The first time I tried Starbucks’ Dragon Drink, I was captivated by its vibrant pink color and refreshing tropical taste. It was a sweltering summer afternoon, and that creamy, fruity concoction instantly transported me to a beachside paradise. But at nearly $5 per drink, my newfound obsession quickly became an expensive habit. That’s when I decided to recreate this magical beverage at home – and I was amazed at how simple it was to make my perfect copycat version!
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Table of Contents
What Is the Starbucks Dragon Drink?
The Dragon Drink is one of Starbucks’ most Instagram-worthy beverages. This stunning pink refresher combines mango juice, dragon fruit powder, white grape juice, creamy coconut milk, and pieces of dried dragon fruit. The result is a sweet, slightly tart, tropically inspired beverage that’s completely dairy-free and utterly delicious.
Unlike the original Starbucks version, which contains green coffee extract for a caffeine boost, our homemade version is caffeine-free (though I’ll show you how to add caffeine if you’d like).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Save Money – Making this drink home costs a fraction of the coffee shop price.
- Customize to Taste – Adjust sweetness and ingredients to your preference
- No Wait Lines – Enjoy your favorite drink without leaving home
- Healthier Option – Control precisely what goes into your beverage
- Impressive Presentation – Wow your guests with this vibrant, photo-worthy drink
Ingredients & Their Functions
- Ice – Chills the drink and provides the refreshing coldness that makes this drink perfect for hot days
- Mango juice – Provides the sweet, tropical base flavor that forms the foundation of the drink
- Unsweetened coconut milk – Creates the signature creamy texture and adds subtle coconut flavor that complements the fruit
- White grape juice – Adds natural sweetness and balances the tartness of the dragon fruit
- Pink dragon fruit powder – Gives the drink its vibrant pink color and adds the characteristic dragon fruit flavor with slight tartness
- Dried dragon fruit pieces – Adds texture and visual appeal while intensifying the dragon fruit flavor
How to Make the Dragon Drink Starbucks-Style
To prepare this Dragon Drink Starbucks copycat recipe:
- Combine the mango juice, coconut milk, and grape juice in a pitcher or mixing bowl with a spout.
- Whisk in the pink dragon fruit powder to the mango-coconut milk mixture until it dissolves.
- Fill the serving glass with alternate layers of ice and freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces.
- Pour the drink into the glass and slip in a straw.
Alternatively, you can combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker or mason jar and shake them until well blended.
Where to Find the Ingredients For Starbucks Dragon Drink Recipe
You’re lucky if your local grocery store stocks freeze-dried dragon fruit powder or freeze-dried dragon fruit pieces. Most people need to go online to buy the ingredients for this recipe.
Amazon has several brands of both. Look for a brand that is 100 percent pure dragon fruit and is for cooking and not purely as a health supplement. Some brands of dried dragon fruit can be expensive, but a few are less expensive and still taste good.
What to Serve It With?
A straw is all you need to enjoy your Starbucks mango dragonfruit refresher but feel free to get a little more creative. Try topping the drink with whipped cream or vanilla cold foam. Don’t want or can’t find dried dragon fruit? Leave it out, or use dried mango or dried pineapple chunks instead.
If you need a caffeine boost to get going, add a half teaspoon of green coffee extract. You’ll probably be able to find green coffee extract in the same place you buy the pink dragon fruit powder.
Starbucks Dragon Drink
Ingredients
- 2 cups mango juice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup white grape juice
- 1 teaspoon pink dragon fruit powder
- ice to serve
- 1/2 cup dried dragon fruit pieces to garnish
Instructions
- Combine the mango juice, coconut milk, and grape juice. Mix well.
- Add the dragon fruit powder and stir or whisk until fully incorporated.
- Pour over ice and garnish with dried dragon fruit pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
Where to Find Specialty Ingredients
Finding pink dragon fruit powder and dried dragon fruit pieces might require a little effort. While some specialty grocery and health food stores carry these items, most people find it easier to purchase them online.
When shopping online, look for 100% pure dragon fruit brands meant explicitly for culinary use rather than supplements. Amazon offers several options at various price points. Choose products without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.
Substitutions & Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
- Coconut milk alternative: Use oat milk or almond milk for a different creamy base (note that this will change the flavor profile slightly)
- Mango juice substitute: Pineapple juice works well as an alternative tropical base
- No dragon fruit powder?: Use freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries blended into a powder for a similar color (though different flavor)
- Dried fruit options: Substitute dried mango or pineapple chunks if you can’t find dried dragonfruit
Dietary Modifications
- Lower sugar version: Use half the amount of juice and dilute with water
- Caffeine addiction: Add ½ teaspoon green coffee extract per serving if you’d like the caffeine boost
- Extra protein: Add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder for a more filling beverage
More Starbucks Drinks Copycat Recipes
- Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Iced Passion Tango Tea
- Iced Vanilla Latte
- Kiwi Starfruit Refresher
- The Pink Drink
Find even more copycat recipes for Starbucks Refreshers.
Favorite Refreshing Fast Food Drinks
- Chick Fil A Frosted Lemonade
- Dunkin Coolatta
- Dunkin Iced Coffee
- McDonald’s Sweet Tea
- Sonic Cherry Limeade
- Sonic Ocean Water
- Sonic Strawberry Limeade
Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best copycat Starbucks recipes on CopyKat!
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