Nothing beats an ice-cold drink on a hot day or a piping hot latte to warm you up when it’s cold and blustery. If you’re looking for a great place that serves both hot and cold beverages, then look no further than Dunkin’ Donuts. This well-known spot offers more than just donuts or tasty treats. The donut mega chain also creates some of the tastiest and most refreshing coffee-based drinks you can find. Dunkin’ took its drink game to the next level in recent years, offering everything under the sun to fit anyone’s taste. Undoubtedly, the best Dunkin’ drinks will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
For even more of a reason to indulge, drinking coffee offers a range of health benefits that most probably aren’t aware of. A recent study found that drinking two or three cups of coffee per day could add years to your life by keeping your heart healthy. Researchers tracked 400,000 participants and found that the world’s most popular beverage lowers the risk of heart disease and dangerous heart rhythms—helping people live longer. Researchers also discovered this benefit applies to both healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular disease.
If that’s not enough evidence to convince you to run to Dunkin’ for the latest coffee drink, then consider this. Another recent study found that drinking coffee is linked to a lower risk of kidney disease. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that drinking just one cup of coffee per day lowers your risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI). The team compared their findings against those of non-coffee drinkers and found that those who consume any amount of coffee per day are 15 percent less likely to develop AKI. Study authors found that people who drink two to three cups of coffee per day saw the largest risk reductions with a 22-23 percent lower risk of developing AKI. Now the only question is: do you take your coffee with cream, sugar, or both?
Why do people like Dunkin’?
- Customization King: Dunkin’ lets you personalize your coffee to the moon and back. Swirls, shots, milks, sugars – endless combinations to satisfy your wildest caffeine dreams!
- Value & Speed: Affordable prices and rapid service make Dunkin’ the perfect pit stop for on-the-go coffee lovers. No breaking the bank or lingering in line!
- Beyond Bean Basics: From Coolattas to Refreshers, Dunkin’s diverse menu caters to all palates. Craving fruity and iced? Done. Need a creamy, chocolaty hug? Double done!
- Seasonal Surprises: Dunkin’ keeps things fresh with limited-edition flavors and themed drinks. Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone? Pumpkin Spice EVERYTHING!
So, which drinks are the tastiest on their menu? StudyFinds did the research, consulting 10 foodie review sites in an effort to bring you a consensus best Dunkin’ drinks. Our list comprises the five most frequently listed options from across these sites. Was your favorite drink left out? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
The List: Best Dunkin’ Drinks, According to Experts
1. Butter Pecan Swirl (Iced or Hot)
The top spot on the list of best drinks goes to the Dunkin’ Butter Pecan Swirl. This delicious, nutty, sweet drink is one of the most popular flavors available. The Butter Pecan Swirl can be added to a hot coffee or an iced coffee to create one of the best drinks you’ll find anywhere.
Dunkin’ Brings Back Butter Pecan Swirl as Permanent Menu Item pic.twitter.com/NHWXBRnUbR
— Restaurant Clicks (@restaurantclix) April 14, 2023
“Butter Pecan Swirl is one of the most popular Dunkin Donuts iced coffee flavors. A great treat to curb your sugar cravings, the drink features a buttery smooth caramel taste with a nutty pecan flavor covered with a caramel pecan crunch,” writes Geekspin.
For what it’s worth, the Butter Pecan Swirl coffee drinks from Dunkin are like drinking your favorite butter pecan ice cream. Dunkin knows how to create a tasty flavor, and that’s exactly what they did with the Butter Pecan Swirl.
“The baristas at Dunkin’ Donuts have concocted a drink that combines a buttery caramel flavor with a pecan flavor that has a hint of nuttiness. Additionally, it has a caramel and pecan crunch on top of it. On those days when you just aren’t in the mood for tasting the coffee, you’ll find that this caffeinated beverage is perfect for you, as long as you don’t mind a little bit of sugar mixed in,” explains La Capra Coffee.
