Copycat Starbucks Dragonfruit Refresher
A vibrant pink lemonade that tastes just like Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher, today’s dragonfruit lemonade is a delicious way to quench your thirst this summer without having to splash out on the real deal.
Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher Recipe
Starbucks describes the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher as, “A tropical-inspired pick-me-up–crafted with a refreshing combination of sweet mango and dragonfruit flavors and hand-shaken with ice plus a scoop of real diced dragonfruit.”
While the Starbucks version contains 45-85mg of caffeine (depending on the size ordered), I decided to make our refreshers without any caffeine. You can add some green tea (or green coffee extract – which is what Starbucks uses), if desired.
The vibrant pink color indicates how flavorful and refreshing this drink is.. it’s essentially a dragonfruit-flavoured lemonade! The sweet tropical flavor is refreshing with just the right about of tart bite, thanks to the lemons and dragonfruit.
What does dragonfruit taste like? Dragonfruit is often described as flavorless, and while it is mild compared to other tropical flavors it has a slightly tart flavor that is somewhat like a mix of kiwi and berries.
The dried dragonfruit powder or dehydrated dragonfruit chunks are pretty pricey at first purchase, but if you’re a fan of these refreshers, buying the dragonfruit powder/chunks will save you a small fortune in the long run. (For example, each refresher costs $3.95 to $4.25 USD before taxes, while this dragonfruit powder will run you about 40cents per serving.)
What is the difference between the mango dragonfruit refresher and the dragon drink? For a dragon drink, the Starbucks mango dragonfruit refresher is topped off or blended with coconut milk, for a creamy twist on the classic refresher. (You can see our homemade example below.)
This mango dragonfruit refresher can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but personally, I like to add the dehydrated dragonfruit chunks right before serving because it’s kind of cool to see them slowly dissolve and turn the mango lemonade from light yellow to vibrant pink!
And PS – unlike at Starbucks, when you make these mango dragonfruit refreshers at home you can turn them into a refreshing cocktail by adding a shot of vodka, white rum or tequila.
More Starbucks Copycat Recipes
I have a giant post of 50+ Copycat Starbucks Recipes here, but here are a choice few favorites:
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Healthy Strawberry Frappuccino
- Cinnamon Brown Sugar Scones
- Strawberry Acai Refresher
- Cookies and Cream Cold Brew
- Starbucks Skinny Mocha from The Soccer Mom Blog
- Starbucks Instant Pot Egg Bites from Bake Me Some Sugar
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher Ingredients
- Lemonade
- Mango Juice
- Dried Dragonfruit
- Ice, as needed
- Coconut Milk, optional, as needed
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: if you can’t find dried dragonfruit, you can buy frozen dragonfruit and puree to make a dragonfruit juice instead (you’ll need approximately 1/2 cup after straining). Or use 2-3 teaspoons dried dragonfruit powder.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Glass Pitcher
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Large Mixing Spoon
How to Make Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
In a large pitcher, combine the lemonade and mango juice.
Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the lemonade into the glasses.
Add 1 Tablespoon of dried dragonfruit chips to each glass. (Or 1 Tablespoon of dragonfruit juice or 1 teaspoon dehydrated dragonfruit powder.)
If desired, fill glasses only 3/4 of the way full and top with 1/4 cup coconut milk.
Makes 5-7 servings.
Grab your free printable recipe card for our mango dragonfruit refresher recipe:
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Sugar, Spice and Glitter.
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
Ingredients
- 4 cups Lemonade
- 1/2 cup Mango Juice
- 1/2 cup Dried Dragonfruit
- Ice, as needed
- 1 1/2 cups Coconut Milk, optional, as needed
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the lemonade and mango juice.
- Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the lemonade into the glasses.
- Add 1 Tablespoon of dried dragonfruit chips to each glass. (Or 1 Tablespoon of dragonfruit juice or 1 teaspoon dehydrated dragonfruit powder.)
- If desired, fill glasses only 3/4 of the way full and top with 1/4 cup coconut milk.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 0gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
I hope your family loves this mango dragonfruit lemonade recipe nearly as much as my daughter does!
For more delicious drinks, check out our full (non-alcoholic) drink recipe collection here:
