Copycat Dunkin’ Blueberry Refresher Recipe

If you’ve tried this Dunkin’ Blueberry Refresher, you know how it instantly transports you to a relaxing summer’s day, no matter the season. It’s the ideal blend of bold blueberry notes and a light, energizing base that’s perfect to sip on a sunny afternoon or when you need a quick pick-me-up.

How to make Dunkin’ Blueberry Refresher

Dunkin’s Blueberry Breeze Refresher (sometimes referred to colloquially as “Blueberry Refresher”) is one of the latest summer‐only additions to their Refresher lineup.

Ingredients for Dunkin’ Blueberry Refresher

• Iced Green Tea: Approx. 1 cup (cooled). Green tea is the base of Dunkin’s Refresher and gives the drink its light, caffeinated kick.
• Blueberry Syrup or Blueberry Juice: About 2-3 tablespoons (adjust for sweetness). This is where the drink gets its bold blueberry flavor!
• Coconut Milk (Optional): A splash (for creaminess). Dunkin’ often adds coconut milk to create a smooth and subtle tropical note, but you can skip this if you prefer your refresher without cream.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: 1-2 teaspoons, freshly squeezed (optional). A burst of citrus adds a refreshing tang and enhances the flavors.
• Ice: Enough to fill your glass and keep the drink perfectly chilled.
• Sweetener (Optional): If you like your drink sweeter, add honey, simple syrup, or any sweetener of your choice to taste.

Instructions

1. Brew and Chill the Green Tea: Start by brewing your cup of green tea. Let it steep for 3-4 minutes for a balanced flavor, then set it aside to cool. To save time, you can make this in advance and refrigerate it.
2. Prepare the Base: In a mixing glass or shaker, combine the chilled green tea with the blueberry syrup (or juice). Stir or shake to dissolve and blend the ingredients.
3. Add Coconut Milk (Optional): If you’re using coconut milk, stir in a splash (around 1-2 tablespoons). This adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the drink. If you prefer a clear and fruity refresher, skip this step.
4. Brighten It Up: Add 1-2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. This will elevate the flavors and give the drink a slight tang.
5. Sweeten (Optional): Taste the drink and add a sweetener if needed. Stir well to combine.
6. Fill the Glass with Ice: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to keep the drink chilled and extra refreshing.
7. Pour and Garnish: Pour your blueberry mixture over the ice. For an extra special touch, garnish with a slice of lemon, lime, or a handful of fresh blueberries.

Tips to Perfect Your Blueberry Refresher

• Experiment with Teas: While green tea is the traditional base, feel free to experiment with white tea or herbal teas for a unique twist.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a more tangy flavor, reduce the sweetener or syrup. For a sweeter version, feel free to add more blueberry syrup or simple syrup.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly brewed tea and real lemon or lime juice make a big difference in flavor.
• Double the Recipe: Hosting friends? This recipe can easily be scaled up to fill a pitcher for a crowd.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you want to recreate the Dunkin’ Blueberry Refresher at home but don’t have all the original ingredients on hand—or you want to customize the recipe to fit your dietary preferences—the good news is that there are plenty of easy substitutes!

1. Green Tea (Caffeinated Base)

Original Purpose: Green tea serves as the base of the Dunkin’ Blueberry Refresher, adding a light, earthy flavor and a gentle caffeine kick.

Substitutes:

• White Tea: A lighter, more delicate tea with a mild floral flavor. This works well if you want a softer Dunkin’ Blueberry Refresher.
• Black Tea: For a bolder taste and higher caffeine content, black tea is an excellent substitute. Just steep it for a shorter time to avoid overpowering the blueberry flavor.
• Herbal Tea (Decaffeinated): If you want a caffeine-free option, try hibiscus, chamomile, or berry-based herbal teas. Hibiscus tea, in particular, has a tangy-sweet flavor that complements blueberries.
• Cold Brew Iced Coffee: For a completely different twist, replace the green tea with coffee for a bolder, fruit-meets-java flavor profile.

2. Blueberry Syrup or Juice

Original Purpose: The blueberry syrup or juice is the star of the drink, giving it a fruity and slightly sweet flavor along with its signature color.

Substitutes:

• Homemade Blueberry Syrup: If you don’t have store-bought syrup, make your own by simmering 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries with ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water. Strain the mixture for a smooth syrup.
• Blueberry Jam/Jelly: Thin a spoonful of blueberry jam with warm water or lemon juice to mimic the flavor and consistency of syrup.
• Fresh Blueberries with Sweetener: Blend fresh or frozen blueberries with a little honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup to create a natural fruit base.
• Mixed Berry Juice: If blueberry juice is unavailable, opt for a mixed berry juice (such as a blend of blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry). Ensure it’s not too tart by adding a little sweetener if needed.
• Blueberry Extract: Use a teaspoon of blueberry extract combined with sweetener and water to create a budget-friendly replacement for syrup or juice.

3. Coconut Milk (Optional)

Original Purpose: Coconut milk adds creaminess, richness, and a slight tropical flavor to the drink.

Substitutes:

• Almond Milk: Almond milk is lightweight and subtly nutty, making it a good non-dairy alternative. Choose sweetened almond milk for a gentle sweetness.
• Oat Milk: Creamier than almond milk, oat milk adds a smooth consistency to the drink without overpowering the blueberry flavor.
• Soy Milk: For a more neutral-tasting creamy substitute, soy milk works well.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: If you’re not concerned about using dairy, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half will make the refresher velvety and indulgent.
• Skip the Milk Altogether: If you’d prefer a refreshing clear beverage, simply leave out the coconut milk or other creamers. The drink will still taste incredible!

4. Lemon or Lime Juice (Optional)

Original Purpose: Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice adds the perfect pop of acidity to balance the sweet blueberry flavors.

Substitutes:

• Bottled Lemon/Lime Juice: If fresh citrus isn’t available, use bottled lemon or lime juice. Be cautious with the quantity, as bottled juices can be a little more intense.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of a lemon or lime for a milder but fragrant citrus note.
• Orange Juice: For a sweeter citrus kick, a splash of fresh orange juice is a great alternative.
• Vinegar (Very Mild Use): If you’re in a bind, a few drops of apple cider vinegar can add a touch of acidity. Be sure not to overdo it!

5. Sweetener

Original Purpose: Sweetener balances the tartness of the blueberries and enhances the overall flavor of the drink.

Substitutes:

• Honey: A drizzle of honey adds a floral sweetness to the drink.
• Agave Syrup: A great natural sweetener that blends seamlessly into cold drinks.
• Stevia/Monk Fruit Sweetener: These calorie-free options are perfect if you’re looking to reduce sugar. Adjust the amount to taste, as they are stronger than regular sugar.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a unique depth and sweetness to the drink. Use sparingly for the best balance.
• Date Syrup: A natural sweetener with a mild caramel flavor. This is a good option for those trying to avoid refined sugar.

Final Thoughts

With its fruity blueberry flavor and light, energizing base, the Dunkin’ Blueberry Refresher has quickly become a fan favorite. And now, with this simple recipe, you can have that same refreshing drink whenever you want—right in the comfort of your kitchen.

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

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