A friend dropped by my kitchen yesterday, fanning herself dramatically. “This heat is unbearable, and I’m so bored with my usual iced coffee,” she sighed. I smiled, wiping my hands on my apron. “Funny you should mention that. I just experimented with recreating 33 Starbucks summer drinks last weekend—with a few chef’s tweaks, of course.” Her eyes lit up as I described the coconut milk cold brew that changed her entire afternoon. Some barista secrets are worth sharing.
Summer Berry Refreshers: A Fruity Explosion
To create this refreshing summer berry drink at home, start by combining 1 cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries) with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the berries break down and create a rich syrup.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve and let it cool completely.
For the base of your refresher, fill a large glass with ice and add 2 tablespoons of your homemade berry syrup. Pour in 1 cup of cold water or green tea, then add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
For the signature “pop” experience, add 2 tablespoons of tapioca pearls or chia seeds soaked in raspberry juice.
Garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for the ultimate summer refreshment.
Coconut Milk Summer Skies Drink
Start by gathering fresh berries – raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries – and blend them together until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove seeds if desired, then combine with chilled coconut milk in a large pitcher, stirring gently to create beautiful swirls of color throughout the drink.
For the perfect finishing touch, prepare popping pearls by following package instructions (typically requiring a quick soak in water). Then spoon them into the bottom of clear glasses before pouring in your coconut milk and berry mixture.
Serve immediately with a wide straw to enjoy both the creamy tropical beverage and the playful burst of the pearls.
Raspberry Popping Pearls Sensation
Creating homemade raspberry popping pearls is easier than you might think. Start by combining 1 cup of fresh raspberry puree with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then strain to remove seeds and set aside to cool.
For the pearls themselves, whisk 2 grams of sodium alginate into 1 cup of the raspberry mixture until fully dissolved.
Then prepare a cold calcium chloride bath (4 grams calcium chloride in 2 cups water). Using a dropper or syringe, carefully drop the raspberry mixture into the calcium bath to form perfect spheres.
After 2 minutes of setting, rinse the pearls in clean water and store them in a sweet raspberry syrup until ready to use in your favorite beverages.
Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
To create this refreshing summer beverage at home, start by brewing 2 shots of blonde espresso and letting it cool completely.
While your espresso cools, prepare a simple horchata-inspired syrup by simmering 1 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves completely.
In a cocktail shaker, combine your cooled espresso with 2 tablespoons of the horchata syrup and plenty of ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until frothy and well-chilled.
Pour this mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice, then slowly top with 1/2 cup of cold oat milk and finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon for that authentic horchata experience.
White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew
Making your own White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew at home is simpler than you might think. Start by preparing a batch of cold brew concentrate by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-18 hours, then strain thoroughly. This patient brewing method creates the perfect smooth, low-acidity base for our luxurious toppings.
While your cold brew is ready to serve, prepare the macadamia cream by blending macadamia nuts with a touch of vanilla extract, white chocolate syrup, and heavy cream until silky smooth.
Pour your cold brew over ice, add a splash of macadamia syrup to taste, and top with a generous dollop of the white chocolate macadamia sweet cream. The nutty, creamy flavors complement the robust coffee perfectly, creating a sophisticated summer refresher that rivals any coffee shop creation.
New Latin American Iced Coffee Blend
To prepare a refreshing Latin American Iced Coffee at home, start by coarsely grinding 1 cup of medium roast coffee beans sourced from Colombia, Nicaragua, or Honduras. Combine the grounds with 4 cups of cold filtered water in a large glass container, stir gently, cover, and refrigerate for 12-18 hours to develop those signature bright, fruity chocolate notes.
After steeping, strain the coffee concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean container.
For serving, fill a tall glass with ice, pour in ¼ cup of the coffee concentrate, add ¾ cup cold water or milk of your choice, and sweeten to taste with simple syrup or condensed milk for an authentic Latin American touch.
Summer Berry Lemonade Refresher
This refreshing summer drink is surprisingly simple to make at home. Start by creating a berry syrup using fresh raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries simmered with sugar and water until reduced to a vibrant purple concentrate. Allow this mixture to cool completely before straining out the solids.
