The Pink Starburst 7Brew recipe with sparkling water is a refreshing twist on the popular 7Brew iced coffee style, combining the sweet, fruity notes inspired by Pink Starburst candy with a fizzy, effervescent finish. This drink balances the boldness of cold brew coffee with the bright, tangy sparkle of carbonated water, making it perfect for a summer pick-me-up or a unique coffee treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (7Brew style, medium roast recommended)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water (chilled, preferably plain or lightly flavored)
- 2 tablespoons pink Starburst syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup whole milk or oat milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- Pink Starburst candy pieces (for garnish, optional)
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup or to taste (optional, if more sweetness is desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the cold brew coffee: If you don’t have premade cold brew, steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water (1:4 coffee to water ratio) for 12-16 hours in the fridge, then strain. Use a medium roast coffee for balanced flavor.
- Make the pink Starburst syrup: If not using store-bought, dissolve 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water over low heat until clear. Remove from heat and stir in crushed pink Starburst candies until fully melted. Strain out any solids and let cool. Store in the fridge.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Add 1 cup cold brew coffee over the ice.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of pink Starburst syrup to the coffee and stir gently to combine.
- Add 1/4 cup milk or oat milk if you prefer a creamier texture; stir again.
- Slowly top off with 1/2 cup chilled sparkling water to maintain fizz and create a layered effect.
- Optional: Add simple syrup if you want it sweeter, adjusting to taste.
- Garnish with a few pink Starburst candy pieces on top or on a skewer for presentation.
- Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy the fizzy, fruity coffee fusion.
Tips
- Syrup Substitutions: If you can’t find pink Starburst candies, try using strawberry or watermelon flavored syrup to mimic the fruity sweetness.
- Milk Alternatives: Use oat milk or almond milk to keep it dairy-free while maintaining creaminess; coconut milk adds a tropical twist but may overpower the flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure all liquids are well chilled before assembling to keep the sparkling water fizzy and the drink refreshing.
- Common Mistakes: Adding sparkling water too quickly or stirring vigorously will cause the fizz to dissipate; pour gently and stir lightly.
Serving Suggestions
This Pink Starburst 7Brew recipe is best served in a tall, clear glass to showcase the layers and bubbles. Pair it with light breakfast items like buttery croissants, fresh fruit salad, or lemon poppy seed muffins to complement the fruity and fizzy notes. It also works well as a midday refresher or a fun alternative to sugary sodas at brunch.
Variations
You can customize this recipe by experimenting with different coffee roasts or flavors. Using a dark roast cold brew will add more bitterness to contrast the sweet syrup, while a light roast will bring out floral and citrus notes that harmonize with the pink Starburst flavor. For a boozy twist, add a splash of vanilla vodka or rum. To make it vegan, swap milk for coconut or almond milk and ensure your syrup is free from animal-derived ingredients.
Storage and Reheating
Because this recipe relies on cold brew coffee and sparkling water, it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can store leftover cold brew coffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The pink Starburst syrup can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks. Avoid mixing the syrup and sparkling water until ready to serve, as the carbonation will dissipate over time. Reheating is not recommended, as it will eliminate the fizz and alter the flavor balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew?
Regular brewed coffee is more acidic and less smooth than cold brew, which can affect the flavor balance. If using hot coffee, let it cool completely and adjust the syrup amount to taste. Cold brew is preferred for its smoothness and less bitterness.
How do I make pink Starburst syrup at home?
Melt equal parts sugar and water over low heat, then stir in crushed pink Starburst candies until dissolved. Strain solids and cool before using. This homemade syrup captures the candy’s signature fruity sweetness.
Why is sparkling water used instead of regular water?
The carbonation adds a lively, refreshing fizz that contrasts nicely with the rich cold brew and sweet syrup, creating a unique texture and flavor profile that’s more exciting than still water.
What if I don’t have pink Starburst candy?
You can substitute with strawberry, watermelon, or even cherry flavored syrups to approximate the flavor. The key is balancing sweetness with bright, fruity notes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Simply swap dairy milk for plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, or coconut milk, and ensure your syrup ingredients don’t contain animal products.
How do I keep the sparkling water fizzy longer?
Keep sparkling water chilled until the last moment before adding, pour it gently over a spoon to minimize agitation, and serve immediately. Avoid stirring vigorously once added to preserve carbonation.
This Pink Starburst 7Brew recipe with sparkling water is a fun, effervescent way to enjoy cold brew coffee with a fruity twist. Perfect for warm days or whenever you want a sweet, sparkling coffee treat that stands out.
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