Make the famous vibrant pink Starbucks Dragon Drink in your own home with this easy Copycat Dragon Drink recipe. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
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Now, I don't get Starbucks very often, but when I do, I order the Dragon Drink. It's light, creamy refreshing and really one of the healthier options to be found at Starbucks. The floaty bits of dragon fruit really make it! Whether you're a long-time purchaser of Dragon Drinks from Starbucks or you've never heard of it in your life, I'm certain your taste buds will be please with the deliciousness they find here! I tried many different combos before settling on this Starbucks copycat recipe and I think it comes pretty darn close! Enjoy.
🥤 What is Dragon Drink?
Dragon Drink is a popular iced drink from Starbucks that allows the flavors of mango, dragon fruit and coconut milk to mingle into one creamy and refreshing beverage.
❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make.
- Packed with flavor.
- Light and refreshing.
- It makes for a beautiful pink drink!
- Very successful copycat recipe reminiscent of Starbucks' version (if I must say so myself!).
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, soy-free, nut-free.
🗒️ Ingredient Notes
Coconut milk: Creamy coconut milk is the milk used in the original Dragon Drink at Starbucks. Both full fat canned coconut milk works, as does coconut milk beverage sold in cartons. Coconut cream works, too! While not the traditional choice, I can say from experience that oat milk makes a rather tasty version as well.
Dragon fruit powder: Dragon fruit is also known by the name of pitaya, so freeze-dried dragon fruit powder or pitaya powder will do the trick. Opt for the powders with the vibrant pink hue for that true Dragon Drink effect.
Mango juice blend: I find this particular brand of mango juice blend to taste very much like the juice blend Starbucks uses and contains a really good quality sweet mango puree. However, mixing one part mango juice with one part apple juice or white grape juice will taste very similarly.
Dried dragon fruit chips: Freeze-dried dragon fruit cubes or chips are very similar to what Starbucks use in their version and are super delicious. They rehydrate nicely and offer a wonderful texture (and may just be my favorite part of a Dragon Drink!).
Green coffee extract: This optional ingredient adds a little caffeine boost if that's your jam (yes, the original Starbucks blend contains it!). Omit for caffeine-free.
Sweetener: Another optional ingredient as it's naturally sweet from the juice, but if you want Starbucks-level sweet, add a little sweetener of your choosing. I like a touch of coconut sugar myself.
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Combine the juice and dragon fruit powder (and the green coffee powder or sugar if using). Step 2: Mix well. Step 3: Strain. (like so) Step 4: Add the ice cubes and dragon fruit chips to a tall glass. Step 5: Pour the strained juice mixture into the glass. Step 6: Top off with coconut milk. 
Step 7: Give a little shake or stir. Step 8: Enjoy!
🥡 Storage
You can keep the strained juice mixture in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 10 days. It is then super easy to whip up a Dragon Drink when you're in the mood. I do not advise making it completely and then storing - the ice will melt and the dragon fruit will rehydrate too much and begin to break down.
💭 Top Tip
Want a Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher instead? Swap out the coconut milk in favor of water.
❓ FAQ
Ice, Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers Base, coconut milk, freeze-dried dragon fruit pieces.
Dragon Drink is now a very popular drink at Starbucks, so your barista is likely to know what you mean when you order a "Dragon Drink", but if you have any difficulty, order a Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher but ask them to swap the water for coconut milk.
The Dragon Drink is sweet, but not candy-sweet like you may expect. The coconut milk helps cut the sweetness and the flavors overall are really fruity, refreshing and tropical in nature.
I wouldn't call it healthy, but it is a healthier choice as far as the Starbuck menu goes.
🧊 More Refreshing Drink Recipes
Iced Blueberry Cardamom Moon Milk
📖 Recipe
Easy Copycat Starbucks Dragon Drink Recipe
Ingredients
Dragon Drink Ingredients
- 1 cup mango juice blend or one part mango with one part apple or white grape juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons pink dragon fruit powder pitaya powder
- ice for serving
- ½ cup dried dragon fruit chips roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk canned or carton
Optional Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons sweetener of choice granulated or liquid
- ½ teaspoon green coffee bean extract add this if you want a caffeinated dragon drink
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the mango juice blend and the dragon fruit powder. If using sweetener and/or green coffee bean extract, add now. Whisk everything together until well combined, then strain the mixture, reserving the liquid. Set aside.
- Fill large glass with ice and dragon fruit chips. Add the strained juice mixture, then top off with the coconut milk. Give a good stir to combine.
- Enjoy!
Liz says
Now that I can make this at home I'm going to save so much money by not hitting the drive thru every week!!
Lisa says
This version was so much fresher and cheaper than the coffee shop one.
Gina says
The color of this drink has always caught my eye, glad to have this homemade recipe to control the ingredient quality and enjoy this at home!
Heidi says
The Dragon drink is one of my favorites at Starbucks, but it can get expensive. I made your recipe at home and was quite pleased with the flavor. I will definitely be making it more often!
Bella B says
Loved how easy this was and it tastes just like the real one at Starbucks. Excited to make this all summer long.
Jenn says
This is amazing! The color is stunning and the flavor is fresh and refreshing! Love it!
Lisa says
This dragon drink is even better than the one at Starbucks!
MacKenzie says
Tastes just like the Starbucks dragon fruit drink. My daughter loved it!
Gen says
Absolutely loved this! It's not only fruity and creamy, but it's beautiful. Thanks for the recipe!
JD Alewine says
Not only is this super beautiful, but it also tastes EXACTLY like the one from Starbucks!!!!
Tavo says
absolutely delicious! I loved this combo! Perfect for breakfast!
Ieva says
I used this recipe at a baby shower and everyone really liked it! Grat flavour and perfectly vibrant colour!
kushigalu says
How pretty and refreshing is this drink recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Anjali says
I love the Starbucks dragon drink but never thought of making a homemade version! This looks gorgeous, I can't wait to try your recipe soon!
Angela says
YUM! This is my favorite Starbucks drink and your version is spot on! Love that I can make this at home now.
Lynden Smith says
What brand of coconut milk do you use?
Ieva says
Yum! This is one of our favourite drinks! Cannot wait to try and make it at home 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Helen says
Wow - such a gorgeous colour, and lots of healthy ingredients. Yum!
Juliane says
A very good and refreshing idea indeed!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
This was so delicious and easy to make. We love this at home.
Shashi at Savory Spin says
Thanks so much for this recipe - this drink is one of my favorites from 'Bucks and I cannot wait to try your version out!
Tara says
Oh how fun! This drink looks so good, especially with that beautiful, vibrant color. I love that it is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Jessica Formicola says
I spend WAY too much money on Starbucks, so I'm thrilled to find this recipe. And it's a spot on copycat!
Andrea says
Sounds so refreshing. Love the color and the flavors.
Alison says
This dragon drink is beautiful and really tastes just like the Starbucks version. Now I can save my money and make it at home!
Kristen Wood says
So happy to hear! Thank you. 🙂
Nathan says
This is one of my favorite Starbucks drinks but it's so hard to justify spending all that money. Love having the option to make it at home now! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Holley says
My daughter is going to LOVE that she can make this at home! I also get to save a load of money too haha. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Katherine says
Oooh this looks outstanding. I need to grab that pitaya powder!
Kristen Wood says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Kechi says
This looks so creamy and refreshing; also, what a beautiful color! Bookmarked to make soon! Thanks for sharing.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
This looks gorgeous and easy to do too. Now I need to find some dragon fruit chips!
Kristen Wood says
Thank you!