This is the real deal Mango Dragonfruit Refresher Copycat Recipe!
If you love the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher, you’re going to love this copy cat recipe because it tastes just like the real thing and your wallet will thank you. Plus, all of the ingredients can be found on Amazon Prime, so you can make this ASAP!
For those of you who like the Dragon Drink, check out the notes on the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
You’ll love this recipe if you…
love Starbuck’s Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher
want to drink one every day *cough cough*
don’t want to leave your house
don’t want to spend $5 every time you buy one
want the option to make it caffeine-free
What is the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher actually made of?
I looked up the ingredients on the Starbucks website. Here is what was listed for the mango dragon fruit refresher:
Water
Sugar
White grape juice concentrate
Natural flavors (I assume that’s the mango)
Citric Acid (additive/preservative)
Natural Green Coffee Flavor (caffeine)
Freeze Dried Dragonfruit Pieces (gives it that bright pink color)
*Disclaimer: some of the links on this post are affiliate links. Please refer to my Disclaimers and Policies page. Thanks!*
Doing my research…
While doing research for this beverage, I came across a few recipes, but none of the recipes I found had green coffee bean extract. They also used fresh, pink dragon fruit. Frankly, I am all for fresh ingredients; however, I do not have unlimited access to pink varieties of dragon fruit.
Furthermore, the recipes called for mango juice, and I’m not sure if that’s readily available to me, either. Now, I know the freeze-dried dragon fruit is what gives it that beautiful pink color. How do I know this?
Well, I know this because some varieties of dragonfruit are pink, and secondly, I had purchased a mango dragon fruit refresher from my local Starbucks, and they ran out of the freeze-dried dragon fruit pieces. The result was a light green colored refresher instead; I did think it tasted different.
Where to find the ingredients?
Next, I hopped on Amazon and looked for green coffee bean extract and powdered (freeze-dried) dragon fruit. To make these refreshers, I decided to try out Monin’s mango fruit puree instead of pureeing mangos myself, but you can try fresh mango puree.
*If you decided to use fresh mango, you may have to use more. Also, it will not keep as long.*
You can find links to the ingredients below:
Freeze-dried dragon fruit | Suncore Foods – 100% Pure Pitaya Dragon Fruit Natural Supercolor Powder, 1 Pack
Green coffee bean extract | Maximum Strength Pure Green Coffee Bean Super Extract Powder (50% Active Chlorogenic Acid), 4 Ounce, Powerfully Supports Metabolism for Weight Management and Fat Burn, Non-GMO and Vegan Friendly
Sugar-free mango option (I have not tried this. If you do let me know how it turns out!) | Monin Mango Flavor Concentrate 375ml Bottle
Other items I used in this post…
Rose gold straws | JOYECO 10 Pcs Metal Reusable Straws Stainless Steel Drinking Sucker Full Variety, Multi Size with Carry Bag Brushes for 20 30oz Tumblers, Boba, Smoothies, Rose Gold
1500 mL Glass Pitcher | Glass water Pitcher Teapot With Handle for family-1500ml
Making the Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher…
This recipe makes approximately 48 oz (without ice), and depending on how you plan to enjoy this, there are two ways you can make it:
Party-style: If you plan on serving this all at once, you can put all the ingredients into the pitcher (or bottle), and serve it over ice to your guests. First, I wanted to make sure my powdered products were going to dissolve, so I whisked it with the water until everything had dissipated. Then, I added the rest of the ingredients and stirred it until combined. Serve it over ice, and you’re done!
Solo/make-ahead: Since I drink it daily, I prefer to make it ahead of time. This way I don’t have to mess around with making it from scratch every single day. Here’s what I do, I mix everything except for the mango puree into a large pitcher to keep in the fridge.
When I’m ready to make it, I fill my 24 oz. cup with ice. Next, I dispense one full pump of mango puree (about 1 tbsp) into my cup and pour in the juice mixture; then, I stir my drink with the straw. If you are using a smaller glass (12 oz), you only need a half pump of puree or 1/2 tablespoon.
*the mango puree can settle at the bottom which is why I prefer to add it to my cup. You can add all ingredients to a bottle and shake before serving*
Craving more?
Want more Starbucks copycat recipes? Check out these links…
Starbuck’s Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Starbuck’s Strawberry Acai Refresher
Starbuck’s S’mores Frappuccino Recipe
Mocha Coconut Frappuccino Recipe
*recipe adapted from genius kitchen*
Starbucks Copycat Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher
Easy recipe for the Starbucks mango dragon fruit refresher that includes caffeine with accessible ingredients that can be found online!
Ingredients
- 1 tsp powdered (freeze-dried) dragon fruit
- 3/4 tsp green bean coffee extract (powder), see notes
- 3 c water
- 2 1/2 c white grape juice
- 2 pumps mango puree,, approx. 2 tbsp
- ice
- fresh dragon fruit pieces, , optional
Instructions
- Make and serve: Whisk together powder ingredients and water until dissolved. Add white grape juice and mango puree. Mix to combine. Serve over Ice.
- Make ahead: stir together all ingredients except mango puree. Store in the fridge until ready to use. When ready to enjoy. dispense 1 pump/1 tablespoon into a 20 -24 ounce glass with ice. Fill with drink mixture. Use 1/2 pump/half tablespoon for 12-16 oz glasses
Notes
- This recipe makes approximately 48 ounces. I store the beverage in a 50-ounce pitcher.
- Just like the original refresher recipe, the green coffee bean extract provides a caffeine boost. Omit for caffeine free. The suggested serving size for green coffee bean extract is 1/8 - 1/4 tsp per serving.
- For those of you who enjoy the other versions, try swapping out the water for coconut milk or lemonade. I haven't tried this, but if you do let me know how it turns out!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Pink Pitaya Powder, 8 Ounces, Non GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Packaged Locally in California -
Monin - Mango Purée, Tropical and Sweet Mango Flavor, Natural Flavors, Great for Teas, Lemonades, Smoothies, and Cocktails, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free (1 Liter) -
Maximum Strength Pure Green Coffee Bean Super Extract, 4 Ounce, Supports Metabolism for Weight Management and Fat Burn, No GMOs and Vegan Friendly -
Santa Cruz, Juice, White Grape, Organic, 1 Quart -
JOYECO 10 Pcs Metal Reusable Straws Stainless Steel Drinking Sucker Full Variety, Multi Size with Carry Bag Brushes for 20 30oz Tumblers, Boba, Smoothies, Rose Gold
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 6 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 76Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 1g
Nutrition facts are for personal reference only as calories may vary on a case by case basis.
Mike says
Hi there!
I, like yourself, LOVE this drink, and want to follow your recipe and make it at home. Mostly because I wouldn’t have to travel to get it or spend $5 a cup.
How long would you say your ingredients last you? If you say you put it in a 48 oz pitcher, how many of those do you get out of it from the ingredients your buy?
Thanks again for your recipe!!!
mandy says
Hi mike! I believe you can make this drink about 30 times before you run out of an ingredient. If you want to make this ahead of time, you can place all of the ingredients, except ice and dragonfruit pieces, into a large bottle or jug. Just shake before use. I hope that helps. If you make this recipe, let me know how it came out and share it with your friends! Thanks for the comment.
Sophie says
So I decided to buy Monin dragonfruit syrup instead of the powder, do you think it’ll taste the same? I have all the other ingredients ready. Thank you for this recipe!
mandy says
Hi sophie! While I haven’t tried it personally. I don’t see why it wont work, but it’ll probably make the drink much sweeter. Let me know how it goes and how much you used! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Sophie says
So, as you said, it did make it sweeter, but I added a little more lemon juice and it came out perfect! Thank you so much!
mandy says
I’m so glad it worked out! please share this recipe with your friends and if you have a moment, give it a five-star review! It really helps me out.
Taya says
Hey! I love this idea but always order my drink with lemonade. What kind of lemonade do you recommend using for the drink? Thanks!!
mandy says
Unfortunately, I dont’ drink it with lemonade, but I’m always a proponent for fresh lemonade (I use a juicer, but you can do it manually.)
>juice and zest from 4 – 5 large lemons
>water to taste (about 3 cups)
>lemon simple syrup to sweeten
I just juice the lemons, add a cup of water and 2 tablespoons of Lemon simple syrup at a time until it’s to my taste buds. I believe starbucks lemonade is less sweet than most commercial lemonades. You can find directions for lemon simple syrup in this post (if you’re interested): https://www.mandyolive.com/sparkling-strawberry-passion-fruit-lemonade/
If you’re looking to buy a lemonade, I’ve read that santa cruz brand, trader joes, and costco are somewhat similar. Also, you could try simply lemonade cut with some water.
