This Mango Dragonfruit Refresher tastes JUST like the version from Starbucks, and the ingredients are easier to find than you think!
Whenever I’m in the mood for something fruity and refreshing, or just want to skip the Starbucks line, this homemade refresher totally hits the spot.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfect copycat: It tastes just like the version you’d get at Starbucks.
- Cheaper option: Skip the high Starbucks price tag by making it at home!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Dragonfruit – freeze-dried or fresh dragonfruit pieces would both work.
- White grape juice – apple juice will work, but has a slightly different flavour.
- Mango juice – use peach juice for a peach dragonfruit refresher.
- Coconut milk – optional to make a dragon drink. You can add half and half instead.
Dragonfruit syrup
- Red dragonfruit pieces – use either fresh or frozen dragonfruit.
- Sugar – stevia would also be good.
- Dragonfruit powder – you can leave this out if need be.
How to make a mango dragonfruit refresher at home
Step 1: Make the syrup.
Simmer the syrup ingredients and mash the dragonfruit.
Step 2: Prep your glass.
Add the freeze-dried dragonfruit and ice.
Step 3: Add the syrup.
Stir in the dragonfruit syrup.
Step 4: Add the juice.
Pour in the juice, stir and serve.
Recipe tips and variations
Here are a few tips I recommend to customize this refresher so it’s exactly what you need it to be!
- Dragon drink: Add in 1/4 cup coconut milk.
- Lemonade: Mix in some lemonade to make it sweeter.
- Dragonfruit cocktail: Swap out the grape juice for white wine, or pour in 1 shot of vodka if you’re looking for something a little extra!
- Blend it: Add it to a blender for more of a smoothie-like texture.
- Sugar-free: Use stevia to make the syrup.
Frequently asked questions
Does the mango dragonfruit refresher have a lot of caffeine in it?
While the Starbucks version contains 45 mg of caffeine, my recipe is completely caffeine-free!
Can I add caffeine?
If you do want some caffeine in your drink, add in some green tea powder.
Does this taste like the real Starbucks version?
Yes, it’s very close! The combo of mango juice, dragonfruit and green tea gives it the same fruity, slightly tangy flavour as the original.
How to store and reheat
Store: Keep leftovers in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.
Freeze and reheat from frozen: You can freeze the refresher in ice cube trays, then blend with a splash of juice or water for a slushy-style drink. Thaw in the fridge if you prefer to serve it over ice.
More Starbucks drink recipes
Meal prep tools
- Buy some freeze-dried dragonfruit online – it’s also great for snacking!
- Order some dragonfruit powder online – you can skip it if need be as it’s mostly just used for colour instead of taste but it does add plenty of nutrients to the drink.
- Get some reusable straws for your drinks!
Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces/chips optional, or use fresh red dragonfruit pieces
- 1 handful ice
- 1/4 cup white grape juice
- 1/4 cup mango juice
- 2 tbsp dragonfruit syrup
For dragon drink
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
Dragonfruit syrup
- 1/2 cup red dragonfruit pieces (fresh or frozen) I can sometimes find them frozen in tropical fruit mixes, such as the President's Choice brand; you can also use fresh dragonfruit
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp dragonfruit powder optional, used mostly for colour
Instructions
- Add fresh or frozen dragonfruit and dragonfruit powder along with sugar and water to a small saucepan over med-high heat. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until dragonfruit has softened. Mash then strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Add freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces to the bottom of a tall glass, then add ice. Add in grape juice, mango juice and dragonfruit syrup. Stir well, then serve and enjoy!
- To make it a dragon drink, add 1/4 cup coconut milk then serve and enjoy.
Comments & Reviews
Kenna says
My local stores don’t have red dragon fruit…could you do it with white?
Taylor Stinson says
Yes for sure!
William S. says
It is too fruity, and it is not just like Starbucks but I still like it and think it tastes really good.
sylvie says
you could try and add water/lemonade to make it less fruity!
Brianna says
I like this bc i work at Starbucks and i am new so this help me a lot.
Jayde says
Does this have caffeine in it?
Taylor Stinson says
My version does not have caffeine.
Janine says
Could you add some sort of alcohol to this? And what would be the best for taste ?
Taylor Stinson says
You could try vodka!
Joslyn says
Definitely too heavy on the white grape juice, but we watered it down (I prefer the refresher just made with water) and it is close enough! Less time, less money, and at my fingertips. Just mixed up an entire pitcher to keep in the fridge for the family.
Emily says
Very good! I suggest using more mango and less white grape, the grape is very overpowering.
Tayler says
Doesn’t taste much like the Starbucks one but it is still very good! Will continue to make it. Thank you for the recipe!
Nini says
Doesn’t taste exactly like it, but its good!
Megan @ The Oregon Dietitian says
I love the dragon drink (and the beautiful color) from Starbucks, but haven’t been there in months! The dragon drink with a splash of coconut milk is my go-to since I’m still nursing and need those fats! I think you nailed this! Can’t wait to try!
Lele says
Can this be done with coconut water instead of coconut milk or lemonade?
Taylor Stinson says
It probably wouldn’t be the exact same but it would likely taste good!