This kiwi starfruit refresher is a bright, homemade version of the Starbucks favorite — light, fruity, and packed with tropical vibes. You don’t need a blender or anything fancy, just some fresh fruit, grape juice, and a quick syrup you can make ahead. It’s refreshing, easy to prep, and hits that “I need something alive and cold” mood perfectly.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 5 mins
- Cook time: 10 mins
- Flavor: fruity, tangy, sweet-sharp
- Great for: hot days, no-caffeine resets, mid-afternoon mood boosts
Why I Like This Recipe
I made it with shaky hands and fruit I forgot I had. Honestly? It turned out better than I expected — kinda like me this week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 oz homemade syrup
- 1 tbsp finely diced kiwi
- 1 tbsp finely diced starfruit
- 4 oz white grape juice
- 3 oz cold water
- 1/4 tsp green coffee extract (optional)
How To Make Kiwi Starfruit Refresher
- Make your syrup: Boil sugar and water until dissolved. Cool completely.
- Prep your fruit: Dice kiwi and starfruit tiny.
- Shake it up: Add ice, syrup, fruit, juice, water, and extract to a shaker. Shake well.
- Pour + serve: Strain (or don’t). Pour into a glass over ice.
- Sip slow: Let the fruit bits float. They’re part of the vibe.

Tips for Success
- Cool the syrup before mixing or it’ll melt your ice too fast.
- Use cold juice + water — the colder everything starts, the better the final taste.
- Dice fruit really small for even flavor.
- Green coffee is optional — but it adds a tiny mood lift.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store extra syrup or mixed refresher in a jar for 1 day. Shake before drinking.
- Freezer: Nope. Fruit texture goes weird frozen.
- Reheat: Don’t. Just remake it — it’s quick for a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bottled kiwi juice instead?
Sure — but the fresh diced fruit gives it more texture and that little chewy sparkle. - Do I need a shaker?
Nope. A mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly. I’ve even used a protein shaker bottle once. - Is the green coffee extract caffeinated?
Yep — just a tiny bit. It’s not strong like espresso, more like a whisper of energy. - Can I make a big batch for a party?
Totally. Just scale up everything and shake in batches. Or stir in a pitcher and toss in ice right before serving. - Does it taste exactly like Starbucks?
Pretty close — but honestly, this version is less sweet and tastes more real. Like you can tell it wasn’t pumped out of a syrup machine.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Using hot syrup: I know, you’re in a rush — but warm syrup melts all your ice and you’ll end up with a watery mess. Let it cool first.
- Skipping the fruit bits: Even if you’re not a fan of “chunks” in drinks, these little guys really add flavor. Dice them super small if you need to.
- Too much green coffee extract: More ≠ better. It’ll taste bitter if you overdo it. A tiny pinch is enough.
- Shaking too lightly: You gotta commit. A weak shake won’t mix the syrup properly, and the flavor won’t hit the same.
- Thinking this is only for summer: Nope. This thing slaps in winter too, especially when you’re craving brightness and everything else feels gray.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 194 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 8mg
- Potassium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 48g
- Protein: 0g
You Might Also Like:
- Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher – Easy Starbucks Copycat
- Vanilla Syrup– Easy Starbucks Copycat
- Homemade Starbucks Classic Syrup– Easy Starbucks Copycat
- Paradise Drink– Easy Starbucks Copycat
Kiwi Starfruit Refresher– Easy Starbucks Copycat
Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes10
minutes194
kcalA tropical mix of kiwi, starfruit, and white grape juice shaken over ice — crisp, juicy, and full of sunshine.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup ice
1 oz syrup
1 tbsp diced kiwi
1 tbsp diced starfruit
4 oz white grape juice
3 oz cold water
1/4 tsp green coffee extract (optional)
Directions
- Simmer sugar and water until syrupy. Cool completely.
- Dice kiwi and starfruit small.
- Add ice, syrup, fruit, juice, water, and extract to shaker.
- Shake for 10–15 seconds.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Notes
- Always let syrup cool fully before using.
- Use fresh or canned fruit — just dice small.
- Add extra fruit to garnish if you’re feeling it.
- No shaker? Use a jar with a lid. It works fine.