I hope that helps you. Let me know if you find a brand that’s similar.
Wendy Cline says
I just made this recipe with the sugar free mango syrup and it is delicious!
mandy says
That’s so good to hear! How much mango concentrate did you use for your drink?
GLORIA URIBE says
What brand is the sugar free mango syrup?
mandy says
The sugar free mango concentrate is linked in my blog post and on the recipe card to make it easier to find for you!
Cynthia says
Trader Joe’s sells freeze-dried dragonfruit now. I just bought a pack.
Abbey says
I love this drink when I visit the US and want to make it when I got back to the UK, I can’t wait to try this out! 🥰
mandy says
Make sure to check the comments. I think a lovely man left links for UK visitors. Please STAY SAFE, ABBEY! I hope you’re able to get back home soon!
Kaida says
Hi! I would like to know what the recipe would be if it is just for yourself. How much would you need if you’re only making a 24 oz glass for yourself?
mandy says
Hi Kaida, If you cut the recipe in half, it will give you approximately 24 oz. I hope that helps.
Lacey Burwell says
My first try taste way to much like white grape juice… any ideas?
mandy says
Hey lacey, I’d start by adding more water first, then mango puree if you think you need it. When I don’t use a lot of ice, I find I need to water it down. Make sure to shake it really well, so nothing settles to the bottom. Hope that helps!
Kelsey Meyer says
I just tried to make this and I feel the Starbucks version has more tartness to it. Any ideas of how to make this happen at home?
mandy says
Hey kelsey, I would try less mango puree, first. The puree is very sweet. If that doesn’t help, it may be the white grape juice you bought. Again, it might be too sweet. You could also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. It would add in the tartness, and probably wouldn’t change the flavor too much? I’m not sure on that but if you give it a go, let me know how it goes!
Patrick says
Usually my wife orders hers with the lemonade. Most Starbucks will ask if you want water or lemonade but you store may not. I would suggest making lemonade and using it in place of water. This may be the difference.
mandy says
Yes you can replace the water with lemonade or coconut milk for the different versions. It should be written in the notes of the recipe card.
Amalia Wills says
Lemonade instead of water!
Joanne VandeCamp says
Hey. Use lemonade instead of water for more tartness
kimberly says
She wrote that the original Starbucks recipe includes citric acid…it’s more than a preservative…Citrus acid would add to the tart flavor.
Macey says
I love starbux but sadly I live in Australia
mandy says
Macey, I hope this helps you be able to enjoy their drinks even from Australia!
Renee says
I will be trying this immediately as it is my favorite Starbuck’s drink, had one yesterday. I have powdered mango juice and powdered dragonfruit from nuts.com. Also have their dragonfruit chips to chop up for the pieces. I’ve been trying to recreate this too, so thanks for doing it for me!
mandy says
Hey Renee, Happy New Year! Let me know how the powdered mango works out. I’m interested in hearing about that. Thanks for giving my recipe a try! I hope it works out for you.
Miranda says
I have been loving this drink at Starbucks! I started adding each ingredient to my Amazon cart when I noticed the powdered dragonfruit has a warning against use during pregnancy. Why would that be?!
mandy says
That’s interesting. It could just be how the FDA regulations work, and they have to use that disclaimer for legal reasons. However, I’m NOT a doctor, so I can’t answer your question factually. If you have any concerns please ALWAYS consult your medical professional FIRST!
Penny says
Question?
After making this recipe I found it tasted to much like white grape juice.
Do you think it’s because I used Monin mango syrup instead of purée?
You think I should use more water & mango syrup to hide the juice taste?
mandy says
It could be. I havent tried it with the mango syrup. I would def try adjusting the water first. Then add syrup to your taste buds. Let me know how it goes!
Sue says
Do you have the receipe for the dragon drink made with coconut milk
mandy says
swap out the water with coconut milk. I have not personally tested it because I prefer the original drink, but that’s how Starbuck’s would do it. Let me know how it goes!
Gerry Rasmussen says
I discovered this drink and loved the color (it kind of picks you up on a dark day) and the slightly sweet taste. I have tried the lemonade with it but that makes it taste too bitter.
