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Known for coffee, doughnuts, and a very Canadian vibe, Tim Hortons was not the first place I expected to find fruit drinks, which is why its Refreshers caught my attention so quickly.
After trying them side by side, I ranked the ones I’d order again so it is easier to narrow down a flavor that actually fits your taste.
10 Must-try Tim Hortons Refreshers
They’re built around green tea and fruit juice, so they feel lighter than a full energy drink and less heavy than a creamy blended drink.
That makes them easy to reach for on a hot afternoon, especially when I want something cold without a lot of effort. These are the ones that stood out most to me.
1. Pineapple Coconut Sugar-Free Red Bull
I should say that the caffeine level is not the same across the whole line, so I paid more attention to the specific drink than the category name.
The Pineapple Coconut Sugar-Free Red Bull version changed my mind the most because it tastes brighter and more tropical than I expected.
I’m usually wary of coconut and I rarely go out of my way for Red Bull, but this one pulled the two together better than I thought it would.
The citrusy Red Bull flavor stays in the background enough that the pineapple and coconut still come through, so the drink reads as summery instead of odd.
Red Bull Refreshers are only available in US locations, currently.
2. Raspberry Tropical Red Bull
If the rich red color of the drink doesn’t get your attention, the unique flavor profile of the Raspberry Tropical Red Bull sure will.
What stood out to me was the fruit-punch finish. There’s a little raspberry tang in there, but the overall taste is closer to punch than plain citrus.
I was a little disappointed that the raspberry taste is not stronger, but was surprised at how fresh the fruit elements tasted.
If you already like fruit punch and want something with more bite, this is the one that lands near the top for me.
3. Strawberry Lemonade
I was worried the Strawberry Lemonade would be overly sweet, but the first sip was brighter than I expected. That was the version that made me slow down and actually taste it.
Rather than using sweet, artificial lemonade, they use lemon oil and lemon juice to create a more authentic, light flavor.
The lemon sharpens the strawberry syrup and keeps the finish zesty instead of sticky.
Zingy, fruity, and sweet? I know what Refresher I’m reaching for this summer.
Nutritional Facts:
4. Blue Raspberry Coconut Original Red Bull
Out of the whole lineup, the Blue Raspberry Coconut Original Red Bull version felt the most unusual to me. It pairs Red Bull with raspberry and coconut syrup.
I loved blue raspberry as a kid and was surprised by how well the fruity tartness blended with the coconut and Red Bull.
It sounds like a strange mix on paper, but on a warm day the sweetness and fizz make it easier to enjoy than I expected.
Just be wary that the sugar content is pretty high, as each one contains 29g and 112 kcal.
5. Nitro Refresher
Coffee lovers aren’t left out of the Refresher fam, don’t worry! The Nitro Refresher is intense in flavor and caffeine.
The coffee blend is steeped for over 16 hours and infused with nitrogen to create a silky-smooth texture that’s a pleasure to sip on.
That extra kick is the main reason I come back to it, especially when I want something colder and sharper than a standard iced coffee.
This is a great energizer when I’m struggling to keep my eyes open in the morning (especially with a little agave syrup).
6. Strawberry Coconut
The Strawberry Coconut Refresher mixes strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and strawberry juice or extract, and the first thing I noticed was how creamy it felt.
It has a strawberries-and-cream feel with a tropical twist, thanks to the addition of coconut milk.
Because the color is so pink, I expected something close to Starbucks’ Pink Drink, but this one is sweeter and a bit more straightforward.
After my first few sips, I realized that I like the Strawberry Coconut way better, which was honestly a nice surprise!
Nutritional Facts:
7. BlackBerry Mint
Made with blackberries, mint, and green tea, this one tastes the cleanest of the group to me. It’s lightly sweet, with a finish that feels more thirst-quenching than sugary.
I was lucky enough to try this before it was briefly discontinued and was immediately hooked – so I was ecstatic when it came back.
I like that the flavor comes across a little more natural than some of the other Refreshers, which can drift into candy territory if I’m not in the mood for them.
Of the berry-heavy options, this is the one I notice first because the flavor stays clean from start to finish.
8. Orange Tangerine
Just like the Blackberry Mint Refresher, the Orange Tangerine Refresher was also supposed to be a limited edition but was brought back due to popular demand.
The tangy orange and tart tangerine notes are the main reason this one works for me. The green tea keeps it from tasting flat.
Citrus is usually the first flavor I reach for, and this one has the juicy, fruity taste I want when I want something sharper than berry.
If you’re into citrus or want to get into flavored green tea, the Orange Tangerine-flavored Refresher is simply the best option!
9. Lemonade Refreshers
I come back to a Lemonade Refresher when it’s hot out because it stays light and tangy. Compared with the Strawberry Lemonade, this one tastes simpler and noticeably less sweet.
Sometimes the simple things really are the best, and the Tim Hortons Lemonade Refreshers really hits the spot.
The drink stays zesty enough to hold my attention, which is usually enough for a summer cooler.
