Copycat Dunkin’ Guava Strawberry Black Tea Refresher Recipe

There’s something about the first sip of Dunkin’s Guava Strawberry Black Tea Refresher that feels like diving headfirst into a tropical breeze. The kind that sweeps in with guava sweetness, a gentle hum of strawberry, and the smooth strength of black tea holding it all together. Whether you’re missing that signature pink-orange glow in your cup or just want something bright and fruity to sip on a hot afternoon, this copycat recipe brings all the flavor home, no app order or drive-thru delay required.

This Dunkin’ Guava Strawberry Black Tea Refresher tastes just like the one from the menu but is totally customizable. You can dial up the fruitiness, make it fizz, or swap in your own sweeteners. Best part? It takes about 5 minutes, start to finish.

How to make Dunkin’ Guava Strawberry Black Tea Refresher

You’ll start by brewing a strong black tea and letting it cool (or using yesterday’s if you’re ahead of the game). Then mix up two fruity bases: guava nectar and a quick homemade strawberry syrup or concentrate. Add a splash of lemon juice and a tiny pinch of citric acid or sour salt to mimic that tart tropical punch. Shake it all up with ice, top with a little still or sparkling water, and you’ve got a chilled, fruity Refresher with Dunkin-style balance. No barista needed.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

Calories: 80
Total Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Sugar: 20 g
Protein: 0 g
Caffeine: ~66 mg

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• ½ cup strong brewed black tea (double strength, chilled)
• ¼ cup cold water or sparkling water
• 2 tablespoons guava nectar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup or purée
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 small pinch citric acid or ⅛ tsp cream of tartar (optional, for brightness)
• Ice (enough to fill the glass)
• Freeze-dried strawberries or a fresh slice (for garnish, optional)

Tools you’ll need

• Tea kettle or French press
• Mason jar or shaker
• Measuring spoons and cup
• Glass (16 oz)
• Spoon or straw
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, if making homemade strawberry syrup)

Instructions

Brew and chill the tea

Steep 2 black tea bags in ½ cup hot water for 5–7 minutes. Let it cool completely (or toss it in the fridge for 10 minutes). (3–5 min hands-off)

Mix the fruit base

In a jar or shaker, stir together guava nectar, strawberry syrup, lemon juice, and citric acid if using. This creates your fruity sweet-tart base. (1 min)

Shake and combine

Add the brewed tea and cold water to the fruit mix, then shake or stir well. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the refresher mix over it. (1–2 min)

Finish and garnish

Top with an optional splash of sparkling water for fizz and garnish with a strawberry slice or dried fruit chip if desired. Sip and enjoy! (30 sec)

Tips

• Use double-strength tea for a flavor that stands up to the fruit.
• Guava nectar (like Goya or Ceres) works better than juice blends.
• Strawberry simple syrup is easy to make: 1:1 sugar and strawberry purée simmered and strained.
• Chill your serving glass to keep it frosty longer.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice or citric acid, that tang is key to matching the original.

What to serve with

Fresh and fruity

• Cucumber and watermelon salad – Crisp, hydrating, and just a touch savory to offset the Refresher’s sweetness.
• Pineapple skewers with mint – A tropical snack that echoes the guava-strawberry profile.
• Berry yogurt parfait – For brunch, this creamy-fruity duo plays beautifully with black tea’s tannins.

Comforting treats

• Mini banana muffins – A mellow, cakey treat that doesn’t overpower the drink.
• Lemon loaf or pound cake – Bright citrusy notes that highlight the lemon and guava in your Refresher.
• Strawberry shortcake bites – A nostalgic match made in summer heaven.

Savory counterpoints

• Everything bagel with herbed cream cheese – Bold, salty contrast to a sweet fruity sip.
• Caprese toast (tomato, basil, mozzarella) – The tea cuts the richness, and the basil bridges the gap.
• Chicken lettuce wraps – Light, savory, and quick, these pair perfectly with the zing of fruit tea.

Variations

Guava Strawberry Coconut Refresher

Swap the cold water with sweetened coconutmilk for a creamier tropical feel.

Iced Guava Strawberry Green Tea

Use green tea instead of black tea for a mellow, less tannic version.

Low-Sugar Refresher

Use unsweetened guava puree and macerated strawberries with monk fruit or stevia syrup.

Sparkling Guava Strawberry Refresher

Use 100% club soda or sparkling mineral water for a fizzy, refreshing twist.

Frozen Slush Version

Blend everything with 1 cup ice for a Refresher-meets-frozen-cocktail vibe.

Ingredient substitutes

Black Tea
Original: English Breakfast or Ceylon
Substitutes: Earl Grey (for floral twist), Rooibos (if caffeine-free), Cold brew black tea

Guava Nectar
Original: Goya or Ceres guava
Substitutes: Blended canned guava with sugar, mango nectar for a similar body

Strawberry Syrup
Original: Torani or homemade
Substitutes: Strawberry jam thinned with warm water, or blended fresh strawberries with a little sugar

Citric Acid
Original: “Sour salt” or pure food-grade citric acid
Substitutes: More lemon juice, or omit if your fruit is tangy enough

Lemon Juice
Original: Fresh squeezed
Substitutes: Lime juice, bottled lemon juice, or tamarind concentrate for a twist

Sparkling Water
Original: Plain
Substitutes: Coconut soda, lemon seltzer, tonic (for grown-up edge)