The Starbucks sunset drink refers to a custom iced Starbucks drink that went viral on TikTok in spring 2022. The colorful sunset drink combines flavors like mango, pineapple, and coconut for a tropical taste. As the drink gained popularity online, many Starbucks customers started trying the custom sunset beverages for themselves.
What are the origins of the Starbucks sunset drink?
The Starbucks sunset drink appears to have first gone viral thanks to a TikTok video posted by user @starbzislyfeee in March 2022. In the video, the TikTok user explains how to order a sunset drink from Starbucks by customizing a Venti Iced Shaken Espresso. The customized espresso drink includes mango syrup, pineapple ginger syrup, coconut milk, and a splash of strawberry puree for color.
The vibrant gradients of the drink resemble a sunset, inspiring the TikTok hashtag #starbuckssunset and the drink’s name. After @starbzislyfeee posted the original TikTok video, many other users started posting their own versions of the sunset drink using the hashtag. As of October 2022, the #starbuckssunset hashtag has over 154 million views on TikTok.
How do you order a Starbucks sunset drink?
While the exact specifications vary, most Starbucks sunset drinks include the following core ingredients:
- Mango syrup or mango dragonfruit base
- Pineapple ginger syrup
- Coconut milk
- Ice
- A splash of strawberry puree on top
The most common way to order a sunset drink is by customizing a Venti Iced Shaken Espresso. Here are step-by-step ordering instructions:
- Order a Venti Iced Shaken Espresso
- Ask for no classic syrup
- Add mango syrup or mango dragonfruit base
- Add pineapple ginger syrup
- Substitute coconut milk instead of 2% milk
- Add ice and shake
- Top with a splash of strawberry puree
Keep in mind that the exact ingredients and proportions may vary by location. You can also customize the drink order to your preferences. For example, some TikTok users substitute toffee nut syrup instead of pineapple ginger syrup.
What are some popular TikTok sunset drink recipes?
Here are a few of the most popular Starbucks sunset drink recipes shared on TikTok:
Starbzislyfeee’s original
- Venti Iced Shaken Espresso
- 3 pumps mango syrup
- 3 pumps pineapple ginger syrup
- Coconut milk instead of 2% milk
- Add ice and shake
- Top with strawberry puree
Mermaid Water
- Venti Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink
- 3 pumps mango syrup
- Coconut milk instead of water
- Add strawberry puree
Sunset Refresher
- Venti Strawberry Acai Refresher
- No water
- Light ice
- 3 pumps mango syrup
- Top with pineapple ginger syrup
The great thing about the sunset drink is you can customize it to your preferences! Play around with different fruit syrups and milk substitutes.
Are Starbucks sunset drinks on the secret menu?
No, the Starbucks sunset drink is not an official drink on the Starbucks menu. The sunset drink is an off-menu, customized Starbucks order. Baristas may not immediately recognize the name “sunset drink” when ordering.
The secret menu refers to unofficial Starbucks drinks created by customers and shared online. While baristas don’t have recipes for secret menu items, you can still order them by customizing existing drinks. The sunset drink follows this model – it can be ordered by customizing a Shaken Espresso or Refresher drink.
What are the nutritional facts of a Starbucks sunset drink?
The nutritional information for a Starbucks sunset drink will vary depending on the exact ingredients and proportions used. However, here are some approximate nutrition facts for a 16 oz (Venti) sunset drink:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270-350 |
| Total Fat | 4-7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 100-200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 62-82g |
| Sugar | 55-75g |
| Protein | 2-5g |
As you can see, the sunset drink is high in sugar due to the fruit syrups and coconut milk. Ordering a smaller size can reduce the calorie and sugar content.
Are Starbucks sunset drinks vegan?
Yes, you can easily modify the Starbucks sunset drink to be vegan by ordering it with non-dairy milk options. Here’s one way to order a vegan sunset drink:
- Venti Iced Shaken Espresso
- Oat milk instead of 2% milk
- 3 pumps mango syrup
- 3 pumps pineapple ginger syrup
- Add ice and shake
- Top with strawberry puree
Coconut milk and almond milk are also great non-dairy options for making a vegan sunset drink.
What are some good add-ins and modifications?
Some tasty ways to modify your sunset drink order include:
- Add vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top
- Use different fruit purees like passionfruit or guava instead of strawberry
- Add pops of color with dragonfruit pieces
- Blend in a scoop of strawberries or pineapple
- Top with coconut flakes
- Swap the pineapple ginger syrup for toasted white mocha or brown sugar syrup
Feel free to get creative and make the drink your own!
Are there coffee-free Starbucks sunset drink options?
Yes, you can order a coffee-free sunset drink by customizing a Starbucks Refresher drink instead of a Shaken Espresso. Here are some coffee-free ideas:
Sunset Refresher
- Venti Strawberry Acai Refresher
- No water
- Light ice
- 3 pumps mango syrup
- Top with pineapple ginger syrup
Mermaid Water
- Venti Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink
- 3 pumps mango syrup
- Light coconut milk instead of water
- Add strawberry puree
Both of these options give you the bright sunset colors without any coffee or espresso.
Conclusion
The Starbucks sunset drink is a fun, fruity and colorful custom Starbucks order that went viral on TikTok. While not an official menu item, you can order it by customizing a Starbucks Refresher or Shaken Espresso drink. Fans love the tropical mango, pineapple and coconut flavors. Part of the appeal is the striking gradients it creates when shaken with ice, reminiscent of a bold sunset.
To order your own Pinterest-worthy sunset drink, try combining mango, pineapple ginger and coconut milk over ice, finished with a swirl of strawberry puree on top. But feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking with different syrups, purees and milk options. Sip on this aesthetic TikTok drink all summer long.