Like other Starbucks Refreshers, such as the famous Strawberry Acai, the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher is a summery beverage which is perfectly refreshing any time of year. The sweet notes from the berries combined with the unique hint of hibiscus is the perfect drink to order as a pick-me-up during the afternoon slump.
The little hit of caffeine certainly hits the spot! Some Starbucks lovers even order the Refresher with lemonade in place of the water for a tangy, mouthwatering concoction.
What’s in a Starbucks Very Bearry Hibiscus Refresher?
Starbucks’ Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher contains a unique ingredient you may not have heard of before: green coffee extract. Nope, not green tea- green coffee! Basically, the product of soaking unroasted coffee beans to develop a unique flavor separate from both coffee and tea, but still containing some caffeine.
Finding Copycat Ingredients
To duplicate such a unique ingredient at home, you’ll need a unique approach! You can start with a normal green tea such as Tazo or Lipton, but in order to replicate Starbucks’ flavor, you’ll want to find some dried hibiscus flowers.
When steeped in hot tea, the tea will take on the floral notes of hibiscus that make the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher so delicious!
There is a shortcut for this: if a grocery store near you happens to carry any teas labeled as “herbal infusions”, such as Celestial Seasonings’ Red Zinger or Berry Zinger, those teas actually have hibiscus in them!
So you could just brew a cup of that tea to add to your refresher for the hibiscus taste in place of the dried flowers. Or try both to see which flavor you prefer!
When you order a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher from Starbucks, the baristas use pre-made liquid ingredients to create the blended beverage you love.
While you won’t be able to purchase the exact ingredients used by the chain’s direct suppliers, you can find the similar ingredients by the companies Starbucks uses (such as Tazo tea) at most grocery stores like Target or online.
Ready to recreate this refreshing concoction?
Copycat Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher Recipe
To imitate the unique flavor of Starbucks’ green coffee bean, you’ll need to infuse green tea with hibiscus. Once combined with juice and berries, this drink could rival any barista-made Refresher!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of brewed green tea
- 1 cup of brewed tea using hibiscus tea bags or 1 cup hot water and 1 cup dried hibiscus leaves
- 2 tbsp. water
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup white grape juice (or 1 tablespoon of simple syrup)
- 1 cup ice
- ¼ cup frozen berries of your choice
Directions
Step 1. If you are using the dried hibiscus leaves, boil the cup of water and allow the leaves to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves and allow the “tea” to cool.
Step 2. In a small saucepan, bring the 2 tbsp. water and 2 tbsp. sugar to a boil, stirring to combine. Remove from heat once sugar is completely stirred in, and allow to cool.
Step 3. Combine green tea, hibiscus tea, and grape juice. Pour over ice. Add sugar/water mixture to taste. Top with berries, stir, and enjoy!
For a healthy twist, replace the sugar syrup with liquid stevia or agave, and replace the grape juice with no sugar added juice.
You can check out more of our favorite and super easy Starbucks DIY recipes that you can make from the comfort of your own home below!
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