10. Sunrise Sunset
This Red Bull-infused version is one of the drinks I see ordered often, and I can see why.
The name fits the bright orange, yellow, and red look, and the mix of raspberry syrup with Red Bull Yellow Edition gives it a clear citrus profile.
To me, it leans more orange mango than plain energy drink, and the flavor feels stronger than regular or sugar-free Red Bull.
It tastes a bit more like Orange Tangerine, with a notable tropical profile.
The fizz adds a sharp mouthfeel that makes each sip feel a little louder than the fruitier, tea-based options.
What are Tim Hortons Refreshers?
Tim Hortons Refreshers are water-based drinks that include additional ingredients to make for light, flavor-packed, and energizing thirst quenchers.
Ingredients
Depending on the drink, Tim Hortons may add Red Bull, blackberry, orange, tangerine, coconut milk, mint, green tea, passion fruit syrup, lemon oil, and fruit juices.
Nutritional information
There is not much detailed nutritional information available on Tim Hortons’ site, so I’d treat the nutrition details for these drinks as limited unless the store lists them directly.
However, the regular Red Bull has up to 168 kcal and 29g of sugar. Add syrups on top of that, and it’s even more.
In practice, the Nitro and Lemonade Refreshers feel lighter than the sweeter fruit-and-Red Bull combinations, but I would not call them the lightest choice without current nutrition data.
Customers appreciate that there are options for everyone, no matter their diet.
Cost breakdown
Each Refresher comes in Small (14 oz.), Medium (20 oz.), and Large (24 oz.). I’ve found the size jump matters because these drinks can go from refreshing to a little much if you overdo it.
Refresher Cost By Size | 14 oz | 20 oz | 24 oz |
|---|---|---|---|
Blackberry Mint Refresher | $2.69 | $3.29 | $3.89 |
Orange Tangerine Refresher | $2.89 | $3.49 | $4.09 |
Strawberry Coconut Refresher | $2.78 | $3.38 | $3.98 |
Lemonade Refresher | $2.69 | $3.29 | $3.89 |
Strawberry Lemonade | $2.77 | $3.37 | $3.97 |
Blue Raspberry Coconut Original Red Bull-Infused Refresher | $2.79 | $3.39 | $3.99 |
Pineapple Coconut Sugar-Free Red Bull-Infused Refresher | $2.81 | $3.41 | $4.01 |
Raspberry Tropical Red Bull Refresher | $2.79 | $3.39 | $3.99 |
Nitro Refresher | $2.40 | $2.75 | $3.00 |
*Prices vary by store, so the numbers below are just the averages I saw from regular visits to local Tim Hortons cafés.
Tips when ordering Refreshers at Tim Hortons
Not every Refresher is available at every Tim Hortons location.
Sometimes a store can make a close version, but only if it has the ingredients on hand.
I have seen customers get close custom versions before, but the final drink usually depends on what the location carries and how much the team is willing to adjust.
For example, they may not have the Blackberry Mint Refreshers on the menu, but they could carry the mint and syrups necessary to make it.
Many prefer ordering Refreshers on the app, which can mean less wait time when you’re on the go!
Depending on the place and home country you order from, however, you may have limited choices.
Refresher showdown - Tim Hortons vs Starbucks vs Dutch Bros
Tim Hortons Refreshers vs Starbucks
One major factor that sets the best Starbucks’ Refreshers apart from Tim Hortons’ is that Starbucks uses green coffee beans in theirs, which makes them caffeinated.
I also noticed that Tim Hortons’ green tea and most of its Refreshers lean sweeter than I expected, so the fruit flavor often comes with a sugary finish.
However, Tim Hortons carries less variety of syrup flavors and generally only offers a few Refresher options per location compared to Sbux.
Tim Hortons Refreshers vs Dutch Bros
Tim’s Refreshers with caffeine use Red Bull energy drink, while Dutch Bros uses their Blue Rebel energy drink.
Dutch Bros has a wider range overall, and the extra customization makes it easier to push the drink in a different direction.
Both taste delicious, with unique flavor profiles your mouth is sure to thank you for.
FAQs
Do Tim Hortons Refreshers have caffeine?
Some Tim Hortons Refreshers have caffeine, but not all of them. In practice, the Red Bull-named drinks are the ones I watch for.
Do Tim Hortons Refreshers contain real fruit?
Not every Refresher tastes like real fruit, though the berry-forward ones come closer to fruit than to candy flavoring.
Do all Tim Hortons stores have Refreshers?
Refreshers are on the Tim Hortons menu, but not every location carries every flavor.
Does Tim Hortons still have Quenchers?
Tim Hortons also still offers Freshly Brewed Iced Tea Quenchers and Real Fruit Quenchers.
Conclusion
Whether I want something with a Red Bull-style kick or just a cold drink to slow down with, this menu covers both moods.
For me, the safest bets are still Orange Tangerine and Blackberry Mint, because both give me the brightest flavor without tasting too heavy.
