Starbucks Smurf Refresher (Ingredients, Taste, Variations, Sizes, Copycat Recipe, Caffeine, Calories & More Information)
We all loved the smurfs, and we loved them so much that we made a drink about them. If you haven’t tried the Starbucks smurf refresher, you should do it right away.
I am not a blue color enthusiast, nor have I fancied my food in this color, but the Starbucks smurf drink is all it took to give me a change of heart. I don’t know what makes the drink blue but I don’t care as long as it tastes as it does. I loved the caffeine in the passion iced tea and also the soy milk flavor. This is also a healthy option for those on non-dairy diets.
Brief History of the Drink
I first learned about the smurf refresher on Instagram. I was curious about the origin and learned that it was inspired by the movie ‘the smurfs’. You’ve got to love Starbucks fans; they can create anything out of literally anything and Starbucks has allowed this freedom. In case you are wondering what I’m going on about, the Smurfs movie is an animation movie with sweet little humanoid blue creatures. You get it, now?
Is Starbucks Smurf Refresher Still Available at Starbucks?
Yes, it is. Those who do not want to call it the smurfs refresher call it the blue drink. You will not find any of those names on the official Starbucks menu as this is in the secret menu. The secret menu is a creation of the fans. You will need to master the art of ordering this drink lest you get the shock of your life at a Starbucks store. This post will save you the embarrassment and the weird stare you will receive if you ask the barista for a smurf refresher. If they are kind enough, they might refer you to the movie store.
Starbucks Smurf Refresher (Ingredients, Taste, Variations, Sizes, Caffeine, Calories
What’s in a Starbucks Smurf refresher-(Ingredients)
The smurf inspiration is pretty simple to make. You need a blue food coloring agent, soy milk, passion iced tea, and vanilla syrup.
Vanilla syrup: This is a simple mixture of vanilla extract, sugar, and water. I do not know anything that this ingredient cannot spice up or add an extra touch. I call it the magical ingredient. In our smurfs refresher, the vanilla syrup makes it all worth the while.
Soy milk: This is plant-based milk extracted from soya beans. It is among Starbucks’ five non-dairy milk options. The milk contains no allergens and is suitable for vegans.
Passion iced tea: This herbal tea consists of hibiscus, licorice root, lemongrass, cinnamon, natural fruit flavors, and ice. This tea contains no caffeine as it has no coffee or tea.
Food color: This ingredient only adds life to the drink. It births the smurf theme into the drink. If the smurf characters were any other color, I guess that this drink would not be blue.
Starbucks Smurf Refresher: Sizes, Nutrition, Caffeine, & Calories
What sizes are available?
The smurf refresher is found in the same servings as other Starbucks drinks. It is served in a tall cup that contains 12 fluid ounces, a Grande cup that contains 16 fluid ounces, a Venti which contains 20 fluid ounces, and a Trenta which carries 30 fluid ounces. All these sizes are available according to your order. If you are trying this for the first time, you might retract a little bit and go for a tall. A tall in the Starbucks context is a medium-sized cup. A large cup is what is called a Grande and the largest serving is called a Trenta. These are Italian names used for these servings.
Nutritional Facts
I know that most Starbucks drinks leave a frown on dieticians’ faces due to the crazy amount of calories and sugar. In this case, our smurf is on the healthy side. The refresher is made with soy milk which significantly reduces the fat content. The caloric content adds up to 105 which stems mostly from vanilla syrup and soy milk.
Sugar averages to around 16g and this makes up 20% of the daily value. The carbohydrates are moderated as most of the ingredients do not contain any carbs except soy milk and vanilla. Most of the sodium comes from soy milk too. It averages 4% of the daily value of 2300mg. This equals a total of 100mg of sodium.
The total fat content comes to 4g which is quite insignificant as it makes a daily value percentage of 5%. Due to the soy milk content, the drink contains 7g of proteins which is quite decent for a refresher. Let’s look at the information in summary.
| Calorie count (out of 2,000 calories daily intake) | 105 |
| Nutrient Content (per Grande serving) | % of Daily Value |
| Total Fat (4g)
Trans Fat (0.5g) Saturated Fat (0g) |
5%
0% 0% |
| Total carbohydrates (18g)
Sugar (16g) Dietary Fiber |
6%
20% |
| Proteins (7g) | 6% |
| Cholesterol (0mg) | 0% |
| Sodium (100mg) | 4% |
Caffeine Information
The smurf refresher contains zero caffeine. This is because there is no coffee or caffeinated tea in it. Well, I don’t see why any person would want to add caffeine to a perfectly good drink. Besides, this drink is themed for kids, so caffeine is not necessary here. This doesn’t mean it is made for kids; I know many adults who enjoy smurf-themed food items.
So, what does Starbucks Smurf Refresher Taste like?
It doesn’t taste like smurfs well, just in case you had that little thought in your mind. This drink tastes more like vanilla and passion. It is not overly sweet as the base drink contains no sugar. The iced passion tea contains a natural sweetness that is enhanced by vanilla syrup. It is s decent sweet drink, but if you are a sweet tooth, you can always optimize the drink to your taste.
Ways to Customize Starbucks Smurf Refresher- Starbucks Smurf Refresher Variations
This drink is already customization of the official Starbucks iced passion tea, so the variations are limitless. You can start by sweetening it with additives like sugar and honey. If the soy milk is not cutting it out for you, try almond milk. It will give you great variation.
I also like adding some lemonade to bring out a fresh and cooling effect. This can be done by adding readymade lemonade or squeezing out some at home with fresh lemons. Whatever you decide to add or remove, ensure you don’t stray from the main taste of this drink. I know a couple of people who add blueberry juice instead of food color. As long as it turns blue, then you are good to go.
How to Make Starbucks Smurf Refresher at Home - Starbucks Smurf Refresher Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Heavy bottom pan
- Blender
- Jar
- Stove
- Stirring Spoon
- Pitcher
- Grande Cup
- Cheesecloth/ Strainer
Ingredients
- Tea bag
- Lime juice
- Passion fruit extract
- Ice
- Water
- Vanilla Extract
- Sugar
- Soy milk/ ½ cup soybeans
- Blue food color
Instructions
- Passion iced tea: Add water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Put the water in a pitcher and put the tea bag in it while hot. After the tea cools, remove the tea bag and add passion fruit extract and lime juice, and some sugar to taste. Rinse the saucepan.
- Vanilla Syrup: Add water into a clean saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add sugar while stirring and simmer until all sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and let it cool.
- Soy milk: You can opt to use homemade soy milk. Take your soybeans and soak them overnight in a jar. Discard soaking water and skin the beans as best as you can. Ass the skinned soybeans to a blender and 4 cups of water. Blend until smooth. Strain the mixture with cheesecloth or a strainer. Put the milk in a heavy pan and boil for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- When everything has cooled down, tale a Grande cup and pour in some ice. Add the ready passion tea and then add soy milk and vanilla syrup equal to a Starbucks pump. Add food color and mix well. Enjoy!
Notes
- Most people are okay with the smurf refresher without the food color option. You can have it without the blue but if you want to keep it colored without using the food color, use some blueberries instead.
- You can add sweeteners as much or as little as you would want. While some people would opt for honey, others would rather use sugar. Everything is good and acceptable.
Informative Section
How do you order a Smurf refresher at Starbucks?
Ask for a Grande passion iced tea with a pump of soy milk and vanilla syrup.
Is Smurf refresher Starbucks good?
Yes, this drink is great as it is low fat and contains non-dairy milk suitable for vegans.
How much does a Smurf Refresher cost at Starbucks?
This will depend on the sizes, for example a Grande Smurf Refresher will cost you $2.95.
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