For the perfect balance of sweet and tart, mix your homemade berry syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice, cold water, and a touch of honey. Serve over ice and top with homemade raspberry popping pearls (made by dropping raspberry puree into a calcium bath) for that Instagram-worthy presentation.
Garnish with fresh berries and a lemon wheel for the ultimate summer refresher.
Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha
Start by sifting 2 teaspoons of high-quality matcha powder into a bowl, then add 2 ounces of hot (not boiling) water. Whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until frothy and completely dissolved. This proper matcha preparation ensures you’ll get the full earthy flavor with no bitter notes.
In a tall glass filled with ice, pour 8 ounces of creamy oat milk, then slowly add your prepared matcha.
For the signature lavender cream, combine ¼ cup cold heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version) with 1 teaspoon of culinary lavender syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Whip until soft peaks form, then gently float on top of your matcha creation.
Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte
This refreshing summer beverage combines the floral essence of lavender with smooth Blonde Espresso and creamy oatmilk. Begin by brewing 2 shots of Blonde Espresso and allowing them to cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare a simple lavender syrup by simmering 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender for 10 minutes, then strain and cool.
To assemble your latte, fill a tall glass with ice, pour in 2 tablespoons of the lavender syrup, add your cooled espresso, and top with 6 ounces of chilled oatmilk.
For an elevated experience, create a cold foam by whisking 1/4 cup oatmilk with 1 teaspoon lavender syrup until frothy, then gently pour over the drink and garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender.
Iced Cherry Chai Delight
Creating the perfect Iced Cherry Chai at home begins with quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Start by brewing a strong chai concentrate using 4 chai tea bags steeped in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes, then chilled.
Once cooled, combine this rich base with 1 cup of unsweetened cherry juice and 2 tablespoons of honey stirred until fully dissolved.
For assembly, fill a tall glass with ice, pour in your cherry chai mixture until three-quarters full, and top with homemade cold foam (simply whip 1/4 cup of cold heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until soft peaks form).
The final touch comes from a sprinkle of cinnamon and a fresh cherry garnish, creating a beautiful gradient effect from deep ruby bottom to creamy white top.
Classic Cortado
The perfect Classic Cortado balances richness and smoothness in a compact, flavorful package. Begin by pulling three ristretto shots of Blonde Espresso, extracting just the initial portion of the espresso for a sweeter, more concentrated flavor profile.
Next, steam an equal amount of milk until it reaches approximately 140°F, creating a silky microfoam texture without excessive froth.
Pour the steamed milk slowly into the espresso, aiming for a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, which creates the signature balanced profile that makes a cortado distinct from other espresso drinks.
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado
The Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado is a delightful dairy-free coffee experience that combines rich espresso with the creamy sweetness of oatmilk. This simple yet sophisticated beverage requires just four ingredients: blonde espresso shots, oatmilk, brown sugar syrup, and a touch of cinnamon.
To prepare this refreshing 8 fl oz drink, pull three ristretto blonde espresso shots and combine with steamed oatmilk that’s been infused with brown sugar syrup.
The finishing touch of cinnamon adds a warm complexity that complements the natural nuttiness of the oatmilk, creating a perfectly balanced summer beverage without any dairy.
Blackberry Sage Refresher
In a large pitcher, combine 4 cups of fresh blackberries, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage leaves, and 1/4 cup of honey. Using a wooden spoon, gently muddle the berries and sage to release their flavors.
Add 6 cups of cold filtered water and stir thoroughly until the honey dissolves completely.
For serving, fill glasses with ice and pour the blackberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Garnish each glass with a fresh sage leaf and a few whole blackberries.
For variations, try adding a splash of lemonade for tanginess or a float of coconut milk for a creamy twist – both complement the herbal notes beautifully.
Orange Cream Cake Pop
Creating homemade Orange Cream Cake Pops starts with baking a moist orange-infused cake. Begin by mixing flour, sugar, eggs, butter, orange zest, and orange extract until smooth. Then bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before crumbling it into a large bowl.
Once crumbled, combine the cake with cream cheese frosting until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency that holds together when rolled. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls, insert lollipop sticks, and chill for 30 minutes.
Then dip each ball into melted white chocolate, sprinkle with candied orange bits, and let set on parchment paper until the coating hardens.
