order this drink!
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 140 |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
8. Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher
The Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher is probably one of the brightest refreshers out there. It is made using strawberry, passionfruit, and acai fruit base, and carefully balanced with the heavenly tang of lemonade, served over ice, and topped with freeze-dried strawberries.
This one has a cool and tangy taste with only 32g of sugar – not too bad when you consider you are having a Starbucks refresher! Sip this by the pool on a hot summer’s day. It doesn’t get better than this.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 140 |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
9. Strawberry Acai Refresher
This one is for those looking for a sweeter version of the Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher. With sweet strawberry flavors balanced by tart passionfruit and acai notes, this drink is the burst of hydration on a hot summer afternoon.
With only 100 calories and 21 grams of sugar, this one is fair and square as healthy as a refresher can ever get. As a bonus, chewy freeze-dried strawberry pieces give this drink an interesting twist.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 100 |
| Sugar | 21 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
Secret Menu Refreshers
Not surprisingly, Starbucks Refreshers are also a big part of their Secret Menu. With tons of modifications and clever inclusions, baristas and Starbucks fans have concocted Secret Menu recipes that are not only delicious but also stunning to look at.
Here we bring you six of our favorite Secret Menu Refreshers. While some of these can be ordered on the app, most of them will require you to share the recipe with your barista.
1. WandaVision Refresher
The WandaVision Refresher is a true reflection of the hit Disney+ show with a little bit of everything: comedy, action, and of course Marvel Easter Eggs!
The WandaVision Refresher is not only a gorgeous dual-colored drink; it is also just as delicious. It is made using the Starbucks strawberry acai refresher base, along with a guava juice blend and vanilla sweet cream foam.
The guava blend contains Starbucks’ coconut milk, which gives this drink its creamy consistency. The vanilla in its cream foam topping perfectly complements the tart fruitiness of the drink. The WandaVision Refresher is a winner for fans and strangers alike.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 175 |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
2. Sunset Drink
Another great Secret Menu discovery, the Sunset Drink combines three fruity layers to give it the quintessential sunset look.
The layers in the drink come from the sweet and tangy mango dragonfruit lemonade refresher base, fruity peach juice, and iced herbal tea.
Unfortunately, you cannot order this drink on the Starbucks app and need to do it in person. To enjoy the Sunset Drink, ask your barista to give you the Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade without the inclusions, but with peach juice and Iced Passion Tango Tea. Make sure your drink is layered, not shaken.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 90 |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
3. Draco Malfoy Refresher
One for the Harry Potter fan (or enemy!), the Draco Malfoy Refresher is another one of the Harry Potter-themed drinks in Starbucks’ Secret Menu.
This one is not available on the app, but you can totally order this in person by asking for a Venti Star Drink with no inclusions and two pumps of pineapple syrup.
As toppings, ask for coconut milk cold foam along with a scoop of matcha powder. And there you go gorgeous green Slytherin vibes in a cup.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 190 |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
4. Chocolate-Covered Pink Drink
This bomb of a refresher brings together two of the best flavors ever: chocolate and strawberry. This is an iced Pink Drink that is topped with a mocha cold foam. Believe it or not, this chocolate modification makes the iconic Starbucks Pink Drink even better. If are worried about a too-sweet drink, fear not.
The tartness from the strawberries in this drink perfectly balance the sweetness in the mocha cold foam. To order this drink, ask your barista for a Pink Drink with two pumps of mocha in a vanilla sweet foam. Sadly, this one needs to be ordered in person; the app just wouldn’t work.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 140 |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
5. Firecracker Ombre Drink
Another gorgeous, layered Secret Menu Refresher, the Firecracker Ombre Refresher is made using the Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher, which is topped with raspberry syrup and Iced Passion Tea.
This is a great low-calorie option for a hot summer day. It is a beautifully balanced drink with tartness from the lemonade and the sweetness from the raspberry syrup coming together in unison.
The mango under-taste gives it a tropical kick that you will love. You can easily customize this drink by asking for a Mango Dragonfruit Refresher without lemonade or one with coconut milk. Not that the coconut milk variation contains added fat.
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 160 |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
6. Gummy Bear Refresher
Want to bring back childhood memories? Then this Starbucks Secret Menu refresher is for you. A delicious blend of strawberry, raspberry, and peach flavors, this one will bring out your inner child.
To order, ask for the Strawberry Acai Refresher with strawberry syrup and peach juice on a bed of ice. It is hard not to think of gummy bears when you see this ruby-red drink with its strong strawberry flavor.
Not surprisingly, this refresher is very high in calories and sugar – definitely not something you want to drink every day!
Nutrition Nuggets
| Calories | 413 |
| Sugar | 75 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 45 mg |
