Chocolate Strawberry Daydream Refresher Recipe

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I’ve always been a fan of unique and refreshing beverages, and when I first came across this Chocolate Strawberry Daydream Refresher at Dunkin‘, I knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of the perfect harmony between fruity and decadent flavors.

How to make Chocolate Strawberry Daydream Refresher

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Daydream Refresher (often just called the Chocolate Strawberry Daydream Refresher in menus) is a seasonal, dessert-inspired iced drink offered by Dunkin’ as part of its Valentine’s Day 2026 lineup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strawberry-dragonfruit juice
• 1/2 cup oat milk
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• Ice cubes (as much as needed to fill your glass)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk of your choice
• 1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened is best for that rich flavor)
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness preference)
• Chocolate drizzle (for garnishing the glass or on top)

Instructions:

Step 1: In a large pitcher or mixing bowl, combine the strawberry-dragonfruit juice and oat milk. Stir well to mix the fruity and creamy components together. Sweeten your base with a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup if your juice is not already sweetened. Mix thoroughly.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. You can use a handheld frother, immersion blender, or whisk to achieve a light, frothy consistency. Whip until the foam thickens slightly but remains pourable.

Step 3: Fill your glass (or cup) halfway or more with ice cubes. Pour the strawberry-dragonfruit refresher base over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top for the foam. Gently spoon or pour the chocolate cold foam over the base. Drizzle chocolate syrup on top or garnish with fresh strawberry slices for extra flair.

Step 4: Serve immediately with a straw or stir lightly for the full creamy-fruity experience. Enjoy your Chocolate Strawberry Daydream Refresher whenever you need that perfect balance of chocolate and fruity flavors!

Tips for the Perfect Refresher:

• Customize the Sweetness: Everyone’s sweetness preference varies! Adjust the honey or agave syrup according to your desired taste while balancing the fruit juices and chocolate foam.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, use fresh strawberry puree and dragonfruit juice to ensure vibrant flavors and avoid additives from store-bought juices.
• Experiment with Milk Options: Oat milk is smooth and creamy, but almond milk or coconut milk can offer a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Foam Hack: Don’t have heavy cream? Try frothing together regular milk with cocoa powder using a handheld frother. It won’t be as rich but will still add a chocolatey layer.
• Presentation Matters: Use a clear glass to show off the stunning layers of pink and chocolate foam. A sprinkle of cocoa or chocolate shavings can add a decorative touch!

What to serve with

The Chocolate Strawberry Daydream Refresher is an indulgent drink that pairs perfectly with sweet treats and light snacks. Its combination of fruity and chocolatey flavors opens a world of possibilities for delightful pairings.

1. Chocolate-Based Treats

Since the drink features creamy chocolate foam, pairing it with similarly rich chocolaty desserts creates a decadent experience.

Recommended Pairings:

• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The perfect complement to the drink’s strawberry-chocolate flavor profile. Make these at home with fresh strawberries and melted chocolate for an elegant snack.
• Chocolate Brownies: A fudgy brownie adds that extra layer of indulgence and makes for a great pairing if you want something substantial.
• Chocolate Cookies or Biscotti: A crunchy option like chocolate chip cookies or chocolate-dipped biscotti is a classic pairing with creamy beverages.

2. Fruity Desserts

The strawberry-dragonfruit juice base of the refresher pairs beautifully with other fresh fruit-forward treats.

Recommended Pairings:

• Fruit Tart: Tarts topped with strawberries, dragonfruit, or other vibrant fruits complement the drink’s fruity notes.
• Strawberry Shortcake: The sweet, fluffy shortcake balances the light-bodied drink perfectly and amplifies the strawberry theme.
• Dragonfruit and Berry Parfaits: Layered yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and dragonfruit can harmonize with the drink’s flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

The beauty of making the Chocolate Strawberry Daydream Refresher at home is that it can easily be customized based on the ingredients you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

1. Substitutes for Strawberry-Dragonfruit Juice

This ingredient forms the fruity base of the refresher, but if you can’t find a ready-made strawberry-dragonfruit blend, there are plenty of alternatives:

