Whenever I think of the Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade, I visualize a jewel-toned, magenta drink, beaded with condensation, promising a wave of sweet, tangy, and tropical refreshment. Sorry if that sounded too much lol.
But honestly, this is the kind of drink that turns heads the moment it hits the table. If you’ll indulge me some more – light dances through the glass, catching the pink hues and bouncing off the ice. One sip delivers a cool punch of fruity, floral flavor with just the right amount of zing.
Okay, back to the real world.
The Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade is a pretty unique offering from the company. I like the way these guys create new drinks during the summers and it makes me want to visit Starbucks simply to try out these new offerings.
The first time I had it, it awakened my taste buds with a burst of tangy refreshment. I was hooked, and the Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade became my go-to order. But being who I am, I’m always looking to replicate drinks at home. You won’t believe how unbelievably easy and affordable it is to make the exact same thing at home. With just a few ingredients and five minutes of your time, you can have a fridge-ready pitcher of this bright, caffeine-free refresher (yes, a replacement for tea that tastes the same).
Why You’ll Be Obsessed With This Recipe
- Tastes Exactly Like the Original: I’ve found the perfect, easily accessible tea to duplicate the unique Starbucks flavor.
- Absolutely Stunning: That brilliant pinkish-red hue is a showstopper for guests or just your Instagram feed.
- Completely Caffeine-Free: Perfect for any time of day, and safe for kids too (see below for the ingredients).
- Made for Batching: Mix up a pitcher and you’re set for the week.
The Secret to the Color & Flavor: It’s Not Just Passion Fruit
Here’s where the real magic hides. The signature tart flavor and vibrant magenta color don’t come from passion fruit. They come from hibiscus flowers! That’s the primary ingredient in the Teavana Passion Tango™ tea blend used by Starbucks.
The best and most widely available duplicate for this is Tazo Passion® Herbal Tea. It contains the same key notes of hibiscus, orange peel, and rose hips. That makes it the perfect base for our recipe.
So what does it taste like? It’s bright, tangy, and floral. You’ll get a punch of hibiscus, and a fresh lemonade finish.
Your Guide to the Simple Ingredients
The Tea:
Must-Use: 4 Tazo Passion® Herbal Tea bags. Brew it concentrated for a bold flavor.
The Lemonade:
Best Choice for the Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade: Choose a good quality lemonade that hits that sweet-tart balance. Avoid anything overly sugary or artificial. Simply Lemonade works great.
Homemade Option: Prefer to keep things from scratch? Use your favorite homemade lemonade recipe. We have a guide for that: How to Make Lemonade with Lemon Juice.
The Sweetener:
Authentic Choice: 1/4 cup of Starbucks Classic Syrup. This is just a basic simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. If you don’t have it ready, here’s how to make your own Quick Simple Sugar Syrup Recipe: Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Heat just until the sugar dissolves. Cool completely before using.
The Water and Ice:
Use 2 cups of filtered water for brewing the tea concentrate. It gives the cleanest, freshest flavor. Use Ice to keep it cool and refreshing.
Essential Tools (And Easy Swaps)
Cocktail Shaker:
This is the secret to a perfectly chilled, lightly frothy drink, just like they make in-store.
Don’t Have One?
No big deal. A large mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly.
Other Tools:
You’ll also need a pitcher for chilling the tea and a jigger or measuring cups.
How to Make Passion Tea Lemonade: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Brew the Tea Concentrate
Bring 2 cups of filtered water to a boil. Remove from heat. Add 4 Tazo Passion tea bags. Let them steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Do not steep longer.
Step 2: Chill the Tea Completely
Discard the tea bags. Pour the concentrate into a pitcher or jar. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour until fully cold.
Step 3: Assemble & Shake
Fill your cocktail shaker (or mason jar) with ice. Add equal parts chilled tea and lemonade. Pour in simple syrup to taste.
Step 4: Shake Vigorously & Serve
Secure the lid and shake hard for about 15 seconds. It should look frosty and a bit foamy. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead Master: Brew a larger batch of concentrate. Mix with lemonade in a pitcher. Keep chilled. When ready, shake with ice for a fresh glass.
- Don’t Squeeze the Tea Bags: Avoid squeezing them after steeping. This can release bitterness into your drink.
- Taste and Adjust: Everyone likes their drink a little different. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Fun & Creative Variations
Sparkling Passion Tea Lemonade:
Top with a splash of sparkling water after shaking for a fizzy twist.
Add Fresh Fruit:
Toss in a few muddled raspberries or pineapple chunks for an extra burst of flavor.
Passion Tea Palmer (Adult Alcohol Version):
Add a shot (1.5 oz) of vodka or white rum before shaking.
Just the Iced Tea:
Want to skip the lemonade? Mix the tea concentrate with cold water and syrup instead.
Perfect Pairings: What to Eat With Your Passion Tea Lemonade
This vibrant drink pairs beautifully with a variety of light, flavorful foods. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just grabbing a snack, here are some tasty ideas:
- Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits: The creaminess and slight tartness of yogurt balance the fruity tang of the tea.
- Grilled Chicken Wraps: A light wrap with grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, and a touch of citrus dressing goes perfectly with the floral notes of the drink.
- Lemon Shortbread Cookies: Sweet, buttery cookies with a zing of lemon match the lemonade twist in the tea.
- Fresh Caprese Salad: Tomato, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a savory contrast that complements the sweetness of the tea.
Feel free to mix and match, this drink’s flavor profile is flexible enough to work with sweet or savory. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with something spicy like a sriracha chicken slider for a bold, refreshing combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this drink caffeinated?
No. Both Tazo Passion and Teavana Passion Tango are herbal teas and totally caffeine-free.
Why doesn’t my drink look as pink as Starbucks’?
This usually means the tea concentrate wasn’t strong enough. Use 4 bags for 2 cups of water.
Can I use a different passion fruit tea?
You can try, but for the true Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade taste, hibiscus must be the main ingredient.
Your Summer Refresher is Served!
And there you have it. A drink you’ll keep coming back to. You’re now a master of this Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade classic. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment or rating below! Make it your weekend go-to or add it to your next brunch menu. It’s easy to make, looks stunning, and makes any gathering feel a little more special.
Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade (5-min Copycat Recipe)
A simple recipe to recreate the iconic, vibrant, and refreshing caffeine-free Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks at home. This drink is more than just a thirst-quencher, it’s a whole mood. With its fruity burst and refreshing vibe, it’s the best drink to sip in summers. Plus, it’s a breeze to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 Tazo Passion® herbal tea bags
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups good quality lemonade, chilled
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (or to taste)
- Ice
Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Tea Concentrate
Bring 2 cups of filtered water to a boil. Remove from heat. Add 4 Tazo Passion tea bags. Let them steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Do not steep longer.
Step 2: Chill the Tea Completely
Discard the tea bags. Pour the concentrate into a pitcher or jar. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour until fully cold.
Step 3: Assemble & Shake
Fill your cocktail shaker (or mason jar) with ice. Add equal parts chilled tea and lemonade. Pour in simple syrup to taste.
Step 4: Shake Vigorously & Serve
Secure the lid and shake hard for about 15 seconds. It should look frosty and a bit foamy. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
Notes
Make-Ahead Master: Brew a larger batch of concentrate. Mix with lemonade in a pitcher. Keep chilled. When ready, shake with ice for a fresh glass.
Don't Squeeze the Tea Bags: Avoid squeezing them after steeping. This can release bitterness into your drink.
Taste and Adjust: Everyone likes their drink a little different. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
More Such Refreshing Lemonades For This Summer
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