Quick Recipe Version (TL;DR)
Quick Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
- 1 cup (150 g) strawberries (fresh or thawed frozen), plus 6–8 thin slices for the shaker
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime), divided
- 1 cup (240 ml) white grape juice (100% juice)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
- 1 tbsp (6–8 g) açaí powder (or see variations)
- 1/2 tsp green coffee extract powder (or 1 tsp liquid green coffee extract)
- 3 cups (about 360 g) ice, plus more for serving
Do This
- 1. Make quick simple syrup: heat 2 tbsp sugar + 2 tbsp water to 180°F / 82°C, 2–3 minutes; cool 2 minutes.
- 2. Blend strawberry purée: blend strawberries + 1 tbsp lime juice + cooled syrup; strain if you want it smoother.
- 3. Whisk açaí base: whisk white grape juice + cold water + açaí powder + green coffee extract + 1 tbsp lime juice until fully dissolved.
- 4. Fill a shaker with ice and a few strawberry slices.
- 5. Add 3/4 cup (180 ml) açaí base + 1/4 cup (60 ml) strawberry purée per drink.
- 6. Shake hard 15 seconds.
- 7. Pour into two ice-filled glasses; add more strawberry slices and serve cold.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes remarkably close to the Strawberry Açaí Refresher: fruity, lightly tart, and super refreshing.
- No fancy equipment required beyond a blender and a jar or shaker.
- Light caffeine boost from green coffee extract, just like the original idea.
- Easy to customize for more/less sweetness, stronger açaí flavor, or extra lime brightness.
Grocery List
- Produce: strawberries, lime
- Dairy: none (optional: coconut milk if you want a “pink drink” style variation)
- Pantry: granulated sugar, white grape juice, açaí powder, green coffee extract (powder or liquid), ice
Full Ingredients
Quick Simple Syrup (for smooth sweetness)
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
Strawberry Purée
- 1 cup (150 g) strawberries, hulled (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- All of the cooled simple syrup
- Optional: 1 tbsp (15 ml) water, only if needed to help the blender move
Açaí Base
- 1 cup (240 ml) white grape juice (100% juice), chilled
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
- 1 tbsp (6–8 g) açaí powder
- 1/2 tsp green coffee extract powder or 1 tsp liquid green coffee extract
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- Optional (for a brighter, more “coffeehouse” tang): 1/8 tsp citric acid
- Optional (for a slightly rounder flavor): tiny pinch of fine salt (about 1/32 tsp)
To Shake & Serve
- 3 cups (about 360 g) ice, plus more to fill glasses
- 6–8 thin strawberry slices (for the shaker), plus more for each glass
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the quick simple syrup
Add 2 tbsp (25 g) sugar and 2 tbsp (30 ml) water to a small saucepan. Set over medium heat and stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the syrup reaches 180°F / 82°C, about 2–3 minutes (it should look clear and steamy, not violently boiling).
Remove from heat and cool for 2 minutes. (To cool faster, pour into a small heatproof bowl.)
Step 2: Blend the strawberry purée
In a blender, combine 1 cup (150 g) strawberries, 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice, and the cooled simple syrup. Blend on high for 20–30 seconds, until very smooth.
If your blender struggles, add up to 1 tbsp (15 ml) water to get things moving without watering down the flavor too much.
Step 3: (Optional) Strain for a smoother, café-style texture
For a smoother refresher, pour the purée through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl and press with a spoon. This takes about 1 minute. If you like a more “homemade” texture, skip straining.
Step 4: Whisk together the açaí base
In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240 ml) chilled white grape juice, 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water, 1 tbsp açaí powder, green coffee extract, and 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice.
Whisk for 30–45 seconds, making sure the açaí powder fully dissolves and no dry clumps remain. If using, whisk in 1/8 tsp citric acid and/or a tiny pinch of salt.
Step 5: Load the shaker like the coffee shops do
Fill a cocktail shaker (or a large mason jar with a tight lid) about 2/3 full with ice. Add 3–4 thin strawberry slices.
Measure in 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of the açaí base and 1/2 cup (120 ml) strawberry purée (this makes two drinks at once). If your shaker is smaller, shake one drink at a time using 3/4 cup (180 ml) base + 1/4 cup (60 ml) purée per drink.
Step 6: Shake hard for that signature foam and chill
Seal and shake very hard for 15 seconds. You’re aiming for serious chilling and a lightly foamy top.
If your hands get cold, wrap the shaker with a kitchen towel while shaking.
Step 7: Serve over fresh ice with strawberry slices
Fill two tall glasses with fresh ice. Pour the refresher evenly into the glasses (include a few strawberry slices if you like).
Taste and adjust if needed: add 1–2 tsp extra lime juice for more tartness, or 1–2 tsp simple syrup for extra sweetness. Serve immediately, very cold.
Pro Tips
- Chill your ingredients: Starting with cold juice and cold water makes the drink taste brighter and prevents quick dilution.
- Don’t under-shake: The full 15 seconds helps emulsify the fruit and gives you that “shaken refresher” texture.
- Açaí powder varies: Some brands are more bitter or more berry-forward. Start with 1 tbsp, then increase by 1 tsp next time if you want it deeper.
- Control dilution: Always build in the shaker with ice, then pour over fresh ice in the glass for the best balance.
- Green coffee extract strength differs: Use the package guidance if yours is especially concentrated, and keep it modest for a “lightly caffeinated” vibe.
Variations
- Pink drink-style: Replace the 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water in the açaí base with 1/2 cup (120 ml) chilled coconut milk. Shake the same way for a creamier, pastel version.
- No açaí powder option: Use 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsweetened açaí purée (thawed, if frozen) in place of the powder. Blend it into the base until smooth.
- Lower sugar: Swap the white grape juice for 1 cup (240 ml) white grape juice “light” or use 3/4 cup (180 ml) juice + 3/4 cup (180 ml) water, then sweeten to taste with 1–2 tsp syrup.
Storage & Make-Ahead
You can make both components ahead for faster drinks. Refrigerate the strawberry purée in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Refrigerate the açaí base for up to 5 days; whisk or shake before using since açaí can settle. For best flavor and texture, shake with ice right before serving—once poured over ice, the drink is best within 15–20 minutes to avoid tasting watery.
Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate (1 of 2 servings, including typical dilution from shaking): 120 calories; 0.5 g protein; 0.5 g fat; 29 g carbohydrates; 25 g sugars; 1–2 g fiber; 15–35 mg caffeine (varies widely by green coffee extract brand and dose).
