Copycat Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher Recipe

Dunkin’ has captured that magic in a cup with their Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher! With the bright, tropical flavors of Strawberry Dragonfruit and Mango Pineapple, mixed with the zesty kick of lemonade, this drink is summer in a sip. But what if I told you that you don’t need to head to Dunkin’ every time you crave this vibrant refresher? That’s right—you can make your own at home!

How to make Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher

The Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher is one of Dunkin’s limited‑edition summer drinks introduced in summer 2025. It’s made by mixing Strawberry Dragonfruit and Mango Pineapple flavors with lemonade for a tropical, bright‑tasting refresher.

Ingredients:

Strawberry Dragonfruit Syrup:

• 1 cup chopped strawberries
• 1/2 cup dragonfruit (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar

Mango Pineapple Syrup:

• 1 cup chopped mango
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar

Lemonade:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (around 8 lemons)
• 4-5 cups cold water (adjust to your taste)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to your taste)

Optional:

• Ice cubes
• Fresh fruit pieces for garnish (strawberries, dragonfruit, mango, pineapple)

Instructions:

Strawberry Dragonfruit Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, dragonfruit, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the fruit is soft and the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Set it aside to cool completely.

Mango Pineapple Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped mango, diced pineapple, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the fruit is soft and the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp. Set it aside to cool completely.

Lemonade:

1. In a large pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, cold water, and sugar.
2. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your preference.

Combining the Refresher:

1. In a serving glass, add ice cubes if desired.
2. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry dragonfruit syrup and 1-2 tablespoons of mango pineapple syrup into the glass.
3. Top with lemonade, stirring gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh fruit pieces if desired.

Tips:

• Freshness Matters: Use the freshest fruits available for the syrups and lemonade to ensure a vibrant, authentic taste.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of syrup and lemonade to suit your taste preference. If you like your drink sweeter, add more syrup!
• Chill Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are well-chilled for the most refreshing experience.
• Experiment with Garnish: Add fresh mint leaves, a slice of lemon, or even some edible flowers to elevate the aesthetic and flavor of your homemade Golden Hour Refresher.
• Stay Creative: If you are unable to find fresh dragonfruit, try substituting it with other exotic fruits like kiwi or passionfruit for an interesting twist.

What to serve with

The Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher, with its vibrant tropical flavors of strawberry dragonfruit, mango pineapple, and zesty lemonade, is an ideal drink for setting a summery vibe.

1. Fresh Summer Salads

The light and fruity nature of the refresher complements crisp, refreshing salads perfectly.

Suggestions:

• Tropical Fruit Salad: Combine diced pineapple, mango, dragonfruit, strawberries, and mint. Top with a drizzle of lime juice for a tangy finish.
• Spinach Strawberry Salad: Toss baby spinach with fresh strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, candied pecans, and balsamic glaze.

2. Grilled Favorites

If you’re sipping your Golden Hour Refresher during a cookout, pair it with grilled dishes that bring smoky and slightly spicy flavors to contrast its fruity sweetness.

Suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Seasoned with lemon, thyme, and a hint of chili powder, these pair wonderfully with the citrusy tones of the Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher.
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Serve with a mango salsa that mirrors the Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher tropical vibe.

3. Fluffy Pastries and Baked Goods

Pastries and baked treats can balance the citrusy brightness of the refresher with buttery, rich flavors.

Suggestions:

• Lemon Bars: Sweet and tangy, these desserts are a match made in heaven with the lemonade base of the drink.
• Mini Croissants with Jam: Opt for tropical fruit jams like pineapple or mango to keep the flavours cohesive.

Ingredients Substitutes

1. Strawberry Dragonfruit Syrup

The Strawberry Dragonfruit syrup is packed with bright and exotic flavors, but substitutions are possible without losing the drink’s essence.

Substitutes:

Instead of Strawberries:

• Raspberries: They offer a tart, fruity kick similar to strawberries.
• Frozen Mixed Berries: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a unique twist.

Instead of Dragonfruit:

• Kiwi: Fresh kiwi has a mild sweetness and tropical vibe that works well in place of dragonfruit.
• Passionfruit: For an exotic twist, use passionfruit pulp to mimic the tropical notes.
• Pear: In a pinch, blend fresh pears for a similar mellow flavor profile.

Sugar Alternatives:

• Honey or Agave Nectar: Both are natural sweeteners that blend well with fruity syrups.

2. Mango Pineapple Syrup

This syrup gives the refresher its luscious tropical flavor. If mango or pineapple isn’t available, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to improvise!

Substitutes:

Instead of Mango:

• Papaya: While slightly less sweet, papaya adds a tropical flair similar to mango.
• Canned or Frozen Mango: If fresh mango is unavailable, canned or frozen mango chunks work just as well.

Instead of Pineapple:

• Orange: Freshly squeezed orange juice or orange puree can mimic the tart sweetness of pineapple.
• Grapefruit: Grapefruit pulp or juice is slightly tangy but complements mango nicely.

Sugar Alternatives:

• Maple Syrup: A subtle hint of maple sweetness can replace sugar in the syrup.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie sweetener option.

3. Lemonade Base

The lemonade brings vibrancy and a citrusy zing to the refresher. If you don’t have lemons or prefer a different flavor, there are options to replace this key ingredient.

Substitutes:

Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice:

• Lime Juice: Lime will give the drink an equally citrusy kick, though slightly more tart.
• Orange Juice: Use orange juice for a sweeter, less acidic version of the refresher.
• Bottled Lemon Juice: Though less fresh, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.

Instead of Water:

• Coconut Water: For a tropical flavor enhancement, use coconut water instead of regular water.
• Sparkling Water: Add a bubbly twist for a refreshing drink.

Sugar Alternatives:

• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Simple Syrup: Pre-made liquid sweetener blends more easily into drinks.

4. Ice Cubes

Ice is typically essential for serving a chilled refresher, but you can take things up a notch with fun variations.

Substitutes:

• Infused Ice: Freeze small fruit pieces (like strawberries, mango, or dragonfruit) into your ice cubes for added flavor.
• Frozen Fruit: Instead of ice, use frozen mango, pineapple, or strawberries to chill the drink while enhancing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Now, enjoy your homemade Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher as you bask in the delightful flavors of summer any time of the year!

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

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