Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely add matcha powder to a Starbucks pink drink. The combination of the sweet vanilla and strawberry flavors from the pink drink paired with the earthy, grassy taste of matcha results in a refreshing beverage with a balanced flavor profile. Matcha powder contains antioxidants and caffeine so adding it to your pink drink can provide an energizing boost as well. When preparing a matcha pink drink, simply add 1-2 tsp of matcha powder to your finished pink drink and stir until fully incorporated. The matcha will turn the pink drink a greenish hue. You can adjust the amount of matcha to suit your tastes. Enjoy this custom drink hot or iced!
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What makes matcha unique is that the whole leaf is ground into a fine powder rather than being steeped and strained. Matcha has been used for centuries in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Some key things to know about matcha:
- Made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves
- The leaves are shaded for several weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll and amino acid levels
- After harvest, the leaves are steamed, dried, destemmed and ground into a fine powder
- The powder is then whisked with hot water instead of steeped in bags or infusers
- Drinking the whole leaf provides higher concentrations of nutrients and antioxidants
- Has an earthy, slightly bitter, and umami grassy flavor
- Naturally contains caffeine for an energizing effect
In addition to its robust flavor, matcha is valued for its potential health benefits. Matcha contains higher levels of antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll than regular brewed green tea. The antioxidants in matcha called catechins, specifically EGCg, have been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive decline in some studies. The amino acid L-theanine in matcha promotes relaxation and focused alertness. Matcha also provides a moderate amount of caffeine without the jitters or crash associated with coffee.
What is a Starbucks Pink Drink?
A Starbucks pink drink is a brightly colored, fruit-flavored beverage on their permanent menu. The main ingredients in a Starbucks pink drink are:
- Strawberry acai refresher base – Made from water, white grape juice concentrate, strawberry puree, lemon and lime juices, natural flavors, acai powder, citric acid, pectin, and acacia gum.
- Coconut milk – Adds creaminess and subtle coconut flavor.
- A scoop of strawberries – Provides sweet strawberry chunks.
- Ice – Cools the drink down.
The combination of strawberry, lemon, and acai creates a pink hue. The strawberry refresher base provides a sweet, fruity taste, while the coconut milk lends body and richness. This light, fruity beverage has been a huge hit among Starbucks customers since it debuted in 2017. It’s refreshing, tropical, and lower in calories than many lattes or Frappuccinos.
Some popular ways to customize a Starbucks pink drink include:
- Adding raspberry or vanilla syrup for extra sweetness
- Topping with blackberries or raspberries instead of strawberries
- Using vegan coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- Asking for light ice or extra strawberry puree
- Blending it into a pink drink Frappuccino
Benefits of Adding Matcha to a Pink Drink
Adding matcha powder to a Starbucks pink drink provides several benefits:
Enhanced Nutrition
Matcha delivers a boost of antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins not found in the pink drink alone. By adding some powdered matcha, you instantly increase the nutritional value of your beverage.
Unique Flavor Combo
The flavors of matcha and a pink drink are complementary. Matcha lends grassy, vegetal notes, while the pink drink offers sweet fruit flavors. The matcha also balances out the sweetness.
Caffeine
Matcha contains caffeine to give you sustained energy. Combining it with a pink drink makes for an energizing pick-me-up drink.
Fun Color
Matcha powder will turn your light pink drink into a pretty greenish hue. The color combination is fun and different.
Creamy Texture
Matcha can add some frothiness and creamy texture when whisked into the pink drink.
How to Make a Matcha Pink Drink
Making a matcha pink drink at home or customizing one at Starbucks is easy:
- Brew or purchase a Starbucks cold pink drink. Allow it to chill thoroughly if made hot.
- In a separate cup, whisk 1-2 tsp matcha powder with 2-3 tbsp hot water until frothy.
- Add ice to your pink drink until cold.
- Pour the matcha mixture into the pink drink and stir until fully blended.
- Add whipped cream or toppings as desired. Enjoy with a straw!
Tips for the best matcha pink drink:
- Use ceremonial grade matcha powder for optimal flavor.
- Adjust the amount of matcha to taste – start with 1 tsp.
- Whisk the matcha well so it blends smoothly into the pink drink.
- Shake or stir the finished drink to fully incorporate the matcha.
- Use nondairy milk or coconut milk for a vegan pink drink.
Matcha Pink Drink Variations
There are endless ways to customize your matcha pink drink:
Iced Matcha Pink Drink
– Combine cold brewed Starbucks pink drink with ice and matcha powder
Hot Matcha Pink Drink
– Make pink drink hot, add matcha, top with steamed milk
Matcha Pink Drink Protein Smoothie
– Blend matcha pink drink with yogurt, protein powder, spinach or kale
Matcha Pink Drink Latte
– Add steamed milk and foam to hot matcha pink drink
Matcha Pink Drink Frappuccino
– Blend matcha pink drink with ice, milk, vanilla syrup
Nutrition Facts
Here is the basic nutrition information for a 16 oz Matcha Pink Drink made with 2 tsp matcha powder and a Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher and coconut milk:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 35g |
| Protein | 2g |
As you can see, the drink is high in carbohydrates and sugar due to the fruit juices and coconut milk. But matcha adds beneficial antioxidants and amino acids.
Cost
At Starbucks, there is no additional charge to add matcha powder to your pink drink. However, some locations may charge $.50-$1 for custom tea add-ins. Expect to pay $3-$5 for a 16 oz matcha pink drink.
Making your own at home will cost around:
- Pink drink ingredients: $0.50-$3
- Matcha powder: $0.50 per serving
- Cup and straw: $0.25
- Total: Around $2 per 16oz serving
Buying ceremonial grade matcha in bulk can help lower the costs. Homemade allows you to control the quality of ingredients and portions.
Storage
A matcha pink drink is best consumed fresh immediately after making it. Like most blended drinks, it will start to separate and degrade in quality if left to sit. For best results:
- Drink matcha pink drinks within 1-2 hours of preparation.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume refrigerated drinks within 24-48 hours.
- Reblend or shake again before drinking to remix any separation.
- Add extra ice or milk to revive the texture.
- Do not freeze matcha drinks as this alters the flavor.
The matcha will also continue to steep, creating a more bitter taste over time. For maximum freshness and flavor enjoyment, make only what you will finish in one sitting.
Tips for the Best Matcha Pink Drink
Here are some final tips for making the perfect matcha pink drink:
– Use high quality ceremonial grade matcha powder with a vibrant green color
– Give the matcha a good whisk in hot water before adding it
– Start with 1 tsp matcha and add more to suit your taste
– Add the matcha while the pink drink is chilled so it blends smoothly
– Shake or stir vigorously after adding the matcha to fully incorporate
– Use fresh ingredients like fruit purees instead of syrups when possible
– Customize with soymilk, almond milk, or oat milk for nondairy
– Add toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings or sprinkles
– Garnish with additional strawberries, lime wedge or mint
– Enjoy with a reusable straw to cut down on waste
– Try switching up the tea, milk, fruits and syrups for your own versions
Conclusion
Adding earthy, antioxidant-rich matcha green tea powder into a sweet and fruity Starbucks pink drink is a creative way to give this popular beverage an energizing and nutritious upgrade. The grassy bitter notes of the matcha pair surprisingly well with the tangy strawberry and acai flavors of the pink drink, resulting in a balanced and smooth sipping experience. With its pretty pastel color and frothy texture, a homemade or customized matcha pink drink makes for an eye-catching treat. Just whisk, stir, sip, and enjoy all the benefits and great taste of this perfect match(a) drink combo.