Iced Golden Ginger Drink

This bright yellow Iced Golden Ginger Drink is made with coconut milk, turmeric, cinnamon, pineapple and ginger – just like the version at Starbucks!

Ingredients in this recipe

You don't need very many ingredients to make this Starbucks drink at home! Most ingredients can be found in the juice and spice aisle. You can keep most of the ingredients besides the coconut milk in the fridge and pantry up to a month or two, so you can make this drink over and over again!

Here's what you need:

• pineapple juice, water, sugar and gingerroot for the simple syrup
• turmeric, dried ginger and cinnamon
• pineapple juice (for the drink itself)
• coconut milk
• ice

How to make this drink

It's so easy to make this drink! You can prep the pineapple ginger syrup up to a few days in advance, and from there it's just as simple as mixing everything together to enjoy!

Here's how to make the golden ginger drink:

1. To make the simple syrup, add sugar, pineapple juice, water and ginger to a large mason jar. Microwave for 5 minutes until mixture is boiling then chill in the fridge.
2. When ready to enjoy the drink, assemble ingredients.
3. Add pineapple ginger syrup, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, pineapple juice and coconut milk to a cocktail shaker or shaker bottle and shake to combine.
4. Add a handful of ice to a large glass.
5. Pour drink overtop.
6. Serve and enjoy!

What does the iced golden ginger drink taste like?

Although there is definitely some sweetness to this drink, there is also a warm, earthy flavour from cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger.

Unlike some of the overly sweet Starbucks refreshers, there is coconut milk and pineapple juice in this beverage. As a result, it is creamy, with a tropical taste, but not excessively sweet.

Does the iced golden ginger drink have caffeine?

Because it has no coffee or tea in it, this is one of the few Starbucks drinks available that has no caffeine.

If having caffeine is important to you, feel free to add a caffeine supplement to your drink.

Making & storing the pineapple ginger syrup

Preparing pineapple ginger syrup is very similar to making a simple syrup. It starts with equal parts water and sugar. But with the addition of pineapple juice and fresh ginger root, the syrup is less sweet than a simple syrup.

Nonetheless, it is sweet and is also absolutely delicious!

Because you cook it in a microwave instead of on the stove top, it’s super simple to make, too.

1. Add the sugar, water, pineapple juice and ginger to a large mason jar. Use a spoon to stir and combine the ingredients.
2. Place the jar in your microwave. Cook on high power for 5 minutes, or until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Use oven mitts or kitchen towels to carefully remove the hot jar from the microwave.
4. Stir the pineapple ginger syrup again, then store the jar uncovered in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Ingredient substitutions

The flavour profile of this drink is very unique (in a very good way!). As a result, there aren't very many ingredient substitutions that will allow you to make the drink without changing the way it tastes.

• Sugar – To reduce the calories and sugar in the drink, be sure to use unsweetened coconut milk. Also, when you make the pineapple ginger syrup, feel free to use any cup-for-cup sugar substitute of your choice. Good choices are monk fruit sugar and Erythritol.
• Pineapple juice – If you live in an area where there is good access to fresh tropical fruit, try to find fresh pineapple juice. Not only does it taste better than bottled pineapple juice concentrate, but you'll also avoid the extra sugar and unwanted chemical preservatives.
• Fresh ginger – If you need a substitute for fresh ginger root, you can use ginger powder. The flavour isn't as strong and it has less nutritional benefits than fresh ginger, but it will do in a pinch.

Is this drink healthy?

While there are some good nutritional benefits from some of the ingredients in the drink, as a whole, it’s not exceptionally healthy.
This being said, it’s certainly better for you than a fruit smoothie or a glass of soda.

Turmeric has antioxidant properties and ginger root is really great at assisting the body in digestion.

Calories in this drink vs Starbucks

If you use identical ingredients to the ones in the recipe card below, a 16 ounce serving of Iced Golden Ginger drink will have right around 140 calories.

In comparison, according to the nutrition information shown on the company website, a Starbucks Grande (16 oz.) serving of their drink has 190 calories.

More Starbucks recipes

• Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink
• Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink
• Starbucks Pink Drink
• Starbucks Violet Drink
• 5 Minute Golden Milk

Meal prep tools for this recipe

• Get some fun reusable straws for your drinks!