Copycat Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze Recipe

Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze has quickly risen to fame as the ultimate summer sip—delightfully crisp, subtly sweet, and bursting with vibrant blueberry flavor. If you’re like me, you may have found yourself craving this drink long after your visit to Dunkin’. But here’s the exciting news: you can recreate this delicious and cooling treat right in your kitchen!

How to make Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze

The Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze Refresher is a summer beverage offering from Dunkin’ that blends fruity and herbal flavors with a customizable base.

Ingredients

Base Options (Choose one base for your drink):

• Iced green tea (1 cup, brewed and chilled) – for a light and earthy flavor.
• Lemonade (1 cup, store-bought or homemade) – for a tangy and sweet base.
• Sparkling water (1 cup) – for a bubbly, refreshing twist.

For the Blueberry Breeze Flavor:

• Blueberries (½ cup, fresh or frozen)
• Juniper berries (optional, 4–5 pieces, for a subtle herbal flavor; can be found at specialty stores or online)
• Honey or simple syrup (1–2 tablespoons, adjust sweetness to taste)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tablespoon, to balance flavors)

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh blueberries
• Lemon slices
• Mint leaves

Instructions

Make the Blueberry Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, ½ cup of water, and honey/simple syrup. (If using juniper berries, toss them in as well.)
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5–7 minutes or until the blueberries burst and release their juices.
3. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. Let the blueberry syrup cool completely.

Prepare the Base

1. If using iced green tea, brew your green tea and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
2. If using lemonade or sparkling water, measure and chill it until ready to serve.

Assemble the Drink

1. In a glass, add 2–3 tablespoons of your cooled blueberry syrup.
2. Pour 1 cup of your chosen base (iced green tea, lemonade, or sparkling water) over the syrup. Stir well to combine.
3. Add ice cubes to the glass to keep your drink chilled.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with a handful of fresh blueberries, a slice of lemon, or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and fresh aroma.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze!

Tips for Perfecting Your Blueberry Breeze

• Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the honey or simple syrup to suit your sweetness preference. Dunkin’ drinks are typically on the sweeter side, but you can tone it down if you prefer a lighter flavor.
• Chill for Maximum Refreshment: Make sure all your ingredients (including the blueberry syrup) are well-chilled before assembling the drink. A cold drink is key to capturing that refreshing, store-bought feel.
• Experiment with the Base: If you prefer a more intense, fruity flavor, lemonade is your best bet.
• For a lighter, herbal taste, iced green tea makes for a great alternative.
• Sparkling water adds a bit of a fizzy, soda-quality to the Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze. Don’t hesitate to mix and match to find your favorite.
• Make It Ahead: The blueberry syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, you can fix a Blueberry Breeze on demand without the extra prep.
• Elevate the Herbal Notes: If you can’t find juniper berries, you can add a small sprig of rosemary during the blueberry syrup-making process for a similar herbal aroma.

What to serve with

The Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze is a refreshing drink that combines fruity, tangy, and slightly herbal flavors, making it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes.

Sweet Options:

• Blueberry Pancakes or Waffles: Enhance the blueberry flavors by pairing the drink with fluffy pancakes or waffles topped with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
• Yogurt Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola, fresh blueberries, and a touch of honey. The creamy texture and crunchy granola nicely contrast with the refreshing drink.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Lemon’s tanginess complements the citrusy undertones of the drink, creating a harmonious pairing.
• French Toast with Berry Compote: The richness of French toast balances the lightness of the Blueberry Breeze, while the berry compote ties in its fruity essence.

Savoury Options:

• Avocado Toast: The creamy avocado and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt provide a savory counterpoint to the drink’s sweetness, creating a balanced breakfast. Add a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing to match the drink.
• Frittata or Quiche: These egg-based dishes, filled with vegetables and cheese, are hearty yet light enough to let the drink’s flavors shine.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making the Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze at home is all about recreating its refreshing flavor while personalizing the drink to fit your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

1. Substitutes for Blueberries

Fresh Blueberries

• Frozen Blueberries: If fresh blueberries are unavailable, frozen blueberries work perfectly. They often release even more juice when simmered, enhancing the flavor of the syrup—no need to thaw them before cooking.
• Blackberries: Blackberries can lend a similar berry flavor with an extra tart edge, making them a great stand-in.
• Raspberries: For a slightly sweeter option, raspberries can replace blueberries while still keeping the fruity essence intact.
• Blueberry Jam or Preserves: If you can’t find fresh or frozen berries, a good-quality blueberry jam can be used to make the syrup. Use 2–3 tablespoons of jam mixed with a little water and heat slightly to achieve a syrup-like consistency.

2. Substitutes for Juniper Berries

Juniper berries add a subtle herbal note to the drink, but they’re not essential for the recipe. If you don’t have access to them, try these alternatives:

• Rosemary: A sprig of fresh rosemary simmered with the blueberry syrup can add depth and a similar herbal aroma.
• Lavender: A small pinch of dried lavender can introduce floral undertones that complement the fruity elements of the drink.
• Skip It Altogether: If herbal notes aren’t your thing, you can simply omit the juniper berries and focus on the fruity and refreshing aspects of the drink.

3. Substitutes for Honey or Simple Syrup

Sweeteners

• Agave Syrup: A great substitute for honey, agave syrup offers a mild sweetness and blends easily into liquids.
• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup works well to sweeten the drink, though it will offer a slightly deeper flavor.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a zero-calorie option, monk fruit sweetener can be used. Dissolve it in warm water first to create a liquid version.
• Granulated Sugar: If you don’t have liquid sweeteners, granulated sugar can be dissolved in equal parts water over low heat to create simple syrup.

4. Substitutes for Lemon Juice

Acidity Alternatives

• Lime Juice: Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a slightly zestier tang.
• Vinegar (Apple Cider or White Wine): If citrus isn’t available, ½ teaspoon of apple cider or white wine vinegar can add the acidity needed to balance the flavors.
• Citric Acid Powder: A pinch of citric acid powder can be mixed with water for a citrus replacement.

5. Substitutes for the Drink Base

Iced Green Tea

If green tea isn’t available, try these alternatives for a similar light, refreshing flavor:

• Black Tea: Brew black tea and let it cool; it adds a slightly richer tea flavor to the drink but pairs well with the blueberry syrup.
• Herbal Tea: Look for teas with fruity or citrus profiles, such as hibiscus, chamomile, or mint tea.
• Watered-Down Fruit Juice: Dilute apple or white grape juice with water to create a fruity base similar in character to green tea.

Lemonade

Lemonade is tangy, sweet, and perfect for pairing with the blueberry syrup, but if you don’t have lemonade, you can substitute:

• Limeade: Limeade offers a comparable sweet and tangy profile and works beautifully with the berry syrup.
• Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice can be used for a different citrus twist, though it may alter the overall flavor.
• Homemade Lemon Water: Mix water with lemon juice and sweeten it with honey or sugar to create a quick substitute.

Sparkling Water

Sparkling water adds a bubbly texture to the drink, but you can replace it with:

• Club Soda: Club soda has the same effervescent quality as sparkling water and works as a straightforward swap.
• Ginger Ale: For a sweet and spicy twist, ginger ale pairs surprisingly well with the blueberry flavor, though it will make the drink sweeter.
• Flat Water: If you don’t want bubbles, plain chilled water can still create a refreshing drink.

Final Thoughts

The Dunkin’ Blueberry Breeze is a versatile beverage that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from breakfast classics to desserts and snackable treats.

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

• Copycat Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin Cookie Dough Iced Coffee Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe