SEATTLE, WA - For Starbucks fans, summer usually means a new fruity and Instagrammable drink will be hitting menus across the nation, and this year is no exception. Starbucks has launched a new drink dubbed the Mango Dragonfruit Starbucks Refreshers®, which looks and tastes as tropical as it sounds. The new Refresher boasts a deep magenta hue loaned from pieces of real red-fleshed dragon fruit and a flavor reminiscent of the beaches of Central America where both of its namesake fruits can be located.
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“People love both the flavor and the color,” said Alicia Binion, creator of the beverage and member of the research and development (R&D) team. “It’s bright and vivid; something you would want to take a picture of to share with friends.”
In its announcement, Starbucks touted the increasing popularity of the previously enigmatic dragon fruit, calling it “one of those up-and-coming flavors.” ANUK has previously reported on the rise of dragon fruit for 2018, even getting the co-sign from the dragon fruit purveyors at Frieda’s Specialty Produce.

“With several 2018 food trend forecasts pointing to Instagram-ready colorful cuisine and upscale non-alcoholic cocktails, the vibrant magenta-colored dragon fruit is poised for a big year,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, Senior Account Manager at Frieda’s.
Americans and Canadians alike will be able to indulge in the fruity sweetness of Starbucks’ latest beverage according to a press release, with the item joining the permanent menu for the company starting this week. Increased access to mango and dragon fruit merely blocks away from my office? That’s definitely a win to me!
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