Sabrina Strawberry Refresher Recipe

I stumbled upon Dunkin’s iconic Sabrina Strawberry Refresher, inspired by Sabrina Carpenter, and let me tell you—it’s a dreamy blend of sweet strawberry flavor, oat milk, and frothy perfection. It’s the kind of drink that instantly makes you feel like you’re on a carefree summer stroll.

How to make Sabrina Strawberry Refresher

Sabrina Strawberry Refresher (Daydream) is a limited‑time summer drink from Dunkin’, crafted in collaboration with pop star Sabrina Carpenter.

Ingredients

To recreate the Sabrina Strawberry Refresher at home, you’ll need the following:

• Fresh Strawberries (or strawberry puree) – ½ cup
• Strawberry-Flavored Syrup – 2 tablespoons
• Optional, but adds that café-like sweetness.
• Unsweetened Oat Milk – 1 cup
• Green Tea or White Tea (chilled) – ½ cup

For the Cold Foam (Optional Topping):

• Heavy Cream or Oat-Based Creamer – 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla Syrup – 1 teaspoon
• Hand Frother or Blender

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh Strawberry Slices
• Ice Cubes

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step guide to bring your very own Sabrina Strawberry Refresher to life:

1. Prepare the Strawberry Base

1. Start by blending the fresh strawberries (or puree) until smooth. If you prefer a chunk-free texture, strain the blended strawberries through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth juice consistency.
2. Mix the strawberry puree with the strawberry-flavored syrup to enhance the sweetness and bring out the fruity flavor.

2. Brew and Chill the Tea

1. Brew either green tea or white tea, depending on your preference. Allow it to steep for 5-7 minutes to create a subtle flavor base.
2. Chill the tea in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to ensure it’s cool for the drink.

3. Combine the Ingredients

1. In a tall glass, combine the chilled tea and strawberry mixture.
2. Pour in the oat milk, stirring gently to create the dreamy blend of flavors. Add ice cubes if desired.

4. Make the Cold Foam (Optional)

1. If you’re going for the authentic café-style topping, mix heavy cream (or oat-based creamer) with vanilla syrup and froth it using a hand frother or blender until it’s light and airy.
2. Spoon the foam gently on top of your refresher for a creamy finish.

5. Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for an extra pop of color and serve the drink immediately.
2. Take a sip and bask in the fruity-cool goodness!

Tips for the Perfect Sabrina Strawberry Refresher

• Tea Selection Matters: Green tea offers a slightly earthy undertone, while white tea is milder and pairs beautifully with fruity flavors.
• Sweetness Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by increasing or decreasing the quantity of strawberry syrup.
• Chill Everything: Ensure the tea and oat milk are properly chilled before mixing—this drink tastes best when ice-cold!
• Experiment with Foam: If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, try coconut cream for a plant-based twist.
• Store Smartly: If making the strawberry base in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What to serve with

The Sabrina Strawberry Refresher is a light, fruity, and creamy drink that evokes the essence of summer in a glass. Its refreshing nature makes it versatile for pairing with a variety of snacks, appetizers, and desserts that complement the flavors.

Snack Pairings

1. Fresh Fruit Platter

Pair the drink with a colorful platter of fresh fruits that complement strawberry’s sweetness.

Best Choices:

• Blueberries
• Kiwi slices
• Pineapple chunks
• Watermelon cubes
• Grapes

2. Granola Bars or Energy Bites

Opt for bars or bites with ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits to echo the oat milk base of the Sabrina Strawberry Refresher.

Tip: Look for granola bars that contain dried strawberries for a cohesive flavor profile.

3. Yogurt Parfaits

Serve layered yogurt parfaits composed of vanilla or strawberry yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit.

Idea: Create mini parfait cups for a cute, snack-sized presentation.

Light Savory Options

1. Tea Sandwiches

Traditional tea sandwiches complement the elegant, refreshing nature of the Sabrina Strawberry Refresher perfectly.

Suggestions:

• Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches
• Smoked salmon and dill sandwiches (on thin rye bread)
• Strawberry and goat cheese sandwiches (for a fruity twist).

2. Mozzarella Caprese Skewers

• Combine tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers, lightly drizzled with balsamic glaze.
• The creamy mozzarella echoes the oat milk’s texture, while the basil adds a fresh note.

3. Crispy Rice Paper Wraps

• Wrap julienned fresh vegetables (such as cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers) and herbs in rice paper for a light and refreshing bite.
• Serve with a light peanut dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Sabrina Strawberry Refresher is a delightful drink that combines fruity flavors with a creamy base (usually oat milk). If you’re looking for alternatives or substitutions to make the beverage more accessible, or to accommodate dietary restrictions and taste preferences, there are plenty of ways to adjust the recipe without compromising its deliciousness.

1. Strawberries

Strawberries are the central flavor of the refresher. Fresh or frozen strawberries are often blended or muddled to create the base.

Substitutes:

• Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries work perfectly. They also make the drink colder and refreshing.
• Strawberry Jam or Preserves: In the absence of fresh fruit, strawberry jam can be diluted with water or blended into a syrup to achieve a similar flavour.
• Other Berries: If strawberries aren’t accessible, raspberries, blackberries, or cherries can replace them for a similar fruity and tangy flavor profile.

2. Oat Milk

Oat milk is commonly used in the Sabrina Strawberry Refresher due to its creamy texture and subtle sweetness.

Substitutes:

• Almond Milk: A nutty alternative with a slightly thinner texture. Works well for those who prefer a lighter drink.
• Coconut Milk: Offers a more tropical twist with a rich creaminess, particularly suited for summer variations of the refresher.
• Soy Milk: A protein-rich alternative for individuals avoiding nuts or oats. Ensure you choose unsweetened soy milk to avoid an overly sweet drink.
• Cashew Milk: Creamy and smooth, cashew milk is a great substitute for oat milk and delivers a slightly richer texture.
• Whole Milk or Cream: For non-vegan drinkers, regular dairy milk or half-and-half can be used. Cream will make the drink extra indulgent.

3. Sweetener

Most versions of the refresher include a sweetener like sugar, simple syrup, or honey to balance the tartness of strawberries.

Substitutes:

• Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle caramel note to the drink and is an excellent option for vegans.
• Agave Nectar: A lighter and healthier sweetener option that blends easily into cold beverages.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie, sugar-free substitute, both stevia and monk fruit sweeteners work well. Use sparingly as they are more concentrated in sweetness.
• Cane Sugar or Coconut Sugar: These add a unique flavor hint while sweetening the drink.

4. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the refresher.

Substitutes:

• Almond Extract: For a nutty twist, almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract. Use a smaller amount, as almond extract is stronger in flavor.
• Coconut Extract: A hint of coconut essence adds a tropical flair to the drink.
• Hazelnut Extract: Another nutty option that pairs surprisingly well with strawberries.
• Skip It Altogether: If vanilla isn’t available, the drink will still taste delicious, relying on the fruit for flavor.

5. Ice

Ice is used to chill and slightly dilute the drink.

Substitutes:

• Frozen Fruit: Instead of plain ice cubes, use frozen fruit pieces (like strawberries, mango, or peach) to chill the drink while enhancing its flavor.
• Flavored Ice Cubes: Make ice cubes out of fruit juice, such as strawberry or lemonade, to avoid diluting the flavor of the drink.
• Crushed Ice: For a slushier texture, crushed ice works well.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Sabrina Strawberry Refresher is not just a drink—it’s an experience. Perfect for sunny mornings, chilled afternoons, or as a treat while listening to your favorite Sabrina Carpenter playlist.