Dragon fruit is easy to love, I use it for smoothies and smoothie bowls, and now: a cocktail! I love the fruity flavor, but the truly irresistible quality is the vibrant magenta color. It's like nothing else in nature!
The only problem is, the right color dragon fruit can be really hard to find, for those of us who don't live in the tropics. My solution? Smoothie packs of dragon fruit purée. They're easy to keep on hand and deliver that stunning color and delicious flavor every time.
When you use puree in your cocktail shaker, you get a cocktail that's just as refreshing as it is eye-catching. It takes pretty in pink to a whole new level!
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What is Dragon Fruit
To recap: Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America. Its taste is like a combination of a kiwi and a pear.(Healthline)
Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya, comes in several varieties. Although it can be quite difficult to find near me (US - Midwest) I was once fortunate to find 3 different varieties at a local grocery store. 2 of the varieties appear very similar externally: the skin is bright pink with green scales. They appear to differ only in size, as one is noticeably larger than the other. The third variety has yellow skin with green bumps.
The internal pulp of these fruits shows even more variety.
The yellow skinned variety contains white pulp with large black seeds.
The larger of the pink varieties has white pulp with much smaller black seeds.
The smallest fruit, which has exactly the same color skin, contains a bright magenta-colored pulp. It also contains small black seeds, but you honestly don't notice them in that amazingly colored pulp.
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
As mentioned above, the taste is most commonly described as a combination of a kiwi and a pear. Its incredibly mild yet fruity taste means it pairs very easily with other flavors and doesn't compete on taste. I used tropical flavors for my smoothie and smoothie bowl. For this cocktail, the flavors are citrus and elderflower.
Dragon Fruit Cocktail Ingredients
- Dragon Fruit puree (magenta)
- Elderflower Liqueur (St Germain)
- Vodka
- Lemon juice - fresh squeezed
- Simple syrup
Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water dissolved together. For one-time use, I make a few tablespoons at a time, just microwave them together in a small cup to dissolve and then allow to cool. If larger quantities are needed, heat 1-2 cups of water in a small saucepan, add the same quantity of sugar (to one cup water add one cup sugar, etc) and stir to dissolve. Pour in a jar with a cover and store in the refrigerator.
Where to Find Pitaya Smoothie Packs
Fortunately for us all, it is becoming more common to find dragon fruit smoothie packs in grocery stores. I have found these packs most recently at my local Kroger-owned store. If you are having trouble finding them, Whole Foods is another good source.
These packs are a great way to get the bright pink pulp without second guessing whether you picked the right variety at the store. Each pouch contains 3.5 ounces (100g) of bright pink fruit puree. We only need a little for this recipe, so plan to save the rest, it'll be enough for a morning smoothie.
How to Make Dragon Fruit Cocktails
Simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake, then strain into your glasses. The recipe makes two, because, you know, Valentine's Day. Of course you can make a single serving just by halving all the ingredients. Or, go ahead and make the whole amount for yourself. No judging here!
I also recommend you double strain this drink. The dragon fruit puree will have pulp and seeds in it. If you strain your drink using only the large strainer on top of your cocktail shaker, all those seeds will end up in the glasses.
To avoid this, grab a small mesh strainer and pour the liquid through that and into the glasses.
Serving Suggestions for Dragon Fruit Cocktail
I garnished my cocktails with fresh dragon fruit (I used a melon ball scoop to make balls) and a chunk of mango. Pineapple is another favorite. You could also wet the rim of the glass and dip it in toasted coconut for a completely different flavor. Have fun with it!
This cocktail is not just for Valentine's Day! It's too gorgeous to be limited like that! You can enjoy it any day of the year!
And once you have a bottle of Elderflower liqueur, you'll want to find a variety of ways to use it. Here's an idea: try a Hugo Spritz for a wonderful light Italian cocktail.
Do you like fruit-flavored cocktails? Check out this blood orange martini on pass me a spoon. Delicious citrus refreshment!
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📖 Recipe
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Dragon Fruit Cocktail
Video
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- .75 oz dragon fruit puree
- 1 oz lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.2 oz vodka, 1 oz elderflower liqueur, .75 oz dragon fruit puree, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup
- Add ice and shake.
- Double strain into 2 martini or coupe-style glasses.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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That is an absolutely gorgeous cocktail! I bet it's incredibly refreshing on a warm day!
Sula
Totally!
Emily
This is such a beautiful cocktail. I will be making this for Valentine's Day.❤️
Sula
Just perfect!
nancy
such a pretty looking cocktail! the color is beautiful too
Sula
Thank you Nancy.
Dawn W
I got a fresh dragonfruit, which you have on your counter, but when I googled how to make dragon fruit puree it simply said to take the fruit and do just that. but my puree looks nothing like yours and wondering how come? drink still tasted good. just didn't have the pop of color like I had hoped. first time ever using dragon fruit. wasn't sure what to expect. appreciate the feedback or tip on why yours is so magenta colored. thanks
Sula
If you look up in the body of this post, you'll see how I explain the different types of dragon fruit. I have a photo of 3 different varieties, and when I took that photo I think it was the only time I was able to find the magenta variety locally. That's why I always use the smoothie packs to make this cocktail. For someone who can easily find the magenta variety, making your own puree would be a great option.
And yes I do have a fresh dragon fruit with the white colored flesh in my photos because I use that as a garnish.
I hope this helps.
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
It sounds good for the weekend. Cheers!:)
Sula
Enjoy!
Emily Flint
Well, I will officially be making these all summer. It was so smart to make this from frozen puree!! And this cocktail is really, really good so thank you!!!
Sula
You are welcome and I will do the same all summer! Cheers!
Gabriela
This is yummy for my tummy. An absolute great treat for a hot summer night.
Sula
Cheers!
Nora
What a beautiful cocktail! And certainly tastes wonderful! I must try it!
Sula
It's worth a try!
Kalin
I will have to try out those smoothie packs! I love dragon fruit but definitely don't buy it enough. It looks beautiful in that cocktail!
Sula
The smoothie packs were a game changer for me!
audrey
Such a fun drink!! It is like bringing a restaurant quality drink home.
Sula
Agreed, it's totally fun to have at home!
Ashlea C.
You can't go wrong with elderflower and anything tropical! This is so easy to make, using the smoothie packs of puree is genius.
Sula
You know, once you try elderflower you just don't want to stop. Something about that sweet and floral fragrance maybe....and it goes GREAT with tropical flavors!
Big Trouble
Delicious-looking AND pretty! Sign me up!
Sula
Cheers!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
That is an absolute gorgeous cocktail. I beet it is so refreshing on a warm day!
Sula
Oh yes it really hits the spot!
Vincit Omnia
I don't even have to drink these. Looking at them is fun!
Sula
Yes, the color is just stunning!