Homemade Dunkin' Pink Refresher Recipe

One drink that’s captured the hearts of many is the Dunkin’ Pink Refresher. With its vibrant hue, irresistible fruity flavor, and energizing boost, it feels like summer in a cup no matter the season.

Table of Contents

How to make Dunkin’ Pink Refresher

The Dunkin’ Pink Refresher is a cold, fruity, sparkling beverage from Dunkin’, part of their “Refreshers” line. It’s made with fruit flavors like guava, passion fruit, and orange (or strawberry and dragon fruit in some variants), combined with sparkling water or other bases like green tea. It’s sweet, tart, and bubbly, designed as a light, refreshing alternative to coffee or lattes.

Ingredients

2 cups of brewed green tea (cooled) – Dunkin’s Refreshers are tea-based, so green tea is ideal for the base as it’s light and energizing.
1/2 cup of coconut water – Gives the drink a hydrating tropical twist and mimics the smooth texture of the original.
1/4 cup strawberry dragonfruit drink mix or syrup – The vibrant fruit flavors come from a key mix of strawberry and dragonfruit. You can use store-bought syrups or powdered drink mixes.
1/4 cup lemonade – Adds a tangy zing to balance the sweetness of the fruit flavors.
Ice cubes – For that cool, refreshing vibe.
Sliced strawberries or dragonfruit chunks (optional) – Perfect for topping or adding fresh fruit flavor.

Instructions

Brew the Green Tea: Brew your green tea as per package instructions. Make sure to let it cool completely before using it as the base for your Refresher. If you’re short on time, chill the tea in the fridge for added convenience.
Mix the Base Ingredients: In a pitcher or mixing glass, combine the cooled green tea, coconut water, lemonade, and strawberry dragonfruit syrup or powdered mix. Stir thoroughly until the flavors are well blended.
Add Ice: Fill your glass with ice cubes. This drink is best served cold, so don’t hold back!
Pour and Garnish: Pour the prepared mixture over the ice. Add slices of fresh strawberries, dragonfruit chunks, or even a sprig of mint as garnish for that extra flair.
Taste and Adjust: Want it sweeter? Add a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup. Prefer it a bit more tangy? Squeeze in a touch of fresh lemon juice.

Tips & Tricks

Choose Quality Syrups: For a true Dunkin’ flavor, use high-quality strawberry and dragonfruit syrups. Torani or Monin syrups are great options available at most stores or online.
Experiment with Lemonade: While regular lemonade works well, try pink lemonade for a deeper, richer flavor that elevates the fruity notes.
Go Fizzy: If you prefer a bubbly drink, substitute coconut water with sparkling water or soda water.
Presentation Matters: Use a clear glass to show off the vibrant pink color of your drink—it looks stunning for Instagram-worthy pics!
Make it Energizing: For a caffeine kick, use matcha powder instead of green tea or pair the green tea with a shot of espresso.

What to serve with

The Dunkin’ Pink Refresher is not just a drink—it’s an experience! With its fruity, vibrant flavors and refreshing touch, it’s the ideal beverage to accompany an array of dishes.

1. Fresh and Light Snacks

Since the Dunkin’ Pink Refresher is a light and fruity beverage, pairing it with fresh snacks is the way to go. These options balance the drink’s sweetness and keep the meal refreshing and easy:

2. Pastries and Baked Treats

Pairing the Dunkin’ Pink Refresher with baked goods adds a comforting touch to your snack or meal.

Muffins: Blueberry, banana nut, or lemon poppyseed muffins offer fruity and zesty flavors that go harmoniously with the drink’s strawberry-dragonfruit profile.
Croissants: A buttery and flaky croissant pairs beautifully with the tropical notes of the Dunkin’ Pink Refresher. You could even opt for ones filled with jam or cream.
Scones: Try scones made with fruit (like cranberry or orange) or served with clotted cream and jam for a delightful afternoon tea vibe.
Macarons: These delicate French treats with fruity fillings (like raspberry or passionfruit) match the drink’s aesthetic and sweetness perfectly.

