Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mango Dragonfruit Refresher made from homemade dragon fruit syrup, mango nectar, and a hint of citric acid, served over ice and garnished with freeze-dried dragon fruit. Perfect for hot days, this tropical drink blends exotic flavors with a lightly sweetened, chilled finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dragon Fruit Syrup
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (150 g) chopped dragon fruit or 2 tsp (4 g) dragon fruit powder
Refresher Mix
- ½ cup (120 ml) dragon fruit syrup (from above)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mango nectar or mango puree
- ¼ tsp (0.6 g) citric acid (from total ¾ tsp)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ½ tsp (1 g) green coffee extract powder (optional)
- Ice cubes as needed
Garnish
- ¼ cup (20 g) freeze-dried dragon fruit pieces
- Slice of fresh mango or sprig of mint (optional)
Instructions
- Make Dragon Fruit Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups (355 ml) water, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, and 1 cup (150 g) chopped dragon fruit or 2 tsp (4 g) dragon fruit powder. Heat over medium heat while stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves. Maintain a gentle simmer, avoiding burning, and cook until the syrup turns glossy and slightly thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the Mixture: Carefully pour the hot syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jar. Press gently on the dragon fruit solids with the back of a spoon or spatula to extract maximum juice, taking care to avoid burns from the hot syrup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, add ½ cup (120 ml) of the prepared dragon fruit syrup, ¼ cup (60 ml) mango nectar, ¼ tsp (0.6 g) citric acid, ½ cup (120 ml) water, and if desired, ½ tsp (1 g) green coffee extract powder. Fill the shaker nearly full with ice cubes, secure the lid tightly, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
- Serve Over Ice: Fill serving glasses with fresh ice cubes. Pour the shaken mixture over the ice. Sprinkle ¼ cup (20 g) freeze-dried dragon fruit pieces on top to enhance appearance and subtle flavor.
- Enjoy with Garnish: Optionally, garnish each drink with a slice of fresh mango or a sprig of mint to add fragrance and complement the tropical taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing beverage.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen chopped dragon fruit for the syrup to achieve the best natural flavor.
- If dragon fruit powder is used, ensure it is high quality to replicate the fresh fruit’s taste.
- The optional green coffee extract powder adds a mild caffeine boost without overpowering the flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by altering sugar quantity in the syrup to taste.
- For a vegan version, verify that the mango nectar and syrup ingredients are plant-based.