Pineapple Cloud Cake
This heavenly Pineapple Cloud Cake combines the light, airy texture of chiffon cake with tropical pineapple flavors for a refreshing summer dessert. The secret lies in carefully folding whipped egg whites into the batter, creating that signature cloud-like consistency that melts in your mouth with each bite.
The cake features three essential components: a fluffy pineapple-infused sponge base, a creamy pineapple filling made with fresh fruit puree, and a delicate whipped topping garnished with crystallized pineapple pieces.
The combination of sweet-tart pineapple and the cake’s ethereal texture makes this the perfect centerpiece for summer gatherings or a special tropical treat any time you’re craving a taste of paradise.
Summer Berry Cold Foam Drink
This refreshing homemade version of a summer berry cold foam drink brings together the vibrant flavors of mixed berries and creamy vanilla in one delightful glass. The combination of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry creates a fruity base that perfectly complements the light, airy texture of the cold foam topping.
To prepare this seasonal treat, start by blending fresh or frozen mixed berries with water, ice and a touch of sweetener until smooth.
Then create the signature cold foam by whisking together cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a hint of sugar until it forms soft peaks.
Pour the berry mixture over ice, gently top with the vanilla cold foam, and finish with a sprinkle of freeze-dried raspberry pieces for an extra burst of flavor.
Blonde Espresso Summer Cooler
This refreshing summer beverage begins with Starbucks blonde espresso, which offers a lighter, more mellow flavor profile compared to traditional dark roasts. To create this cooling treat at home, start by brewing a double shot of blonde espresso (or any light roast coffee) and allowing it to cool to room temperature.
The magic happens when you combine your cooled espresso with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled and slightly frothy.
Pour the shaken espresso over fresh ice in a tall glass, then customize with your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based) and sweetener to taste. For an authentic Starbucks experience, try adding a splash of vanilla syrup or a dollop of cold foam on top.
Tropical Fruit Infusion Refresher
This vibrant, tropical fruit refresher combines the sweet succulence of ripe mango, juicy pineapple, and tangy passionfruit in a perfectly balanced summer beverage. The fruits are blended until smooth, then strained to create a concentrated fruit base that forms the foundation of this refreshing drink.
To prepare the refresher, pour the fruit base over ice and shake vigorously to chill and incorporate air for a frothy texture.
For added creaminess, coconut milk can be incorporated, transforming the drink into a luxurious tropical experience.
Garnish with fresh fruit pieces to enhance the authentic flavor profile and provide a delightful visual appeal.
Coconut Cream Summer Blend
This tropical refresher combines the smooth richness of coconut cream with vibrant summer berries for an indulgent yet refreshing dairy-free beverage. The base starts with chilled coconut milk blended with coconut cream, sweetened with a touch of agave nectar, then enhanced with a splash of vanilla extract for depth and warmth.
The magic happens when you introduce the raspberry pearls – small tapioca pearls soaked in raspberry purée that burst with flavor as you sip.
Pour the creamy coconut mixture over ice, add your raspberry pearls, and finish with a light sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for texture.
For an adult version, consider adding a splash of white rum or coconut liqueur.
Citrus Sunset Iced Tea
Bring summer refreshment to your kitchen with this vibrant Citrus Sunset Iced Tea. Begin by brewing 4 cups of strong black tea and allowing it to cool completely.
Once chilled, stir in the fresh-squeezed juice of 2 oranges, 1 lemon, and half a grapefruit for that perfect citrus blend.
The magic happens when you whisk in 3 tablespoons of honey (adjust to taste) and add ice to your serving pitcher.
For the finishing touch, top each glass with a splash of sparkling water just before serving, and garnish with citrus wheels and mint leaves for that Instagram-worthy presentation.
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
To make a vibrant homemade Mango Dragonfruit Refresher, start by preparing the base mixture. Combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen dragonfruit chunks with 1 cup of ripe mango pieces in a blender, then add 2 cups of cold water and 3 tablespoons of honey or simple syrup. Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds for a smoother consistency.
Pour the strained mixture over ice and add a splash of lemonade or white grape juice for an extra dimension of flavor.
For a more authentic experience, add a handful of freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces that will rehydrate in the drink, creating beautiful pink and purple swirls.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a slice of lime for a refreshing aromatic finish.
