Starbucks has once again tapped into pop culture, this time teaming up with YouTube megastar MrBeast to launch a new, limited-edition beverage that’s grabbing attention for both its bold look and its celebrity pedigree. The Cannon Ball Drink, available nationwide across U.S. Starbucks locations starting January 14, 2026, is more than just another fruity refresher—it’s a nod to the high-energy world of Beast Games, MrBeast’s hit competition show now streaming its second season on Prime Video.
For those unfamiliar, Beast Games Season 2 premiered on January 7, 2026, and quickly made waves not just for its wild challenges and big personalities, but for its unique set—Beast City, a purpose-built arena in Las Vegas. According to reporting from both Elite Daily and Mashed, the on-set Starbucks wasn’t just a backdrop. It became a real-life oasis for contestants, with an on-set barista whipping up drinks that helped fuel the action. One of those concoctions, inspired by the show’s Cannon Ball Challenge in Episode 4, became such a hit with competitors that Starbucks decided to bring it to the masses.
So, what exactly is in this much-hyped drink? The Cannon Ball combines two of Starbucks’ ever-popular Refreshers—Strawberry Açai and Mango Dragonfruit—with lemonade, then tops it all off with a generous helping of dried strawberry and dragon fruit pieces. As the fruit slowly melts into the icy drink, it creates a magenta ombre effect that’s tailor-made for Instagram stories and TikTok videos alike. The drink is served iced, and, like the rest of the Refresher lineup, it packs a subtle caffeine punch thanks to the fruity concentrate base.
“The all-new pink drink—available most likely through the end of February, when Beast Games Season 2 ends—combines Starbucks’ iconic Strawberry Açaí and Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers with lemonade that is then topped with strawberry and dragonfruit inclusions,” Elite Daily reported. The timing is no accident: Starbucks launched the drink the same day Episode 4 of Beast Games Season 2 dropped on Prime Video, making it possible for fans to sip along as they watched contestants tackle the challenge that inspired the beverage.
Pricing for the Cannon Ball varies by size and location, but in Las Vegas, a Tall (12 ounces) will set you back $4.95, a Grande $5.25, a Venti $5.75, and a Trenta $6.25. If you happen to be in Manhattan, expect to pay about a dollar more for each size, as Mashed noted after checking multiple locations. While the price point is in line with other specialty drinks at Starbucks, it’s clear the company is banking on the MrBeast brand—and the drink’s social media appeal—to drive demand during its short run.
But how does the Cannon Ball actually taste? Reviews have been mixed, though generally positive, with both Elite Daily and Mashed offering detailed breakdowns. Initially, the drink’s flavor comes across as fairly straightforward—a blend of lemonade with subtle berry notes. “Upon my first sip of the Grande Cannon Ball Drink, I found that there wasn’t a whole lot more going on than straight-up lemonade flavor,” wrote the Mashed reviewer. The lemonade, made from a concentrate, delivers a bold tanginess, while the fruity refreshers play a supporting role. Only after a few sips do the acai, strawberry, dragon fruit, and mango flavors start to emerge, but most casual drinkers will likely just notice a general mixed berry vibe.
Where the Cannon Ball really shines, though, is in its appearance. As the dried fruit inclusions on top gradually melt into the drink, they create a striking cascade of magenta hues—something that both reviewers agreed was a highlight. “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 cannon ball that not only provided a nice crunch on top, but transformed my sip into something new,” Elite Daily noted in its taste test, ultimately rating the drink 4 out of 5.
For those watching their nutrition, the Cannon Ball comes with all the usual caveats of a sweet, fruity Starbucks creation. A Tall size (12 ounces) contains 130 calories, 10 milligrams of sodium, 30 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, 26 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein, and 20 milligrams of caffeine. The largest size, Trenta (30 ounces), ramps things up to 320 calories, 1 gram of fat, 25 milligrams of sodium, 76 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, 66 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein, and 50 milligrams of caffeine. However, as Mashed pointed out, the dried fruit pieces on top often don’t make it through the standard Starbucks sip lid, so many customers may end up consuming less sugar and fiber than the nutritional info suggests.
So, is the Cannon Ball worth a try? If you’re a fan of MrBeast, or just love a good Refresher, it’s probably a must-order while it’s available. The drink’s caffeine content sets it apart from a standard lemonade, and its vibrant appearance makes it a favorite for anyone seeking that perfect social media shot. “Fans of MrBeast will probably enjoy the Cannon Ball Drink, given its generally pleasant flavor. Nothing about MrBeast appeals to me—so my analysis of the drink is based on its flavor only—but those for whom the MrBeast branding adds value should find the drink plenty satisfying,” the Mashed reviewer concluded. They also noted that, with Panera’s Charged Lemonades off the market, the Cannon Ball could fill a gap for those seeking a cold, caffeinated lemonade alternative.
Of course, not everyone will find the Cannon Ball a standout. For some, it’s just another berry lemonade—albeit a very photogenic one. “Overall, I liked my Cannon Ball Drink. That said, its best quality was its appearance, and it’s not something I would order again. That’s because I didn’t find it all that distinct from a generic berry lemonade,” Mashed wrote. Still, for regular Starbucks customers looking to change up their refresher rotation, it’s a perfectly solid option.
As the Cannon Ball Drink’s run is expected to end around February 25, 2026, coinciding with the finale of Beast Games Season 2, fans have just a few weeks to experience this pop culture crossover for themselves. Whether you’re in it for the flavor, the caffeine, or the Instagram clout, Starbucks’ latest collaboration is a reminder of just how much the world of food and entertainment continue to blend—one colorful sip at a time.
