Copycat McDonald’s Popping Tropic Refresher Recipe

If you’ve spotted the McDonald’s Popping Tropic Refresher in those vibrant summer test menus and wished you could snag it outside of Colorado or Wisconsin, this copycat version has your back. It’s fruity, fizzy, and loaded with tropical punch, plus those juicy little popping pearls that surprise you with every sip. The kind of drink that makes you grin and say “yep, summer’s still here.”

With mango, pineapple, lemonade, and just a splash of Sprite, this homemade Popping Tropic Refresher captures all the color and fun of the original. No drive-thru needed, just a blender, a sunny day, and a glass with some sparkle.

How to make McDonald’s Popping Tropic Refresher

You’ll start with a simple tropical juice base, pineapple and mango do most of the heavy lifting here. Layer in fresh lemonade for tang, fizz it up with cold Sprite, and finish with popping boba. The drink naturally separates into a stunning gradient, like a little tropical sunset in your cup. Don’t skip the rim dusted with Tropical Punch Pop Rocks, if you want the full McD’s vibe.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

Calories: 190
Total Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Sugar: 43 g
Protein: 0 g
Caffeine: ~40 mg (if using green tea or extract)

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)

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

• ½ cup chilled pineapple-mango juice (Dole or similar)
• ⅓ cup cold lemonade
• ⅓ cup chilled Sprite or lemon-lime soda
• 1 tablespoon passion fruit syrup (optional but flavorful)
• 1 heaping tablespoon strawberry or passion fruit popping boba
• Ice (enough to fill your cup)
• Tropical Punch Pop Rocks (for rim, optional)

Tools you’ll need

• 16 oz glass
• Measuring cups
• Spoon or boba straw
• Blender (optional, for making your own juice)
• Small bowl (if rimming the glass)

Instructions

Chill your ingredients
Start with everything cold: juice, lemonade, Sprite, and your glass. This keeps the layers separate and the pearls from sinking too fast. (1 min)

Rim the glass (optional)
Dip the rim into water or lemon juice, then press into a plate of Tropical Punch Pop Rocks. Set aside while you build the drink. (1 min)

Add the boba and ice
Scoop the popping boba into the bottom of your glass. Add ice on top to help trap them underneath and keep the layers defined. (30 sec)

Pour in the juice base
In a small cup, mix the pineapple-mango juice with passion fruit syrup. Pour gently over the ice so it stays low in the cup. (1 min)

Add lemonade and Sprite
Slowly pour the lemonade over the back of a spoon to float it. Then top it off the same way with Sprite. This creates the layered gradient look. (1 min)

Serve immediately
Stick in a boba straw and give it a little stir to catch some pearls. Sip, crunch, smile. (30 sec)

Optional twist

If you want caffeine, stir in ¼ teaspoon of green coffee extract or use green tea lemonade instead of regular.

Tips

• Chill everything: glass, liquids, and even the boba, for a better gradient.
• Use clear juice (no pulp) for a more vibrant, layered drink.
• Pour slowly to keep layers separated.
• Popping boba is widely sold online and in Asian grocery stores.
• Add more Sprite if you prefer extra fizz.
• Don’t shake or stir too early, wait until you’re ready to sip.

What to serve with

Fresh and juicy

• Fruit skewers – Watermelon, kiwi, and mango chunks give a tropical match and add a cooling snack between sips.
• Coconut chips – Crunchy, slightly sweet, and a perfect texture contrast to the chewy pearls.
• Chilled cucumber slices – Yes, really. Light, hydrating, and a crisp palate cleanser that refreshes between sips.

Comforting treats

• Mini lemon muffins – Bright citrus meets tropical drink, and they don’t overpower the boba.
• Peach rings or sour gummies – A nostalgic, chewy sweet to go with the popping textures.
• Strawberry cream cookies – That sweet-and-creamy combo pairs beautifully with the drink’s passionfruit-mango vibes.

Savory balance

• Crispy chicken sliders – Classic drive-thru pairing. The sweet-tangy drink cuts through the salt and crunch.
• Cheese-stuffed pretzel bites – Warm, soft, salty and satisfying next to a cool tropical sip.
• Jalapeño poppers – Sweet and spicy together? Always a win. The fizz helps cool the heat.

Variations

Light & Sparkling
Use all Sprite and skip the lemonade for a soda-only version with a bit more fizz and less tang.

Pineapple Punch Refresher
Add 2 tbsp pineapple sherbet and blend with the juice base for a smoothie-style refresher.

Caffeine Boosted
Replace lemonade with green tea lemonade, or add a green coffee bean shot to the juice blend.

Frozen Refresher
Blend the juice, syrup, and lemonade with 1 cup ice until slushy, then pour into a glass with boba and Sprite on top.

Boozy Boba
Add a shot of coconut rum or passionfruit liqueur. It’s like vacation in a glass.

Ingredient substitutes

Pineapple-Mango Juice
Original: Dole or Naked brand juice
Substitutes: 100% pineapple juice + 1 tbsp mango purée, or orange-pineapple blend

Lemonade
Original: Fresh or store-bought
Substitutes: Green tea lemonade, limeade, or lemon-flavored water

Sprite
Original: Lemon-lime soda
Substitutes: 7UP, club soda with lemon syrup, or flavored sparkling water

Passion Fruit Syrup
Original: Monin or Torani
Substitutes: Passionfruit juice concentrate, mango syrup, or leave it out for a milder version

Popping Boba
Original: Strawberry or passionfruit popping pearls
Substitutes: Mango boba, lychee pearls, or skip entirely for a smooth drink

Pop Rocks
Original: Tropical Punch
Substitutes: Strawberry, mango, or leave it off if you’re not into fizzing rims