Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mango Dragonfruit Refresher recipe that blends homemade dragon fruit syrup with mango nectar and a hint of citrus, served chilled over ice and garnished with freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces for a tropical burst of flavor.
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 Drink
- ½ cup (120 ml) dragon fruit syrup (from syrup base)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mango nectar or mango puree
- ¼ tsp (0.6 g) citric acid (from total ¾ tsp)
- ½ tsp (1 g) green coffee extract powder (optional)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- Ice cubes, as needed
Garnish
- ¼ cup (20 g) freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces
- Optional fresh mango slices or mint sprigs
Instructions
- Make Dragon Fruit Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups (355 ml) water, granulated sugar, and chopped dragon fruit or dragon fruit powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers gently without burning. Continue simmering for 15-20 minutes until the syrup becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the hot syrup carefully through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jar. Press the dragon fruit solids gently with a spoon or spatula to extract maximum juice, being cautious to avoid burns from the hot syrup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, add ½ cup (120 ml) of the prepared dragon fruit syrup, mango nectar, ¼ tsp (0.6 g) citric acid, and ½ cup (120 ml) water. If desired, add ½ tsp (1 g) green coffee extract powder. Fill the shaker with ice cubes nearly to the top, close 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 drink evenly into each glass. Sprinkle freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Enjoy with Garnish: Optionally, garnish each glass with fresh mango slices or a sprig of mint to enhance aroma and complement the tropical flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use dragon fruit powder if fresh dragon fruit is unavailable for convenience and consistent flavor.
- The green coffee extract powder is optional but provides a subtle energy boost and unique taste.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar amount in the syrup to your preference.
- Store leftover syrup refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For a healthier variant, you can reduce the sugar but expect a less sweet refresher.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
