Starbucks cool lime refresher

Mint leaves, limes, and sugar (or sugar replacement) are the main ingredients you will need to make this refreshing Starbucks cool lime refresher.

Why go to your local Starbucks when you can make this at home in just 15 minutes? Needless to say, it will also save some of the bucks (essential in today's economy ;).

Today, I am sharing a simple and fun recipe so you can recreate this cool, refreshing drink in your kitchen. Trust me, once you taste it, you will wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!

And the best part of this recipe is, it is super easy to follow, uses 3 basic ingredients, and comes together in just 15 minutes. What else do we need?

Why will you love this Starbucks cool lime refresher recipe? 

1. An ideal drink for a really hot summer day.
2. Budget friendly.
3. Refreshing, light, and super easy to make.
4. Uses 3 basic ingredients and just two-step process
5. Less sweet ( convert it to sugar free if you wish to).
6. Highly customizable.
7. Can prepare the lime refresher base in advance and use it whenever you wish to enjoy the drink.

How do you make a Starbucks cool lime refresher recipe? 

Let's understand the quick overview of the steps to make this Starbucks cool lime refresher.

Sr. No.	Steps
1.	Prepare cool lime refresher base.
2.	Assemble the drink with water and ice.

Starbucks cool lime refresher recipe ingredients

This is just the list of ingredients. Have a look at the recipe card for exact measurements.

lime refresher base ingredients

Min leaves - This provides two benefits. First, adds a lovely refreshing aroma, and second, balances the tartness of the limes.

Lime zest - Another star ingredient in our recipe. In my opinion, this adds the perfect tangy and zesty flavor to the drink. We are going to strain the mixture so it won't affect the mouthfeel too.

Lime juice - This is the star ingredient and makes the drink refreshing, tangy, and zest. Use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of store-bought for real freshness.

Sugar - This helps to sweeten the drink and balances the sourness of the lime.

water - This is needed to dilute the sourness of the lime and also keeps the drink light.

Starbucks cool lime refresher ingredients

Mint leaves - This gives our drink a nice, eye-pleasing look and also adds a subtle aroma.

Lime slices - Again, this helps to create eye-catching look and adds subtle flavor.

Ice - As the name implies, it gives the drink that chilled, cool vibe which can't be avoided :)

Chilled lime refresher base - Prepared using the above ingredients.

Chilled water - Use just enough to dilute the cool lime refresher drink. It is ok to use regular room-temperature water as we have ice to chill the drink.

Any substitutes? 

Sugar - Replace sugar with the exact quantity of sugar-free. This is the sweetener I use to make it sugar-free.

Ice - Use crushed ice instead of ice cubes.

Tools needed

1. Saucepan - to prepare lime refresher base.
2. Measuring spoons / measuring cups - to measure the ingredients.
3. Strainer - to strain lime refresher base.
4. Glass - to serve Starbucks cool lime refresher drink.
5. Straw - needed while serving.

Starbucks cool lime refresher (step-by-step) recipe

Here is the detailed step-by-step recipe to make the chilled lime refresher.

Lime refresher base step-by-step recipe

1. In a saucepan, add mint leaves, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and water.

2. Heat on low to medium heat until sugar is melted.

3. Remove from the gas and strain to remove mint leaves and lime zest.

4. Keep it aside until it cools down to room temperature.

Starbucks cool lime refresher step-by-step recipe

5. Add mine leaves, lemon slices, and ice cube to the glass.

6. Pour in the chilled lime refresher base.

7. Now, add chilled water.

8. Stir with straw and serve immediately.

How to serve? 

This must be served chilled. So, I do recommend assembling it just before serving.

Watch me making it (video)

https://youtu.be/f36caV-u0pI

Storing and freezing instructions for the Starbucks cool lime refresher recipe 

This cool lime refresher drink can be stored in the refrigerator or in the freezer.

Storing instructions

Storing leftover drink - Take out the ice cubes and refrigerate the drink for up to 3 days. Just make sure to stir again before serving.

Storing the refresher base- Alternatively, refrigerate the lime refresher base for up to a week and prepare the drink just before serving.

Freezing instructions

Freezing leftover drink - Take out the ice cubes, then pour the drink into the ice cube tray and freeze it. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 2 weeks.

Storing the refresher base- Alternatively, freeze the lime refresher base the same way you would freeze the leftover dink. That is, make the ice cubes of the base and freeze them into a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 2 weeks.

Thawing instructions

Thawing leftover drink - Just remove the drink ice cubes and let them thaw in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter. Add some ice cubes or crushed ice just before serving. This is optional but keeps the drink cool for a longer period.

Thawing the refresher base- Just thaw the base ice cubes in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter and assemble the drink as mentioned in the step-by-step recipe. Serve immediately.

Variations

No sugar option - Skip the sweetener entirely or prepare the drink using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Secret tips to make the Starbucks cool lime refresher recipe

1. Use larger glass - For a nice eye-catching look, choose tall and transparent glass. It will not only help to display the drink but also keep the drink cool for a longer time.

2. Add the right amount of ice - Adding less ice will ruin the feel of that chilled lime drink and adding more ice will dilute the drink, ruining the taste. So, add just enough ice to make the perfect balanced drink

3. Stir before serving - After adding all the ingredients in a glass, do not forget to stir the drink. This helps to create balanced flavor in every sip.

4. Use fresh lime juice – You might be tempted to use bottled lime juice, but believe me, fresh lime juice makes a big difference!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Of course but I recommend making the lime refresher base ahead of time and refrigerating it for up to a week. Assemble the drink as mentioned in the step-by-step recipe.

Can I make this without mint?

Yes, you can skip the mint if you do not have it handy. But, please see that it will change the taste a bit.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop a comment below, and I will be happy to answer them. 

Want to try some other Starbucks recipes? 

If you love this Starbucks drink, have a look at my other Starbucks drink recipes. I have a lot on my blog. Here are a few for your reference.

1. Starbucks chai frappuccino.
2. Easy vanilla iced latte.
3. Starbucks white chocolate mocha.

What are you waiting for?

Don't wait any further and make this Starbucks cool lime refresher drink right away. Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

If you post on Instagram, be sure to tag me @dessertkatta or use the hashtag #dessertkatta or #dessertkattarecipes.

Recipe card