Dunkin' Zero Energy Drink Copycat Recipe (Zero Sugar Taste Test)
Dunkin's first energy drink. Zero sugar, comes in mango, peach, and tangerine. Clean energy boost without the weird aftertaste most energy drinks have. Way smoother than I expected. ⚡
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- cold filtered water 2 cups
- zero sugar mango peach drink mix (such as Crystal Light or similar) 1 packet
- 100% tangerine juice (not from concentrate) 1 oz
- caffeine powder (food grade, see recipe notes) 1 tsp
- ice cubes 1.5 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
- liquid monk fruit or sucralose sweetener (optional, to taste) 0.5 tsp
- citric acid (for extra tang, optional) 1 pinch
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
2 g
80%
Protein
0 g
0%
Fat
0 g
0%
Cooking steps
-
1
In a large measuring cup, combine 2 cups cold filtered water and 1 packet zero sugar mango peach drink mix. Stir thoroughly until fully dissolved. (Dunkin' tip: Mixing cold and flavoring first ensures no dry powder clumps, mirroring the clean taste and clarity of Dunkin's drinks.)
-
2
Add 1 oz 100% tangerine juice to the mixture and stir to incorporate bright citrus notes. (Dunkin' tip: The touch of real tangerine matches Dunkin's fruit-forward, natural taste in their Zero drinks.)
-
3
Carefully add 1 tsp caffeine powder. Whisk vigorously to ensure full dissolution. For safety, use only food-grade caffeine powder and measure precisely. (Dunkin' tip: Use just enough for an energy boost—Dunkin’s version is smooth and never harsh.)
-
4
Add 1.5 cups ice cubes to a large shaker or mason jar, pour in the prepared mixture, and seal. Shake for 20 seconds until well-chilled and lightly frothy. (Dunkin' tip: Shaking over ice gives the drink its signature chill and aeration found in-the-store.)
-
5
Taste and, if desired, adjust sweetness with 0.5 tsp liquid monk fruit or sucralose, and add a pinch of citric acid for more tanginess. Pour into tall glasses over fresh ice to serve.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this actually taste like Dunkin' Zero Energy Drink?
Yes! This copycat recipe uses a blend of zero sugar mango peach drink mix, tangerine juice, and food-grade caffeine, just like Dunkin's official Zero Energy Drink. Shaking the mix with ice gives that classic, smooth, fruit-forward flavor and clean finish that Dunkin' fans expect.
Q. Do I need special equipment for this recipe?
Nope—all you need is a shaker or a large mason jar to mix and chill the drink. A whisk is suggested for dissolving the caffeine powder, but if you don't have one, vigorous stirring works too. No fancy bar tools required.
Q. Can I customize the sweetness or use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less liquid monk fruit or sucralose. If you prefer a different fruit profile, swap in orange juice for tangerine, or try another sugar-free drink mix. For lower caffeine, halve the caffeine powder, or omit for a decaf version.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving?
Each 16 oz (473g) serving contains about 10 kcal and 2g carbs, with 0g fat and 0g protein. This mirrors Dunkin's low-calorie, zero sugar nutrition for their Zero Energy Drink.
Q. Is it cheaper to make this at home than buying from Dunkin'?
Definitely. You can make two generous servings for less than the price of a single Dunkin' Zero Energy Drink at the store, especially if you use bulk mixes and caffeine powder—you’ll save several dollars per drink!
