Starbucks Debuts Pink Cannon Ball Drink Nationwide, Inspired by Viral 'Beast Games' Challenge

Today, along with its spring menu, Starbucks is launching a new take on a fan-favorite beverage.

Starbucks Debuts Pink Cannon Ball Drink

Beginning Tuesday, March 3, Starbucks is launching the Pink Cannon Ball Drink, which the chain describes as “a creamy, pastel-hued take” on the Cannon Ball Drink, which became an instant fan-favorite when it debuted back in January. The Pink Cannon Ball Drink is made by mixing coconut milk with Starbucks’ equally popular Mango Dragonfruit and Strawberry Açaí Refreshers. It’s then shaken with ice and topped off with strawberry and dragonfruit inclusions. The tangy flavors of strawberry, juicy mango, and undertones of berry are combined with a smooth, creamy body and “signature cascading color.”

And as an added treat for fans, the Pink Cannon Ball Drink will remain on Starbucks menus for the foreseeable future, well beyond the limited-time run that was announced several months ago. Guests are also encouraged to try the Cold Foam Cannon Ball, which is a Pink Cannon Ball Drink made extra smooth with an additional topping of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam.

Pink Cannon Ball Inspired by Viral Beast Games Challenge

The debut of the Pink Cannon Ball Drink has been timed to coincide with the second season finale of Beast Games: Strong vs. Smart, which aired last week. “The collaboration between Beast Games and Starbucks brings together two iconic communities loved worldwide,” said Tressie Lieberman, global chief brand officer at Starbucks. “When contestants saw Starbucks on set, they said it felt like home – and that’s exactly what we hoped to deliver. We are thrilled that fans can participate too, and they are in for a treat with the Cannon Ball – a barista-created drink that became an instant hit with contestants and even made its way into a challenge.” 

“The Beast Games competitors pushed themselves to the limit on a daily basis, so we were excited that Starbucks was up for the challenge of powering the competition and helping our contestants recharge in Beast City,” added Beau Avril, Senior Vice President of Global Media and Partnerships at Beast Industries. “We can’t wait for fans everywhere to taste a little bit of the action with the new Cannon Ball Drink.”

Reviews Advise Customers to be Patient

Early reviews for the Pink Cannon Ball Drink have been largely positive, though many warn prospective buyers to give the beverage a moment to find its true color. “At first, I wasn’t quite on board with the Cannon Ball Drink,” according to a review from Elite Daily. “The flavors seemed fairly simple and were just a combo of Starbucks’ popular Refreshers with lemonade. My drink also started out as a pale pink that didn’t really grab my attention. It was tasty, but from the lack of creativity, I wasn’t blown away…But I just needed time. After a few minutes, the dried fruit inclusions on top melted down, creating a gorgeous ombre effect that was incredibly Insta-worthy. It was then that the name started to make sense. The fruit really was like a cannonball that not only provided a nice crunch on top, but transformed my sip into something new.”