I was very happy to find your recipe but even without lemonade mine turned out too bitter. I hate to add sugar to it but I may have to use a tiny bit. What are your thoughts?
mandy says
If you’re using all original ingredients, The bitterness may be from the green coffee bean powder. Try making it without or with less. Let me know how it goes.
mandy says
I don’t know if my response posted. But if you are using the original ingredients, the bitterness is probably from using too much of the green coffee bean. I think I talk about that in the article. Make it without to see if that’s the issue; then, add less. Let me know how it goes!
Robyn says
My favorite part of the Starbucks drink is the little pieces of dragon fruit at the bottom. 😊 Is there a powder that has the small pieces mixed in with it? I can’t seem to find one online.
mandy says
They are a little harder to come by. If you can find fresh dragonfruit, I would use that. OR you can try dried dragonfruit chips here: https://amzn.to/2MKzxYd
If you try out the chips, let me know if it turns out!
Beth says
My Trader Joe’s has dried dragon fruit chips that’s just dried dragon fruit. I bought two bags & ground up one for the powder. I think I paid $3.99 for a bag
mandy says
That’s a good find! My closest Trader Joes is 30 minutes away, but this pandemic has limited our time out.
Steve.T says
Go to Ebay and you can but the actual starbucks dragonfruit cubes. There are a few out there but they are expensive.
mandy says
thanks for the tip Steve!
Steve.T says
Hey also I found out that Target is Selling bags of frozen dragonfruit for around $4
mandy says
awesome! I’ll have to check and see if my target carries it. Thanks for the tip, Steve! I bet that’ll be great as “ice.”
Gerry Rasmussen says
I hate caffeine so I left out the green coffee bean. any other ideas?
mandy says
Ah I see. The grape juice would be my other guess. I should be bottled white grape juice like welches. Also, you could try adding more monin mango puree. That has sugar in it, so it’ll sweeten it up. Hope we can figure it out. Mine is always so sweet.
Emily Maas says
I tried your recipe with the coconut milk to make a “Dragon Drink” and it worked really well!
I made the recipe to your measurements (minus the green coffee) and added two boxes of the Aroy-D 8.5 oz 100% Coconut Milk boxes ( 100% Coconut Milk – 8.5 Oz (6-pack) by Aroy-D https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUMDNTU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6u-yDb6Y6ZNP0) I also added 1 additional TSP of the freeze dried Dragon Fruit powder to account for the extra liquid. It tasted just like the “Dragon Drink”!
Thank you so much for the recipe!
mandy says
yes! so glad it turned out for you! Love that you can enjoy it. Share it with all you starbucks lovers, and be sure to check out my other starbucks copycat recipes. PSL and Salted caramel are coming to my blog very soon!
John says
Hi there,
Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together. My daughter loves the drink and we can’t get it here in the UK, so I’m trying to surprise her by making some. Can you clarify for me please what kind of grape juice you use? I have seen a concentrate that appears to be used in wine making. Is that right?
Many thanks,
John.
mandy says
Oh my goodness, you are such a great dad! I’m not a wine drinker or maker, but I used welch’s white grape juice (from green grapes) like the kind of grape juice you would give kids to drink. I buy it at the grocery store in the juice section. I hope that helps you! If you have any other questions, let me know. I’ll try to help the best I can.
John says
Hi Mandy,
Thought I’d let you know how this turned out. I used the following ingredients available here in the UK:
Pink pitaya: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LDTQ55W/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_1
Mango purée:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003UI8B14/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_2
White grape juice:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013O6AV2I?ref_=pe_3187911_248764861_302_E_DDE_dt_1
Green coffee extract:
https://www.bulkpowders.co.uk/green-coffee-extract-50.html
I have never had this drink so was reliant on my daughter for feedback. First attempt didn’t work so well – we found that the green coffee seemed to make the taste quite bitter and it just tasted odd to me. Not being thrilled at the idea of my daughter having caffeine (she’s only 9) we made the recipe again without the green coffee. The only difference was that after we had mixed the grape juice, we poured the mix into a shaker cup filled with ice, added two pumps of the purée and then shook gently (mainly to mix in the mango).
Like I said I have never drunk this but my daughter told me it was the same as the Starbucks drink (thanks to your hard work).
I hope my post helps someone else looking for suitable ingredients outside of the US!
Best wishes
John.
mandy says
That’s great! I’m glad it worked out for you. Thanks for the feedback!