True, the Butter Pecan Swirl will mask the taste of your coffee drink. However, you might not want to make this your go-to, everyday coffee drink. Instead, Dunkin’s Butter Pecan Swirl should be more of an occasional treat. “Speaking of cold drinks, next we would recommend the Dunkin’ butter pecan swirl. This drink is delicious, but it is full of sugar… as a treat, this drink is perfect,” adds Restaurant Clicks.
2. Americano
The Americano is an espresso diluted with hot water to create a powerful and delicious blend that delivers a perfect jolt to your day when you need it most. “The Americano is the classic American take on coffee. The Dunkin’ version is made with 100 percent Arabica beans for a rich, smooth flavor. Two shots of espresso are brewed with hot water for a long black coffee. If you prefer it white, you can add your choice of cold milk afterwards. And because even a white Americano has relatively little milk, the flavor of the coffee shines through. It’s low in calories too. A regular white Americano has just 29 calories, while a large has 38,” writes The Donut Whole.
Americanos have been around since the middle of the 20th century, but Dunkin’ clearly takes this classic favorite to the next level. Dunkin’s Americano is a great way to enjoy the benefits of espresso without drinking it straight. “If a classic espresso is a bit much for you, give the Dunkin’ Americano a try. The classic Americano was originally crafted for Americans during World War II… At Dunkin’ Donuts, you can order an Americano hot or iced, making it a great drink for those who aren’t fans of espresso,” explains Coffee Affection.
Espresso is extremely stout, and, for some, the bitterness can be very overpowering. Americanos were originally created to help combat the stiff taste of espresso. “If you aren’t already familiar with this old school espresso-based beverage, an Americano is basically a shot (or a double shot) of espresso that’s been diluted with water to create sort of a cross between espresso and drip coffee. The drink originated during World War II, when American soldiers were looking for a familiar cup of joe overseas. If you’ve ever been to Europe, you know that drip coffee can be pretty hard to come by, so during the war, cafes started mixing espresso with water to create a drink that was more palatable for Americans,” explains Mashed.
3. Cold Brew
The Dunkin’ Cold Brew is a simple yet effective coffee drink that is sure to delight even the pickiest of coffee drinkers. “Cold brew has steadily increased in popularity since the 1960s for a good reason, and it’s one of the best Dunkin Donuts drinks on a hot day (1). Even coffee shop giant Starbucks and McDonald’s McCafe have this drink on their menu. Dunkin’s cold brew is made from 100% Arabica beans that are slow-steeped for 12 hours. It’s incredibly smooth and sweet, with irresistible notes of chocolate. But it’s only available in limited batches every day. So make sure you get there early,” exclaims Homegrounds.
If you arrive at Dunkin’ too late in the day and you’re looking forward to enjoying a cold brew, then you might be out of luck. The chain brews its cold brew first thing in the morning, and when that batch is gone, it’s gone—they aren’t making any more cold brew that day.
“100% Arabica beans steeped overnight in cold water for 12 hours to slowly extract the flavor, making it an ultra-smooth, full bodied cold coffee with a sweeter, rich chocolatey taste. Craft-brewed in small batches. Limited quantities available daily,” describes Urban Matter.
For anyone who wants a tasty spin on traditional iced coffee, this drink is the perfect blend of coffee and flavor. And, the best part about Dunkin’s Cold Brew is that it’s low in calories. “The Dunkin’ Cold Brew is the perfect drink for those who love caffeine but would prefer to stay away from a lot of calories. Made from Arabica beans that are steeped for 12 hours, this drink is smooth, full-bodied, and sweet with its chocolatey flavor. Even those who aren’t fans of cold brew can find themselves loving this drink,” adds Coffee Affection.
4. Caramel Macchiato (Iced or Hot)
The fourth spot on the list of the best drinks available at Dunkin’ Donuts belongs to the savory Caramel Macchiato. It is a blend of coffee and steamed milk that tastes as delicious as it sounds. Add in Dunkin’s caramel syrup and you have one of the yummiest options on the menu.