Passion Tango Tea Lemonade
To create this refreshing Starbucks-inspired Passion Tango Tea Lemonade at home, begin by steeping 2 passion tea bags (or hibiscus-based herbal tea) in 2 cups of hot water for 5 minutes. Allow the tea to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator to chill.
While your tea is cooling, prepare a simple syrup by combining ½ cup sugar with ½ cup water in a small saucepan, heating until the sugar dissolves completely.
Once everything has chilled, mix the passion tea with 1 cup of fresh lemonade and 2-3 tablespoons of simple syrup in a pitcher, then pour over ice for that signature vibrant pink color and perfect sweet-tart balance.
Strawberries and Cream Cold Brew
Start your summer morning right with this refreshing Strawberries and Cream Cold Brew. This delightful beverage combines the bold intensity of cold brew coffee with the sweet tanginess of fresh strawberries and the velvety smoothness of vanilla cream.
To prepare this Instagram-worthy drink, begin by brewing your favorite coffee grounds in cold water overnight. Once strained, mix the cold brew with homemade strawberry syrup (made by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar and water until reduced).
Pour this mixture over ice, then gently layer vanilla-infused heavy cream on top. Finish with a drizzle of strawberry sauce and garnish with sliced strawberries for that perfect summer refreshment.
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
To create the perfect Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino at home, start by brewing 1/2 cup of strong coffee and allowing it to cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare your caramel sauce by simmering 1 cup of sugar with 6 tablespoons of water until amber-colored, then carefully whisking in 1/2 cup of warm heavy cream and 4 tablespoons of butter until smooth.
In a blender, combine your cooled coffee with 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce, 3 cups of ice, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup. Blend until smooth.
Then drizzle additional caramel sauce inside your serving glass. Pour in your blended mixture, top with whipped cream, a generous drizzle of remaining caramel sauce, and sprinkle with caramel sugar pieces for that signature crunch.
Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
This homemade Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino delivers all the indulgence of the coffee shop favorite right in your kitchen. Start by brewing 1/2 cup of strong coffee and allowing it to cool completely.
Meanwhile, crush 6-8 chocolate sandwich cookies until they form a mixture of fine crumbs and small chunks, setting aside a few tablespoons for garnish.
In a blender, combine the cooled coffee with 1 cup of milk (whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but any variety works), 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2 cups of ice. Blend until smooth, then add most of the cookie crumbs and pulse briefly to incorporate.
Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, the reserved cookie crumbs, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that signature layered look.
Nitro Cold Brew With Sweet Cream
Creating barista-quality Nitro Cold Brew at home is surprisingly achievable with the right equipment and technique. This silky-smooth, nitrogen-infused coffee starts with coarsely ground specialty beans steeped for 16-24 hours in cold water, producing a concentrate that’s naturally sweet and less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee.
The magic happens when you infuse the cold brew with nitrogen using a whipped cream dispenser loaded with N2O chargers, creating that signature cascading effect and velvety mouthfeel.
Top with a homemade sweet cream (just heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a touch of maple syrup) for a luxurious finish that perfectly balances the bold coffee notes without overwhelming sweetness.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Creating the perfect Iced Caramel Macchiato at home begins with quality ingredients and precision. Start by combining vanilla syrup with cold milk in a tall glass filled with ice, creating the sweet foundation that makes this drink so beloved. The vanilla-infused milk provides the perfect canvas for the next steps.
Pour freshly brewed espresso shots slowly over the milk to create that beautiful layered effect. Then drizzle with buttery caramel sauce in a crosshatch pattern. Watch as the espresso gently cascades through the milk, creating those distinctive caramel-colored streams that make this drink visually stunning and delicious with every sip.
Dragon Drink
Creating your own version of the popular Dragon Drink at home is surprisingly simple and budget-friendly. This vibrant pink-purple beverage combines the exotic taste of dragonfruit with creamy coconut milk for a refreshing tropical treat that’s perfect for summer afternoons or anytime you need a colorful pick-me-up.
Start by brewing green tea and allowing it to cool completely.
Then blend freeze-dried dragonfruit powder (or dragonfruit puree) with coconut milk, a touch of vanilla extract, and your preferred sweetener.
