Dunkin's Latest Refreshers Fall Flat on Flavor

Dunkin's latest offerings, the Berry Clementine Refresher and Berry Daydream Refresher, have officially hit the menu, but early reviews suggest they might not be the summer-to-fall transition drinks fans were hoping for. Launched on August 19, 2026, these drinks aim to capture the essence of late summer fruitiness, yet many find them lacking in the flavor department.

While Dunkin' has remained active this summer with a variety of beverages, some of which have impressed fans, these new additions appear to have missed the mark. The Berry Clementine Refresher combines berry and clementine flavors with a choice of drink bases, including green tea and lemonade. However, the execution has left much to be desired.

A recent tasting revealed that the Berry Clementine Refresher, ordered with green tea, produced an overwhelming mix of flavors reminiscent of cheap fruit juices. The intended citrus notes were muddled by an unexpected tanginess that failed to harmonize with the berry essence. The addition of green tea only complicated the flavor profile further, reminiscent of a childhood soda fountain concoction—confusing and not particularly refreshing.

On the other hand, the Berry Daydream Refresher, which incorporates oatmilk and sweet cold foam, offered a slightly better experience, though not by much. The creaminess helped tone down the overly tart flavor, but the drink still echoed the taste of cough syrup, particularly reminiscent of '90s Get Better Bears lollipops. While the oatmilk added some comfort to the drink, its tendency to curdle shortly after preparation was another disappointing factor.

Judging purely on taste, both drinks struggled to deliver the vibrant, fresh fruitiness one would expect. Although the Berry Daydream was marginally more palatable, it still evoked an unwanted connection to medicinal flavors. With a price tag of $3.59 for the Berry Clementine and $4.59 for the Berry Daydream, many may reconsider their choices, especially given the lack of satisfying flavors.

Ultimately, both Refreshers seem destined to fade into Dunkin's extensive lineup of seasonal beverages without leaving a memorable impression. While the idea of a berry-clementine fusion sounds appealing, the reality falls short, making these drinks a tough sell for even the most dedicated Dunkin' aficionados.

Source: www.tastingtable.com