I Tried Starbucks’ New Holiday Refreshers, and I Can’t Stop Thinking About Their Popping Pearls

The 2026 holiday menu at Starbucks has new Apple Pomegranate Refreshers, and I love anything with pomegranate — not to mention, apples are my preferred fruit, and I’m a big fan of popping pearls in my boba — so I had to try them. All my favorite things in one drink? Say less. I was excited to see how the flavors would come together and was thrilled when Starbucks sent me a gift card to try different versions of these new holiday drinks. Here’s what I thought about the new Apple Pomegranate Refreshers and whether they’re truly the fruity drinks of my dreams. 

Starbucks’ Apple Pomegranate Refresher is one of the new additions to the chain’s 2026 holiday menu, which arrived on November 5. Unlike some of the season’s more dessert-inspired drinks, this one takes a lighter, fruitier approach, combining “crisp apple flavors with pomegranate-flavored popping pearls,” according to the menu announcement. As an iced drink, it’s a festive, refreshing option that immediately stood out to me among the holiday menu’s lineup of cozy, coffee-based beverages.

You can also customize the drink with lemonade and get an Apple Pomegranate Lemonade Refresher for an extra citrusy twist, or order the Snowy Apple Drink, which is made with coconut milk for a creamier finish. I tried the lemonade and coconut versions. At my New York City location, a grande size of each of these drinks costs $7.89 with taxes.

Since I already love apples, pomegranates, and popping pearls, I figured I would like the Apple Pomegranate Lemonade Refresher, and I’m happy to say the drink didn’t disappoint. It was the perfect balance of sweet and tart, especially with the lemonade. Its apple flavor reminded me of a sour apple candy — it tasted slightly tangy and almost candy-like without being overwhelmingly sweet, which made it really fun to sip. Since it’s iced, the drink was especially crisp and refreshing, making a nice change of pace from the sweeter hot holiday drinks I’m used to this time of year.

Honestly, I think the popping pearls are what made this Refresher stand out from any average fruity drink. They added little bursts of sweetness that really tasted like pomegranate and balanced the tart apple flavor, and I loved having something to snack on as I sipped. Between the fruity flavor and fun texture from the pearls, every sip was a little different — and I’d happily order it again.

I also really enjoyed the Snowy Apple version, although it was a pretty different experience. The coconut milk gave it a much creamier, milkier texture and softened some of the tartness that I loved in the original. Instead of that punchy sour-apple flavor, this version was much sweeter, with a smooth, cool, and almost mellow fruitiness. It still had that fresh apple taste, but it was a little more subtle and easy to sip.

If you don’t love tart drinks or want something a little smoother and creamier, I’d definitely recommend the Snowy Apple. It still has the fun pomegranate popping pearls, but the coconut milk makes the drink a little less punchy.

Both the Apple Pomegranate Lemonade Refresher and the Snowy Apple Drink delivered on the fruity flavors I was hoping for, but they each brought something a little different to the table. The original was my personal favorite thanks to its sweet-and-tart apple flavor and crisp, refreshing finish, while the Snowy Apple was a great alternative if you prefer something creamier, sweeter, and a little more mellow. I also think the pomegranate popping pearls are such a fun addition and make both drinks more special than your average Refresher. If you’re looking to switch up your usual Starbucks order this holiday season and aren’t necessarily in the mood for another coffee, I’d definitely give these a try!