“Caramel Macchiato is a classic signature coffee at almost every coffee shop. And the Dunkin’ Donuts version does not disappoint. The simple combination of coffee and steamed milk is boosted by their superior caramel syrup, resulting in the most delicious flavor combo. This coffee is available hot or iced (brewed with cold water), and both options will hit the spot, making the two caramel coffees the best drinks at Dunkin’ Donuts,” explains Era of We.
Whether you enjoy your Caramel Macchiato from Dunkin’ hot or iced, you can rest assured that it’s going to be delicious. However, it’s wise to try the Caramel Macchiato both ways. Iced Caramel Macchiato in the summer is a great way to start your day, while the warm version in the winter will help you shake off those frigid cold mornings.
“Another one of the best Dunkin Donuts drinks, the Caramel Macchiato, can be had either hot or iced, depending on your preference. This well-liked combination of steamed milk, caramel, and silky coffee simply cannot be topped by anything else. If it’s hot outside, an iced version is a wonderful way to cool down and refresh yourself,” adds La Capra Coffee.
Don’t be fooled, the Caramel Macchiato can be on the sweeter side of the coffee spectrum. As the experts explain, this drink from Dunkin is an excellent way to get your sugar fix for the day and treat yourself to something fun at the same time. “Unlike the typical salted caramel flavor that offers a hint of saltiness to the sweetness of cooked sugar, the caramel swirl used in this drink is super sweet, making it the perfect drink for those who are in need of some sugar rush,” furthers Geekspin.
5. Coco Berry Iced Coffee
Rounding out the list of the best Dunkin’ drinks is a unique but incredibly tasty beverage: The Coco Berry Iced Coffee. This drink is one of the most original yet delicious beverages you’ll get at any one of the major coffee chains. However, there’s just one catch to this tasty beverage: it’s not on the menu. The Coco Berry Iced Coffee is a secret menu hack developed by Dunkin enthusiasts and made popular by, well, the internet.
“Made by combining Dunkin’s iced coffee with almond milk, two shots of coconut flavor, and two shots of blueberry flavor (both sugar-free), the coco berry iced coffee is a delightful, refreshing, and completely dairy-free option (can also be made with milk or cream upon request). That being said, the amalgamation of coconut, blueberry, and coffee is not for everyone,” explains Mashed.
Ah yes, the old hidden menu ordering hack. A lot of fast food restaurants and beverage establishments are known for having a “hidden menu.” At Dunkin, the hidden menu revolves around various combinations of flavors for those of you who are willing to experiment.
“Yet another hidden gem on the secret menu at Dunkin’ is Coco Berry Iced Coffee. An iced coffee with almond milk is the base for this drink. Then ask your barista to add two shots of coconut and two shots of blueberry. This creamy, tasty, and refreshing drink is ideal for a hot summer day,” writes Coffee Affection.
There are a couple of different ordering options when it comes to this drink. One involves an iced coffee with almond milk, while the other harnesses a mocha latte for the base. Either way, flavor gurus are sure to love this fun concoction from Dunkin’.
“The unique flavor combination is tropical, creamy, fruity, and extremely satisfying, making it one of the excellent Dunkin’ coffee orders. You can also try its sister version and ask for a mocha latte combined with the blueberry syrup. This drink will make you feel like you’re drinking coffee followed up by chocolate-covered blueberries,” furthers Era of We.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Starbucks Drinks
- Best Dunkin’ Flavors
- Best Coffee Chains
- Best Fast Food Secret Menu Items
- Best Fast Food Coffee
Sources:
- Era of We
- Mashed
- Coffee Affection
- Restaurant Clicks
- The Donut Whole
- Urban Matter
- Geekspin
- La Capra Coffee
- Homegrounds
- Let’s Eat Cake
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.