This dragon fruit drink is light, refreshing and vibrantly beautiful! The perfect way to enjoy the tropics from the comfort of your home! Plus, how to cut dragon fruit.
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You might have seen the vibrant dragon fruit drink from Starbucks and thought to yourself, I need some dragon fruit in my life! While the Starbucks dragon fruit drink uses dragon fruit powder for their vibrant color, this dragon fruit drink uses fresh red dragon fruit, similar to a dragon fruit smoothie.
And, if you are wondering how to cut dragon fruit. It is easier than you think! Dragon fruit might look intimidating from the outside but it is surprisingly easy to cut. I will teach you how! If you are a fruit lover, you should also check out my Mexican Fruit Cups with delicious chili lime seasoning.
Why this recipe works
- This dragon fruit drink is super easy to make! Whip it up in less than 5 minutes and enjoy a healthy, refreshing and beautiful tropical beverage!
- I will explain easily how to cut dragon fruit. It looks intimidating from the outside but its actually super easy!
- You can turn this dragon fruit drink into fun variations such as dragon fruit cocktail, dragon fruit lemonade and mango dragon fruit lemonade (similar to the Starbucks dragon fruit drink). If you love mocktails, be sure to check out this Whiskey Sour Mocktail and Iced Green Tea Latte!
How to cut dragon fruit
Note: Red dragon fruit stains! Even your fingers (similar to beets). You may want to wear gloves if you don’t want slightly pink fingers. Dragon fruit might look intimidating from the outside but it is surprisingly easy to cut.
- Slice in half.
- Option 1: Slice pieces in cross-wise pattern and scoop them out of the fruit with a spoon (spoon should slide in between flesh and skin).
- Option 2: Slice each half into two (quartered) and use spoon to scoop out quartered slices. You can slice your desired shape from there.
Ingredients for this recipe
- Red Dragon Fruit: You can purchase at many grocery stores and Asian specialty markets. You can also purchase red dragon fruit online.
- Unsweetened Green Tea: You can make your own green tea or purchase in a bottle. Be sure to buy unsweetened as the dragon fruit and mango juice are quite sweet. Be sure your green tea is very cold.
- Mango Juice/Nectar: Any mango juice/nectar will work for this recipe. I prefer mango juice without additional sweeteners.
How to make this recipe
- Cut your dragon fruit into small cubes.
- Add your cubed dragon fruit to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add green tea and mango juice and quickly pulse to incorporate or hand stir in the juice.
Dragon fruit varieties
Dragon fruit, also referred to as Pitaya or Pitahaya, grows on a cactus! It is known for its tropical beauty and sweet soft flesh that is wonderful in fruit salad, smoothies, drinks, cocktails and sauces! Dragon fruit has multiple variations:
- Red Dragon Fruit: Pink skin and red/pink flesh.
- White Dragon Fruit: Pink skin and white flesh.
- Yellow Dragon Fruit: Yellow skin and white flesh.
Other delicious dragon fruit drinks
Looking for other fun dragon fruit drink ideas? Here are a few variations to try:
Dragon fruit cocktail
For each one cup of liquid, add one shot of your favorite alcohol such as rum or vodka. Alternatively, you can add 1/4 or 1/2 cup of hard seltzer (such as White Claw).
Dragon fruit lemonade
Substitute mango juice for equal parts lemonade.
Mango dragon fruit lemonade (Starbucks dragon fruit drink)
Use 2/3 cup each of mango juice, lemonade and green tea.
FAQ and expert tips
Dragon fruit tastes like a mix between a kiwi and a pear, with earthy notes and sweet flesh. It is an excellent additional to fruit salads, smoothies, cocktails and sauces.
It is a good idea to wash the skin of the dragon fruit. Even thought you do not eat the skin, you want the skin to be clean when you slice open the dragon fruit.
Dragon fruit is ripe when the skin looks vibrant, the leaves are not wilted and the flesh should have a slight give (not too hard). Similar to the feeling you would be looking for in a ripe avocado.
Looking for other delicious fruity and tropical recipes?
Mexican Fruit Cup: This tart and tangy Mexican fruit cup is topped with tajin chili lime seasoning which makes the ripe fruit pop with unique and vibrant flavor.
Bacardi Rum Punch: This Rum Punch recipe with Bacardi rum is delicious and refreshing! You will feel like you are relaxing on a Caribbean beach with this tropical cocktail.
The BEST Red Sangria Recipe: This Red Sangria Recipe is the best you will try! My secret ingredients mixed with delicious wine and fruit make the most refreshing summer cocktail!
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Dragon Fruit Drink (How to Cut Dragon Fruit)
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
Ingredients
- 1 red dragon fruit (flesh)
- 1 cup unsweetened green tea (cold)
- 1 cup mango juice/nectar (cold)
Instructions
How to Cut Dragon Fruit
- Red dragon fruit stains. See notes below before starting.
- Slice dragon fruit in half.
- Option 1: Slice pieces in cross-wise pattern and scoop them out of the fruit with a spoon (spoon should slide in between flesh and skin).
- Option 2: Slice each half into two (quartered) and use spoon to scoop out quartered slices. You can slice your desired shape from there.
Dragon Fruit Drink
- Add your cubed dragon fruit to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add green tea and mango juice and quickly pulse to incorporate or hand stir in the juice.
Notes
- Red dragon fruit stains! Even your fingers (similar to beets). You may want to wear gloves if you don’t want slightly pink fingers. Dragon fruit might look intimidating from the outside but it is surprisingly easy to cut. Simply, cut it in half and then quarters and slice out the flash. It should slide right out.
- Other Dragon Fruit Drinks
- Dragon Fruit Cocktail: For each one cup of liquid, add one shot of your favorite alcohol such as rum or vodka. Alternatively, you can add 1/4 or 1/2 cup of hard seltzer (such as White Claw).
- Dragon Fruit Lemonade: Substitute mango juice for equal parts lemonade.
- Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade: Use 2/3 cup each of mango juice, lemonade and green tea.
Natalie
This dragon fruit drink is my favorite. I like that it is made with real dragon fruit and not powder.
Sara
This drink was super yummy! I topped it with some sparkling water and it was the perfect mocktail. I also wasn’t sure how to cut a
dragon fruit but it’s actually really easy.
Aubrey
Thanks Sara! Dragon fruit is such a fun ingredient. So glad you enjoyed! 😁