Ingredients Substitutes

When it comes to recreating Dunkin’s Pink Refresher at home, the beauty of the recipe is its flexibility!

1. Green Tea Substitute

The original Pink Refresher uses tea as its base, specifically green tea, which is light, refreshing, and energizing. However, there are great alternatives if green tea isn’t your preference or if you want to experiment with different flavors.

Black Tea: If you prefer a bolder tea base, black tea adds richness and depth. Brew it lightly to avoid overpowering the fruity flavors.
Herbal Tea: Go caffeine-free with fruity herbal teas like hibiscus, berry blends, or peach tea for a naturally sweet, aromatic alternative.
Matcha Powder: For a creamy, earthy twist and an extra caffeine punch, mix matcha powder into water and use it instead of brewed tea.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea’s floral notes complement the refresher, making it a relaxing and mild substitute.
Water or Coconut Water: If tea isn’t your thing, swap it out entirely for purified water or stick with coconut water for a tropical feel.

2. Coconut Water Substitute

Coconut water gives the drink its lightly hydrating tropical vibe and smooth texture, but there are other options if you don’t have or don’t enjoy coconut water.

Sparkling Water: For a fizzy take on the refresher, swap coconut water with sparkling or soda water. This adds sparkle and is perfect for a mocktail-style drink.
Plain Water: If simplicity is the goal, regular water works just fine as a neutral base. You can adjust the sweetness with additional syrup or lemonade.
Almond Milk: For a creamy twist, try almond milk or cashew milk. This will enhance the drink with a nutty flavor—similar to a “fruit latte.”
White Grape Juice: Sweetened juices like white grape juice can replace coconut water and complement the fruity syrup while adding a bit more sweetness.

3. Strawberry Dragonfruit Syrup or Powder Substitute

The signature flavor of the Pink Refresher comes from fruity syrups, particularly strawberry and dragonfruit. If you don’t have the exact blend, there are plenty of creative options to replicate the tropical flavor profile.

Fresh Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar for a natural, preservative-free syrup substitute.
Dragonfruit Puree: Use frozen dragonfruit cubes or powder to make your own puree, similar to Dunkin’s tropical dragonfruit flavor.
Berry Syrups: Raspberry syrup or mixed berry syrups are great alternatives that add vibrant sweetness and tangy notes.
Tropical Juices: Mango juice, passionfruit juice, or guava juice can replace the syrup entirely, delivering similar tropical vibes.
DIY Syrup: Combine water, sugar, fresh fruit (like strawberries or dragonfruit), and a splash of lemon juice over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a syrup consistency.

4. Lemonade Substitute

Lemonade adds tanginess and balances the fruity sweetness of the refresher. If you don’t have lemonade or prefer different flavors, here’s how you can substitute:

Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of fresh lemons and mix it with water and a dash of sugar to mimic lemonade.
Limeade: Lime juice or limeade offers a slightly tangier, zesty alternative to lemonade. This works especially well if using berry-based syrups.
Orange Juice: Orange juice can replace lemonade for a slightly sweeter, citrus-forward variation. Make sure to dilute it with water to lighten the flavor.
Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice enhances the tropical side of the refresher and works great if paired with mango or guava.
Apple Cider Vinegar: For the health-conscious, dilute a small amount of unsweetened apple cider vinegar with water and syrup for a tangy, bold twist.

5. Ice Cubes Substitute

While ice cubes are a simple part of the recipe, they can easily be swapped or enhanced to make your drink even more exciting.

Frozen Fruit Cubes: Freeze pieces of strawberries, dragonfruit, or raspberries into ice trays for fruity ice cubes that infuse the drink as they melt.
Flavored Ice Cubes: Freeze coconut water or lemonade for ice cubes that won’t water down the flavor of your refresher.
Crushed Ice: Use crushed ice for a slushier consistency, giving the drink a colder, summer-vibe feel.

Final Thoughts

By following this recipe and customizing your flavors, you’ll have a homemade Dunkin’ Pink Refresher that hits all the right notes.

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Homemade Dunkin’ Pink Refresher Recipe