Dragon Fruit, also known as Pitaya, is a superfood native to Southern Mexico and Central America. It’s now cultivated in tropical climates around the world. With a flavor often described as a subtle kiwi with hints of pear, dragon fruit is commonly used as a flavor enhancement to beverages. On cue, I added homemade pureed dragon fruit to vodka lemonade for a delightfully refreshing spring or summer sipper. You can find my Vodka Dragon Fruit Lemonade recipe below.
Don’t let the look or sound of dragon fruit scare you. It can look a bit intimidating piled up in the produce section – if you’re fortunate to find it in your local grocer or farmer’s market – but rest assured, it’s no different than cooking with any other fruit that has skin. The exterior fruit is soft and rubbery, and it’s easy to cut into. The inner pulp can be easily separated from the skin. The pulp contains a lot of tiny black seeds, and not only are they safe to eat, but they are packed with nutrients: antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats just to name a few. I used a mesh strainer to remove most of the seeds, because there can be, frankly, too many, especially if being used in a beverage.
Vodka Dragon Fruit Lemonade is very simple drink to make, once you’ve got all of the components. The dragon fruit puree is the hardest part to cultivate, but that will only require about 10 minutes of your time. A couple ounces of the dragon fruit puree is added to vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. That’s then shaken vigorously with ice to create liquid relaxation in a glass. With the right ratio of each ingredient, neither the vodka, lemon, nor dragon fruit flavors stand out on an island. The flavors meld perfectly together and balance one another out.
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a vibrant and exotic fruit that comes from several species of cactus plants in the genus Hylocereus. It is native to Central America but is now cultivated and enjoyed in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Here’s an overview of dragon fruit:
- Appearance: Dragon fruit is easily recognized by its distinct appearance. It has a unique, oval or oblong shape, and its outer skin is typically bright pink or yellow, though there are also varieties with red or white skin. The skin is covered in scales or spikes, giving it a dragon-like appearance, hence the name “dragon fruit.” When cut open, the flesh reveals a visually striking pattern of white or pink flesh speckled with small black seeds.
- Varieties: There are several varieties of dragon fruit, with the two most common types being the white-fleshed and pink-fleshed varieties. The white-fleshed dragon fruit has a mild and subtly sweet flavor, while the pink-fleshed variety tends to be slightly sweeter and has a more vibrant, tropical taste. Both types are equally delicious and nutritious.
- Flavor and Texture: Dragon fruit has a delicate and mildly sweet flavor with a hint of freshness. The taste can be compared to a blend of kiwi and pear, although the exact flavor profile can vary slightly depending on the variety and ripeness. The texture of dragon fruit is often described as creamy and refreshing, similar to that of a ripe melon. The flesh is moist and contains small, edible black seeds that add a slight crunch.
- Nutritional Benefits: Dragon fruit is not only visually appealing but also offers various health benefits. It is low in calories and packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It is also a good source of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, dragon fruit contains beneficial plant compounds, including flavonoids and betacyanins, which contribute to its vibrant colors.
- Consumption: Dragon fruit is typically enjoyed by cutting it in half and scooping out the flesh with a spoon. The flesh can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in various culinary creations. It can be added to fruit salads, smoothies, desserts, or used as a colorful garnish. The mild flavor and visually appealing appearance make it a popular ingredient in refreshing beverages and tropical-inspired dishes.
Dragon fruit is an exotic and visually stunning fruit with a mildly sweet flavor and a refreshing, creamy texture. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, it offers both visual and nutritional appeal. Whether eaten on its own or incorporated into various recipes, dragon fruit adds a vibrant touch to culinary experiences and is a delightful addition to any fruit lover’s palate.
Vodka Dragon Fruit Lemonade
Course: CocktailsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings15
minutes5
minutes20
minutesHomemade dragon fruit puree is added to vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup – then shaken with ice for a refreshing cocktail
Ingredients
- Dragon Fruit Puree
2-3 whole 2-3 dragon fruit, skin removed
1/2 cup 1/2 water
- Dragon Fruit Vodka
2 ounces 2 dragon fruit puree
2 ounces 2 vodka
2 ounes 2 lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1 ounce 1 simple syrup
3-4 medium 3-4 ice cubes
Directions
- To make the dragon fruit puree: Slice the dragon fruit in half to expose the inner pulp. Using a spoon, scrape out the pulp and place into a blender. Dragon Fruit can vary in color. If your pulp is white, and you’d like the color to be pink/purple, you can scrape a few millimeters of fruit off the sides, between the skin and the white pulp. It’s color should be a vibrant violet purple shade. Add 1/2 cup of water to a blender, and blend until a thick, consistent puree forms. You may choose to add more or less water depending on how you prefer the consistency. Run the puree through a mesh strainer to remove as many seeds as possible. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Add a few ice cubes to a tall cocktail glass. Pour in vodka, fresh squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and dragon fruit puree. Transfer to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Pour back into a tall cocktail glass and enjoy. Serve with a lemon wedge if you’d like.
