The Violet Drink is one of Starbucks’ most popular secret menu items. It’s a light, fruity, and refreshing beverage that has developed a cult following among Starbucks customers. But what exactly is in the Violet Drink? Keep reading to learn about the origins of the drink, its ingredients, nutrition information, and how to order it yourself.
The Origins of the Violet Drink
The Violet Drink first started appearing on secret Starbucks menus around 2015. Customers began requesting a “Pink Drink” with additional blackberries, giving it a deeper purple hue. Baristas began unofficially referring to this custom drink as the “Violet Drink.”
In 2016, the Violet Drink went viral on social media as more customers learned about the off-menu item. Starbucks baristas started sharing photos and recipes for the drink. Popular food bloggers also began posting about the Violet Drink, calling it a “healthier” alternative to other Starbucks beverages. It quickly became one of Starbucks’ most sought-after secret menu items.
The Violet Drink satisfies customers’ desires for a fruit-flavored, antioxidant-rich beverage. The combination of flavors tastes like a tropical juice blend, making it the perfect refreshing treat. Even though Starbucks doesn’t officially advertise the drink, baristas are used to making it for intrigued customers.
Violet Drink Ingredients
The Violet Drink consists of only a few ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Blackberries
- Ice
To make it, baristas combine coconut milk, blackberries, and ice in a clear plastic cup. The coconut milk provides the base, while the blackberries give it a bright purple color and sweet, tangy flavor. Customers can also request light ice if they prefer a less diluted drink.
Some variations of the Violet Drink add additional ingredients like:
- Acai juice blend
- Passion tango tea
- Strawberries
- Vanilla syrup
However, the core ingredients are coconut milk and blackberries. The simple combination is what gives the Violet Drink its signature milkshake-like texture and pretty violet hue.
Nutrition Information
One grande (16 oz) Violet Drink contains:
- Calories: 100
- Total fat: 4.5g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 2g
The Violet Drink has a low calorie count compared to other Starbucks beverages. For example, a grande Caffe Mocha is 350 calories. Many Starbucks Frappuccinos are even higher in calories and sugar.
The coconut milk gives the Violet Drink a boost of beneficial fats. Blackberries add vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Overall, the Violet Drink is high in vitamins and relatively low in sugar compared to many blended coffee drinks.
How to Order the Violet Drink
Since the Violet Drink isn’t an official Starbucks menu item, you’ll need to order it using a “secret menu” method. Here are two options for ordering:
- Ask for a “Violet Drink.” Some baristas may already be familiar with the drink and can make it without any further details.
- Order a “Blackberry Coconutmilk” and request light ice. This describes the ingredients so baristas unfamiliar with the Violet Drink can recreate it.
Customize your Violet Drink order any way you like. For example, feel free to request:
- No blackberries
- Extra blackberries
- Substitute strawberries
- Add vanilla syrup
- Add a scoop of strawberries
- Use lemonade instead of coconut milk
Baristas are usually happy to tweak the recipe to your preferences. The Violet Drink is highly customizable.
Why Customers Love the Violet Drink
The Violet Drink has become a hit among Starbucks customers for several reasons:
- Color – The vibrant violet color is Instagram-worthy and different from anything else on the menu.
- Flavor – It tastes like a sweet and tangy berry juice, pleasing fruit lovers.
- Customizable – Customers can tweak the ingredients to make the drink their own.
- Light – The coconut milk gives it a refreshing light body compared to heavy cream-based drinks.
- Low-calorie – With only 100 calories, it’s a guilt-free treat.
- Natural ingredients – The short ingredient list contains no artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup.
The Violet Drink combines vibrant color, sweet berry flavor, and light coconut creaminess for an irresistible treat. Though not an official menu item, baristas are used to accommodating the popular off-menu request.
Alternatives to Try
If you enjoy the flavors of the Violet Drink, you may also like these other Starbucks beverages:
Pink Drink
The original inspiration for the Violet Drink! It contains strawberry acai, coconut milk, and ice for a light pink fruity flavor.
Dragon Drink
This vibrant magenta drink combines sweet mango flavors with coconut milk over ice.
Star Drink
Coconut milk meets juicy strawberry for a tropical twist on milk and berries.
Paradise Drink
A refreshing blend of cool mint, lime, and coconut milk.
Sunset Drink
Pretty layers of orange juice, coconut milk, and strawberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Violet Drink on the Starbucks menu?
No, the Violet Drink is not an official Starbucks menu item. It’s considered a “secret” drink that customers can order, but it won’t be advertised in stores.
What makes the Violet Drink violet?
The blackberries in the drink give it a deep purple or violet hue. Blackberries have a darker berry color compared to strawberries, which are in the similar Pink Drink.
Is the Violet Drink healthy?
Compared to other Starbucks blended drinks and Frappuccinos, the Violet Drink is relatively healthy. It only has around 100 calories and 13g natural sugars. The ingredients are also vegan and dairy-free.
Does the Violet Drink contain caffeine?
No, there is no coffee or tea in the Violet Drink. It’s a non-caffeinated beverage.
Can kids drink the Violet Drink?
Yes, the Violet Drink is safe for kids to enjoy. Many parents order the kid-sized Violet Drink for their children since it’s fruity but doesn’t contain a lot of sugar.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Violet Drink offers a delicious and refreshing treat with a light coconut milk and blackberry flavor. Its origins date back to around 2015, when customers began customizing the Pink Drink with blackberries for an extra fruity flavor. The Violet Drink quickly became a popular off-menu order due to its pretty color, smooth creamy texture, and sweetness.
To order, ask for a “Violet Drink” or a “Blackberry Coconutmilk.” Feel free to customize with different berries, fruit juices, tea, and syrups to make it your own creation. The Violet Drink is definitely worth trying if you love fruit flavors and want a satisfying lower calorie beverage.