What is in the Starbucks dragon fruit refresher?

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Starbucks mango dragonfruit refresher is a sweet cold beverage known for its tropical flavor and vibrant magenta color. Next time you want this drink, skip the line and make my copycat version at home instead. Using this recipe, you can make this drink for as low as .81 cents, and save $3.44 simultaneously!
Included in this post are all three Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit drinks; Mango Dragonfruit Refresher, Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade, and the Dragon Drink.

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It is well known I am a Starbucks addict. My addiction dates back to the 90s, and I cringe to think how much I have spent over the years. I have been trying to recreate some of my favorites from my local store to save money. I started with blueberry scones, followed by petite vanilla scones. Next is my favorite Starbucks cold beverage on a hot day, mango dragonfruit refresher.

This Starbucks copycat recipe was a challenging recipe to crack. I tried every combination of natural fruits and mango puree possible. Then it dawned on me that Starbucks base is a concentrated clear liquid with no fresh fruit. The Starbucks recipe cannot be recreated using all-natural ingredients.

Then I looked closer at the nutritional label on the Starbucks website and realized 'natural fruit flavor' was listed. Not mango juice, not dragonfruit flavors, but only 'natural fruit flavor.'

I went back to the store and scoured the isles. I came home with many artificially flavored packets. Hands down, the mango passion fruit by Crystal Light was the closest in flavor. What I like about Crystal Light is that it is an artificial flavor without artificial colors or aftertaste. The taste was also as close as I could get to the original drink.

Sixth Day of Testing

Costs

I am as big of a Starbucks lover as your average American. However, frequent trips add up quickly. If I am honest, I think I could consider early retirement if I had invested the money from all my daily trips.

As I write this, a grande at my local Starbucks is $4.25 plus tax. Yikes! From now on, I am making this drink at home for .81 cents. That is a savings of $3.44 per drink.

Here is the breakdown of my costs. Most items were purchased at my local grocery store. I have included links in the recipe card for specialty items that might be harder to find at a local store.

• Dragon Fruit Powder - $15 for 3.5 ounces (42 servings) = $0.35 per serving.
• Crystal Light Mango Passion Fruit - $1.75 for 1.62 ounces (24 servings) = $0.07 per serving.
• White Grape Juice Concentrate - $3.59 for 12 ounces (144 servings) = $0.02 per serving.
• Simple Syrup - $2.78 for 64 ounces for (128 servings) - $.02 per serving
• Frozen Dragon Fruit Cubes (optional) - $4.99 for 12oz (12 servings) $0.35 per serving.

My Total Cost Per Drink $.81. SAVINGS = $3.44

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

Freeze Dried Dragon Fruit Powder - ¼ teaspoon - Dragonfut is a vibrant pink; however, the flavor is neutral. I add it because I love the bright color, but for the taste, it is optional. The powder can be purchased on Amazon.

White Grape Juice - 1 teaspoon - This is a popular fruit juice used in most Starbucks refreshers. I found that a little goes a long way, adding to the overall flavor. Too much, and the drink tastes like grape juice. That is why there is only one teaspoon used in this recipe.

Simple Syrup - 2 tablespoons - This is a blend of equal parts white sugar and water cooked on the stove until the sugar dissolves. For less sugar, add less simple syrup when mixing the drink.

Crystal Light Mango Passion Fruit - 1 teaspoon - While an artificial flavor, it does not leave an artificial aftertaste. I used a teaspoon because a little goes a long way. I also purchased this at my local grocery store. It is also available on Amazon.

Optional Ingredients

Green Coffee Bean Powder - 1 teaspoon - Starbucks uses "natural green coffee flavor" in their base, which are unroasted coffee beans that add little flavor while adding caffeine. If you want to add caffeine, start with one teaspoon increments until you reach the desired amount. Click here to purchase green coffee bean extract at amazon.

Freeze Dried Dragon Fruit - - 1 handful - The refresher sold at Starbucks comes with a small amount of freeze-dried dragon fruit cubes. I did find the cubes on Amazon. However, the price was $100 for a bag. An affordable option is freeze-dried pieces (chips), which are the same, just in a different shape. Soak the chips in water for five minutes before mixing.

Fresh or Frozen Dragon Fruit - 1 handful - An alternative to freeze-dried fruit. Click here to learn all about fresh dragon fruit.

Dragon Drink, Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade, Mango Dragonfruit Refresher

Instructions

Time needed: 5 minutes.

How to Make Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher - Copycat Recipe

1. Simple Syrup

   In a small saucepan over low heat, combine water and white sugar. Stir periodically until the sugar dissolves—about five minutes.

2. Mango Dragonfruit Refresher

   Add dragon fruit powder, freeze-dried dragon fruit, water, grape juice, simple syrup, and Crystal Light Mango Passion Fruit Liquid Water Enhancer to a mason jar. Place the lid on top and shake well enough to break up the powder. Pour over ice.

   Mango Dragonfruit Lemonaide Variation

   Add dragon fruit powder, freeze-dried dragon fruit, lemonade, grape juice, simple syrup, and Crystal Light Mango Passion Fruit Liquid Water Enhancer to a mason jar. Place the lid on top and shake well enough to break up the powder. Pour over ice.

   Dragon Drink Variation

   
   Add dragon fruit powder, freeze-dried dragon fruit, coconut milk, grape juice, simple syrup, and Crystal Light Mango Passion Fruit Liquid Water Enhancer to a mason jar. Place the lid on top and shake well enough to break up the powder. Pour over ice.