Cool off with a refreshing Starbucks passion tea lemonade! A sweet, tart, and fruity drink that's perfect for sunny days or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
There’s nothing quite like the refreshing, tangy-sweet balance of Starbucks' Passion Tea Lemonade, a favorite for cooling down on warm days. Its vibrant flavor and striking color make it a standout on any menu, and the good news is you can recreate this classic drink right in your kitchen. This post will guide you through a simple copycat recipe so you can enjoy the bright, zesty goodness of Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade anytime—no coffee shop trip required!
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don't need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You'll Love this Recipe ⭐
If you're a fan of the vibrant and refreshing flavors of Starbucks' Passion Tea Lemonade, there's a lot to love about making it right at home. This copycat recipe captures the signature tangy-sweet balance with a simple, approachable method that anyone can master. Plus, there are a few extra perks to crafting it yourself..
It's Budget-Friendly and Convenient
Who doesn’t enjoy a refreshing drink without the hefty coffee shop price tag? Making your own Passion Tea Lemonade is a cost-effective way to get your fix. By sourcing a few key ingredients like Tazo® Passion® tea bags and fresh lemons, you can whip up multiple servings for the price of just one store-bought version. No need to wait in long lines or stick to store hours—you can have it whenever the craving strikes.
Fully Customizable to Your Tastes
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. Want it a little sweeter? Add more of the infused simple syrup. Prefer it more tangy? Squeeze in extra lemon juice. Adjusting the flavor to match your personal preferences is easier than ever. You can even explore subtle flavor variations by experimenting with herbs like mint or basil for a truly unique twist.
Looking for more inspiration on adjusting recipes to your liking? Check out our Mango Slushie (McDonald’s Copycat) for another customizable drink idea.
A Healthier Option
With the ability to control ingredients, you also have control over the drink's nutritional value. This copycat recipe uses a sugar substitute, which means you can enjoy the same sweet flavor without the added calories of traditional sugar. It's a great alternative if you're looking to stay on track with your health goals while still indulging in a flavorful treat.
Purely Refreshing Anytime
Whether it's a hot summer afternoon or you're dreaming of warm weather in the middle of winter, this drink feels like a mini getaway in a glass. The deep red hues of the tea combined with the bright lemonade give it a cheerful, mood-boosting appearance that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Feeling inspired to enjoy refreshing drinks more often? Browse more lightened-up recipes in our Lunch Archives for creative ways to pair beverages with your meals.
Minimal Effort, Major Reward
Don't let the layered flavors fool you—this recipe is deceptively simple. With only a few steps, you can enjoy a café-quality drink that feels like a small luxury at home. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, treating yourself after a long day, or simply elevating your afternoon beverage, this DIY drink is an effortless crowd-pleaser.
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
- Water
- Tazo® Passion® tea bags
- Sugar substitute
- Lemongrass
- Cinnamon sticks
- Fresh lemon juice and slices
- Ice
- Fresh mint
🔪 How to Make Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade
Want to elevate your drink game even more? Pair this refreshing beverage with a light snack or vibrant lunch. Browse recipes like our delightful Blueberry Banana Smoothie to complement your creation.
⭐ Tips and Tricks ⭐
Steeping Matters for Bold Flavor
- Start with Fresh, Filtered Water: Always use fresh, filtered water when brewing your tea. Impurities in water can affect the tea’s clarity and flavor.
- Use the Right Amount of Tea Bags: For a rich and robust tea base, stick to the recommended 4 Tazo® Passion® tea bags. Too few, and you’ll lose out on the deep red color and luscious flavor.
- Don’t Oversteep: Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes maximum. Oversteeping can result in a bitter aftertaste, which is far from what we’re aiming for.
Perfecting the Lemonade Blend
- Fresh Lemon Juice is a Game-Changer: Homemade lemonade made from freshly squeezed lemons will always taste brighter and fresher than store-bought varieties.
- Pick the Right Sweetener: If you’re using a sugar substitute, pick one that dissolves well and complements citrus flavors. Monk fruit or erythritol stevia blends work beautifully for low-calorie options.
- Customize the Sweet-Tart Balance: Taste as you mix! Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to add an extra splash of lemonade or a touch more sweetener to suit your preferences.
Ice and Temperature Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: Pre-chill your tea and lemonade before combining them. This ensures the drink is refreshingly cool from the first sip.