Add ice cubes and fresh dragonfruit pieces for an authentic experience that rivals the coffee shop version but costs a fraction of the price.
Pink Drink
Creating the perfect homemade Pink Drink starts with gathering quality ingredients to capture that iconic Starbucks-inspired flavor. You’ll need white grape juice, freeze-dried strawberries, coconut milk, and a touch of sugar to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that makes this beverage so popular on social media.
To prepare this refreshing beverage, begin by steeping freeze-dried strawberries in white grape juice for 10 minutes, allowing the natural color to infuse the liquid. Then strain the mixture, combine with chilled coconut milk, add a hint of sugar to taste, and serve over ice with a few fresh strawberry slices as garnish for that picture-perfect pink aesthetic.
Strawberry Açaí Refresher
Start by gathering fresh strawberries, freeze-dried açaí powder, white grape juice concentrate, and filtered water. The secret to this refreshing summer beverage lies in the balance of sweet and tart flavors that come from properly ripened strawberries combined with the exotic açaí berry notes.
To create this vibrant drink at home, slice your strawberries and combine them with water and açaí powder in a blender until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove pulp, then add white grape juice concentrate for sweetness.
Serve over ice with additional fresh strawberry slices for a restaurant-quality refresher that perfectly captures those summer vibes.
Pineapple Rum Float (Starbucks Reserve)
This summer-inspired mocktail combines the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple with creamy vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat that mimics the popular Starbucks Reserve beverage.
Begin by preparing a simple pineapple reduction by simmering 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Allow this reduction to cool completely before use.
For assembly, fill tall glasses with crushed ice, then pour 2 tablespoons of the pineapple reduction into each glass. Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice and a splash of coconut cream, then gently stir.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint leaves for that signature Starbucks Reserve presentation.
Cold Brew Malted Shake
The ultimate summer refresher combines the bold intensity of cold brew coffee with the nostalgic sweetness of malted milk powder. This indulgent frozen treat delivers the perfect balance of coffee flavor and creamy texture, making it an ideal afternoon pick-me-up or dessert alternative when temperatures soar.
To create this irresistible shake, you’ll need quality cold brew concentrate, malted milk powder, vanilla ice cream, and a touch of milk blended until silky smooth.
The result is topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed malted milk balls for added texture and visual appeal. The malty notes perfectly complement coffee’s natural bitterness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike will appreciate.
Summer Sunset Iced Coffee
This refreshing summer beverage combines the rich intensity of cold brew coffee with bright citrus and berry flavors. To prepare this delightful drink, start by brewing a strong batch of cold brew coffee by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-18 hours, then straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.
While your cold brew is chilling in the refrigerator, prepare a simple berry-orange syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with fresh orange zest, a splash of orange juice, and a handful of mixed berries until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is infused with flavor.
Allow the syrup to cool completely before straining out the solids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Drink at Starbucks for Summer?
I’d recommend the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso for your summer sip—it’s a refreshing blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and creamy oatmilk that’ll cool you down and delight your taste buds with its unique, inspired flavor.
Does Starbucks Have a Summer Blend?
I’ll tell you directly: Starbucks doesn’t consistently market a definitive “Summer Blend,” but they do offer seasonal iced coffee options and summer-inspired drinks that feature refreshing flavors perfect for hot weather.
What Is Starbucks Summer Skies Drink?
I’ll tell you all about the Summer Skies Drink! It’s a refreshing coconut milk beverage with raspberry pearls that’ll cool you down. It’s fruity, creamy, and perfect for beating the summer heat without any coffee.
What Are Starbucks Summer Drinks in 2025?
I’m excited about Starbucks’ 2025 summer lineup! They’ve introduced the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, brought back Summer Berry Refreshers, and added White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew, along with delicious new fruity bakery treats.
In Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to explore Starbucks’ refreshing drink menu. These 33 options offer something for every taste preference, from fruity refreshers to indulgent cold brews. Beat the heat while treating yourself to these delicious seasonal beverages.
Don’t be afraid to customize your order with different milk options or flavor shots. The baristas are happy to help create your perfect summer drink. Remember to bring a reusable cup for an eco-friendly sip and a small discount.
