Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade is a super simple recipe made right at home with a handful of ingredients, including tea, lemonade, and simple syrup that tastes just like the one at Starbucks but way cheaper!
I don’t often go to Starbucks but when I do, Starbucks passion tea lemonade is the only thing I’m ordering. It’s sweet, tangy, and the ultimate refreshing summer drink!
Much like anything at Starbucks, it can put a dent in your wallet, so it’s definitely an occasional treat. Luckily for me (and now you!), I’ve created a copycat version of this passion tea lemonade that is even better.
It’s simple to make with very few ingredients, so it’s easy to make any time you want, combining brewed passion tea, lemonade, and a vanilla-infused simple syrup. There is nothing quite like a homemade lemonade, so if you’re up to making your own, it’s a great way to use up the rest of the simple syrup.
It’s the perfect thirst quencher for BBQs, pool parties, and hot days when you’re feeling parched.
Passion tea is a herbal tea and doesn’t contain caffeine so it’s great for the whole family. We’ll just have to save the grown-up berry sangria for a different day!
Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade
Why you’ll love this recipe
- You get the same drink at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Customize it to your tastes. I like my iced passion tea lemonade partially-sweetened (one pump of classic syrup for a Grande at Starbucks, for reference).
- The combination of two of the most iconic and refreshing summer drinks just makes sense!
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
Jump- Water and sugar – Boiled together until the sugar dissolved and the mixture is reduced to a simple syrup which can be stored for several weeks. You can make as much as you need to use some and keep some for later if you’d like.
- Vanilla extract – To flavor the simple syrup.
- Passion tea – I like Tazo passion tea. You can pick up the tea bags from Target or your local grocery store, or use whichever brand you like. You’ll brew it and chill it before assembling the drink.
- Lemonade – Use Simply Lemonade or make a homemade lemonade.
How to make Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade
This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Jump- Step One: Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Step Two: Once the sugar dissolved, turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, then remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool.
- Step Three: Brew the passion tea according to package directions. Allow it to cool completely.
- Step Four: To make the passion tea lemonade, combine the tea, lemonade, and simple syrup to a drink shaker and give it a shake.
- Step Five: Add ice to your glass, and pour the drink over top of the ice cubes. Enjoy!
- Try using blackberry lemonade for a twist!
- If you want to make yours with caffeine, add green tea.
- Garnish your drink with a slice of fresh lime.
- You won’t use all the simple syrup. Keep the rest refrigerated to make all kinds of homemade drinks.
Storage
The brewed iced tea on its own will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container.
The simple syrup will last up to a month in the fridge.
Once you mix everything to make the copycat drink, I recommend drinking it the same day for the best flavor.
Need more copycat Starbucks recipes? Try these:
Click here for my entire collection of copycat recipes.
Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces brewed passion tea I like Tazo, chilled
- 2 ounces lemonade homemade or store bought
Instructions
To make the simple syrup
- In a small saucepan, add the water & sugar and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.1 cup water, 1 cup sugar
- Once the sugar dissolves, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the vanilla, and let the simple syrup cool.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
To make the passion tea lemonade
- Combine the tea, lemonade, and 1 1/2 Tablespoons prepared simple syrup in a drink shaker or sealable container. Shake the mixture to combine and pour over ice.8 ounces brewed passion tea, 2 ounces lemonade
Notes
- The simple syrup will keep in the fridge for up to a month and make several batches of tea.
- Use your favorite homemade lemonade or store bought. I like Simply Lemonade.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @melissa_pplates so I can see!Recipe from Smells like Home
Originally published April 23, 2012; photos and text updated April 22, 2025
Did You Make This?
If you made this recipe, I’d love to know how it went in the comments section below.
You can also tag me on Instagram – @melissa_ppplates or share a pic in the Persnickety Plates Community Facebook group. I love seeing what you’ve tried!
I actually make a half gallon of this at a time. Well, a half gallon of the tea (10 tea bags) and blend everything together. Then I put it in a pitcher that I can shake up without making a mess and store it in the fridge. The longest it’s lasted is 2 weeks, usually I drink it long before then. It still tasted fine after all that time. I confirmed with our local Starbucks that it would keep and it does. I prefer to store it this way because I never know when I’ll want it and I don’t want the hassle of mixing it up each time.