Dutch Bros Coffee has introduced the Myst Energy Refresher, a new beverage category for summer 2026. The announcement comes in conjunction with the return of two seasonal favorites — Dulce de Leche and Strawberry Colada.
Dutch Bros Coffee's Myst Energy Refresher distinguishes itself from typical energy drinks by deriving its stimulant effect from plant-based sources, and it also includes electrolytes and antioxidants. The recipe will appeal to consumers seeking functional hydration beyond just a caffeine boost. Offered in Passion Water, FirestormTM, Tropical, and Cherry Lime flavors, each medium serving contains fewer than 100 calories, and a zero-sugar version allows for over 30 combinations.
The returning Dulce de Leche, a combination of caramel, white chocolate, cinnamon, and sweet cream, offers a dessert-like coffee experience that can be enjoyed as a freeze, iced latte, or iced chai. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Colada blends pineapple, coconut, and sweet cream with strawberry fruit topping.
Image Credit: Dutch Bros Coffee
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Plant-based Energy Hydrators
- Growth of stimulant blends sourced from plants combined with electrolytes and antioxidants opens opportunities for beverages that replace traditional synthetic energy formulations with perceived healthier functional hydration.
- Customizable Low-calorie Beverage Platforms
- Zero-sugar bases and modular flavor options enabling 30-plus combinations create potential for scalable personalization systems that cater to calorie-conscious consumers without sacrificing variety.
- Seasonal Dessert-inspired Coffee Innovations
- Dessert-forward profiles like Dulce de Leche and Strawberry Colada indicate a shift toward indulgent, seasonal limited releases that blur the line between confection and daily coffee routines.
Where This Applies
- Beverage Retail Chains
- Retail operators can differentiate via seasonal menu engineering and hybrid product categories that attract both functional-drink seekers and indulgence-focused customers.
- Functional Ingredient Suppliers
- Suppliers of plant-based stimulants, electrolytes, and antioxidants are positioned to supply tailored ingredient blends that enable novel energy-hydration formulations.
- Foodservice Equipment and Packaging
- Advancements in portion control dispensers, cold-fill packaging, and sustainable single-serve formats support complex customization at scale while addressing convenience and waste concerns.
