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.

“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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