I started experimenting with different ingredients to bring the Dunkin’ Berry Sangria Refresher magic to life.
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How to make Dunkin’ Berry Sangria Refresher
The Dunkin’ Berry Sangria Refresher is a seasonal, non-alcoholic fruit drink from Dunkin’, released as part of its 2025 holiday menu. It’s inspired by the flavors of holiday sangria and combines berry flavors like raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry with a choice of base — green tea, black tea, lemonade, or sparkling water.
Ingredients
- Berry Tea Bags (such as raspberry, hibiscus, or berry-infused herbal teas — pick your favorite!)
- Water: About 2 cups for brewing the tea.
- ½ cup white grape juice (for sangria-inspired sweetness).
- ½ cup lemonade (adds a citrusy zing).
- Fresh Berries: A mix of sliced strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for authentic berry flavors and aesthetic.
- Liquid Sweetener: Choose honey, simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled together), or agave syrup to taste.
- Club Soda/Sparkling Water: For a bubbly effect – reminiscent of sangria.
- Ice Cubes: To keep it chilled and refreshing.
Instructions
Step 1: Boil about 2 cups of water and steep 2–3 berry tea bags for 3–5 minutes, or as instructed on the tea package. Let the tea cool to room temperature. You can place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
Step 2: In a large pitcher, pour the cooled berry tea, white grape juice, and lemonade. Stir the mixture well to blend the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Add liquid sweetener (honey, syrup, or agave) to the pitcher. Start with 1–2 tablespoons and adjust based on your preferred sweetness level. Stir until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
Step 4: Toss in the sliced strawberries, whole blueberries, and blackberries into the pitcher. These fruits will not only enhance the flavor but also make your drink look fun and festive!
Step 5: Refrigerate the Berry Sangria Refresher for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse. Pour over ice cubes, garnish with a slice of lemon or fresh mint (optional), and serve! If you want to mimic the sparkling effect, add club soda or sparkling water directly to your glass before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Berry Sangria Refresher
- Experiment with Tea Flavors: Feel free to switch it up with teas like hibiscus or other fruity blends for a unique twist on the Dunkin’ Berry Sangria Refresher.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh fruit and juice ensures better flavors. You can even freeze a few berries to use as colorful ice cubes!
- Make It Ahead of Time: To really deepen the flavors, prepare the refresher a few hours (or even a day) ahead and let it chill in the refrigerator.
- Customizable Sweetness: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, reduce or skip the sweetener for a tarter sangria-like experience. For a sweeter, dessert-like drink, use additional honey or agave.
- Add Sparkle with Club Soda: For a more “sangria-esque” style, club soda or sparkling water is a fantastic addition to give your refresher a bubbly feel.
- Cocktail Option: Want a boozy twist? Add a splash of white wine, rosé, or a clear spirit like vodka for an adults-only version.
What to serve with
The Dunkin’ Berry Sangria Refresher is a vibrant and fruity beverage that pairs perfectly with a variety of sweet and savory foods.
1. Freshly Baked Pastries: Croissants (try a raspberry or chocolate-filled croissant for complementary flavors).
2. Fruit Tartlets: Miniature tarts topped with fresh berries and creamy custard are a fantastic match. They accentuate the berry flavors in the Dunkin’ Berry Sangria Refresher while adding some decadence.
3. Berry Cheesecake Squares: A creamy cheesecake with a berry topping (like raspberry swirl or blueberry glaze) pairs beautifully with the drink’s berry profile.
4. Sugar Cookies or Lemon Bars: Desserts with citrusy and subtle sweet notes complement the sangria-inspired lemonade flavor in the refresher.
5. Fruit Skewers: Serve cold fruit skewers with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, pineapple chunks, and grapes. It’s a light option that matches the drink’s refreshing taste.
Ingredients Substitutes
Recreating the Dunkin’ Berry Sangria Refresher at home is fun and easy, but you don’t always need the exact ingredients to get the same delicious results.
1. Berry Tea Substitute
Berry tea is the star of this recipe, but if you don’t have it, try these alternatives:
- Hibiscus Tea: Hibiscus has a tart, fruity flavor that mimics the refreshing qualities of berry tea. Bonus—it gives a lovely, deep red color too!