• Strawberry Juice: Use pure strawberry juice (homemade or store-bought) as your main base for the drink. You can blend fresh or frozen strawberries with a bit of water for the freshest flavor.
• Dragonfruit Juice Substitute: If dragonfruit juice isn’t available, try watermelon juice, pomegranate juice, or passionfruit juice. These options provide a similar vibrant tart-sweet flavor.
• Mixed Berry Juice: Berry blends (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry) work well to replicate a fruity and zesty flavor profile.
• Coconut Water with Strawberry Puree: For a lighter, hydrating base, mix coconut water with pureed strawberries. The mild flavor of coconut water blends nicely with the fruity elements.

2. Substitutes for Oat Milk

Oat milk adds a creamy element that balances the drink’s fruity and chocolaty flavors. However, you can easily switch to other dairy and non-dairy options:

• Almond Milk: This is a slightly nutty and lower-calorie substitute that’s common in creamy drinks.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical twist with a richer and sweeter texture. Perfect if you want the drink to taste extra indulgent.
• Cashew Milk: Offers a slightly thicker texture similar to oat milk and a mild flavor.
• Soy Milk: A neutral alternative that’s widely available and works similarly to oat milk.
• Whole Dairy Milk or Half-and-Half: If you prefer a richer, creamier base and don’t need a dairy-free drink, traditional milk is a great alternative.

3. Substitutes for Chocolate Cold Foam Ingredients

The chocolate cold foam adds a delicious layer of creaminess and decadence. These substitutes ensure you can still achieve the same luscious topping:

• Heavy Cream Substitute: Use coconut cream (the hardened layer at the top of a chilled can of coconut milk) for a dairy-free alternative.
• Milk Substitute: Any non-dairy milk (like almond, coconut, or soy) can replace regular milk when whipping the foam. Keep in mind that non-dairy options may create foam with slightly less structure.
• Cocoa Powder Substitute: If you’re out of cocoa powder: Use melted dark chocolate or chocolate syrup for an extra-smooth, rich foam. Whisk a teaspoon of it into your cream/milk mixture.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Add these for a more natural, liquid sweetness. Keep in mind they might slightly alter the consistency of the foam.

4. Substitutes for Sweeteners in the Refresher Base

The refresher base includes optional honey or agave syrup for sweetness, which can be substituted based on your preferences:

• Sugar-Free Options: Use stevia, monk fruit extract, or another sugar-free sweetener to make this drink keto-friendly or lower in sugar.
• Maple Syrup: Provides a subtle caramel-like sweetness that pairs nicely with the fruity elements.
• Brown Sugar Syrup: For a slightly deeper, molasses-infused sweetness in the drink.
• Date Syrup: A naturally sweet alternative with a unique flavor.

5. Substitutes for Ice Cubes

Ice is essential for making the drink refreshing and balancing the flavors. Here are some creative alternatives for ice cubes:

• Fruit-Infused Ice Cubes: Freeze small chunks of strawberries or dragonfruit in an ice cube tray with water. These will add extra flavor as they melt.
• Juice Ice Cubes: Pour the same juice you’re using in the refresher into ice cube trays and freeze. This keeps your drink from getting diluted as the ice melts.
• Frozen Strawberries or Dragonfruit Cubes: Instead of regular ice, use frozen fruits to keep the flavor strong and maintain a slushy texture.

6. Substitutes for Chocolate Drizzle (Optional Garnish)

The chocolate garnish adds a finishing touch of decadence. If you’re out of chocolate syrup or want to try something different:

• Homemade Chocolate Syrup: Mix cocoa powder with a small amount of warm water and sugar to create a makeshift chocolate syrup.
• Nutella or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Warm it slightly until liquid for drizzling over the foam.
• Caramel Sauce or White Chocolate Drizzle: These give a slightly different finishing touch but pair beautifully with the strawberry flavors.

Final Thoughts

Creating the Chocolate Strawberry Daydream Refresher at home allows you to enjoy this indulgent drink anytime you like, tailored to your own preferences.

More Refresher Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Cannonball Drink Recipe