Pink drinks have become one of summer 2026’s most visible beverage themes, with Starbucks and Dunkin’ using colourful drinks, nostalgia and celebrity collaborations to attract customers. Starbucks is expanding its established Pink Drink through new menu variations and collectible merchandise, while Dunkin’ is promoting Barbie-inspired Refreshers, pink cold foam and a Kylie Jenner collection.
Starbucks expands the Pink Drink beyond the menu
Starbucks’ Pink Drink began as a customer customisation of the Strawberry Açaà Refresher, made with coconut milk instead of water. It went viral in 2016 and joined the permanent menu in 2017.
The company is now extending that popularity through blended beverages, seasonal accessories and collectible drinkware. Interest in the Starbucks Pink Drink merchandise and Bearista Cup launch shows how a familiar drink can become part of a wider lifestyle campaign.
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Dunkin’ combines Barbie and King Kylie
Dunkin’ has taken a collaboration-led approach. Its Barbie lineup includes the Pink Pineapple Refresher and Pink Daydream Refreshers, with selected drinks available with Barbie Pink Strawberry Cold Foam.
The chain later introduced Kylie Jenner’s King Kylie Collection. According to Dunkin’s official July 2026 announcement, the limited-time range includes the Candy Pink Lemonade Refresher, Vanilla Pink Cloud Latte and Pink Lemon Drop Suncloud Lemonade.
The Candy Pink Lemonade Refresher combines dragonfruit and lemonade, while Jenner’s bubblegum-pink styling links the campaign directly to her mid-2010s King Kylie era.
Why nostalgia is helping the comeback
Marketing specialist Eric Davis of MorganMyers told Yahoo Life that nostalgia is helping revive interest in pink drinks. Both the original Starbucks Pink Drink and Jenner’s King Kylie image became widely recognised around 2016, a period that already feels nostalgic to many Gen Z customers and younger millennials.
Why pink performs well online
Pink drinks stand out more clearly in photographs and short videos than a standard iced latte. Their bright colour, foam and fruit pieces give them strong visual appeal, similar to matcha, bubble tea and brightly packaged probiotic sodas such as Olipop and Poppi.
Celebrity promotions may create initial attention, but recommendations from friends and family can feel more trustworthy and may have a greater influence on whether customers actually try a drink.
The “whimsy maxxing” effect
Food and beverage consultant Janet Helm connects the appeal to “whimsy maxxing,” an online idea focused on enjoying playful things that create small moments of happiness. During stressful periods, a colourful drink can offer a simple and lighthearted experience.
Different strategies, the same goal
Starbucks is building on a product with years of recognition, while Dunkin’ is creating urgency through limited-time collaborations and celebrity-driven menus. Both approaches rely on presentation, exclusivity and value, much like the attention surrounding food and drink prices at Atlanta’s World Cup stadium.
What customers should check
Pink drinks can contain very different ingredients. Some use coconut milk, while others contain lemonade, coffee, energy bases or flavoured cold foam. Customers concerned about sugar, caffeine or allergens should check the nutritional information before ordering.
Social media may encourage discovery and nostalgia may prompt the first purchase, but long-term success will depend on flavour, price, consistency and the overall customer experience after the summer campaigns end.
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