What if I told you the magic doesn’t have to stop at the Dunkin’ counter? That’s right—you can recreate this sparkling, fruity masterpiece right at home! I’ll take you through a Dunkin’ Wicked Refresher recipe for this eye-catching treat, filled with strawberry, dragonfruit, blueberry goodness, and a bubbly finish.
Table of Contents
How to make Dunkin’ Wicked Refresher
The Dunkin’ Wicked Refresher is a limited-edition sparkling fruit drink released by Dunkin’ in collaboration with the Wicked: For Good movie.
Ingredients
To make your Dunkin’ Wicked Refresher, you’ll need:
- Fresh strawberries (4-5, sliced) or strawberry syrup (2 tablespoons).
- Dragonfruit or pitaya puree (2 tablespoons).
- Fresh blueberries (1/4 cup).
- Sugar (2 tablespoons).
- Water (2 tablespoons).
- 1-2 cups, depending on preferred sparkle levels.
- A handful of ice to keep it cool and refreshing.
- Honey or sugar, based on your taste preference.
- Fresh mint leaves.
- Thin strawberry or dragonfruit slices.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Blueberry Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine fresh blueberries, sugar, and water.
- Heat the mixture on medium-low until the blueberries break down and release their juices (approximately 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- Once thickened, strain the syrup using a fine mesh sieve to remove solid bits. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry & Dragonfruit Base
- If using fresh ingredients, blend sliced strawberries and dragonfruit puree in a blender until smooth. You can add a splash of water to make blending easier.
- If using syrups, combine strawberry syrup with dragonfruit puree and stir well.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
- In a tall glass or pitcher, combine your strawberry-dragonfruit base with a tablespoon of the blueberry syrup.
- Add sparkling water to fill up the glass, mixing gently with a spoon to keep the bubbles intact.
Step 4: Add Ice & Garnishes
- Toss some ice cubes into the mixture for that ultimate chilled refresher vibe.
- Garnish with mint leaves, strawberry slices, or dragonfruit chunks for added flair.
Tips for Perfecting Your Dunkin’ Wicked Refresher
- Experiment with the Sparkle Level: If you’re not a fan of too much fizz, cut the sparkling water with regular cold water for a smoother drink.
- Adjust Sweetness: Dunkin’ drinks are known for their sweet flavors. If you prefer a lighter taste, reduce the amount of syrup or skip adding extra sugar.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh fruit and high-quality sparkling water make all the difference in taste and presentation.
- Serve Immediately: This drink looks its best and tastes freshest right after it’s made, so try to serve it immediately after preparation.
- Color Play: To mimic Dunkin’s vibrant look, layer the blueberry syrup and strawberry-dragonfruit base carefully in the glass for a gradient effect before mixing completely.
What to serve with
The Dunkin’ Wicked Refresher is vibrant, fruity, and bubbly—perfect for a warm day or a fun gathering. To complement its bright flavors, it pairs beautifully with snacks and small bites that match its refreshing vibe.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Create a colorful platter with strawberries, blueberries, dragonfruit slices, pineapple chunks, and kiwi slices. Stick with fruits that align with the drink’s flavor profile.
- Fruit Skewers: For a fun twist, thread pieces of fruit onto skewers. Alternate strawberries, dragonfruit cubes, and mint leaves for a visually stunning addition to your table.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Serve individual parfaits layered with vanilla yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits (especially berries) to match the drink’s tropical fruity vibe.
Ingredients Substitutes
Not everyone has easy access to tropical fruits or specialized syrups, and sometimes we need substitutes based on what’s available in our pantry. The good news is, you can still create a delicious version of Dunkin’s Wicked Refresher using alternative ingredients without compromising much on taste.
Strawberries
- Fresh Strawberries Alternative: Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Simply thaw and blend them into a puree. Frozen berries often have a concentrated flavor that works well in drinks.
- Strawberry Syrup Alternative: If you’re out of strawberry syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup for sweetness. Add a few drops of lemon juice to create a tangy-fruity edge closer to the strawberry flavor profile.
Dragonfruit (Pitaya)
- Fresh Dragonfruit Alternative: Substitute with mango or papaya puree for that tropical vibe. Mango, in particular, has a natural sweetness and a smooth texture that mimics dragonfruit’s mild tropical taste.
- Dragonfruit Powder Alternative: Use beet powder or pink food coloring for color while relying on other fruits for flavor.
Blueberries
- Fresh Blueberries Alternative: Swap with blackberries or grapes (especially red grapes), which have a similar slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
- Blueberry Syrup Alternative: Instead of blueberry syrup, you can use store-bought berry syrups or make a simple syrup infused with mixed berries.
Sparkling Water
- Sparkling Water Alternative: Replace with club soda, seltzer water, or even tonic water for a fizzy feel. Some lemon-lime sodas like Sprite can work, though they might add extra sweetness.
- Non-Fizzy Option: If sparkling water isn’t your thing, you can simply use cold filtered water or iced green tea for added depth.
Final Thoughts
Pairing food with the Dunkin’ Wicked Refresher isn’t just about flavor—it’s about combining the drink’s fancy, fun character with bites that take the overall experience to the next level.
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries (4-5, sliced)
- Dragonfruit
- Fresh blueberries (1/4 cup).
- Sugar (2 tablespoons).
- Water (2 tablespoons).
- 1-2 cups, depending on preferred sparkle levels.
- A handful of ice to keep it cool and refreshing.
- Honey
- Fresh mint leaves.
- Thin strawberry
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Blueberry Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine fresh blueberries, sugar, and water.
- Heat the mixture on medium-low until the blueberries break down and release their juices (approximately 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- Once thickened, strain the syrup using a fine mesh sieve to remove solid bits. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry & Dragonfruit Base
- If using fresh ingredients, blend sliced strawberries and dragonfruit puree in a blender until smooth. You can add a splash of water to make blending easier.
- If using syrups, combine strawberry syrup with dragonfruit puree and stir well.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
- In a tall glass or pitcher, combine your strawberry-dragonfruit base with a tablespoon of the blueberry syrup.
- Add sparkling water to fill up the glass, mixing gently with a spoon to keep the bubbles intact.
Step 4: Add Ice & Garnishes
- Toss some ice cubes into the mixture for that ultimate chilled refresher vibe.
- Garnish with mint leaves, strawberry slices, or dragonfruit chunks for added flair.