Starbucks Refreshers Very Berry Hibiscus

Posted on June 5, 2014 | Last updated February 21, 2025

Starbucks Refreshers Very Berry Hibiscus
This is the Starbucks energy drink, Refreshers Very Berry Hibiscus, released in Japan.

Starbucks Refreshers Very Berry Hibiscus

Manufacturer	Suntory foods
Country of Origin
Price	200 JPY
Flavor	Black berry
Total rating	★★★☆☆

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Rich Berry Flavor with a Unique Aftertaste

According to the description on the can, it contains caffeine derived from green coffee (unroasted beans) extract, along with the flavors of hibiscus and blackberry.
I generally like berry-flavored energy drinks, and the aroma is very rich while still being refreshing, which raises my expectations.

The taste is, of course, a rich berry sweetness followed by acidity. When served at room temperature, it’s so thick that it feels like drinking concentrated juice. This is a typical example where the taste is halved unless you add ice and chill it.

When chilled, the richness is reduced, and the acidity becomes stronger, making it easier to drink. However, the unique flavor becomes more pronounced, and it lingers in the aftertaste. This lingering flavor may divide opinions. I will elaborate on this later.

What is Hibiscus?

Starbucks Refreshers Very Berry Hibiscus
The illustration of hibiscus on the can immediately catches your eye. I wondered what hibiscus would taste like, and it turns out it's expressed more as a fragrance rather than a flavor. The can only mentions "the taste of hibiscus & blackberry." According to the press release, it’s the scent of hibiscus, so perhaps the unique aftertaste is meant to represent hibiscus. Whether or not this is present may determine whether the drink is enjoyable or not.

As an energy drink enthusiast, both the taste and scent are well within the acceptable range for me. I thought more people might find it unpleasant, so I initially thought it could be an acquired taste, but the berry sweetness and tartness are rich and very satisfying. The slightly sharp carbonation also adds to the refreshing quality.

Starbucks Refreshers Very Berry Hibiscus
Even after finishing the drink, the berry and hibiscus notes, along with the sweetness, leave a unique aroma lingering for quite a while. It has a strong flavor profile. There’s a refreshing feeling, but this lingering taste might be the reason why some might not enjoy it.

Excellent Can Design and Color

Starbucks Refreshers Very Berry Hibiscus
As expected from Starbucks, the can design is fantastic. It doesn’t have the edgy feel of an energy drink, but it’s perfectly stylish. The color scheme matches the liquid and makes it easy to imagine the taste.

The liquid has a beautifully rich red color that feels very different from the usual Japanese vibe.
However, if it were to be released domestically, it might have been better to start with an energy coffee flavor first. Otherwise, it might be mistaken for just an expensive juice.

The expiration date of the Very Berry Hibiscus I drank is just 10 days away, making this review a bit bittersweet since it seems the product will be discontinued soon. Overall, I really enjoyed the packaging, flavor, richness, refreshing feeling, and color, but it seems it did not become a staple product.