- Green Tea with Fruit Notes: Many green tea blends include flavors like pomegranate or passionfruit, which can substitute the berry tea while adding a slightly earthy undertone.
- Black Tea with Fruit Extracts: Black tea infused with raspberry or blueberry flavors can be an excellent replacement. Make sure it’s not overly bold to keep the refresher light.
- Fruit Infused Water: If you want a caffeine-free option, steep fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries) in hot water for several minutes. Cool it down and use it as the drink base.
2. White Grape Juice Substitute
White grape juice adds sweetness and a hint of sangria-like richness. If you don’t have it, try these alternatives:
- Apple Juice: A mild and fruity option that offers sweetness without overpowering the drink.
- Pear Juice: Similar to white grape juice, pear juice provides a delicate flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Pineapple Juice: Though a little brighter and tangier, pineapple juice adds a tropical twist to the Refresher.
- Coconut Water: While not as sweet, coconut water is hydrating and provides a similar level of subtle fruitiness for a lighter option.
3. Lemonade Substitute
The tangy notes from lemonade give the drink its balance, but if you don’t have lemonade, consider these substitutes:
- Limeade: Limeade has a similar tanginess and works well as a swap for lemonade.
- Fresh Lemon Juice + Sweetener: Squeeze fresh lemons into the berry tea base and add honey, agave, or sugar to sweeten. This way, you control the level of tartness and sweetness.
- Orange Juice: For a sweeter citrus taste, orange juice is a great option. While it may not add the same sharpness as lemonade, it blends well with berries.
- Citrus-Flavored Sparkling Water: If you prefer a bubbly drink, this is a low-calorie alternative that gives a subtle citrus kick.
4. Fresh Berry Substitutes
Fresh berries are an essential part of this drink, but if you don’t have specific berries, or they’re out of season, consider these substitutes:
- Frozen Berries: Frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries are great alternatives. Just let them thaw slightly before adding to the drink.
- Dried Berries: Use dried cranberries, blueberries, or strawberries. They may add a chewy texture but will still infuse the drink with flavor.
- Berry Purées: Make or buy a berry purée (e.g., raspberry purée or strawberry purée) and mix it into the base for concentrated fruity flavors.
- Chopped Fruits: If you’re out of berries entirely, try substitutes like pomegranate seeds, chopped grapes, or fresh cherries for similar textures and flavors.
5. Liquid Sweetener Substitute
The liquid sweetener is a crucial ingredient to balance the tartness and enhance the berry flavors, but you can experiment with the following alternatives:
- Granular Sugar: Dissolve regular white sugar or brown sugar in warm water to create your own simple syrup.
- Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness with a subtle caramel note for a unique flavor twist.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie option, use these sugar substitutes to sweeten without impacting the drink’s taste significantly.
- Unsweetened Sweeteners: If you prefer an unsweetened beverage, skip the sweetener completely and rely on the natural sweetness of the juice and fruit.
6. Club Soda/Sparkling Water Substitute
Not everyone keeps club soda or sparkling water handy, but the bubbly effect can still be achieved with some smart swaps:
- Seltzer Water: As close to sparkling water as you can get—it’s fizzy and neutral in taste, just like club soda.
- Tonic Water: Offers the fizz but with slightly bitter undertones. This can mimic sangria’s complexity.
- Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda: If you’re okay with a sweeter beverage, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda can add both fizz and flavor to the refresher.
- Flat Water: If you don’t want carbonation, you can skip the bubbles altogether and use still water or more tea.
7. Ice Cube Substitute
If you’ve run out of ice or want to add extra flavor, you can get creative with your ice options:
- Frozen Berries: Use frozen strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries as “ice cubes” that chill the drink and release natural berry flavors as they defrost.
- Fruit Juice Ice Cubes: Freeze extra lemonade or white grape juice to prevent dilution and enhance the flavor as the ice melts.
- Plain Ice Chips: Crush your ice into smaller pieces for a slushier texture.
Final Thoughts
The Dunkin’ Berry Sangria Refresher is a versatile beverage that complements a wide variety of dishes and snacks.
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
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