There is not a day that goes by at FCHS when at least one student does not have a vibrant pink drink in their hands. This drink is purchased at a local Starbucks location and has become a morning staple of the FCHS student body. What makes this drink so popular is that it has a multitude of variations. Some get it made with water, water with berry inclusions, lemonade, peach juice, or even coconut milk, which makes the infamous “Pink Drink.” This concentrate was the base of the most popular line of Starbucks products among teenagers of the modern age.
However, it must be mentioned that the Strawberry Refresher concentrate contained 35-100mg of caffeine, which was being consumed regularly by its’ teenager and child-based fans. In response to the American push for healthier products within the past 6 years, Starbucks has launched a new line of energy-filled and caffeine-free refreshers.
Customers will be able to choose from 3 levels of caffeine. The refresher concentrate no longer contains any caffeine, so patrons will be able to have a caffeine-free option. They can also request light caffeine, which will have the 35-100mg that the old refresher base contained. Finally, customers will be able to add extra caffeine with the heavy caffeine option. The caffeine will be added in pumps of green tea extract, which is used to be infused within the original base.
As an 8-year patron of Starbucks and only drinking the Strawberry Refresher (made with water and no inclusions), it would be a complete lie to say that the drink tastes the same. It is bitter and has a strange aftertaste. Many other customers agree with this opinion, but many have tried to gaslight themselves into tasting the same old refresher. This is not the first time that Starbucks has ruined its popular drinks with messy formulas, as the Chai formula is widely regarded as “trash.” Let’s just say…your girl just started saving $30 a week.
