TikTok never runs out of drink hacks, but this one really caught my eye, “strawberry water” from Starbucks for just 50 cents.
Sounds way too good to be true, right? A drink with real strawberries at a coffee chain where extras usually cost a small fortune? Still, the internet swears it’s legit.
So I decided to dig in and see if this viral TikTok hack actually works, can you really get strawberry water at Starbucks for only 50 cents?
What Exactly is Starbucks Strawberry Water on TikTok All About?
It started like most TikTok hacks do, one video, a clever idea, and millions of curious coffee drinkers. The claim? You could order strawberry water at Starbucks for just 50 cents.
The trick was simple: ask for a cup of iced water (which is free, yes, Starbucks gives free water), then ask your barista to add strawberries. Some users swore it worked, a few even said their barista gave it to them for free.
Soon, #strawberrywater was everywhere. Videos popped up across TikTok showing people proudly holding their “.50-cent drink” like they’d cracked the Starbucks code.
But does it actually work, or is it just another internet myth? I decided to dig in and find out what really happens when you try to order it yourself.
What Baristas (and Reddit) Are Saying
Starbucks strawberry water is a thing, but getting it for .50 cents… that’s a whole different story.
In doing some research, I came across a Reddit thread “Tik tok hacks are lies. Strawberry water is not 50 cents.” in the r/starbucks subreddit. In this thread, people are claiming that the TikTok hack is a lie and that you can’t actually get strawberry water for only .50 cents.
According to one user, who is a supervisor at Starbucks, they explained that
“A lot a baristas don’t know that it’s supposed to be charged as a custom tea, so it gets as a water with inclusions. Very frustrating when I have to be the as***e manager and remind them to charge properly.”
Other users were quick to point out that the “hack customers became irate” when they were told the price would be close to $4. They explained that they saw the hack on TikTok and thought they were getting water, not custom tea.
Now, whether or not this hack works for you will depend on your barista. Some baristas might not know that they should ring this drink up as a custom tea and might just give it to you the free cup of water, with the strawberries as inclusions (.50 cents).
It doesn’t seem like a nationwide hack that will work every time, but it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a cheap way to get your strawberry fix.
How to Order the Starbucks Strawberry Water Drink (If You Still Want to Try)
So, if you’re willing to take your chances with the hack or just want to try out the drink, here’s how you can order the strawberry water from Starbucks.
- Order a cup of ice water (Starbucks water is triple-filtered and tastes great).
- Ask, “Could you add a scoop of strawberries, please?”
- Expect to pay anywhere from $0.50 to $4, depending on how it’s rung up.
Friendly Tip: if you’re friendly and clear that you saw it online, baristas are more likely to help you out, or at least explain how it’s charged at their location.
How Does the Strawberry Water Taste? (Well, Ducks Love It)
One person on X summed it up perfectly:
New favorite cold drink at starbucks: strawberry water
The mix of Starbuck’s triple-filtered water and strawberries turns out to be surprisingly refreshing, light, fruity, and just sweet enough to feel like something more than water, but less than a Refresher. It’s the kind of drink that tastes like summer, even when it’s not.
And apparently, it’s not just people who love it.
There’s even a viral TikTok of a duck happily sipping on Starbucks strawberry water, proof that this trend might have broader appeal than anyone expected.
I think that is the stamp of approval that you need, right?
The Final Verdict
So, does the Starbucks strawberry water hack work?
- Yes, sometimes.
- But not always for 50 cents.
Here’s the truth:
- It depends entirely on your barista and store policy.
- Officially, Starbucks considers it a custom tea, not a free add-on.
- In rare cases, you’ll get lucky and pay a fraction of the cost.
Either way, it’s a refreshing drink worth trying, especially if you love the flavor of the Strawberry Acai Refresher but want something lighter (and maybe cheaper).
If you love finding Starbucks hacks like this, check out our Starbucks Hub, a full guide to secret menu drinks, ordering tips, and viral TikTok trends.