Mary says
I tried to make this today. I don’t know what I did wrong, but it was the color of fruit punch and tasted like fruit punch too ☹
mandy says
The freeze-dried dragonfruit powder turns it a very bright pink color. What did you do? Let’s try to fix it! I make this almost everyday, so let me know what you did/used and I will try to help!
Mary says
I ordered all the items from your post and tried to make it again. It tasted better but did not turn out that bright pink.
mandy says
Hi Mary!
Hopefully, we can figure this out. I just want you to be able to enjoy your Starbucks at home and i’m so sad that you are having such trouble!
one teaspoon of dragonfruit powder (mostly for pink color, adds a little flavor) Also, remember that my photos can look different depending on your screen, so don’t fret if it’s not a neon pink color.
green coffee bean powder – This isn’t necessary unless you want the caffeine. The one that I use can come off as bitter if you use too much. When I first started making this, I started with 1/8 of a teaspoon and went up to 3/4 teaspoon.
2 pumps Monin’s mango puree (approx. 2 tablespoons – but you might have to play around with the amount if you are measuring it out by hand. Starting with less is always best, then you can flavor it to your liking). Most of the time, I put one pump directly into my 24 oz cup and stir it because the puree will sink to the bottom if the refresher has been sitting for a while.
If you are trying the mango concentrate (sugar-free) instead of the mango puree, you should start with a half teaspoon and build up from there if you need more flavor. The finished product won’t be as sweet bc it is sugar-free, but it gives you that slight mango taste. I haven’t tried the concentrate yet, but I recently ordered it to give it a try because I think the refresher is pretty sweet, especially when the mango puree sinks to the bottom.
two and a half cups of white grape juice is the main flavor component.
three cups of water. You can adjust the amount depending on how light you want the flavor to be, and how much ice is going to melt. Sometimes I add more water to lessen the sweetness.
I hope this break down helps you!
John says
Thank you Mandy! I’ve ordered something similar – will let you know how I get on! 👍🏼😁
mandy says
YES! hope it turns out! can’t wait hear about it!
Elizabeth says
Would Monin flavored Mango syrup work instead of puree? wasn’t sure the texture the puree would leave.
mandy says
I’m not sure. I don’t see why it wouldn’t, but I would probably try the mango concentrate over mango flavored syrup. It won’t be as sweet, but the drink is sweet enough I think. I use the puree without an issue. The puree is like a thick syrup consistency. Just shake or stir before drinking because the syrup is heavier than juice so it sinks to the bottom after a while. If you decide to try the flavored syrup, report back and let me know what its like!
JUANITA says
Best recipe Ever!!!! I made it and add pieces of dragon fruit from target…. thanks so much for providing the recipe….
mandy says
So glad you enjoy it! Make sure to check out my other starbucks recipes, too!
Valerie says
Nice Job!!!! I am in looooove with this drink but all the sugar really gets me in the dump!!! Regarding the mango, i saw someone on another blog used a mango crystal light! Might be more shelf friendly than the puree, but i doubt it tastes as good! Cheers!!
mandy says
I saw that too. I’m all about accuracy when it comes to my copycat recipes, though which is one reason I went with monin purees. Their mango puree is preserved, so that’s what I use. Plus, it’s much easier than pulling out a blender. As for sugar, Monin makes a mango concentrate which is sugar-free! I’ve only tested this recipe with the mango puree -not the concentrate, but I hope that helps!
Diane says
Hi! I just made this with all the same ingredients as yours, and it tastes pretty damn similar. However, there was a slight difference so I had my brother try it and he told me it was sourer than the Starbucks version. Any idea on how to fix this?
mandy says
Hey there Diane. First, I would try adding more of monin’s mango puree. That, other than the grape juice, has sugar in it. Shake the refresher before adding ice to make sure it’s incorporated. If it’s still not right, add or subtract the water. I hope that helps!
Angie B says
This is the best!
I watched all my friends and colleagues at work rush to local on campus hospital Starbuck’s to get this wonderful Dragon Fruit Refresher!
While I refused to spend five dollars daily; for this drink ; I found your copycat versions made it!
To everyone’s shagrin!
The best!
Thanks so much!
mandy says
This makes my heart so full! I’m glad you love it! Share it with everyone you know, so they can enjoy it everyday, too.