When Dunkin’ partnered with Sabrina Carpenter to create this dreamy Dunkin’ Daydream Refresher drink, it instantly became a fan-favorite for its nostalgic strawberries-and-cream vibe. But what if I told you that you don’t need to head to the nearest Dunkin’ to enjoy this treat?
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How to make Dunkin’ Daydream Refresher
The Dunkin’ Daydream Refresher is a type of cold, fruity beverage sold at Dunkin’ — part of their Refresher drink lineup — that’s designed to be creamy, bright, and refreshing.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Dragonfruit Base:
- 1 cup dragonfruit juice (available at specialty stores or substitute with dragonfruit-flavored beverage mix)
- ½ cup strawberry juice/puree (fresh or ready-made options work here)
- 1 cup cold water
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Ice cubes
For the Creamy Touch:
- ½ cup oat milk (or substitute with your preferred plant-based milk)
Whipped cold foam:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup oat milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Edible flower petals (for a whimsical touch)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large jug or mixing bowl, combine dragonfruit juice, strawberry juice or puree, and cold water. Add honey or simple syrup to sweeten, adjusting to your taste (optional). Mix until smooth. Pour the base over ice in your serving glass, filling it about ¾ of the way to leave room for milk and toppings.
Step 2: Slowly pour ½ cup of oat milk into the glass, letting it swirl naturally with the fruity base. Stir gently if you prefer a fully blended drink or keep it layered for that Instagram-worthy look.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream, oat milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until frothy but still pourable. Spoon the foam over the top of the drink to give it that signature velvety texture.
Step 4: Add a few fresh strawberry slices or edible flower petals for an extra fun and elegant look. Serve with a straw or sip as is—either way, it’s destined to be delicious!
Tips for the Perfect Daydream Refresher
- Personalize the flavors: If dragonfruit isn’t your favorite, swap it with another fruit juice like mango or mixed berry to switch up the vibe.
- Chill everything: The refresher is best served ice cold! For maximum refreshment, pre-chill your ingredients and glass before mixing.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sugary drinks, consider skipping the honey or using unsweetened juices.
- Experiment with foam: Want to take it up a notch? Try flavored cold foam by adding cocoa powder or caramel syrup to the mix.
What to serve with
Let’s elevate your experience by pairing this dreamy drink with some delightful snacks and treats.
1. Fresh and Fruity Options
- Berry Parfait: Layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries create a light and refreshing parfait that complements the fruity notes of your Daydream Refresher. Drizzle with honey or a dollop of berry compote for added sweetness.
- Fruit Skewers: Assemble a colorful assortment of fruits like strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and grapes on skewers. These fruit bites are not only visually appealing but also enhance the natural fruit flavors in your drink.
2. Sweet Treats
- Strawberry Shortcake: A classic dessert like strawberry shortcake is an excellent match for the strawberry tones of the Refresher. The soft, spongy cake, layers of fresh strawberries, and whipped cream add a touch of elegance to your snack spread.
- Lemon Bars: The zesty, sweet flavor of lemon bars provides a contrasting yet complementary citrus note to the berry-infused drink. The bright lemon flavor cuts through the creamy richness of the Refresher, making for a balanced taste experience.
Ingredients Substitutes
One of the best things about making the Dunkin’ Daydream Refresher at home is how flexible and customizable the recipe is!
1. Dragonfruit Juice/Substitute
The dragonfruit juice is responsible for the vibrant, slightly tropical base of the drink, but it can be tricky to find in certain areas. Here’s what you can use instead:
Option 1: Pre-packaged dragonfruit drink mix or powdered flavoring (such as those used in teas or lemonade) can substitute perfectly. Dissolve in water to create a juice-like consistency.
Option 2: Pomegranate juice has a similar deep reddish-pink hue and a tart, fruity flavor profile that works as a great alternative.
Option 3: If you’re leaning toward a lighter, summery twist, pure watermelon juice can take the place of dragonfruit.
Option 4: A store-bought blend of tropical juices (like mango-passionfruit, berry blends, or strawberry-orange) can add a similar fruity punch without veering too far from the flavor balance.
2. Strawberry Juice / Puree Substitute
Strawberries contribute the signature berry sweetness of the drink. If you don’t have fresh strawberry juice or puree, try these alternatives:
Option 1: Blend frozen strawberries with a splash of water or apple juice to make a homemade puree. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Option 2: A strawberry-flavored syrup works well, but since syrups are sweeter, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Option 3: For a slightly tangier twist, replace strawberries with fresh or pre-made raspberry puree. This adds a berry-forward note while keeping the drink fruity.
Final Thoughts
Now, you’ve got the tools to create your own Dunkin’ Daydream Refresher and customize it however you’d like!
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Dragonfruit Base:
- 1 cup dragonfruit juice
- ½ cup strawberry juice/puree
- 1 cup cold water
- 1–2 teaspoons honey
- Ice cubes
For the Creamy Touch:
- ½ cup oat milk
Whipped cold foam:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup oat milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Edible flower petals
Instructions
Step 1: In a large jug or mixing bowl, combine dragonfruit juice, strawberry juice or puree, and cold water. Add honey or simple syrup to sweeten, adjusting to your taste (optional). Mix until smooth. Pour the base over ice in your serving glass, filling it about ¾ of the way to leave room for milk and toppings.
Step 2: Slowly pour ½ cup of oat milk into the glass, letting it swirl naturally with the fruity base. Stir gently if you prefer a fully blended drink or keep it layered for that Instagram-worthy look.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream, oat milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until frothy but still pourable. Spoon the foam over the top of the drink to give it that signature velvety texture.
Step 4: Add a few fresh strawberry slices or edible flower petals for an extra fun and elegant look. Serve with a straw or sip as is—either way, it’s destined to be delicious!
