With its vibrant flavors of sweet strawberry and exotic dragonfruit paired with the gentle energy boost from green tea, this Dunkin’ Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher has become my go-to treat when I need something light, refreshing, and delicious. But here’s the exciting part: you don’t have to make a Dunkin’ run every time you’re craving this fruity sensation.
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How to make Dunkin’ Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher
Dunkin’ Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher is a cold, fruity iced beverage from Dunkin’ that’s part of their Refresher drink lineup — think of it like a lightly caffeinated, tea-based fruit drink designed to be bright, sweet, and cooling.
Ingredients
- Green Tea: 1 cup, brewed and chilled. Dunkin uses green tea for a light caffeine boost, so opt for your favorite brand of green tea or try matcha for an extra twist.
- Cold Water or Coconut Water: ½ cup to dilute and balance the flavors.
- Dragonfruit Powder or Juice: 1–2 teaspoons. You can use dragonfruit powder (widely available online or in specialty stores) or a dragonfruit-based juice to mimic Dunkin’s tropical fruit flavor.
- Strawberry Syrup or Puree: 2–3 tablespoons. Store-bought strawberry syrup works well, or you can blend fresh strawberries with a touch of sugar for a homemade puree.
- Honey, agave, or simple syrup to sweeten, depending on your taste preferences.
- Ice cubes for serving.
- Fresh strawberry slices or dragonfruit chunks for garnish (optional).
Instructions
- Brew the Green Tea: Start by brewing 1 cup of green tea. Allow it to cool completely before using. You can brew the tea in advance and refrigerate it if you want a quicker prep time.
- Mix the Base: Combine the chilled green tea with ½ cup of water or coconut water in a large pitcher or glass. Coconut water adds a tropical twist, but plain water works perfectly for a more straightforward flavor.
- Add the Dragonfruit and Strawberry: Stir in the dragonfruit powder or juice, followed by the strawberry syrup or puree. Adjust the quantities based on your preferred level of sweetness and fruitiness.
- Sweeten (Optional): Taste the mix and add sweetener (honey, agave, or simple syrup) if needed. Dunkin’s version is lightly sweetened, so keep it subtle for a more authentic recreation.
- Chill and Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the refresher over the ice, and give it a quick stir. Add a garnish of fresh strawberry slices or dragonfruit pieces for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
- Sip and Enjoy the Tropical Escape: Grab your favorite straw, relax, and enjoy your homemade Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher!
Tips to Perfect Your Drink
- Experiment with Coconut Water: Coconut water enhances the tropical vibe and pairs well with the fruit flavors. If you’re unfamiliar with it, try starting with a 50/50 mix of water and coconut water.
- Control the Sweetness: Dunkin’s version isn’t overly sugary, so taste-test frequently as you mix your drink to achieve the perfect balance. If you prefer less sweetness, opt for unsweetened strawberry puree or reduce the amount of syrup used.
- Make It Fizzy: For a fun twist, substitute cold water with sparkling water or soda water. This gives your refresher a bubbly, festive feel, perfect for warmer days.
- Fresh or Frozen Additions: If you have fresh dragonfruit or strawberries available, cutting them into small chunks and blending them with the drink can elevate both the flavor and texture.
- Batch Prep for Gatherings: Planning to share? Multiply the ingredients and prepare a large pitcher of the refresher for family and friends. It’s a crowd-pleaser for parties or brunches.
What to serve with
The Dunkin’ Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher is tropical, fruity, and slightly sweet—like a mini vacation in a cup. Its light and refreshing flavor pairs well with a variety of snacks, appetizers, or even light meals.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a colorful mix of fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, mango, and dragonfruit to match the tropical vibe. A drizzle of honey or a spritz of citrus adds extra zing to the salad.
- Berry Muffins or Pastries: Bake (or grab from the store) berry-filled muffins, croissants, or Danish pastries. The tangy sweetness echoes the fruity notes in the refresher.
- Macarons or Shortbread Cookies: Light, buttery macarons or shortbread cookies bring a balanced sweetness without overpowering the drink. Opt for flavors like strawberry, vanilla, or lemon to complement the beverage.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola, berries, and a dollop of dragonfruit puree in a glass for an elegant snack, perfect for brunch or casual daytime occasions.
Ingredients Substitutes
One of the best things about recreating Dunkin’s Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher at home is the flexibility to use ingredient substitutes.
Substitutes for Green Tea Base
Dunkin’s refresher uses green tea for a mild caffeine kick and as the beverage base. However, there are plenty of options if you want to switch things up or cater to specific preferences:
- Herbal Tea: If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, herbal teas such as hibiscus or chamomile can be a great substitute. Hibiscus offers a tart and fruity flavor that works well with strawberry and dragonfruit notes.
- Matcha Powder: For extra bold flavor and a stronger caffeine boost, dissolve matcha powder in water. Matcha’s earthy undertones bring depth to the tropical drink.
- White Tea: White tea has a lighter taste than green tea but still provides a gentle caffeine kick, making it a subtle alternative.
- Plain Water: If you prefer no tea at all, simply use cold water or coconut water as the base. Coconut water adds a natural sweetness and boosts the tropical vibe.
Substitutes for Dragonfruit
Dragonfruit (pitaya) is essential to achieving the tropical taste and vibrant pink color of the refresher. However, if you don’t have access to fresh dragonfruit or dragonfruit powder, try these alternatives:
- Pomegranate Juice or Powder: While not identical to dragonfruit, pomegranate offers a tangy sweetness and a deep pink hue similar to the refresher. This is one of the easiest swaps available.
- Raspberry Puree or Concentrate: Raspberries have a similar vibrant color and slightly tart fruitiness, which makes them another suitable replacement for dragonfruit.
- Pitaya Smoothie Pack (Frozen): If you can find frozen pitaya smoothie packs, you can easily blend them with water to recreate the dragonfruit flavor and color.
- Beet Powder for Color + Mango Juice for Flavor: Want the gorgeous pink hue without dragonfruit? Use beet powder for color and mango juice to add a tropical taste.
Final Thoughts
The Dunkin’ Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher is versatile and easy to match with both sweet and savory snacks.
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
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