Dunkin’ has done it again! Partnering with celebrities to create limited-edition menu items is a proven formula, and this time, they’ve teamed up with pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter for a new take on their popular Refreshers. As a self-proclaimed Dunkin’ enthusiast (and a slight Sabrina Carpenter fan), I rushed to my nearest location to try Sabrina Carpenter’s new Dunkin’ Refresher. Here’s my honest, unfiltered review. Was it worth the hype? Let’s dive in!
First Impressions: What IS It?
The Official Description
Okay, so according to Dunkin’, this Refresher is a combination of brown sugar syrup and coffee. Yup, you heard it! It’s mixed with a fruity strawberry dragonfruit flavor blend and then, get this, it’s served over ice with layers of creamy coconut milk. It sounds kinda wild, right? I mean, coffee with strawberry dragonfruit? That’s definitely a bold move, Dunkin’. Brown sugar seems safe enough. I was curious about the brown sugar elements too, just to see how the flavors worked together.
Presentation Matters: How Does it Look?
Visually, it’s…interesting. The layers of coconut milk create this pretty gradient effect, fading from a creamy white at the bottom to a vibrant pinkish-red at the top. It’s definitely Instagrammable, if that’s your thing. My one wasn’t perfect, mind you. The barista seemed a little rushed, so my layers were a tad messy. Still, the color combination is eye-catching and makes you wanna take a sip. Does the taste match the looks? That’s the million-dollar question!
Taste Test: The Real Deal
Initial Sip: A Burst of Flavor?
Alright, the moment of truth. That first sip…whoa! It’s a lot. The strawberry dragonfruit flavor is definitely the most prominent, hitting you right away with a sweet, slightly tart punch. I could definitely taste the brown sugar, which added a warm, caramel-like note that helped balance the fruitiness. But the coffee is there too, lurking in the background. It’s subtle, but it adds a certain depth and richness to the drink. I mean, it is a Refresher.
The Mid-Drink Experience: Flavors Evolving?
As I kept drinking, the flavors started to blend together a bit more. The coconut milk became more noticeable, adding a creamy texture and a hint of tropical flavor. It’s a complex drink, that’s for sure. I kept trying to isolate each flavor, but they all kinda melded into this unique, slightly chaotic concoction. It’s not bad, not at all, but it definitely keeps your taste buds on their toes. I think it’s a definite sipper, rather than a gulper.
The Aftertaste: Lingering Impressions
Okay, so after I finished (yes, I drank the whole thing!), the lingering flavor was mostly strawberry dragonfruit with a hint of coconut. The coffee was pretty much gone, which I didn’t mind. It wasn’t an unpleasant aftertaste, but it was definitely sweet. If you’re not a fan of sugary drinks, this might not be for you. I wasn’t sure about the combination of dragonfruit and coffee. However, I am wondering how Sabrina Carpenter came up with it!
Comparing it to Other Dunkin’ Refreshers
How Does it Stack Up?
Compared to the other Dunkin’ Refreshers I’ve tried, this one is definitely the most unique. The others tend to be more straightforward fruity flavors, while this one has that coffee element and the added complexity of the brown sugar and coconut milk. Is it better? That’s tough to say. It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a simple, refreshing drink, the other Refreshers might be a better choice. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want something a little different, Sabrina Carpenter’s creation is worth a try. It’s really just an experience!
Who Will Love This Drink?
I think this Refresher would be particularly appealing to people who enjoy sweet, fruity drinks with a touch of something extra. Maybe you’re someone who likes iced lattes but wants to branch out and try something more fun and vibrant. Or maybe you’re a big Sabrina Carpenter fan and want to support her collaboration with Dunkin’. Either way, if you’re open to trying new things and you have a sweet tooth, you might just fall in love with this drink.
The Verdict: Would I Order it Again?
The Pros
Okay, let’s break it down. The pros? It’s visually appealing, the flavor is unique and interesting, and it’s a fun twist on the classic Dunkin’ Refresher. Plus, it’s kinda cool to try something created in collaboration with a celebrity like Sabrina Carpenter.
The Cons
The cons? It’s definitely on the sweeter side, so it might not be for everyone. And the flavor combination is a bit chaotic, so it might take some getting used to. Also, I have to be honest, the coffee flavor is almost non-existent, which might disappoint some coffee lovers. It would also depend on how the barista crafts the drink, I think. Maybe if they don’t mix well, it wouldn’t taste as good!
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Overall, Sabrina Carpenter’s Dunkin’ Refresher is a solid 7/10 for me. It’s not the best Dunkin’ drink I’ve ever had, but it’s definitely not the worst. It’s a fun, unique, and visually appealing beverage that’s worth trying if you’re feeling adventurous. Would I order it again? Maybe. It wouldn’t be my everyday go-to, but I could see myself craving it every now and then. If you’re a Sabrina Carpenter fan, or just looking for something new to try at Dunkin’, I’d say go for it! You might be pleasantly surprised. Just be prepared for a sugar rush!
So, that’s my honest review of Sabrina Carpenter’s new Dunkin’ Refresher. What do you think? Are you gonna give it a try? Let me know in the comments! I’m genuinely curious to hear what other people think of this quirky concoction. Maybe it’ll become your new favorite drink! Only one way to find out, right?