Make the Starbucks Summer Skies Drink at Home

The Starbucks Summer Skies Drink has taken social media by storm, becoming an instant favorite with its dreamy blue hue and refreshing berry flavor. This visually stunning beverage is the perfect summer treat, but frequent trips to Starbucks can add up. What if you could recreate this popular drink in your own kitchen?

What is the Summer Skies Drink?

The Summer Skies Drink is a vibrant, non-coffee beverage from Starbucks that features a delightful blend of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors. It’s made by mixing the unique Summer-Berry Refresher base with creamy coconut milk and served over a layer of raspberry-flavored popping pearls. 

Ingredients for the Summer Skies Drink

Here is a list of everything you’ll need to create your own copycat version.

Category	Ingredient	Notes
Berry Syrup	Water
	Granulated Sugar
	Mixed Berries (fresh or frozen)	Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries
Summer-Berry Refresher Base	Water
	Sugar
	Raspberry Extract
	Blueberry Extract
	Blackberry Extract
	Blue Spirulina Powder	Optional, for the signature blue color
Final Drink	Coconut Milk	Cartoned, not canned, is recommended
	Raspberry-Flavored Popping Pearls
	Ice

Ingredient Sourcing Tips

• Extracts & Spirulina: Berry extracts and blue spirulina powder can typically be found online on sites like Amazon or in specialty baking stores.
• Popping Pearls: Look for raspberry popping pearls (or boba) online, at Asian grocery stores, or in shops that sell bubble tea supplies.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ready to mix up this delicious drink? Here’s the full recipe.

Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 15 minutes

Step 1: Make the Berry Syrup

This syrup provides the foundation for the drink’s rich berry flavor.

1. Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add 1 cup of mixed berries.
4. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release their juices.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.

Step 2: Make the Summer-Berry Refresher Base

Now, you’ll use a portion of your homemade berry syrup or extracts to create the drink base.

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry extract, 1/4 teaspoon of blueberry extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of blackberry extract.
3. Add a pinch of blue spirulina powder for color and whisk until fully combined.
4. Let the base cool completely before using.

Step 3: Assemble Your Summer Skies Drink

This is the fun part where it all comes together!

1. Add 1/4 cup of raspberry-flavored popping pearls to the bottom of a tall glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of your chilled Summer-Berry Refresher Base over the ice.
4. Top with 1 cup of coconut milk.
5. Stir gently, serve immediately, and enjoy!

Tips and Customizations

One of the best parts about making this drink at home is tailoring it to your preferences.

Flavor and Ingredient Swaps

• Milk Alternatives: Not a fan of coconut? Try oat milk for creaminess, almond milk for a nutty flavor, or soy milk.
• Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought berry syrup instead of making your own. However, be aware that most are red, which will change the drink’s color.
• Natural Flavor: For a more natural taste, use fresh fruit purees instead of extracts.
• Popping Pearls: Swap raspberry pearls for another flavor like strawberry or mango, or use traditional chewy tapioca pearls.

Customization Options Table

Customization	How to Do It
Adjust Sweetness	Use less sugar in your syrup or try a sugar substitute like stevia or agave.
Make it Sparkling	Top with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist.
Add a Citrus Kick	Add a pinch of lemon or orange zest to the base for extra brightness.
Create a Smoothie	Blend all ingredients (without the pearls) for a smoothie-like consistency.
Infuse with Herbs	Add a sprig of fresh mint or a few basil leaves when shaking for a fresh, herbal note.

Storage and Batching

• Refresher Base: The base can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. The recipe makes enough for about four drinks, so you can easily scale it up.
• Berry Syrup: The homemade berry syrup will also last for about a month in the fridge. The recipe provided makes enough for two batches of the refresher base.

Nutritional Information

Making the drink at home allows you to create a healthier version than the store-bought alternative. A grande Summer Skies Drink at Starbucks contains a significant amount of sugar. By controlling the ingredients, you can drastically reduce the sugar content.

Here are some health benefits of the core ingredients:

• Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and protect your body from damage. They are also great sources of vitamins and fiber.
• Coconut Milk: Provides healthy fats (medium-chain triglycerides) that can be a quick source of energy.
• Blue Spirulina: This superfood is a good source of protein, vitamins, and powerful antioxidants.

A homemade serving (using the recipe above) has an estimated 180-200 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and type of milk used. This is a significant reduction compared to the often higher calorie counts in cafe versions.

Your New Favorite Summer Drink Awaits

With this copycat recipe, you can enjoy the delicious and beautiful Starbucks Summer Skies Drink anytime you want. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the freedom to create a drink that perfectly suits your taste and dietary needs. The process is simple, and the result is a refreshing beverage that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and try the recipe today! Share your creations with us in the comments below.