Mexican Dragon Fruit Drink
Let us show you the classic, authentic method to make a refreshing dragon fruit agua fresca prepared with four simple ingredients: fresh dragon fruit, fresh squeezed lime juice, sugar, and water.
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit grows in Mexico, Central, and South America and is a variety of prickly pear cactus fruit. It gets its name from its appearance, with its vibrant, scaly skin resembling that of a dragon. It looks spectacular and a bit daunting but is very easy to work with and is delicious. In Spanish, dragon fruit is called the pitaya or pitahaya. Learn more about dragon fruit.
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
From its outward appearance dragon fruit looks like it would have a very strong, distinct taste but actually has a refreshing, mildly sweet flavor that is often likened to a blend of kiwi and pear.
How to Choose Dragon Fruit
Ripe dragon fruit should give slightly when pressed, like a ripe avocado or kiwi. The skin should be bright and even, with leafy tips that are still flexible rather than dried and brown. Underripe pitaya is bland, so let firm fruit sit on the counter a few days before using it.
What is an Agua Fresca?
Any drink made with fresh fruit and blended with water and sugar to make a light refreshing fruit drink is known as an agua fresca or agua de fruta in Mexico.
How to Make a Dragon Fruit Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 3 dragon fruits (pitahayas)
- 3 limes
- 1.5 quarts water
- ½ cup sugar
- fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
- ice
Preparation
Start by squeezing the juice of the limes and then set the juice aside.
Next, cut the dragon fruit (pitahaya) in half lengthwise.
Then scoop the flesh from the skin with a spoon.
Cut the fruit into quarters.
Add the chopped fruit to your blender.
Add the water, sugar, and lime juice to the blender.
Blend for about 30 to 60 seconds until you have an even, smooth mixture.
We like our drink a bit on the thicker side. If it’s too thick for your liking, dilute with a little water until you get the consistency you prefer.
Should You Strain Out the Seeds?
You can strain the seeds out if you’d like. We never do. The tiny black seeds are edible and add a little texture. Straining gives a smoother drink, while leaving them in keeps it more rustic.
Serve Your Agua Fresca
Add ice to each of your four glasses.
Pour the blended agua fresca into each of the four glasses.
Optional – Garnish with a mint leaf and a thin slice of dragon fruit.
Provecho!
Enjoy your dragon fruit drink. Looks delicious, doesn’t it?
Dragon Fruit Agua Fresca
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 3 dragon fruits
- 3 limes for juice
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ quarts water
- 4 mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Squeeze the juice of the limes and then set the juice aside.
- Next, cut the dragon fruit (pitahaya) in half lengthwise. Then scoop the flesh from the skin with a spoon, and cut into quarters.
- Add the dragon fruit, water, sugar, and lime juice to the blender.
- Blend for about 30 to 60 seconds until you have an even, smooth mixture.
- Add ice to each glass then pour the blended agua fresca into each glass. Garnish with a mint leaf and a thin slice of dragon fruit.
Leave a Reply