The strawberry lemonade sold at Starbucks is officially called the Strawberry Acai Lemonade. It is a refreshing chilled drink made with lemonade, strawberry flavored acai juice, and a splash of coconut milk. The combination of tangy lemonade and sweet strawberry acai makes this a popular summer beverage choice at Starbucks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Strawberry Acai Lemonade, including its ingredients, nutrition facts, pricing, availability, and history on the Starbucks menu.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade are:
- Lemonade – The tangy, tart base of the drink made from lemon juice, water, and sweetener.
- Strawberry flavored acai juice – Made from acai berries blended with strawberry puree to create a sweet, pink juice.
- Coconut milk – Added as a splash to provide creaminess and subtle coconut flavor.
- Ice – Chills the beverage and provides refreshing texture.
In addition to these core ingredients, the recipe may also contain small amounts of natural flavors and fruit juice for slight tweaks to the flavor profile. The lemonade brings the tart citrus taste, while the acai juice provides sweet berry flavors. The coconut milk adds a smooth, creamy component to balance out the tanginess.
Nutrition Information
Here are the basic nutrition facts for a 16 fluid ounce Strawberry Acai Lemonade from Starbucks:
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 48g
- Protein: 1g
As you can see, the drink is high in carbohydrates and sugar due to the lemonade and acai juice. It provides a small amount of fat from the coconut milk. Besides the vitamin C from the lemon juice, there are no significant micronutrients. The Strawberry Acai Lemonade is considered a high calorie, sugary beverage by nutritional standards. Those watching their sugar intake may want to enjoy it as an occasional treat.
Pricing
The Strawberry Acai Lemonade typically costs between $3.95-$4.75 for a grande (16 ounce) size. Pricing varies a bit depending on location. Here are some example prices:
- Tall (12 oz) – $3.45-$4.15
- Grande (16 oz) – $3.95-$4.75
- Venti (24 oz) – $4.45-$5.35
Expect to pay a bit more if ordering through Uber Eats, DoorDash, or other delivery apps. There is usually a service charge and delivery fee added on top of the drink price.
Compared to other Starbucks lemonade flavors, the Strawberry Acai Lemonade costs about $0.50 more for a grande due to the addition of the acai juice. So it’s on the pricier end, but in line with other specialty Starbucks beverages. Those looking for a more affordable option can order a regular or flavored Starbucks lemonade.
Availability
The Strawberry Acai Lemonade is available year-round at participating Starbucks locations in the United States and Canada. However, it tends to be more heavily promoted during the spring and summer months as a seasonal offering.
You can order it hot or iced, though the iced version is much more popular especially in summer. When ordering, you can customize it to your preferences – for example, asking for no coconut milk or extra acai. Baristas will also occasionally recommend adding shots of espresso to make it a caffeinated pick-me-up.
The drink can be ordered directly in-store or through the Starbucks app for pick-up or delivery. Check the Starbucks app or call your local store to confirm they carry the Strawberry Acai Lemonade before heading over. Supply shortages can occasionally impact availability.
History on the Starbucks Menu
The Strawberry Acai Lemonade was first added to Starbucks menus in 2017, along with two other acai drinks – the Acai Berry Refresher and Strawberry Acai Refresher. Here is a brief timeline of when the Strawberry Acai Lemonade appeared on the scene:
- April 2017 – Launched as a new Starbucks ‘Sips of Summer’ menu item at participating US and Canada locations.
- Spring/Summer 2018 – Repromoted as a seasonal special along with the other acai drinks.
- Spring/Summer 2019 – Added to the permanent year-round menu.
- Spring/Summer 2020 to present – Available annually as a seasonal favorite.
The beverage was invented by Starbucks product developers as a way to incorporate acai, an antioxidant-rich “superfruit” that was rising in popularity. Combining acai with classic lemonade allowed them to create a trendy new drink with mass appeal.
The Strawberry Acai Lemonade was met with enthusiasm from customers and quickly became a returning summer seasonal item along with the other acai drinks. In 2019, on the back of its success, Starbucks made the full acai lineup permanent additions rather than limited-time offerings.
Why Customers Love It
There are several reasons why the Strawberry Acai Lemonade has become a Starbucks hit:
- Taste – The combination of sweet strawberry acai and tart lemonade is flavorful and refreshing.
- Color – Vibrant pink hue is pretty and summery.
- Seasonal – Perfect for hot summer weather and advertised as a limited-time product.
- Customization – Can be tweaked to preference with no coconut milk or extra lemonade.
- Superfruit – Perceived as a healthier choice thanks to the acai component.
- Caffeine-free – Provides a non-coffee drink option.
- Branding – Starbucks name recognition and reputation for quality.
Customer-loved seasonal drinks like the Strawberry Acai Lemonade are important for Starbucks to continually offer variety beyond its core coffee menu. The company relies on beverage innovation to attract new customers and give existing ones more options tailored to their tastes and lifestyle needs.
How to Make a Copycat Version
Don’t live near a Starbucks or want to enjoy a cheaper version at home? Here is a simple recipe to create a copycat Strawberry Acai Lemonade:
Ingredients
- 4 cups lemonade (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 1 cup strawberry acai juice blend
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (lite or regular)
- Lemon slices, strawberry slices, and ice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the lemonade, acai juice, and coconut milk in a pitcher. Stir well to incorporate.
- Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with sliced lemons, strawberries, or both if desired.
- For a single serving, use a 1:1:1 ratio of lemonade, acai juice, and coconut milk. Adjust quantities as needed.
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries to make your own strawberry acai puree. Blend until smooth.
- Make it boozy! Add a shot of vodka, rum, or gin if making Strawberry Acai Lemonade for adults.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can control the flavor and sweetness to your liking by adjusting the lemonade to acai ratio. Play around to create the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Enjoy this taste of summer from Starbucks in the comfort of home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade:
Is the Strawberry Acai Lemonade vegan?
The drink is technically no longer vegan due to the addition of coconut milk, which contains small amounts of vitamin D3 derived from lanolin. However, you can ask for it made without coconut milk to make it vegan-friendly.
Does the Strawberry Acai Lemonade have caffeine?
No, there is no coffee or tea in the standard recipe, so it is caffeine-free. However, you can request the barista add shots of espresso if you want a caffeinated version.
Is the acai good for you?
Acai berries are rich in antioxidants, fibers, vitamins, and healthy fats. However, the acai juice in this drink has been stripped of its fiber content and blended with sugars. So while it adds some nutritional value, it is not as healthy as eating raw acai.
Are there any customizations or secret menu hacks?
Yes! Try asking for a scoop of strawberries blended in, extra acai, or subbing green tea instead of water for the lemonade base. A popular hack is an “Acai Berry Mojito” – Strawberry Acai Lemonade with mint and lime.
Does it come hot or iced?
You can order the Strawberry Acai Lemonade either hot or iced. Most people prefer it chilled over ice in the summer.
The Bottom Line
The Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade puts a fruity spin on a classic warm weather drink. Customers rave over the combination of zesty lemonade and sweet acai for a treat that’s as refreshing as it is pink. While not the healthiest option, it provides a moment of tasty indulgence. Next time you visit Starbucks in the spring or summer, consider substituting your usual iced tea or Frappuccino for this customer favorite.