- Experiment with Ice Variety: Standard ice cubes do the job, but you can get creative with flavored ice cubes. Freeze a mix of tea, lemonade, or fruit puree in ice cube trays. As they melt, they’ll add more flavor rather than diluting your drink.
Garnishes that Wow
- Add a lemon wheel to the rim or a sprig of mint for a pop of freshness.
- Include fresh fruit slices, like strawberries or raspberries, for a hint of natural sweetness and color.
- Opt for a reusable clear straw or vibrant glassware that lets the drink’s deep red hue stand out.
Low in Calories and Sweetened to Your Taste
The homemade version of Passion Tea Lemonade gives you the flexibility to create a guilt-free treat. By using sugar substitutes like monk fruit or liquid stevia, you cut down on unnecessary calories without losing that tangy-sweet flavor.
- Traditional Starbucks Version: A grande Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks contains around 130 calories, primarily from sugar.
- Copycat Recipe: With a sugar substitute and fresh lemonade, you can reduce the calorie count to less than 40 per serving.
This makes it a fantastic option for anyone who loves iced drinks without the sugar overload.
Weight Watchers Points Overview
If you're a Weight Watchers user, it's a relief to know this recipe won't break the bank when it comes to points. By focusing on zero-point ingredients such as Tazo® Passion® tea bags and freshly squeezed lemon juice, you keep the base of this drink light and simple.
- Starbucks Variation: The regular Starbucks drink can range from 5–7 points for a grande, depending on the sweetness level.
- DIY Copycat Version: When prepared with a sugar substitute, the Weight Watchers points drop significantly—around 1 point per serving.
Want more delicious, low-point inspiration? Check out our Weight Watchers 0 Point Cheesecake for another satisfying, guilt-free treat.
📖 Variations
Fizzy Variations
Love a little sparkle in your drinks? Add a fizzy element to your Passion Tea Lemonade to make it dance on your tongue.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Replace still lemonade with its sparkling counterpart for added effervescence.
- Club Soda: Mix in club soda or sparkling water for a lightly fizzy and less sweet version.
- Prosecco (Adults-Only Option): For gatherings, stir in a splash of prosecco to turn this drink into a vibrant mocktail-turned-cocktail.
Herbal Infusions
Herbs are a subtle-yet-powerful way to change up the flavor profile of your Passion Tea Lemonade. They’re perfect for adding complexity without overwhelming the signature taste.
- Minty Freshness: Muddle fresh mint leaves in your glass or allow some leaves to steep with the tea bags while brewing. It adds a cooling effect perfect for a hot day.
- Lavender and Basil: A pinch of dried lavender or a few basil leaves can bring an aromatic and savory angle to the drink.
Low-Calorie Adjustments
If you're looking to cut down on calories, you can experiment with sugar substitutes or other health-focused ingredients without losing flavor.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit: Replace traditional sweeteners with natural low-calorie options.
- Cucumber Slices: Adding cucumber slices infuses a refreshing and spa-like quality, which also keeps it extremely light.
Looking for more health-conscious customization ideas? Dive into snacks like the Peanut Butter Banana Raisin Snack to complement your drink seamlessly.
More Drink Recipes To Try
- Good Morning Coffee Banana Smoothie
- Pineapple Avocado Smoothie
- Amazing Green Spinach Smoothie
- Death by Chocolate Frozen Hot Chocolate
Passion Tea Lemonade Starbucks
Ingredients
- 5¼ cup water divided
- 4 Tazo® Passion® tea bags
- ¼ cup sugar sustitute
- 4 " lemongrass finely chopped
- 2 small cinnamon sticks
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- Ice to serve
Garnish: (optional)
- Fresh lemon slices
- springs fresh mint
Instructions
- Bring four cups water to a rapid bowl in a teapot or saucepan. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Allow tea bags to steep for several minutes before discarding.
- To prepare the infused simple syrup, combine a quarter cup water, sugar, lemongrass, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through and starts to thicken, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer to separate the solids from the liquid. Discard solids and set the remaining simple syrup aside to cool.
- Combine the brewed tea, lemon juice, and remaining cup of water in a large pitcher. Add infused simple syrup, to taste, and stir to combine.
- To serve, fill four chilled glasses with ice before adding the sweetened iced tea mixture. Garnish with lemon slices and sprigs of fresh mint, if using, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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