When I saw there was a drink version of my older brother’s favorite childhood treat, I knew I had to see what the Starbucks “secret menu” gummy shark drink was all about. If you have a sweet tooth, then the new not-so-secret drink that’s taken over my TikTok FYP is definitely worth the hype.
What Is the Starbucks Gummy Shark Drink?
The drink, which is rumored to taste like a gummy shark candy, is a twist on Starbucks’ Summer Skies Drink, which debuted in 2024 and is “a sweet summer blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors,” according to the Starbucks website. It’s shaken with ice and “creamy coconutmilk,” and it’s poured over raspberry-flavored pearls that burst when you bite them. This Refresher is the base of the new viral sip — to order the Starbucks gummy shark drink, ask for:
- A venti Starbucks Summer Skies Drink with no raspberry-flavored pearls
- Vanilla sweet cream cold foam
The sweet cream is added to replicate the marshmallow flavor of the bottom of the shark gummy, and of course the blue color is for the shark gummy part. (It’s one of the simpler Starbucks “secret menu” orders, so if you’ve ever been intimidated to ask for an off-menu sip, this could be one to try.) If you’re wondering how much it costs, I paid $8.50 before tax for a venti size.
It’s supposed to taste like the tangy, sweet blue raspberry flavor of the classic gummy shark candy (more on that later). TikTok users are calling this drink a “must try.” This twist on the Summer Skies Drink started to pop up on social media shortly after the Starbucks summer menu was released on May 20, and Starbucks posted the customized drink order on Instagram on June 6.
My Honest Review of the Starbucks Gummy Shark Drink
I was really surprised from the first sip of this drink. It’s not like anything I’ve ever tasted before (at least in a liquid form). Gummy sharks aren’t a typically sour candy, but something about this drink definitely had a sour taste that I wasn’t obsessed with. The tart flavor of the Refresher is overpowering, but after stirring in the cold foam it was much more mild and enjoyable. The vanilla sweet cream cold foam addition replicates the exact look of the gummy shark by adding a stripe of white and a hint of sweetness to the bright blue drink.
The blue color of the drink is beautiful, but after stirring in the cold foam, it’s much sweeter than any of the other Starbucks Refreshers I’ve tasted on the menu. I got this drink in the morning, and wouldn’t recommend tasting it before noon.
If I were to order this drink again, I would reserve it for an afternoon sip and definitely get a smaller size. I’d also make sure to stir in the cold foam first. Some TikTokers are also adding three scoops of vanilla bean powder into the drink, which I think would make it taste even better!
Although I’m not sure this drink will replace my usual cold brew order, I’d definitely order it once in a while to treat myself on a hot summer afternoon.