There are few things that bring me as much joy in the summer as sipping on something refreshingly delicious while lounging in my backyard. I can still remember the first time I tried a vibrant Summer Skies Drink at my local Starbucks — that delightful burst of berry flavors intertwined with the smooth sweetness of coconut milk instantly whisked me away to a sunny day on the beach. The colorful layers of this drink always seemed to capture the essence of summer moments, highlighting the beauty of nature and joyful gatherings. Today, I’m excited to share my very own rendition of this dreamy beverage, the Summer Skies Drink {Starbucks Copycat}, so you can create your own moments of bliss right at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep and minimal cleanup: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, making this drink is a breeze!
- Family-favorite appeal: The colorful layers and fruity flavors are sure to impress everyone in your household.
- Comforting summer flavors: Enjoy the sweet taste of summer anytime, whether you’re relaxing by the pool or hosting a garden gathering.
- Budget-friendly: Skip the coffee shop lines and save money while indulging in a drink you can make at home.
Ingredients
- Summer-Berry Refresher Base
- Sweetened coconut milk
- Raspberry pearls or boba
- Berry syrup
- Water
- Citric acid
- Green coffee extract powder (optional)
- Blue spirulina powder
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s jump into crafting your very own Summer Skies Drink {Starbucks Copycat}!
First, we need to make the Berry Syrup. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil — it will start bubbling beautifully. Once it reaches that point, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The aroma of sweetened berries wafting through your kitchen will feel like a warm hug!
Next, remove it from the heat and stir in blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry extracts for that luscious berry flavor. Let this syrup cool completely in a jar or bowl in the fridge. While that’s chilling, let’s prepare the Summer-Berry Refresher Base. Combine your berry syrup, water, citric acid, green coffee extract (if using), and blue spirulina in a large jar and give it a good shake. Pop this in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your drink.
Now, to the fun part! Grab your favorite shaker and fill it with ice. Pour in about ½ cup of the Summer-Berry Refresher Base and ½ cup of sweetened coconut milk — give it a good shake to combine. It’s astonishing how a little shaking makes all the flavors unite!
To assemble, place some raspberry pearls at the bottom of your glass. Pour the berry-coconut mixture (ice and all) over the pearls and bask in the iconic summer sunset vibes!
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- Texture Matters: For the creamiest coconut milk, choose the type that comes in a carton (sweetened). It blends beautifully.
- Bubble Trouble: If your syrup starts bubbling over, just lower the heat. Patience is key here — no need for a mess!
- Layering Colors: To achieve a beautiful layered effect, pour the refresher base slowly over the back of a spoon before it meets the pearls for a picture-perfect presentation.
How to Serve
Ah, serving this gem is such a treat! The Summer Skies Drink pairs beautifully with light summer snacks like finger sandwiches, tropical fruit platters, or even a simple cheese board. It’s perfect for garden parties, backyard BBQs, or even a cozy brunch with friends. For an extra touch of flair, garnish your drink with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lime — both pretty and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the components ahead of time! The berry syrup will last in the fridge for up to two weeks, while the Summer-Berry Refresher Base can be stored for several days. If you have leftovers, it can be surprisingly refreshing the next day — just give it a little stir or shake to re-combine. Freezing this drink isn’t recommended, but feel free to freeze any leftover berry syrup for a future treat!
FAQ
- Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! All ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
- What if I don’t have a specific ingredient? No worries! If you can’t find green coffee extract or blue spirulina, you can skip them. Your drink will still be delicious and refreshing!
- Can I use a blender instead of a shaker? Certainly! A blender can create a creamy texture and help combine the ingredients even better.
I hope this Summer Skies Drink {Starbucks Copycat} brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s a wonderful way to capture the essence of summer, no matter the season. Let me know how your drink turns out — I’d love to hear from you!
Summer Skies Drink {Starbucks Copycat}
Equipment
- Shaker
- Saucepan
- Mason Jar
Ingredients
Summer-Berry Refresher Base
- ½ cup Berry Syrup see recipe below
- 1⅓ cups water
- ½ tsp citric acid
- ½ tsp green coffee extract powder optional
- ¼ tsp blue spirulina powder
Beverage Components
- ½ cup sweetened coconut milk carton variety
- ¼ cup raspberry pearls or boba with liquid
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine ½ cup of the summer-berry base and ½ cup of sweetened coconut milk over ice. Shake well.
- Add raspberry pearls and their liquid to the bottom of a cup.
- Pour the shaken mixture (ice included) into the glass.
- For the Summer-Berry Refresher Base: In a large jar, combine berry syrup, water, citric acid, green coffee extract (if using), and blue spirulina. Shake and refrigerate until ready.
- To make the Berry Syrup: Boil water and sugar in a saucepan. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in extracts, then pour into a mason jar to cool.